Ephedra and Its Effects
In 2004 the FDA placed a ban on all items containing ephedra within the United States. Ephedra comes
from the Chinese “ma huang” plant containing ephedrine, an appetite suppressor and adrenaline-resembling
stimulant. The dietary supplement Hydroxycut used ephedra as a promoter of weight loss and as an energy
booster.
Understanding Ephedra
The reason the FDA placed a ban on ephedra was due to the reports of illness and injury associated with
the herb. The FDA also found that ephedra was only effective during short-term instances of losing weight.
There also exists the potential of increased blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke.
Most users of ephedra are athletes or people wanting to increase their physique or physical performance.
However, studies found that physical performance was not an added benefit of the drug. In fact, quit
the opposite happens when ephedra was used in combination with other substances.
Dangerous Effects of Ephedra
Since ephedra offers a pseudo-adrenaline effect, an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood
flow will occur. This can be very dangerous considering it can happen over a short amount of time and
can harm someone whose body is not prepared for such intense treatment.
The FDA noted that combining Ephedra with other stimulants (such as caffeine or amphetamines) could
potentially increase the risk of contracting heart disease. Other side effects of this compound include:
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Psychosis
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- Death
Contact Us
For more information on the dangers of ephedra and Hydroxycut, contact the Hydroxycut lawsuit attorneys
of today at your convenience.