The use of synthetic ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine or ephedrine HCL plus botanicals containing caffeine is linked with two to three times the risk of psychiatric symptoms, including stress and change in mood, autonomic hyperactivity and palpitations compared with placebo, based on a 2003 analysis led by P.G. Shekelle and published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." The review states that it will not be determined what role caffeine played in the outcomes.
Adverse effects can occur in a few users of ephedrine. In certain situations, these may become life threatening. Ephedrine HCL has caused heart attack, stroke, seizure and sudden death in a number of users, based on MayoClinic.com. Even though the dietary plan supplement has been banned, individuals can still find and buy it on the web. Ephedra occurs naturally in the Chinese herb Ma Huang. Synthesized versions of ephedrine, such as pseudoephedrine, serve as a short-term treatment for asthma, allergic reactions and bronchitis.
Like other stimulants, ephedrine extract often causes insomnia, anxiety and other forms of overstimulation. Seizures, hallucinations and various neurological side effects also have occurred in people taking the nutritional supplement. Ephedra Sinica was extensively used as a weight loss aid and energy supplement in the U.S.