The Side Effects Of Pure Ephedra

Ephedra is an herb that, according to the medical reference UpToDate, was used as a weight-loss dietary supplement. Ephedra contains substances called ephedrine alkaloids; these stimulate several cell receptors in the body, resulting in activation of the sympathetic nervous system, decreased appetite and potentially, weight loss. However, in February 2004, the FDA banned any dietary supplement containing ephedrine alkaloids due to concerns about their potential for serious illness or injury. The side effects that may occur from taking this supplement are significant and may be fatal.

Heart Rhythm Abnormalities

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rate or rhythm. However, not all abnormal rhythms are necessarily dangerous or fatal. Examples of arrhythmias that are considered medical emergencies include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which, specifically, can lead to sudden cardiac death, notes MedlinePlus. According to the pharmacology reference MicroMedex, use of ephedra is associated with dangerous heart rhythms; this is one of the reasons the FDA banned the sale of ephedra and other dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids.

High Blood Pressure

According to MicroMedex, between June 1997, and March 1999, the FDA received 140 reports of adverse events associated with ephedra supplements. Of these, hypertension, or high blood pressure, was the most commonly-noted side effect. While a side effect of hypertension may seem relatively harmless as it generally does not cause pain or discomfort, it is a dangerous one because hypertension increases the risk for a variety of conditions including stroke and heart attack.

Stroke

A stroke, as described by MedlinePlus, is a sudden interruption in blood flow to the brain caused either by a blood clot in the brain, preventing blood flow to the brain cells, or by a blood vessel bursting, preventing blood from entering the brain cells. In either type of stroke, called ischemic or hemorrhagic, respectively, brain cells begin dying within a few minutes, potentially resulting in permanent disability or even death. MicroMedex notes that of the 140 ephedra-associated adverse events reported to the FDA between 1997 and 1999, 10 of the events were strokes associated with ephedra use.

Seizures

Seizures are the outward signs or symptoms that indicate abnormal electrical activity within the brain. The type of seizure known as a generalized seizure is consistent with the conventional image a person suffering from convulsive, uncontrollable shaking of the entire body. Other seizures, however, are much more subtle and may go unnoticed by others. In the FDA's record of adverse events associated with ephedra use, there were seven reports of seizures as a side effect of this supplement. While one seizure may not seem like a significant problem, it is important to realize that while most seizures are short -- lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes -- in some cases, seizures may persist. This is called status epilepticus and is a medical emergency. Another important consideration is that a person who has a seizure while driving can lose control of his car; similarly, a seizure while swimming puts a person at risk of drowning. These dangerous scenarios are important reminders that a single seizure can still be a dangerous, potentially fatal, side effect.