Guarana is a substance derived from the gum and seeds produced by the Paullinia cupana tree. Traditionally enjoyed as a beverage, guarana is also used as a medicinal supplement to help decrease fatigue, reduce hunger and treat diarrhea and arthritis. Before beginning treatment with this supplement, be sure to talk with your physician about the side effects of guarana.
Insomnia or Nervousness
A majority of the side effects associated with guarana are caused by the high caffeine content of this herbal treatment. Guarana supplements contain approximately 2.5 to 7 percent caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant. As a stimulant, guarana helps speed the transmission of nerve signals throughout your brain and body. Consequently, you may experience sleeplessness or insomnia as side effects of treatment. Mood-related changes, including nervousness, anxiety, agitation and irritability, may also occur. These side effects are temporary and typically subside within a few hours following your last dose of guarana.
Stomach Discomfort
The caffeine present in guarana may irritate your digestive tract. Nausea or vomiting may occur, which may contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. Larger doses of guarana may induce more severe stomach discomfort in certain people. Eating a small snack before taking a guarana supplement may help reduce or eliminate stomach irritation following treatment. Seek care from your doctor if vomiting persists or if stomach pain becomes severe.
Bowel Movement Changes
You may experience bowel movement changes as a side effect of guarana supplementation. Infrequent, irregular or painful bowel movements, also called constipation, may arise. Alternatively, you may experience urgent, frequent bowel movements that produce watery stools -- also called diarrhea. Bowel movement changes may be accompanied by stomach cramping or abdominal bloating. If diarrhea persists, contact your doctor as this side effect of guarana supplements may cause dehydration.
Headache
Headache pain may occur as a side effect following treatment with guarana supplements. Head pain may be disruptive and may affect your ability to focus or remain active during the day. If headache pain becomes bothersome, consider taking an over-the-counter analgesic medication such as acetaminophen.
Irregular Heart Rate
Guarana supplements may cause heart rate irregularities in certain people. This herb should not be used together with ephedrine, as fatal arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can occur. Seek immediate care from your physician if you experience any heart-related symptoms including chest pain or tightness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing or dizziness.
Overdose
If you ingest too much guarana, you may be at risk of overdose. Side effects associated with a guarana overdose include restlessness, vomiting, abdominal spasms, tremors and painful urination, Drugs.com warns. Seek emergency medical care if you develop any of these symptoms after taking guarana.
Medical Conditions
Guarana is contraindicated in and should be avoided by patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, hypertension -- or high blood pressure -- kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or any anxiety disorder. Consult your physician if you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions before taking any herbal supplement.
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