Synephrine is a stimulant used in some decongestant and cold medications. It is also an ingredient in some over-the-counter supplements for weight loss, where it may be combined with caffeine or other substances. Understanding the effects of synephrine and caffeine allows you to use both substances more safely to prevent harmful outcomes. Talk to your doctor before using synephrine if you suffer from a chronic health condition like heart disease.
Pharmacology
Synephrine is a stimulant compound that occurs naturally in the bitter orange plant. It is also used in some synthetic medications as a treatment for nasal congestion and other respiratory symptoms. Synephrine works by mimicking the effects of adrenaline in the body, increasing heart rate and other bodily functions while constricting blood vessels. Bitter orange was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years before synephrine's medicinal properties were discovered in the West.
Effects
Synephrine is sometimes combined with caffeine or other stimulants to induce weight loss. Before it was banned, the herb ephedra was often used in a similar manner. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, synephrine plus caffeine is nearly as effective as ephedrine plus caffeine for weight loss. Despite its potential as a weight loss aid, synephrine can cause dangerous side effects when combined with other stimulants. E Med TV states that it should not be taken with caffeine, amphetamines and other weight loss products. Rarely, healthy people with no known risk factors for cardiovascular disease have experienced a stroke while taking synephrine plus caffeine, according to "Mayo Clinic Proceedings."
Application
Avoiding synephrine use is the only way to completely prevent all risk of complications. When using products that contain synephrine, monitor your intake of caffeine and other stimulants. Do not use synephrine if you suffer from high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease or hyperthyroidism. Stop taking synephrine and seek emergency medical attention if you develop heart palpitations, severe headache or other serious side effects. These symptoms could signal a more serious problem, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Considerations
Like other supplements, bitter orange products may contain unknown levels of active ingredients and are not tested for safety by the Food and Drug Administration before marketing.
Despite the name, the over-the-counter nasal decongestant Neo-Synephrine has a different active ingredient and contains no synephrine.
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