3 Ways to Spot Diet Pills With Ephedra

1. Learn What Makes Ephedra Dangerous

Ephedra is a natural herb that has long been used in the treatment of numerous diseases, especially those related to breathing (such as asthma and hay fever) and the joints. While extremely effective and safe in controlled doses, the use of ephedra for weight-loss purposes sparked a debate due to the long list of side effects people were experiencing during continuous use of the herb. These side effects included nausea, dizziness, restlessness and high blood pressure. Ephedra was banned by the FDA in 2004, after a death and numerous reports of serious problems, including heart palpitations and seizures. After the ban was put in effect, diet pills that contained ephedra were quickly removed from store shelves. Still, lawsuits regarding ephedra are still making the news. In August 2007, several attorneys filed suit against pharmaceutical companies that are still using ephedra or its derivatives in cough and flu medicines.

2. Look for Alternate Names

While ephedra itself has been banned, there are several ingredients made from ephedrine alkaloids that are still showing up in diet pills. The most common ones are ma huang, sida cordifolia and pinellia. Because ephedra basically works as an amphetamine, products designed to enhance sports performance may also contain the herb. Certain ingredients, known as "synephrine derivatives," are not directly related to ephedra but are now being studied because they produce similar effects. Since the ban of ephedra in 2004, these derivatives have been used in diet pills more and more. Bitter orange is the most common, but you should also be on the lookout for names like zhi shi and green orange.

3. Be Aware When Shopping Internationally

The ephedra ban is not international. Many countries, including Mexico and numerous places in Europe, still sell ephedra freely. Whether you're traveling or shopping online, be aware that you are likely to run into products containing ephedrine at one point or another. Checking labels is still the best way to find out what diet pills contain, but you should keep your eyes open for the following products: Metabolife 356, Xenadrine RFA-1, Ripped Fuel and Thermogenic Power. They have been identified as containing ephedra.