Insomnia ephedra

Normal doses range from 15 to 30 mg of actual alkaloid (ephedrine), and the lethal dose is in the 1-2 g range. Side effects from ephedra use include headache, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, urinary disorders, and vomiting. 

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)/Ma Huang Uses Stimulant, aid in wt loss, bronchial dilation Dose Not OK d/t reported deaths (>100 mg/d can be life-threatening). US sales banned by FDA in 2004 bitter orange w/ similar properties has replaced this compound in most wt loss supplements Caution Advise cardiac events, strokes, death SE Nervousness, HA, insomnia, palpitations, V, hypoglycemia Interactions Digoxin, antihypertensives, antidepressants, diabetic medications EMS Tinctures extracts contain EtOH may X glucose linked to several deaths behavioral mood changes... 

Potential harmful side effects associated with ephedra include nervousness, irritability, headaches, insomnia, palpitations, depression, and paranoia. Other possible side effects are hypertension and rapid heartbeat. Ephedra users also face an increased risk of seizures, heart attack, and stroke. A heart attack or stroke caused by ephedra can result in death. 

Herbal substitutes for dru [s of abuse A variety of herbal mixtures are offered for sale in magazines, on the internet and in so-called smart , eco or head shops. Many are marketed as herbal Ecstasy and the plants included in the formulations include Yohimbe bark, Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum),Y-3 e.emi, Hops, Jaborandi and Alisma. One product contains Kava-Kava, Guarana, Uva Ursi and Cascara bark. Many of the products sold as herbal Ecstasy contain either Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) or the Indian plant Sida cordifolia which both contain the alkaloid ephedrine (see R03c, Chapter VI). Other alkaloids may also occur, such as pseudoephedrine, norephedrine and norpseudoephedrine. The side-effects of ephedrine include tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia and arrythmias and a hypotensive crisis may develop if monamine oxidase inhibitors are also taken. Many adverse reactions and more than 20 deaths have been attributed to ephedrine and Ephedra consumption. Research conducted in the US shows that the daily intake of some Ephedra products would give ephedrine levels well above the recommended therapeutic doses. 

Extracts of ephedra contain ephedrine, a CNS stimulant contraindicated in persons who suffer from insomnia. The peripheral effects of ephedrine in overdose can be lethal. The answer is(E). 

Ma huang Ephedrine (various Ephedra spp.) Stimulant athletic performance enhancement appetite suppressant Insomnia hypertension, tachycardia psychosis, seizures (see Caffeine, p 142). 

Many medicinal plants have been used as natural supplements to reduce body weight. Supplements containing Ephedra, caffeine, and Bofutsushosan can cause minor adverse reactions, such as dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, palpitation, headache, and loose stools [33 ]. 

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