Ephedrine comes from the natural Ephedra or Ma Huang. They all have the same effect. Eckerd pharmacist Karen Halvorsen warns her patients of potential dangers. When talking with the patient about Ma Huang, I really try to get across the importance that it can cause cardiac problems especially with speeding up the heart rate and blood pressure its really a concern, especially with those patients with pre-existing heart conditions. Both contain Ephedra.
Callers complain of dizziness, chest pain, agitation and insomnia.
According to Metabolife distributor Julie Locke the product is safe. We do have a 1-800 health line that's accessible to our customers and we always recommend that we contact their physician if they have any type of medical problem or are taking medications. Some products containing Ephedrine carry a health warning. One state, Nebraska actually requires a prescription for it. Here in Florida, Pasco school nurse Barbara Toth fought hard to get the sale of Ephedra restricted in 1993.