The drug is very potent and, because of its effect on the heart, can be very dangerous when taken in excessive amounts. Ephedra grows mainly in Mongolia and the bordering area of China. The young branches and dried roots are the medicinal parts of the plant. In general, avoid Ephedra if you have any condition that makes you anxious or restless. Special Cautions Ephedra has numerous possible side effects including sleeplessness, restlessness, irritability, headache, nausea, vomiting, urinary disorders, and rapid heartbeat.
Higher doses can trigger a sharp rise in blood pressure and disrupt the rhythm of the heart.
Extended use can lead to tolerance and dependence, so that ever larger doses are required to obtain an effect. Because of these dangers, you should only take Ephedra for short periods. Possible Drug Interactions Combining Ephedra with a variety of other medications can lead to potentially serious problems. A similar problem is possible when Ephedra is combined with drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate and the Parkinson's disease medication Eldepryl. The combination of Ephedra and ergot-based drugs such as migraine remedies Ergomar and Wigraine can result in high blood pressure.