In August, the state officially linked Korizis' death to ephedrine toxicity. The FDA reports that there have been at least 16 deaths and 600 reported injuries connected to ephedrine toxicity nationwide. The sale of herbal products in the US has increased consistently in recent years. A small share of products containing ephedra have been sold as legal alternatives to street drugs, claiming to give a natural high and heightened sexual sensations. The majority of ephedra-containing products, are nutritional supplements promising energy boosts, increased athletic performances, and muscle gains.
Similar awareness regarding ephedrine is critical.
They are targeted towards young, health-minded people like George. Whatever he took, he must have taken the correct dosage as he was a healthy-minded person who did not smoke or drink and did not abuse drugs. While the autopsy could not determine the amount of ephedrine taken, the medical examiner found no illicit drugs in Korizis' body. But there is definitely an increasing risk when used for a long period of time and when taken prior to athletic activities. But athletes just are not informed about ephedrine's amphetamine-like effect on the heart.