Side Effects of Ephedrine:
According to the FDA, ephedrine can cause nausea, irregular heartbeats, insomnia, and nervousness (
http://ageless.com/ephidrine.htm). In Texas there have been two deaths linked to ephedrine products. The Metabolife label has a long list of different diseases or problems that should be advised before taking Metabolife. Another FDA report stated that ephedrine can also cause high blood pressure, tremors and headaches, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and in extreme cases like in Texas, death (
http://www.ukcia.org/news/1997/news/st1215.htm). In the clinical study, PA Daly et al (1993 p.77S), ***65533;the side effects are dose related, and they appear to diminish over time; however Bucci (2000) states that it can cause adverse side effects if taken in high dosages. Therefore, the FDA has attempted to place restrictions on the dosage and duration of ephedrine found in dietary supplements. This however, is still under consideration (Gurley 2000). In a clinical review, GA Bray 1999, it was found that ephedrine affects thermogenesis and it also ***65533;delays gastric emptying***65533;which may represent a mechanism for decreased hunger***65533; (p.144).
Presenters and their Motives:
The most common supporters of ephedrine were the companies that were trying to sell their products. They gave one just enough information to make one believe them without questioning their claims. If they did give the reader any information pertaining to ephedrine***65533;s safety, it was extremely vague. There were a few web sites that protested against ephedrine***65533;s safety. Most of these web sites were either doctors or sites that dealt with a person***65533;s health.
Conclusion:
While the effects of ephedrine sound appealing, the effectiveness is only short-lived. It may be true that one will lose weight while taking diet pills that contain ephedrine, but once he/she is off of these pills he/she will gain weight if good nutrition and exercise are not continued. It is true that ephedrine works, but in order to maintain the weight loss, one must continue taking the pills. Ephedrine is a very controversial drug that has been clinically proven to have adverse side effects if not taken properly. It has also been proven to be effective in weight loss studies. It is up to the consumer whether he/she should take this drug. In conclusion, to maintain a healthy body, one must make an effort to take care of it.