Negative side effects of diet pills that contain ephedrine or pseudo-epinephrine

A host of negative side effects Medications such as diet pills that contain ephedrine or pseudo-epinephrine can potentially cause any of the following side effects:

• dependence
• addiction
• tremors
• insomnia
• heart palpitations and arrhythmias, which can be fatal
• irritability
• psychotic reactions
• problems with urination, including urine retention
• sweating
• dry mouth or excessive secretion of saliva or thirst
• altered metabolism, particularly of glucose metabolism
• muscle weakness

(MIMS, May 2008)

No wonder these products have been banned in many countries. Fortunately, it now seems that South Africa has at last caught up with international condemnation of these drugs.
Contra-indicationsIn addition to all the side effects and the potential for abuse, medications that contain ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine are contra-indicated (this means that they should not be used) by anyone with the following conditions:

• During pregnancy
• Patients using medications called mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Patients with heart problems and high blood pressure
• Individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Diabetics
• Patients with closed-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)