Ban on Ephedra

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2003

I just think it's a shame that so many people are misusing/abusing it. It's actually a great herb for treating asthma and other respiratory problems, but it's very powerful, and should only be used under the guidance of someone who's trained and knowledgeable in its use. It's not the USE of ephedra that's the problem, it's the MISUSE (ie: using it as a diet aid or "speed").

150 deaths from ephedra misuse. Huh. About 500 people die each year from acetaminophen misuse. But oddly, we don't hear any outcry about making Tylenol a controlled substance or banning it altogether.

suzy253, RN · Dec 31, 2003

My ex boss (when I was a secretary & he was head of a pharmacology dept) began years ago becoming involved in the ban of ephedra by going before special committees in Washington, writing its dangers in medical journals, i.e. NEJM. Apparently there were a few/couple of senators/congress members who had 'inside interests' in dietary supplements. I still don't understand why these supplements and herbals don't fall under FDA regulation but maybe now that ephedra is banned it will start investigations of the other dangerous ones out there. I just sent my ex-boss a congratulatory email as he worked so very very hard on seeing this through.

Sarah Kat · Dec 31, 2003

I abused this drug when I was a sophomore in high school. I still wonder about the long term effects... I haven't used it since I was told I had to quit all stimulants (fibrocystic breasts). I had some friends who used ephedra occasionally or in moderation (not abusing it like me popping them like candy).

That said, I do not agree with the ban. I don't agree with prohibition of any form. Obviously some substances are dangerous, even deadly, but I believe in personal responsiblity and another ban is just one more step towards a total nanny culture.

I am certain there are people who will flame me for saying this, but this is how I feel.

allnurses Guide · Dec 31, 2003

Sarah - but this is an OTC product. Kids can get it easily, in fact our local football players were heading over to the quickie mart and buying up packets and packets of it before their football games in order to play better.

Coaches and local docs had a long talk with the players about how using any kind of pill enhancement is cheating. That you should rely on your own abilities and working out hard and building stamina naturally rather than "popping a magic pill".

I'm all for the ban. When those high protein bars with ephedra became popular, more than a few nurses I worked with partook. :rolleyes:

steph

luv2yoga · Dec 31, 2003

I teach aerobics and went to a yoga instructor certification recently. You can divide fitness instructors in 2 catagories (somewhat) - those that are in it for appearance reasons and those that interested in the health aspect. Unfortunately the woman giving the seminar was in the first category. She was overly thin, to say the least (like, isn't that completely inconsistent with the whole idea of yoga??!!), sexy outfit, very bleached out hair, makeup (which was sweated off quickly). Anyway, somehow ephedra was mentioned and she lauches into a tirade about what a wonderful drug it is and how dare the press say anything bad about it. She pouts and says she needs her ephedra! I was so stunned I sat there...usually I speak up but I didn't. Totally burned me up, something bad for your health (and according to the literature I've read, this is clearly the case) should NOT be used as a short-cut to healthy eating and exercize OR to achieve an unrealistic, unhealthy body weight.

OK, that's my vent.

Sarah Kat · Dec 31, 2003

Originally posted by stevielynn
Sarah - but this is an OTC product. Kids can get it easily, in fact our local football players were heading over to the quickie mart and buying up packets and packets of it before their football games in order to play better.

Coaches and local docs had a long talk with the players about how using any kind of pill enhancement is cheating. That you should rely on your own abilities and working out hard and building stamina naturally rather than "popping a magic pill".

I'm all for the ban. When those high protein bars with ephedra became popular, more than a few nurses I worked with partook.

steph

I do understand that, I was only 15 when I was taking it (a kid). In my state, it was not to be sold to anyone under 18 (this was over 10 years ago mind you) but I got it anyway, just like I got cigarettes. I don't think anyone should take this drug, but I am not keen on the government limiting people's right to ingest what they wish. Even if it's not healthy (like cigarettes or fast food, which kills more than ephedra).

adrienurse, LPN · Dec 31, 2003

I'm sure it would kill me if I took it. I can't even tolerate pseudoephedrine in cold remedies.

nowplayingEDRN · Jan 1, 2004

ephedra is the naural form of pseudophederine. they have removed it from the shelves in NY for months now. The new thing is bitter orange that is added to the diet aids and after a bit of research it has an action similar to norephinephrine! Soooooo......

I say that if you really wish to loose weight and enhance your work out, speak to a nutritionalist, one that is not pushing diet aids or suppliments.

Now, Sarah, I respect your opinion however.......it is my feeling that not controling some substances is precisely what creates such terrible addictions, health problems and ultimately (and sadly) death at times. Somethings do indeed have medicinal benefits but only when used in proper amounts and quantities....things that are absent when there are no contols.

The FDA can not contol herbal suppliments because there are no established recommended amounts here in the US. However, if there were more properly trained herbalists/homeopathics in the states....and they were utilized in conjunction with medical doctors.......I think we could reap great benefits health wise from certain things.....

That being said and having contributed my 2 1/2 cents worth, I will now get off the soap box.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2004

I used a weight loss dietary supplement several years ago that used a high quality Ma Huang. I had no side effects, other than the desired weight loss. On the other hand, I cannot tolerate anything that has pseudoephredrine in it. It literally makes me feel like I've gone crazy. And there are few cold remedy products that I can take since that other "good stuff" has also been taken off the market. Natural vs synthetic seems to be an issue here and I do not think they should be plopped into one category.

I also agree that it's not the use of the products that is the problem. It's the misuse and abuse of them. People take far too much of just about anything, but where are the outcries about the sale of narcotics, for example? And EVERYTHING is available over the internet. Just check out your filtered spam mail if you doubt that.