Psychiatric Effects of Ephedra use: an Analysis of Food and Drug Administration Reports of Adverse Events

As part of a synthesis of evidence regarding the efficacy & safety of ephedra, the authors describe data on psychiatric adverse events from reports submitted to the Food & Drug Administration. All 1820 adverse event reports relating to dietary supplements containing herbal ephedra were reviewed. 57 serious psychiatric events were reported, the most common being psychosis, severe depression, mania or agitation, hallucinations, sleep disturbance, & suicide ideation. 10 events involved physical harm to self or others. Two-thirds of all cases involved patients with preexisting psychiatric conditions &/or use of other medications or illicit substances. (10 refs)