An association of Ephedra use with psychosis and autonomic hyperactivity

Ephedra extract is used in a number of dietary supplements taken for a variety of purposes including weight loss. Although recent events have led to calls for Ephedra to be removed from the market and the FDA has had over 18,000 adverse event reports, newspaper reports cite only a few instances of clearly associated adverse events associated with Ephedra use. In this communication, we review the literature and present a case report of Ephedra use associated with the onset of psychosis and autonomic hyperactivity after administration of risperidone. We conclude that the behavioral effects of Ephedra are a public health concern.