Possible case of mania associated with ma-huang.
Several commercially available weight-loss supplements contain ma-huang, an herb derived from Ephedra sinica. Previous reports have raised awareness that ma-huang supplements may precipitate symptoms consistent with mania in susceptible individuals. A 21-year-old woman required psychiatric hospitalization as a result of acute manic symptoms with psychosis. The emergence of her symptoms coincided with her use of two supplements containing ma-huang. Consumers need to be educated about the potential adverse psychiatric effects of ma-huang in order to make well-informed decisions before using such supplements. A preexisting psychiatric disorder may also increase susceptibility to these adverse effects.
Boerth
Joel M
JM
Burlingame Center for Psychiatric Research and Education, The Institute of Living, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, USA. jboerth@harthosp.org
Caley
Charles F
CF
D000328:Adult; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D029790:Ephedra sinica; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D004809:Ephedrine