Complicated hypertension related to the abuse of ephedrine and caffeine alkaloids.
Ephedra containing products (ECPs), which most often contain additional sources of caffeine alkaloids, may be an under-recognized cause of hypertension. ECPs, especially when used in combination or at higher than recommended doses, can cause life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological complications. We present a case of hypertensive encephalopathy with new onset generalized tonic-clonic seizure secondary to concomitant use of two OTC supplements containing a mixture of ephedrine and caffeine alkaloids.
Berman
Jeffrey A
JA
Department of Psychiatry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Patterson St, Suite 2200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. naadltc@aol.com
Setty
Arathi
A
Steiner
Matthew J
MJ
Kaufman
Kenneth R
KR
Skotzko
Christine
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000470:Alkaloids; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D002110:Caffeine; D004809:Ephedrine