Side Effects of Lipodrene With Ephedra

Lipodrene is a dietary supplement developed by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, marketed as a weight-loss aid. The supplement contains ephedra extract, as well as other ingredients including hoodia, green tea extract and caffeine. Taking Lipodrene can have a number of health effects, including a number of negative side effects. Always consult your physician before taking any dietary supplement, including Lipodrene.

Herb capsules. (Image: padrin7/iStock/Getty Images)

Difficulty Sleeping

One side effect of taking Lipodrene with ephedra is disruption of your normal sleep cycle. Lipodrene contains a number of stimulants--such as caffeine--which can increase alertness. In some cases, this increase in alertness can hinder your ability to sleep. Colorado State University recommends avoiding the consumption of caffeine, or other stimulants, for up to six hours before you go to sleep.

Increased Blood Pressure

Another negative effect of Lipodrene is an increase in blood pressure, leading to hypertension. An abnormally high blood pressure can lead to negative side effects, as the increased pressure places stress on the arteries and other blood vessels throughout your body. As a result, individuals with high blood pressure experience an increased risk of blood vessel ruptures, such as those that cause strokes. In addition, high blood pressure increases the strain on your heart, potentially leading to arterial damage, according to The Franklin Institute. If you suffer from high blood pressure, refrain from taking weight-loss supplements, such as Lipodrene, without prior approval from your doctor.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Lipodrene with ephedra may also increase your risk of ventricular fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm, according to a study published in "Military Medicine" in 2009. Under normal conditions, nerves surrounding your heart control your heart's muscular contractions, creating a regular heartbeat. Patients with ventricular fibrillation develop abnormal muscle twitching within the heart, leading to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood, reports MedlinePlus. Ventricular fibrillation can prove fatal and requires immediate medical attention.

Interactions with Medication

In some cases, introducing a dietary supplement, such as Lipodrene, into your system can lead to changes in the efficacy of a medication you are taking. The chemicals in Lipodrene may interact with a number of medications and strengthen or weaken their effect, and may present health risks as a result of this interaction. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that ephedra can interact with antidepressants, blood thinning, blood pressure and asthma medications, as well as narcotic drugs. If you're considering taking Lipodrene, or any dietary supplement, consult with your doctor to reduce the risk of dangerous interactions with pharmaceuticals already in your system.