[Cuzimdmom]

Here is some great info I came across that I wanted to share. I find that the general reaction to Ephedra is "UGH, won't that kill you?" The Media is a powerful source. Why aren't they exploiting Antidepressants or Aspirin?

American Association of Poison Control Centers Annual Report 2001
(deaths per category)

Acetaminophen - 171
Aspirin - 48
Ephedrine - 5
Typewriter Correction Fluid - 1
Ibuprofen - 21
Antidepressants - 255
Antihistimines - 44
Cold & Cough - 14
Muscle Relaxants - 42

[rolyat]

great info... i was thinking the same thing myself. tons of people abuse so many kinds of over the counter drugs too but no one is quick to ban those.

[wrongway]

Actually, I did a LOT of research on Ephedra/ The Ban and then The Reversal. There was/is a Whole lot of politics behind this issue.

One of the research books I read is: "Ephedra: Fact and Fiction".
Below is an Editorial review:
If you have listened to the news or read a newspaper lately, you've likely heard something relating to the supposed dangers of ephedra. Maybe that this football player or that baseball player collapsed, had a serious reaction, or even died because of taking an ephedra supplement. That seems to be the consensus - that ephedra can literally kill you.
But is ephedra really a "killer" herb? Does it really cause heart attacks, strokes, seizures, or the other serious effects that are commmonly reported in the media? The answers will likely surprise you.

In Ephedra Fact & Fiction, author Mike Fillon uncovers the realy story behind the ephedra controversy. Investigating every avenue, from behind-the-scene deals between lawmakers and pharmaceutical companies to an unwitting media's perpetuation of misinformation created by "front" PR firms to the blatant dismissal of legitmate research supporting ephedra's safety, the book turns the entire ephedra firestorm on its head. More compelling is Fillon's discovery that this scenario is not simply about ephedra - rather, it is the entire supplement industry, the legislation that governs it and the availability of even the most common nutritional supplement that are the real targets.

--------------------- now, back to My words,
The FDA got its' hand slapped back in April, 2005 and the judge overturned the Ban of Ephedra. They were caught red-handed producing "false science" reports about ephedra.

Ephedra, taken in the appropriate dosage, has not been proven to create/cause 'serious adverse events'.

For comparison purposes: In June, 1999 it was reported that over 16,500 people die EACH Year as a result from using over-the-counter NSAIDS - Aspirin & Ibuprofen. The FDA has taken No action.
Exerpt from MedicineNet.com ...
Tylenol Liver Damage
Just how much acetaminophen is safe to take?
For the average healthy adult, the recommended maximum dose of acetaminophen over a 24 hour period is four grams (4000 mg) or eight extra-strength pills. A person who drinks more than two alcoholic beverages per day, however, should not take more than two grams of acetaminophen over 24 hours, as discussed below. If these guidelines for adults and children are followed, acetaminophen is safe and carries essentially no risk of liver injury.

On the other hand, a single dose of 7 to 10 grams of acetaminophen (14 to 20 extra-strength tablets) can cause liver injury in the average healthy adult. Note that this amount is about twice the recommended maximum dose for a 24 hour period. Amounts of acetaminophen, however, as low as 3 to 4 grams in a single dose or 4 to 6 grams over 24 hours have been reported to cause severe liver injury in some people, sometimes, even death.

Tylenol is a very effective pain-killing (analgesic) and fever-reducing (anti-pyretic) agent. It is also a very safe drug as long as the recommended dosage is not exceeded. SOURCE: MedicineNet.com

Sorry, I got a bit long-winded. I do have several more articles on the subject if anyone likes to read.

By the way, I've lost 5 1/2 pounds. Still no jitters -Oh yeah, this capsule is Extended Release. - I'm liking it!

[Cuzimdmom]

I feel for the families that lose a loved one for whatever reason. Death is never taken lightly. We always want to point a finger and find someone to blame. It's sad.

If anyone should be able to relate, It's the pharmaceutical companies! Looks to me, they just turned around and tried to do to Ephedra what they have been dealing with for years. How do you think prescription costs have gotten so outrageous?

I think the bottom line is, the pharmaceutical companies want to control Ephedra. They know that a lot of money is being made that they aren't getting a piece of it. If they do get their hands on it, the Average Joe won't be able to afford it. Obesity in the United States will just continue to increase. The politics of the whole thing is ridiculous.

Thanks for the article, Wrongeway.