Risk of Ephedra Even If No Heart Problems?

I read your answers to the previous questions about ephedra. I don't have high blood pressure or heart disease. Does this mean I will not have a problem if I take herbal pills to lose weight which contain Ma Huang? These pills total about 5mg of this ingredient per day and I am to take the pills every day. I plan to do this for several months. Do you feel this is a risk?

My opinion is that using diet pills with ephedra to lose weight does not result in a permanent weight loss, and that because of potential side effects, a health care practitioner should monitor the dosage and effects. Several deaths have occurred due to misuse of ephedra containing formulas.
As well as being contraindicated in heart disease and high blood pressure, ephedra must not be taken with an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, prostate or urinary problems and some drugs. Because it is a stimulant, side effects that may be felt by anyone taking the herb are palpitations, insomnia and restlessness.
For other ideas on weight loss, you can search our website at www.richters.com. Go to the "Q&A" area, choose "Search Richters Q and A" then enter the word "weight" for the search.