Herbals and supplements

Substance abuse Herbals and supplements Adults Teens
7-OH: The kratom-based opioid stronger than morphine
7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a chemical in the leaves of the kratom tree, acts like an opioid and is stronger than morphine. Commercially available 7-OH products are more concentrated. 7-OH causes euphoria, relaxation, and sedation. Symptoms of an overdose are the same as an opioid overdose. It is highly addictive. Stopping it suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms. 7-OH is illegal or restricted in several state and local jurisdictions. Federally, it is temporarily categorized as a Schedule I drug while pending action to make this classification permanent.
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Blue lotus: Serenity in every petal, but is it safe?
Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is an aquatic plant that contains psychoactive chemicals (apomorphine and nuciferine). As a tea, it is used for relaxation, sleep, and to provide a mood boost. Smoking or vaping it can cause euphoria. Small amounts of pure plant material are probably safe, but it may be contaminated with toxic substances. Drug interactions are possible. It is legal in the US but not approved for human consumption.
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Tejocote root: An ineffective weight-loss supplement with toxic effects
Tejocote root is a supplement marketed for weight loss. It contains pectin, which could reduce appetite by promoting early satiety, although no research has demonstrated this. It also contains compounds that mimic digoxin, an older medicine used to treat irregular heart rates. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, and low serum potassium. Many tejocote products are contaminated with yellow oleander, which poisons the heart and is potentially lethal. Toxicity includes vomiting, serious arrhythmias, lethargy, coma, and seizures.
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Can you overdose on magnesium?
Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, bone health, heart rhythm, and other body processes. It is in food, laxatives, antacids, and supplements. Overdoses can occur from repeated use of too high a dose or a single large dose. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, stomachache, vomiting, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, lethargy, coma, and stopped breathing or heartbeat.
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Boosting your strength with creatine: Is it safe?
Creatine is used to improve athletic performance and increase muscle mass. It is safe for healthy people but is not recommended if you have liver or kidney disease or uncontrolled hypertension. It is also not recommended in teens until there are further studies. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and mild weight gain.
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Herbals and supplements Adults Seniors Teens
Burn fat. Burn your liver? The risks of Albutarex V2
Albutarex V2 is a thermogenic dietary supplement. There is no evidence that it promotes weight loss. It is not safe. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, headache, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, fainting, seizures, and elevated pulse and blood pressure. Severe liver and cardiac toxicity can also occur.
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Can nootropics maximize your cognitive performance?
A nootropic is a substance that improves cognitive function or delays cognitive decline. Among the many substances sold as nootropics, we only have scientific evidence for prescription medication, caffeine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Side effects vary but may involve gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems.
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Herbals and supplements Medication safety Teens Seniors Adults
Phenibut: A recreational drug with abuse potential
Phenibut is used for anxiety and cognitive enhancement. It is not FDA-approved but is sold online. Common side effects include confusion, lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and balance problems. Tolerance and physical dependence can develop within a relatively short time of use. Abruptly stopping can cause life-threatening withdrawal.
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What are myostatin inhibitors?
Myostatin inhibitors block the activity of myostatin in the body, resulting in increased muscle mass. Clinical trials are investigating if they will benefit people with muscle-wasting illnesses. It is unclear if they work, and they are not FDA-approved. Potential risks include weakened tendons, reduced bone density, muscle spasms, bleeding disorders, and both vascular and cardiac damage.
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Are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) safe?
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are used for their anabolic effects and have fewer side effects than traditional androgens. They are illegal but can be bought online. Athletes use high doses for extended periods for body building and performance enhancement. Serious harmful effects include liver injury, cardiac toxicity, hormone suppression, psychological effects, and increased risk of tendon rupture.
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