Guarana

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KEY POINTS

• This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider.
• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines. Natural remedies are not always safe.
• This remedy may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• This remedy affects your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Paullinia cupana, Paullinia sorbilis, guarana seed

What is guarana?

Guarana is a creeping shrub. The seeds are used medicinally.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider.

Guarana contains caffeine and is a stimulant. It has been used to treat:

• Fatigue
• Obesity
• Problems with thinking and concentration

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Guarana may be taken as a capsule or liquid. It can also be prepared as a tea to drink. Guarana is found in many energy drinks and energy candy bars. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this remedy, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this remedy, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: tremors, fast or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, nervousness, confusion, diarrhea.

What should I watch out for?

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking this remedy if you have diabetes.

Do not drink a lot of coffee, or cola while you are taking this remedy. These drinks also contain caffeine, and the combination may overstimulate you and cause side effects. Too much caffeine could cause side effects such as nervousness, dizziness, irritability, headaches, trouble sleeping, a need to urinate more often, and a fast heartbeat.

Also check the labels of all nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. Other medicines that contain caffeine may also cause problems. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you feel dizzy or have a fast heartbeat, stop taking the guarana. If the dizziness or fast heartbeat continues, contact your healthcare provider.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this remedy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It may cause premature labor.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, trouble sleeping.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking guarana, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Caffeine in food, drinks, or medicines
• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo)
• Folic acid or folate
• Medicines to treat breathing or lung problems such as aminophylline and theophylline
• Natural remedies such as bitter orange, ephedra, ma huang, guarana, mate
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Stimulants and diet pills such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), and methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Ritalin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.