You may have seen many people these days, especially those with busy lives and young people, using various energy supplements to boost their energy, reduce fatigue, and focus. You may also use something like this sometimes. Guarana is one of the most popular of these supplements, which are used as a "natural" replacement for coffee. But it is very important for your safety to know a little more about it before using it.
What exactly is Guarana?
Simply put, guarana is a supplement made from the seeds of a plant that grows in the Amazon rainforest. Its main active ingredient is caffeine . In fact, guarana seeds contain about twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. This is why taking guarana makes you feel refreshed, less sleepy, and more focused.
But the most important thing we need to understand here is that guarana is not a prescription drug, but a dietary supplement . This means that it is not subject to the same strict quality control as regular medications. Therefore, the purity, quality, and even the amount of caffeine in guarana products from different companies may vary.
Therefore, if you use guarana, do so at your own risk. If you have any questions, never hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before using this
Before you start using guarana, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions, as the high caffeine content in guarana may interact with these conditions.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, chest pain, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat | The caffeine in guarana can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can worsen existing heart conditions. |
| Diabetes | Caffeine can affect the way the body controls sugar levels, so diabetics should be especially careful. |
| Mental problems (e.g. Anxiety, Panic attacks) | Caffeine is a stimulant, so it can increase anxiety, restlessness, and agitation. |
| Kidney or liver disease | These organs are involved in the process of removing caffeine from the body. If their function is impaired, caffeine can accumulate in the body and cause side effects. |
| Insomnia problems | Using guarana can worsen insomnia. |
| Stomach ulcers or stomach diseases | Because caffeine increases stomach acid secretion, it can worsen stomach inflammation and ulcers. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Excessive caffeine consumption is not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine can also be passed to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, avoid using guarana completely during these times. |
How should you use Guarana?
- Drink this with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the bottle or packet. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- If you experience stomach upset when taking this, take it with a meal.
- Giving guarana to children is not recommended at all.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more guarana than you think, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly. Ingesting too much caffeine can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with Guarana
This is very important. If you are taking other medications, they may interact with guarana. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
| Never use it with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication (eg Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) | These are medications that are usually prescribed for conditions like depression. When taken with guarana, blood pressure can rise dangerously. |
| If you are using these things, talk to your doctor. | |
| Warfarin | A blood thinner. Taking it with guarana may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Clozapine, Lithium | Medications for mental illness. Guarana may increase the side effects of these. |
| Asthma or heart disease medication (e.g. Theophylline) | Taking guarana with this medication may increase side effects such as increased heart rate and nausea. |
| Other stimulants | Some cold medicines, weight loss pills, and other caffeine-containing products can put extra strain on the heart. |
What are the possible side effects?
Some people may experience side effects when using guarana.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention |
|---|
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. This can be an emergency that causes difficulty breathing. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome |
|
Remember, just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's 100% safe for people. Even if it's made from a plant, it can cause allergies in some people, interact with other medications, or worsen existing medical conditions.
If you are going to have any surgery or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are using guarana. You may be advised to stop using guarana before the procedure.
Take-Home Message
- Guarana is an unregulated dietary supplement that contains high amounts of caffeine, not a drug.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you take, especially stimulants like guarana.
- If you have conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or anxiety, you should use guarana with extreme caution.
- It is very dangerous to use guarana with certain medications, such as MAOIs.
- Don't assume that something is completely safe just because it says "natural."
- If you develop symptoms of an allergy (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention immediately.
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