guarana

What is the most important information I should know about guarana?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is guarana?

Guarana is a plant and it is also known as Brazilian Cocoa, Cacao Brésilien, Guarana Seed Extract, Guaranine, Paullinia cupana, Paullinia sorbilis, Zoom. and other names.

Some uses not proven with research have included treatment of anxiety, improvement of mental performance, weight loss, malaria, diarrhea, fever, headaches, heart problems, enhancement of athletic performance, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, fluid retention and others.

Guarana is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Guarana may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking guarana?

Before using guarana, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use guarana if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• anxiety disorders;
• bleeding or blood-clotting disorders;
• heart disease;
• diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• glaucoma;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• osteoporosis; or
• diarrhea.

Guarana is possibly safe in children in low amounts (caffeine levels found in foods).

How should I take guarana?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use guarana, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

If you need a cardiac stress test you should stop taking guarana at least 24 hours before your test.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra guarana to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking guarana?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Avoid using guarana together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, green tea, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

What are the possible side effects of guarana?

Although not all side effects are known, guarana is thought to be likely safe for most people when taken in amounts commonly found in foods. Products containing guarana are possibly safe when taken by mouth and for a short period of time.

• an unusual bleeding or any bleeding that will not stop.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting;
• insomnia;
• nervousness;
• increased heart rate and blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect guarana?

Other drugs may interact with guarana, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take guarana without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• adenosine (Adenocard);
• stimulant drugs (amphetamines, ephedrine, nicotine, others);
• asthma medications;
• medications for depression or mental disorders;
• medications that slow blood-clotting: ardeparin (Normiflo), aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), dipyridamole (Persantine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others;
• any medications to treat cancer;
• estrogens and birth control pills;
• any antibiotics or medication for fungal infections;
• medication for seizures;
• any medications for heart disease.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with guarana, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.