Guarana is a plant from the Amazon that is often used as an energy supplement or a weight loss aid. This eMedTV Web page describes guarana in more detail and offers information on its effectiveness, safety, and potential side effects.
Common guarana side effects may include restlessness, increased urination, and nausea. As this eMedTV segment explains, since there are high levels of caffeine in the supplement, side effects are usually associated with caffeine consumption.
It is not known whether guarana is effective for increasing energy or weight loss. This eMedTV page addresses the question "Does guarana work?" by discussing the effectiveness of caffeine (the active component of guarana) for weight loss and energy.
No studies have been performed and published on the effectiveness or safety of guarana. This eMedTV article further answers the question "Is guarana safe?" and lists precautions and warnings to be aware of before taking the herbal supplement.
Guarana is often used as a weight loss aid or energy supplement. This article from the eMedTV Web site discusses guarana uses in more detail, including information on where guarana comes from and how the herbal supplement is believed to work.
Currently, there is no established safe and effective guarana dosage. As this eMedTV page explains, the maximum safe dose depends on several factors, including how you respond to caffeine and the caffeine content in your guarana product.
Many medicines may cause negative guarana interactions, including clozapine, cimetidine, and mexiletine. This eMedTV resource explains what may happen when drugs interact with guarana and lists other medicines that may cause a negative interaction.
If you take too much guarana, overdose symptoms may include fever, vomiting, and insomnia. This page from the eMedTV Web site lists other symptoms that can occur with excessive caffeine consumption and explains what overdose treatments are available.
Pregnant women may need to avoid guarana because of its high caffeine content. This segment of the eMedTV archives includes more information on guarana and pregnancy, and explains why pregnant women may want to limit their caffeine intake.
Moderate amounts of caffeine are probably safe for breastfeeding women, but large amounts should be avoided. This eMedTV page further discusses guarana and breastfeeding, and explains what may happen if you take too much caffeine while breastfeeding.
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