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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking guarana ()?

Guarana, or its active constituent caffeine, should not be taken when formulated with ephedrine in diet aids or performance-enhancing supplements. Potentially fatal irregular heartbeats have been reported to occur.

Talk to your doctor or health care provider before taking guarana if you have

• heart problems or high blood pressure,
• kidney disease,
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or
• an anxiety or nervous disorder.

Guarana contains a large amount of caffeine which may be problematic if used by people with any of the conditions listed above. You may not be able to use guarana, or your doctor or health care provider may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.

Before taking guarana, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Guarana may not be recommended in some situations.

There is no information available regarding the use of guarana by children. Guarana contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause anemia and other problems in children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take guarana ()?

The use of guarana in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take guarana, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Guarana is usually taken as a powder, mixed with water or another beverage.

Store guarana as directed on the package. In general, guarana should be protected from light and moisture.

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