Guarana Side Effects

Guarana has many benefits, but the product is known to have some side effects as well. Many of the side effects of guarana are similar to the ones experienced by other highly caffeinated products. Typical side effects might include:

  • Insomnia
  • Trembling
  • Anxiety
  • Palpitations
  • Urinary frequency
  • Hyperactivity

There are more severe side effects of the product when guarana is taken by those with outside conditions.

  • Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid guarana as caffeine should be minimized or removed from the diet during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Those with heart conditions should avoid guarana as they should also avoid all caffeinated products that can increase heart rate.
  • Individuals with high blood pressure should avoid guarana as well to ensure extra stimulation to the heart is avoided.
  • If you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, overactive thyroid, anxiety, insomnia, or kidney disease, you should consult with your doctor before taking guarana.

Guarana and Safety

Guarana is a natural extract, but with its highly caffeinated state, it can be potentially dangerous if used in the wrong way or in a harmful combination.

Guarana and Caffeine Sensitivity
Guarana should not be used by those that are sensitive to the effects of caffeine. In most products containing guarana, it is challenging, if not impossible, to deduct how much caffeine is actually present making it problematic for those who with any level of caffeine sensitivity.

Guarana contains up to three times as much caffeine as the typical coffee bean, so even a small dose of guarana can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety, jitteriness and sleep impairment if you typically suffer these reactions from caffeine.

The difficulty in assessing the amount of caffeine in a guarana product is also what should prevent pregnant and nursing women from taking guarana.

Guarana and Ephedra
When used for assistance in weight loss, guarana might easily be used in conjunction with products that contain ephedra. When guarana is combined with ephedra, there can be serious consequences including stroke, hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. These instances appear in cases where both products are used in conjunction with conditions causing changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and potentially harmful changes in glucose and potassium levels.

Guarana and Blood Thinners
Guarana has been shown to reduce clotting in the blood, so when used in conjunction with products that thin the blood such as aspirin, or anticoagulants, and platelet inhibitors, there is the possibility that your risk of bleeding is increased.

Guarana Overdose

Even the least harmful products can be overused and this is certainly true of guarana. Guarana should be taken in relatively small amounts over the course of a day, but if too much is taken or your body fails to metabolize the guarana effectively, it is possible to have a guarana overdose.

Symptoms of a guarana overdose include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Spasms

If you are experiencing symptoms of a guarana overdose, seek professional medical assistance immediately.