guarana

Generic Name: guarana (GWAR ah na)

Brand Names:

What is 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.

Guarana is also known as Paullinia cupana, paullinia, Brazilian cocoa, guarana bread, guarana paste or gum, and zoom. Guarana is also present in some soft drinks imported from South America in a manner similar to American soft-drinks fortified with caffeine.

Guarana contains very high concentrations of caffeine and has been used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant.

Guarana has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of guarana may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were 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 have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

Guarana has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of guarana may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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

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  heart problems or high blood pressure,

  
  


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  kidney disease,

  
  


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  an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or

  
  


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  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.

Do not take guarana without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Guarana contains a large amount of caffeine. Do not take guarana without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Guarana contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause restlessness, sleep disorders, and other effects in breast-feeding infants. 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.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of a guarana overdose are not well known but might include painful urination, restlessness, tremor, vomiting, and abdominal spasms.

What should I avoid while taking guarana?

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

Guarana side effects

Although rare, serious side effects from guarana have been reported. Stop taking guarana and seek emergency medical attention if you experience

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  a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives; or

  
  


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  irregular heartbeats or chest pain.

  
  

Other less serious side effects may also reported with the use of guarana. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience

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  heartburn;

  
  


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  upset stomach;

  
  


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  loss of appetite;

  
  


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  constipation or diarrhea;

  
  


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  nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;

  
  


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  sleeplessness;

  
  


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  irregular heartbeats; or

  
  


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  headache.

  
  

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?

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.

Interactions between guarana and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking guarana if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

More guarana resources

• Guarana Side Effects (in more detail)
• Guarana Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Guarana Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Guarana - Add your own review/rating

• Guarana Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Guarana Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)


• Guarana MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

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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.

See also: guarana side effects (in more detail)