Ephedrine is a stimulant once common in decongestants and weight-loss supplements. It can work short term to suppress appetite and open airways, but carries serious cardiovascular, neurological and dependency risks. Regulatory actions removed ephedrine alkaloids from dietary supplements and constrained sales to reduce harm and meth production.
Ephedra (ma huang) was once a popular weight-loss supplement but was banned in U.S. dietary supplements in 2004 due to serious safety risks. Today, safe weight management relies on lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, FDA-approved prescription treatments under medical supervision.
OTC diet pills once contained ephedra and other stimulants that caused serious health and legal concerns. Many key stimulant ingredients were banned or regulated; safety today depends on ingredient, dose, and product quality. Talk to a clinician and prefer evidence-based approaches.