Studies indicate that ephedra side effects are very serious, and consumers should not use ephedrine-containing products unless they absolutely have to. Ephedra use, also called ephedrine, has been linked to the development of serious medical conditions including chest pain, heart attack, hepatitis, stroke, seizures, psychosis and death. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) took a stand against the drug, and warned that the continued use of ephedrine, in all probability, could eventually lead to consumers being stricken with these dangerous ephedra side effects. The FDA, further warned parents against the use of ephedrine-containing children's cough and cold medications, and advised them to stop using these products altogether.