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Ipecac Abuse
Some eating disordered individuals participate in the dangerous activity of using
ipecac syrup as a means of purging. Ipecac syrup is a plant extract from the ipecacuanha
scrub found in Brazil. When ingested, Ipecac syrup stimulates the central nervous
system and the stomach, causing the person to vomit. Ipecac’s sole purpose is to
facilitate vomiting in an individual who has ingested poison or overdosed on medication.
The use of Ipecac is for a single use, and the intent is for Ipecac syrup to never
to be used on multiple occasions.
The misuse of Ipecac syrup can cause significant and severe medical complications
and even result in death. Karen Carpenter the recording artist who suffered from
an eating disorder, actually died from the misuse of Ipecac syrup. The alkaloid
emetine from the Ipecac syrup had caused severe damage to her heart, which eventually
led to her going into cardiac arrest and subsequently dying. Complications of the
misuse of Ipecac include but are not limited to:
Rader Programs understands and can successfully help individuals who have misused
Ipecac syrup. Our multidisciplinary treatment team has the expertise and experience
to address the medical and psychological components of the misuse.
For more information or to arrange for a free confidential consultation, call
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