Ipecac Abuse
by Rader Programs Eating Disorder Treatment Center Staff
updated March 1, 2010
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 lead to her going into cardiac arrest and subsequently dying. Complications of the misuse of Ipecac include but are not limited to:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Irreversible damage to the muscles of the heart
- Seizures
- Shock
- Hemorrhaging
- Blackouts
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory complications
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Death
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 Ipecac misuse.
