Ipecac Abuse

Ipecac Bulimia

What is Ipecac Bulimia?

Ipecac is a syrup that is most commonly used to induce vomiting, usually after a toxic substance was accidentally ingested. Smaller doses of it are also found in many cough syrups as it is an expectorant. When Ipecac syrup is ingested, it begins to stimulate the central nervous system and stomach. The nausea results in vomiting approximately 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.

Some people with eating disorders may turn to Ipecac abuse as a means of controlling or losing their weight. It's termed "Ipecac abuse" because Ipecac is a single-use medication, meaning it should only be taken once, never on multiple occasions. People suffering from Ipecac abuse will normally use it daily or many times a day to eliminate ingested food from the body through vomiting. Since the Ipecac is the vehicle for inducing purging, the condition is called "Ipecac bulimia."

Is Ipecac Bulimia Dangerous?

Ipecac bulimia is a potentially fatal condition. In fact, the death of recording artist Karen Carpenter was a direct result of Ipecac abuse. In her case, the alkaloid emetine from the Ipecac had caused severe damage to her heart. It was that damage that eventually resulted in her going into cardiac arrest.

Ipecac abuse can cause numerous medical complications, some of which are very severe and can ultimately prove fatal. These complications may include:

• Blackouts
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Seizures
• Hemorrhages
• Respiratory failure
• Shock
• Heart damage
• Liver and kidney disease
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

Symptoms of Ipecac Bulimia

Individuals who are suffering from Ipecac bulimia will normally exhibit the same symptoms as someone who has bulimia without the Ipecac factor. They will typically be fatigued and experience frequent shortness of breath. Because the toxins in Ipecac collect in the muscles of the body, muscle wasting will occur and the individual will feel weaker than normal. This muscle wasting is exactly the process that ultimately damages the heart.

The Deadly Truth About Ipecac Bulimia

While it is difficult to record a definitive number of people suffering from Ipecac abuse, it is believed that approximately 10% of all bulimics experiment with the substance and at least 1% suffers from Ipecac abuse.

Individuals who practice Ipecac abuse are more likely to be hospitalized for severe medical complications than people who have regular bulimia. They are also more prone to die from their complications. That is why it is imperative to get help NOW!

Treating Ipecac Bulimia and Ipecac Abuse

Successful treatment for Ipecac abuse is most often found in a residential eating disorder program where proper medical and psychiatric care can be provided. Any credible program will be licensed by the state in which it provides its services and the treatment staff will be properly credentialed and adequately trained in the management of all types of eating disorders.