Health Canada Cautions Against Potential Dangers of Unauthorized Mood Enhancers

Health Canada is warning consumers not to use the unauthorized product Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress supplement promoted for hormonal management because it contains a  controlled substance known as Dehydroepiandrosterone. Health Canada handout photo

Health Canada is cautioning consumers against the use of unauthorized hormonal supplements intended for mood and stress management, saying they may pose “serious health risks.”

The health agency is advising Canadians against taking Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress, a supplement that contains a controlled substance known as Dehydroepiandrosterone. The pills have not been approved by the government for use in Canada.

“Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality,” the July 8 advisory says.

Alberta wholesale merchandise company Retail Revolt has ceased sales of Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress and relinquished its stock to Health Canada, which has classified the product as “illegal.”

The supplement was sold online through the company’s website as well as at two Alberta retail stores, one in Spruce Grove and one in Stony Plain, the agency said.

Health Canada is asking anyone who purchased the drug to return it to a local pharmacy for proper disposal.

Health Canada is instructing consumers who purchased the products to discontinue their use and to consult a health-care professional if they have any worries about past consumption. Any side effects should be reported to the health department promptly, the agency said.

DHEA Risks

DHEA can cause elevated levels of both male and female hormones in the body, which can increase the likelihood of fertility problems, acne, and unusual hair growth, Health Canada says. It also poses a risk for severe health issues, including prostate and breast cancer.

Those with a history of heart rhythm disturbances, blood clotting disorders, and liver dysfunction can be especially susceptible to the side effects of DHEA. It is also dangerous for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the agency said.

DHEA can interact with certain psychiatric medications, potentially exacerbating certain mental health conditions and heightening the risk of mania in individuals with mood disorders.

Health Canada is urging all consumers to be wary of purchasing health products online.

“Read product labels to verify that health products have been authorized for sale by Health Canada,” the advisory said, noting that all authorized health products will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).

The safety of a supplement or medicine can also be verified by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.