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When taken by mouth: Bitter orange is likely safe when eaten in the amounts found in food. But bitter orange is possibly unsafe when taken in the larger amounts used as medicine. Bitter orange, taken by itself or with stimulants such as caffeine or caffeine-containing herbs, might increase the risk for high blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, stroke, and other serious side effects. There are also reports that bitter orange can trigger headaches in some people.
When applied to the skin: Bitter orange essential oil is possibly safe. The oil can cause sensitivity to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned.
When inhaled: Bitter orange essential oil is possibly safe when inhaled as aromatherapy.
Pregnancy: Bitter orange is likely safe when eaten in the amounts found in food. But it is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bitter orange is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Headache: Taking bitter orange might trigger headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches.
High blood pressure: Taking bitter orange, especially together with caffeine, might increase blood pressure in healthy people. Avoid using bitter orange, especially in combination with stimulants such as caffeine, if you have high blood pressure.
Glaucoma: Bitter orange might worsen glaucoma. Avoid using it if you have this condition.
Heart disease: Taking bitter orange, especially together with caffeine or other stimulants, might increase the risk of serious side effects in people with a particular heart problem called "long QT interval syndrome".
Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia): Taking bitter orange, especially together with caffeine, can increase heart rate in healthy people. Avoid using bitter orange, especially with stimulants such as caffeine, if you have an irregular heartbeat.
Surgery: Bitter orange acts like a stimulant, so it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking bitter orange at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. *