FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Smelling Salts That Claim to Provide Energy Boosts

Regulators have received a large number of reports involving problems with smelling salts, including shortness of breath, seizures, migraines, vomiting, diarrhea and fainting

Smelling salts have been used for centuries, primarily as a product to revive those who have fainted or been knocked unconscious, providing a quick recovery due to the strong scents and irritation they provide to the nasal passage. However, a number of companies are marketing smelling salts to help consumers increase alertness and raise energy, which could cause a host of potentially serious side effects or health problems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a smelling salts warning on August 6, urging consumers not to use smelling salts to provide an energy boost, indicating the products are unapproved drugs and may cause seizures, airway constriction and other serious injuries.

Over the past few years, federal regulators indicate that the number of reported adverse events involving smelling salt side effects has risen sharply, from only six cases in 2022, to at least 26 problems identified in 2023. Problems reported have involved shortness of breath, migraines, vomiting diarrhea, fainting and seizures.

FDA Targets Illegal Smelling Salt Marketing

Many smelling salts currently on the market are touted as enhancers of alertness, energy and athletic performance, and are advertised with claims that they will help awaken the senses and provide “laser-like focus,” with one company even promoting its mint-scented variant as a means to “amp up your alertness and aggression.”

However, the FDA has now sent warning letters to companies that are marketing these unapproved products, indicating that they are making baseless claims, involving products that primarily contain ammonia, a chemical commonly used in cleaning agents, that can quickly lead to coughing, airway constriction and eye, nose or throat irritation.

To date, there is no research that indicates smelling salts improve athletic performance, reaction time or alertness, the FDA notes. The warning indicates using smelling salts may be especially dangerous for people with underlying neurological conditions.

Smelling Salt Warning Letters

Alongside the smelling salts warning, the FDA has issued warning letters to seven companies that market unapproved smelling salt products, including:

• Ward Smelling Salts
• Ammonia Sport Inc.
• Skull Smash LLC
• Spirochaete Research Labs, LLC aka Scitus Laboratory products
• Innovative Formulations, LLC dba Insane Labz
• Native Salts LLC
• Nose Slap LLC

The agency accuses the manufacturers of failing to prove their products are safe or effective, and that failure to correct the violations outlined in the FDA warning letters may lead to further legal action, product seizure and injunction.

The FDA is urging healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse events or quality problems linked to smelling salt products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.