Ephedrine is a stimulant drug, belonging to a group of medicines
known as sympathomimetics. Specifically it is both an alpha and beta
adrenergenic agonist (you may remember Clenbuterol is a selective
beta-2 agonist). In addition, ephedrine enhances the release of norepinephrine,
a strong endogenous alpha agonist. The action of this compound is
notably similar to that of the body's primary adrenergic hormone epinephrine
(adrenaline), which also exhibits action toward both alpha and beta
receptors. When administered, ephedrine will notably increase the
activity of the central nervous system, as well as have a stimulatory
effect on other target cells. This will produce a number of effects
beneficial to the athlete. For starters, the user's body temperature
should rise slightly as more free fatty acids are produced from the
breakdown of triglycerides in adipose tissue (stimulating the metabolism).
This should help the user shed subcutaneous body fat stores, enhancing
the look of definition in the physique. The anabolic effectiveness
of steroids may also be increased with this substance (mildly), as
the metabolic rate is a measure of fat, protein and carbohydrate conversion
by the body. An enhanced metabolic state could clearly hasten the
deposit of new muscle mass.
This stimulant effect of this drug will also increase the force of
skeletal muscle contractions. For this reason ephedrine is commonly
used by powerlifters before a competition, as the resultant (slight)
strength and energy increase can clearly improve the weight totals
on major lifts. It may also provide a notable mental edge, as the
user is more energetic and better able to concentrate on the tasks
ahead. Many recreational weight lifters find this effect particularly
welcome, and use 25-50mg of this stimulant as a regular adjunct to
their training sessions. The user often feels capable of attacking
the weights with much more intensity while taking ephedrine, and leaves
the gym knowing they will have had a more productive workout. It is
important that this compound not be used continuously for this purpose,
as its effect will diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the
drug. In most instances the user will take the drug only two or three
times per week, usually on those days personally "important"
(like chest day). The athlete is also wise to take a break (one to
two months) from ephedrine treatment after several weeks have past,
so as to continue receiving the optimal effect from this drug. While
the strength boosting effect of this drug is noteworthy, the primary
application for ephedrine remains to be as a cutting agent. The athlete
will generally take this drug a few times daily during dieting phases
of training, at a dosage of 25 to 50mg per application. The widely
touted stack of ephedrine (25-50mg), caffeine (200mg) and aspirin
(300mg) is shown to be extremely potent for fat loss. In this combination,
the ephedrine and caffeine both act as notable thermogenic stimulants.
The added aspirin also helps to inhibit lipogenesis by blocking the
incorporation of acetate into fatty acids. The athlete will be sure
this stack is working by noticing an increase in body temperature,
usually a degree or so (not an uncomfortable raise). This combination
is taken two to three times daily, for a number of consecutive weeks.
It is discontinued once the user's body temperature drops back to
normal, a clear sign these drugs are no longer working as desired.
At this point increasing the dosages would not prove very efficient.
Instead a break of several weeks should be taken, so that this stack
may once again work at an optimal level.
Ephedrine can produce a number of unwelcome side effects that the
user should be aware of. For starters, the stimulant effect can produce
shaky hands, tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and feelings
of inner unrest. Often these effects subside as the user becomes more
accustomed to the effect of this drug, or perhaps the dosage is lowered.
In general, those negatively impacted by caffeine would probably not
like the stronger effects of ephedrine. The mental and physical state
produced by this drug is also quite similar to that seen with Clenbuterol,
so those who find little discomfort with this treatment should (presumably)
be fine with this item (and vice versa). While taking this drug one
may also endure a notable loss of appetite, usually a welcome effect
when dieting. Ephedrine is in fact a popular ingredient in combination
(prescription) appetite suppressants. The user may further notice
headaches and an increase in blood pressure with regular use of ephedrine.
Those suffering from thyroid dysfunctions, high blood pressure or
cardiac irregularities should also not be taking this drug, as it
will certainly not mix well with such conditions.
As of late there is much discussion about the future availability
of ephedrine. This is due to that fact that ephedrine tablets are
used as the primary base for the manufacture of methamphetamine. This
is you know is an illegal drug, made and sold illicitly. The structure
of these two compounds is notably similar, as only a few chemicals
are needed to change ephedrine into "meth". Since ephedrine
is currently an over-the-counter product, underground manufacturers
can easily obtain it. A trend involving large volume retail purchases
for OTC ephedrine products has been developing, and many states are
taking notice of it. With the widespread increase of amphetamine addiction
(and related crime) ephedrine may soon join the list of federally
controlled substances. While some states have already taken action
to restrict the sale of this stimulant, federal action would probably
be required in order have a major impact on availability. Even if
a particular state is aggressively preventing the sale of these products,
a thriving mail-order market still exists to fill the demand. Thumbing
through the back pages of many national magazines should make this
clear, as we notice advertisements for companies which ship ephedrine
tablets out by the thousand.
Steroid Profiles - Ephedrine (ephedrine Hydrochloride) - Steroidology.com