Ephedrine
ephedrine hydrochloride
Ephedrine is a fat burner substance. It is also a suppressant. Ephedrine is basically an alkaloid. It is extracted from the plant named Ephedra Equisetina and its other species. It is basically an amphetamine like substance.
It boosts activity in the central nervous system. Many use ephedrine as an energy booster, as an aid for weight loss and also to help one’s athletic performance. When combined with caffeine, ephedrine’s effects are increased. Caffeine increases both positive effects such as increased athletic performance and the negative side effects of ephedrine use.
Ephedrine stimulates the production of catecholamines such as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine or noradrenaline is thought to start the thermogenic process by stimulating metabolism in fat cells via the neurocrine axis that involves beta-adrenergic receptors. This in turn results in lipolysis, or the liberation of fat in fat cells via an increase in the basal metabolic rate. This pharmacological action results in weight loss effect in obese people. The thermogenic action which results from ephedrine’s effects on metabolic rate and lipolysis persists throughout its use period, and may intensify as use continues. The effects of ephedrine can often be intensified by concomitant use of methylxanthines such as caffeine.
Dosage Amount
Like any stimulant, one should ease into taking ephedrine. Starting off with large doses of ephedrine could increase one’s likelihood for negative side effects. It is recommended a maximum dosage of 120mg a day for adults.
Side Effects
The side effects of taking supplements containing ephedrine are varied. One of the main side effects of ephedrine is that it raises one’s body temperature. This increase in heat could lead to a greater risk of injury for the athlete. Some other possible side effects are headache, dizziness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, some of which if serious enough, can lead to death. Keep in mind that combining caffeine with ephedrine can increase the risk for side effects.
There is no conclusive evidence to determine whether or not ephedrine is completely safe. There are both athletic benefits and health risks that one can experience while taking supplements containing ephedrine. It is up to the individual to determine whether taking ephedrine is beneficial or not.
