What Is Ephedrine?

By Author: Matt Morgan
Total Articles: 4
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Ephedrine is a stimulant that is commonly used for weight loss. Some of the properties of ephedrine include the ability to suppress the appetite and allow you to concentrate more effectively. It has been used in medicine for centuries. The Chinese have used ephedrine to treat asthma and some tout the properties for use in combating sea sickness. However, the most common use of ephedrine in modern times is to assist in dieting, suppressing the appetite to promote weight loss and honing alertness to assist in exercise. Because there is typically a surge in energy when using ephedrine, many body builders and athletes have used it to enhance their workouts.
Ephedrine's curative benefits and have long been outweighed, though, by the controversy surrounding abuse of the drug and possible harmful side effects. Some people have taken ephedrine to get a high similar to that of using the illegal drug ecstasy. In addition, some ecstasy tablets that have been confiscated have been found to contain trace amounts of ephedrine. It has also been a crutch for students and professionals who have a need to stay awake and alert. ...
... Athletes have taken ephedrine or supplements containing it to enhance their performance. All of the above uses have been criticized for the tendency to over use and cause damage or dependency.
Some of the side effects reported for extended use include circulatory problems, heat strokes, aneurisms, physical dependence, psychological dependence, heart failure, skin blemishes, gastrointestinal problems and respiratory problems. There are also additional side effects such as dizziness, tremors, allergic reactions and more that have been reported on a lesser basis. The side effects are one of the reasons the United States has made the use of ephedrine limited though not illegal. Ephedrine is available for specific uses via prescription. However, these are carefully regulated and tracked to ensure there is no abuse and can not be used for weight loss.
Even though use of ephedrine is limited in the United States and under strict regulation, the desire to lose weight has tempted many people to look for ephedrine and ephedra weight loss products elsewhere. Mail order prescriptions and supplements are often used to obtain the drug or travel to another country to obtain it. The benefits of ephedrine for non weight loss purposes are well known. However, because it has also shown to cause dramatic weight loss by suppressing the appetite and increasing energy, weight loss purposes have become the primary reason to take the drug.