Ephedrine belongs to the group of sympathomimetics. Although it is
not a hormone compound, we would still like to describe it briefly
since it offers the athlete three interesting effects.
First, Ephedrine has clear fat burning characteristics. On the one
hand, this occurs since Ephedrine produces heat in the body (thermogenesis).
Simplified, Ephedrine slightly increases the body temperature so
that the body burns more calories than usual. On the other hand,
Ephedrine stimulates the thyroid gland to transform the weaker LT-4
(L-thyroxine) into the stronger LT-3 (liothyronine), thus
accelerating the metabolism. The fat burning effect, with the
additional intake of both methylzanthine caffeine and aspirin, can
almost be doubled. Scientific research has shown that the
combination of 25 mg Ephedrine, 200 mg caffeine, and 300 mg aspirin
is ideal to produce a synergetic effect. Those who apply this
combination three times daily, approximately 30 minutes prior to a
meal, will significantly burn fat. Competing bodybuilders have
appreciated this for quite some time. Second, Ephedrine has anti
catabolic characteristics. Thus it is especially useful for
maintaining the muscle system while dieting.
Finally, athletes often use Ephedrine as a "training booster." Since
it has a mild amphetamine-like effect on the central nervous system
(CNS) it improves the concentration, vigilance, and the interplay of
nerves and muscles. For this purpose, 25-50 mg Ephedrine are taken
approximately one hour before a workout. The athlete feels an
immediate boost in energy which during workout can manifest itself
in a 5-10% increase in strength. Again, also in this case, the
effect can be improved by taking caffeine and aspirin (s.a.). It is
important to note that Ephedrine, administered for this purpose, is
not to be taken more than three times a week; otherwise, the body
gets accustomed to it and the "boost effect" decreases, and much
higher dosages are needed.
Side effects can manifest themselves in the form of more rapid heart
beat, insomnia, tremors (light trembling of the fingers), headaches,
dizziness, high blood pressure, and lack of appetite. The last
characteristic, however, is much appreciated by athletes on a diet.
Ephedrine must not be taken when high blood pressure, a severe
hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, irregular heart rhythm, or a
recent myocardiac infarction are present. In Europe Ephedrine is a
prescription drug which is mostly available in combination with
other substances. Such a combination compound, for example, is the
German drug Perspiran N, which contain an additional 25 mg Ephedrine
hydrochioride and 125 mg theophylline per tablet. Theophylline
increases the effect of Ephedrine. The Spanish Efedrina Level of
Laboratorio Level S.A. Company can be found on the black market. A
50 mg tablet usually costs $10. The tablets are indented, with "EFEDRINA"
stamped on the back. Twenty-four tablets are packaged in a small
white plastic box with a pull-off label. The substance Ephedrine
hydrochioride is not a prescription drug and is freely available
while other stimulants and medicines used in sports are either
unavailable or available only at high risk on the black market. In
special magazines for bodybuilders one can always find adds freely
offering Ephedrine. Until the time that this condition changes,
Ephedrine is of no importance on the black market.
