In the last few years Clenbuterol has replaced Ephedrine as the drug of choice when it comes to fat loss and contest preparation in general. Clenbuterol is used throughout the world as a bronchodialator and, when used this way, it is highly effective with a low level of user complaints. In terms of fat loss, ‘Clen’ (as it is frequently called) is what is known as a
Repartitioning agent – meaning that it will increase your ratio of Fat Free Mass to Fat Mass.

Clenbuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetics. These drugs affect the sympathetic nervous system in numerous ways. It is specifically a selective beta-2 sympathomimetic, stimulating the beta-2 receptors, which creates a thermogenic effect, directly stimulating fat cells and accelerating the breakdown of triglycerides to form free fatty acids. Animal studies have also shown it to be quite anti-catabolic and/or anabolic which obviously leads to its attractiveness amongst bodybuilders – particularly during the pre-contest phase. However, it has to be said that these studies have been restricted to animals and there is little real evidence of Clenbuterol having muscle building/sparing properties in humans. This does little to tarnish its reputation as a great adjunct anabolic – used both off-season and pre-contest.

ACTIVE LIFE

Another attractive quality of this drug is its extremely long half-life in the body – which gives it an active life of approximately 34-36 hours. This makes it easy to maintain steady blood levels with a single or twice daily dosing schedule. Interestingly enough, Clenbuterol has never been approved for use in the USA (perhaps the drug companies would not find it profitable enough). This does little to affect its availability on the black market however, with many foreign preparations being readily available.

DOSING AND SIDE EFFECTS

Clenbuterol is generally a drug where you have to gradually assess your own individual tolerance level. Basically, it is advisable to start with 20mcgs upon rising. If the side effects (possible anxiety, shaking and sweating) are not too pronounced, then the same dose can be repeated later in the day. Men generally end up in the range of 2-8 tablets a day. Women usually find 2-4 to be very effective.
As previously suggested, Clenbuterol does have a fair amount of side effects – most of which will be familiar to anyone who has used CNS stimulants. Along with a slight increase in body temperature (due to the thermogenic effect) users may experience shaky hands, insomnia, sweating, increased blood pressure and nausea. These side effects usually become less noticeable once the user becomes accustomed to the drug. They are also dose dependant – which is why it is always advised to begin on a low dose in order to gauge your tolerance level.

DRAWBACKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLENBUTEROL USE

One of the main drawbacks with this drug is that after a couple of weeks it seems to stop working for most people. This is due to the fact that it can cause a down regulation of the beta-receptors in the pulmonary, cardiac and Central Nervous System. One way to sense this down regulation is when you no longer feel an elevation in body temperature following administration. This suggests that the substance is no longer exhibiting a thermogenic effect. At this point increasing the dosage would not be very effective and a break of at least two weeks should be taken before it is used again. This accounts for the popular two weeks on/two weeks off method of administration. There is however much controversy in this area. Some say it can promote fat loss for approximately 4-6 weeks, though any strength gains can usually only be felt for 3-4 weeks (probably due more to the stimulant properties rather than any real anabolic effect).

The use of anti-histamines such as Benadryl or Ketotifen every 3rd or 4th week may help prevent this tolerance to some extent – although they should be taken at bedtime since they will cause drowsiness.

It has also been found that Clenbuterol depletes the body of the amino acid Taurine, so you may want to supplement with this during a cycle of Clen.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

However you decide to incorporate this substance into your program, you must always start low and never go above 8 tablets a day (with a complete maximum being 200mcgs). Monitor your blood pressure and keep it at (or below) 140/90. If it goes above that, or if side effects become intolerable use your common sense and decrease the dose.

ENHANCING THE EFFECTS

Many competitive athletes find that the fat burning effects of Clenbuterol can be enhanced by combining it with thyroid hormones (particularly Cytomel). The thermogenic effect in this instance can be very powerful. When combined these cutting agents can even counter the fat storing effects of strong aromatizing androgens. A Clenbuterol/thyroid mix is also common when using growth hormone, as it seems to increase the thermogenic and anabolic effect significantly.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.

This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag giving information on a variety of performance-enhancing drugs for educational purposes. While it is apparent that people are going to use these substances regardless of the health and legal risks involved, quality information is necessary and learning as much about them as possible can only assist an adult making a decision either way.

EPHEDRINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Ephedrine is one of the all time favorites when it comes to fat burning, increasing training energy and enhancing both strength and focus. Unlike Clenbuterol (another popular fat loss agent) ephedrine is both an alpha and beta adrenegenic agonist – Clenbuterol is a selective beta 2 agonist.

Ephedrine enhances the release of norepinephrine – an alpha agonist whose action is similar to adrenaline (the ‘fight or flight’ hormone which prepares the body for action).
On administration ephedrine increases the activity of the Central Nervous System (CNS). This is displayed by an increase in body temperature which reflects an increase in metabolic rate leading to the burning of subcutaneous body fat. This whole process is triggered by the breakdown of triglycerides in fatty tissue and leads to the athlete displaying a more defined appearance – which makes it an ideal pre- contest drug.

It is also suggested that Ephedrine may actually increase the effectiveness of some anabolic steroids due to its influence on the metabolism of fat, protein and carbs. The feeling being that an enhanced metabolic state could speed up the deposit of lean muscle mass.

The stimulant effects of Ephedrine also lead to an increase in strength and energy as well as mental focus – making it ideal fro pre-workout use (25-50mg usually getting the job done).

THE EPHEDRINE, CAFFEINE, ASPIRIN STACK

No look at ephedrine would be complete without paying homage to the famous Ephedrine, Caffeine and Aspirin stack made famous by many athletes.
The maximum effectiveness of this stack is due to the synergistic action of the ingredients and results are usually obtained when 25-50mg Ephedrine is combined with 200mg Caffeine and 100-300mg aspirin. This is not a stack for the beginner or health challenged trainer though as significant side effects can result including anorexia, rise in blood pressure, cardiac over stimulation, constipation, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, nervousness.

SIDE EFFECTS

Anyone considering using Ephedrine (or any stimulants) should educate themselves as to the side effects. These can be anything from shaky hands, tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and restlessness to more serious thyroid disturbances, high blood pressure and cardiac disruption.

DOSAGES

Despite the above references to side effects which should always be taken into consideration for safety purposes for anyone considering the use of stimulants. Ephedrine can be used very successfully in dosages of 25-50mg preferably taken before workouts to enhance strength, focus and intensity. Start low to assess your individual tolerance and it is best to reserve it for pre-workout use and to take periodic breaks from it so that your body does not build up a tolerance to it and stop responding to its stimulatory effects.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.