Muscle Sport Magazine

Ephedrine Hydrochloride Profile

By Leigh Penman

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).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

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
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