Ephedrine

What is Ephedrine?

Ephedrine is a plant that is found in central Asia and other parts of the world. The Ephedrine plant has been used medicinally. Ephedrine is a stimulant containing the herbal form of ephedra, an FDA-regulated drug found in over-the-counter asthma medications.

Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat breathing problems (as a bronchodilator), nasal congestion (as a decongestant), low blood pressure problems (orthostatic hypotension), or myasthenia gravis.

Ephedrine is widely used for weight loss, as an energy booster, and to enhance athletic performance. These products often contain other stimulants, such as caffeine, which may have synergistic effects and increase the potential for adverse effects.

Ephedrine main active medical ingredients are the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudo ephedrine. The ephedras also contain various tannins and related chemicals. The concentrations of these alkaloids depend upon the particular species of ephedra used.

Side Effects and Warnings of Ephedrine

Ephedra or Ephedrine gained its primary fame as a weight loss drug. It is not, however, considered by many healthcare professionals and medical researchers as a safe herb to help people loose weight. It is now believed that higher doses cause many amphetamine-like side effects, including dry mouth to more severe problems including heart failure.

Nervousness, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping may occur. These are the main side effects that are noted with those taking Ephedrine.

Most notable is Ephedra's potentially dangerous effect of over stimulating the central nervous system, raising blood pressure, and increasing heart rate. Some of these side effects can be life threatening. This has led to the supplement being banned in the USA.

It is also unfortunately used as the main ingredient in making the illegal drug methamphetamine. You should never take an Ephedrine based supplement without the advice of your doctor. You should also regularly check with the medical practitioner in case there are any of the above side effects.

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