Ephedrine: The effects on sport and use for weight loss
Ephedrine is a mixed-action sympathomimetic alkaloid molecule found in plants of the genus Ephedra
Like the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine, ephedrine has a similar chemical structure to amphetamines and can be regarded as their natural precursor.
The intake of ephedrine results in some of the typical effects of amphetamines, such as
- feelings of physical and mental well-being
- euphoria;
- increased energy and alertness;
- insensitivity to hunger and fatigue;
- improved performance in manual and intellectual activities.
The use of ephedrine as a slimming, doping or psychotropic drug is currently discouraged and banned, however, there are many products available that contain high amounts of it.
Ephedrine used as a slimming agent
Ephedrine is contained in many ‘slimming’ products.
One of the most interesting features of this substance, which is similar to but more potent than caffeine, is its ability to speed up metabolism by stimulating the secretion of catecholamines.
This effect, combined with its appetite-inhibiting power, is not quantifiable and varies from person to person.
The use of ephedrine products for slimming purposes may, however, be improper and potentially dangerous.
Ephedrine used as a drug
Ephedrine in medicine is useful in all cases where blood pressure needs to be increased.
It is used intravenously in the reversal of arterial hypotension (lowering of pressure) due to spinal/epidural anaesthesia.
It is also used for other hypotensive states, e.g. those caused by overdoses of ganglionic blocking drugs, anti-adrenergic agents, or other blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Ephedrine in traditional medicine
It has been and continues to be used today as a nasal decongestant and as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma, however, its popularity is rapidly waning due to the availability of more selective agents for these indications.
Indeed, the role in nasal congestion has largely been replaced by more potent adrenergic agonists (e.g. oxymetazoline), while the role in asthma has been almost entirely supplanted by beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, such as salbutamol, popular with asthmatics.
Ephedrine in sport
In sport, this drug is banned because it is considered a doping substance due to its stimulant effects.
Side effects of ephedrine
Abuse has very dangerous side effects similar to those of amphetamine abuse: restlessness, agitation, anxiety, psychosis, arrhythmias and cardiovascular disorders.
The most serious side effects that have been associated with ephedrine are increased blood pressure, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.
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