Definition of ephedrine
"It produces a pleasant sensation of well-being and energy, which pervades the whole body ...": this is the definition that, at least in a first period, many faithful users attribute to "ephedrine.
More than for the plant itself, L "Ephedra synica - from the Greek ephedros, indicating a climbing plant - is known for its active ingredient (ephedrine).
Therapeutic properties
For therapeutic purposes, in fact, ephedrine can occasionally be used as a nasal decongestant and bronchodilator, useful against asthma, cough, various allergic forms, rhinitis, and to combat obesity, thanks to its lipolytic-thermogenic action. More than for these curative properties, however, ephedrine is remembered above all for the heavy side effects that derive from its abuse.
Medical prescription
First of all, for the authorization to take ephedrine, often renamed "the" vegetable adrenaline ", a doctor's prescription is required. It is no coincidence that in Italy and in various other countries the inclusion of ephedrine in the formulation of food supplements is absolutely forbidden; we find it instead in some medicinal specialties, mainly in the form of pseudoephedrine.
Reaction of the organism
Several people illegally take ephedrine in the belief that no significant side effects develop - but this is not the case. If at the beginning of the intake, even at low doses, the body tends to resist fatigue more and is pervaded by a pleasant excitement, to continue enjoying these benefits the subject is forced to take higher and higher doses of ephedrine. This substance can therefore be considered a real drug: when the body gets used to the intake and begins to develop tolerance and dependence, it pushes the person to take it in ever greater quantities.
Contraindications
Ephedrine should not be taken by subjects suffering from prostatic hypertrophy, in diabetics, by people with hypertension, arrhythmias or other cardiovascular problems, by cachexia, insomnia, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma, and by those with depression, anxiety and agitation .
Not recommended for children and the elderly.
Frequent use of ephedrine to relieve ailments such as rhinitis, sinusitis and nasopharyngitis, as well as causing hypersensitivity of the treated area, can cause increased blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular reactions.
Side Effects of Ephedrine
The side effects deriving from the abuse of ephedrine are many: hyper-excitement, nervousness, wheezing, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, pulmonary edema, myocarditis, psychomotor agitation, anxiety and tremors. If ephedrine is taken in high doses, together with exciting substances, such as caffeine, synephrine or even worse amphetamines, the result can be catastrophic for the body, up to coma and death. Among other possible side effects we remember those at the metabolic level, with the onset of hyperglycemia, ketonemia and ketonuria, especially in diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals. The concomitant use of ephedra and MAO inhibitors can cause hyperpyrexia, hypertension and coma.
The use of ephedrine for weight loss is a completely wrong approach to the problem of overweight and obesity. Instead of educating to a more correct lifestyle, in fact, ephedrine therapy is limited to giving the patient the illusion of rapid weight loss and without sacrifice, at the cost of heavy side effects and absolute ineffectiveness in the long term. which - considering the phenomenon of drug tolerance - the subject tends to regain the weight lost with lots of interests (yo-yo effect or cyclic weight syndrome).
