Slang:
Herbal Fuel, Chi Powder, Zest. Ephedrine is also found in some
herbal ecstasy and herbal compounds such as Ephedra and Ma Huang.
Background:
Ephedrine is an ingredient used in certain over the counter
medications (mostly nasal drops) to treat congestion and asthma.
It's a stimulant, originally derived from an Asiatic shrub, and acts
on the central nervous system. Recent reports suggest an increase in
recreational misuse, in which the drug is taken orally (by mouth).
The Effects:
- Increased heart
rate and blood pressure.
- Dilates the
bronchioles in the lungs, making breathing easier.
- Users report
feeling more alert and focused.
The Risks
- At high doses,
users can experience anxiety, heart palpitations, vomiting,
tremors and insomnia. Medium risk of overdose. Low dependency
risk.
- Long term
recreational misuse has been linked to strokes and heart attack.
- Reports of
undesirable side-effects are widespread, and lawsuits are
pending in the states concerning a number of deaths alleged to
be associated with ephedrine use.
- Ephedra/Ma huang
is sold as a dieting supplement in the USA and has been
associated with many serious side effects such as strokes,
kidney failure and miscarriages.
The Law
- Ephedrine is not
currently classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse
of Drugs Act, so no penalties apply for possession or use of
small amounts.
- Selling ephedrine
as an unlicensed preparation would risk prosecution under the
Medicines Act.
- It is illegal to
sell Ephedra/Ma Huang over the counter in the UK, although
TheSite found them being offered for sale on British health food
web sites.
If you are planning to take this drug:
- Think about the
risks before using without medical supervision, especially
anyone with a heart condition or diabetes.
Advice and support:
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