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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jms600 on March 8, 2006, at 20:39:06
Hi,
Can anyone help? I suffer from moderate depression (with a particular lack of interest in things), GAD and social phobia. Over the last few months I have been taking Ephedrine 35mg either once or twice a day (totaling 70mg per day) depending on how I'm feeling. I tend to take it about 4 or 5 days a week but never every day of the week.
I find it really useful in giving me a 'feel-good' effect - I guess very slightly euphoric. Whatever, it does help my depression and helps me to become more alert and interested in the things around me.
I live in the UK and buy Ephedrine over the internet (I think it's still legal in the UK). My doctor was very dismissive when I asked him about it, but anything he hasn't heard of or has never prescribed he is always very critical of - just to cover himself.
Can anyone tell me if Ephedrine is safe? If so, at what dosage is it safe? Is it addictive? Does it have any long-term mental health effects as other stimulants do, such as Amphetamines?
Any information would be gratefully appreciated!
Thanks!
Posted by wireless on March 8, 2006, at 20:39:06
In reply to Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by jms600 on March 8, 2006, at 19:28:21
Hello,
I went through a period of 1 1/2 years taking ephedrine and ephedra (from Mahuang extract I believe) in much the same way as you do when it was still legal, (as you might be aware, it was made illegal in the U.S., in 2003 or 04 I believe): I never seemed to develop any serious health problems on it. But I would not touch the stuff again. I was basically using it as a self-help treatment for ADD/depression, along with caffeine. You know what, I did have some kinda of scary moments on it when I first started taking it. Heart racing types of feelings. In my experience, I think it is definitely a stronger substance than adderral/ritalin - but some people might disagree with that. After reading about all of the deaths and other dangers of taking it, I realized that controlled ADD medication should at least be slightly safer than ephedrine. I am not exactly familiar with the FDA findings on ephedra use, but I think there were something like 100 known deaths - a much higher ratio I would think than the millions who have taken ADD meds.
So I am saying that I would not mess around with it. Hope this helps.
Posted by wireless on March 8, 2006, at 20:39:06
In reply to Re: Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by wireless on March 8, 2006, at 19:52:13
BTW, I would say that it is slightly less addictive than other ADD meds, although I have never had a problem with addiction other than to caffeine.
The withdrawal process was very similar to other ADD meds, more akin to Ritalin perhaps.
Posted by ed_uk on March 11, 2006, at 10:52:59
In reply to Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by jms600 on March 8, 2006, at 19:28:21
Hi
Ephedrine can be risky RE the cardiovascular system. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is particularly important.
Regards
Ed
Posted by ed_uk on March 11, 2006, at 10:53:00
In reply to Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by jms600 on March 8, 2006, at 19:28:21
Hi
>I live in the UK and buy Ephedrine over the internet (I think it's still legal in the UK). My doctor was very dismissive when I asked him about it, but anything he hasn't heard of or has never prescribed he is always very critical of - just to cover himself.
Ephedrine tablets and syrup are available on prescription in the UK. It was formerly a popular treatment for asthma. Ephedrine is also present (in combination with theophylline, a caffeine-like drug) in the over-the-counter product 'Do-do Chesteze'.
Regards
Ed
Posted by maxime on March 12, 2006, at 15:39:30
In reply to Re: Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by ed_uk on March 9, 2006, at 15:25:29
I use ephedra because I am anorexic and I try to boost my metabolism. I would suggest using a prescription stimulant. Not all ephedrine is the same. Also my heart races like crazy on it and I feel nauseous. At one point I was taking so much of it my body was twitching.
Although I use it myself, I just don't think it's safe.
MAxime
Posted by Declan on March 12, 2006, at 18:23:28
In reply to Can anyone offer advice on Ephedrine???, posted by jms600 on March 8, 2006, at 19:28:21
I used to take ephedrine a long time ago. There's got to be something better. I'd put it in the same bag as phentermine, diethylpropion, propylhexedrine and similar. You have to be young and healthy to do it, and why waste your health on that stuff? Isn't it just amphetamine without the fun? You'd be much better off on a tiny dose of that IMO. No doubt you need something or other. I just hope you find something that is better for you.
Declan
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