Ephedrine

Substance

Ephedrine

Main active ingredient of the Ephedra plant, also known as Mormon tea, sea grape or Ma-Huang.

group

Stimulants

Substance groups

Forms of appearance

Tablets, powder (sometimes in capsules) or as tea.

Consumption patterns

swallowed and drunk.

dosage

25 – max. 50 mg

Effect

Circulatory stimulant, energy-enhancing and performance-enhancing, as well as appetite-suppressing.

Onset of action

after 20 – 60 min.

Duration of effect

up to 8 hours.

Aftereffects

2–4 hours (highly dependent on the dose)

caffeine

Caffeine wakes you up, accelerates your heartbeat, and temporarily increases mental performance. In higher doses (from about 300 mg), it produces euphoria.

Onset of action

after 5 – 10 minutes.

Duration of effect

1.5 – 5 hours.

Aftereffects

up to 24 hours.

Risks and side effects

Ephedrine

Palpitations, restlessness, and dehydration can occur even at low doses. Other possible side effects include feelings of tightness in the chest, increased blood pressure, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmias, and even heart attacks; overdoses can cause confusion and paranoia. The tannins in ephedra can cause stomach upset in larger quantities.

caffeine

Palpitations, restlessness, dehydration. High doses: sweating, palpitations, frequent urination, cardiac arrhythmias, perceptual disturbances, tremors, nervousness, and sleep disturbances.

Long-term risks

Ephedrine

Loss of appetite, sleep problems, impaired memory and concentration with prolonged use, nervousness, irritability, aggressive behavior, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic high blood pressure, dental problems, liver/kidney damage, and psychological disorders. Regular ephedrine use depletes the body and can lead to tolerance and addiction, primarily with psychological symptoms.

caffeine

Prolonged, regular, and high-dose caffeine consumption (including coffee and energy drinks!) can lead to sleep problems and the risk of addiction with physical symptoms. Possible withdrawal symptoms include headaches, nervousness, fatigue, vomiting, and even impaired movement and concentration. The acidity of coffee also promotes the long-term development of stomach ulcers. Continuous use of caffeine with painkillers can lead to severe kidney damage with life-threatening complications.

Safer Use

Use a low dose, as the active ingredient content can vary greatly, especially in (natural) herbs!
Ephedrine should not be consumed by people with circulatory problems/diseases, thyroid disorders, or liver/kidney damage!

Do not consume pure caffeine; instead, drink coffee or a caffeinated beverage.
Warning: Pure (synthetic) caffeine in powder form is often mixed with amphetamine and sold as speed.