[Irenec]

Is any one taking ephedrine to help raise there blood preasure? Do you notice any side effects like speeding up your matablodism?

[Tetracyclone]

Ephedrine for low BP? Had not heard of that.
from the internet:

Many of you will recognize the name ephedra from all the controversy with its use in diet supplements but ephedra is a very powerful and beneficial herb used in Chinese medicine. It is also called Ma huang. Of all the herbs ephedra is one of the most potent herbs.

Ephedra or Ma huang is a cone-bearing shrub which is native to China but now found also found in other parts of the world. The jointed green stems of ma huang are the chief photosynthetic organs of the plant.

Herbs used to make beverages that contain ephedra have many names such as yellow river, mormon tea, and whorehouse tea. In ancient times Chinese physicians prescribed ephedra tea and pills for the common cold, coughs, asthma, and hay fever. Ephedra is also an excellent remedy for the relief of asthma because it acts as a bronchial dilator.

What is it exactly?

The stimulants, or uppers, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are the two widely used alkaloids of ma huang. These alkaloids are found in high concentrations in the internodes, and the thin stems. These alkaloids are less potent than adrenaline but more effective than caffeine. It is unwise to combine ma huang with any products that have caffeine because it enhances the performance of the herb causing nervousness, rapid heart beat, and insomnia.

The ma huang stem is safer

Herbalist’s agree that the intact ma huang stem is much safer to use for medicinal purposes than its alkaloid extracts which are very difficult to dose. An example of how the different plant parts act is: Pure ephedrine raises blood pressure but ephedra stems reduces it.

Ephedra is a very good bronchial dilator. It also is good for drying up the sinuses. A derivative of ephedra is helpful. in treating hay fever and allergies. You will find ephedra in cold medicines because it is a good decongestant. Synthetic ephedrine compounds are widely used in cold and allergy remedies, such as Sudafed. These products do not contain herbs but rather chemical forms of the active ingredients in the herbs. You can buy ephedra products at your health food store or online.

Ma huang stimulates the nervous system which enhances your mood and reduces fatigue. It can also increase energy and endurance because it increases the blood flow to the muscles. This increases the oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles.

Ephedrine

Ephedrine increases your basil metabolic rate or metabolism. The body then burn calories faster, and so ephedrine can result in substantial weight loss. This is why it was so popular in weight loss treatments. The only problem was that people were using too much. You know the old saying more is better. Well not with ephedrine. Too much result in serious side effects and can even cause death." The Chinese thought using it for weight loss was weird, but that was early 90s before their kids, too, blew up while staring at computer screens for years at a time.

In addition, Chinese practitioners sternly forbid the use of this herb in hot weather, so asthmatics switch to coffee to relieve bronchial swelling during hot weather. Heat plus Ma Huang can makes you feel sick as a dog and endanger heart function. It is a lot like "Speed", with chemical resemblance, so beware if it makes you feel really good and more alive. Talk to E-Dog if that happens.

Its illegal in the USA but I have my stash from Taiwan, so in this cold weather I'll give it a try again for BP. I will report back if it warms me up, but the side effect of dry sinuses during cold dry weather could derail the test.

[Wheelsonfire]

As I use supplements within my weight training, I am aware of Ephedrine.

Most body builders use fat burners to get shredded, Ephedrine is the main ingredient.

WARNING; it is known to induce strokes, bleeds within the brain......great for cutting body fat though.

To raise blood pressure, try drinking more coffee and increase your sodium intake

[Scribbler]

Wheelsonfire, on Jan 2 2010, 06:57 PM, said:

To raise blood pressure, try drinking more coffee and increase your sodium intake

Neither of those 2 things will work; I tried both.

If someone suffers really low BP, especially after eating it could be a form of, "Dumping Syndrome", which is what I suffered with and still do if I don't take my 15mg tablet of Ephedrine 30 minutes before eating Breakfast and my main meal.

When we (including AB's but its worse for SCI) eat a meal, our blood supply is directed to our stomach to digest our food. This lowers our BP, which in my case put me out like a light. I was diagnosed at my SU with Dumping Syndrome, which has just started to show up in long term SCI people like me. Since taking my small tablet of Ephedrine I've been fine; know more blacking out after eating.

I suffer no side effects, but realise everyone reacts differently to drugs.

[Tetracyclone]

Hey Scribbs, useful information!

[catmint]

Scribbler, on Jan 2 2010, 07:22 PM, said:

Wheelsonfire, on Jan 2 2010, 06:57 PM, said:

To raise blood pressure, try drinking more coffee and increase your sodium intake

Neither of those 2 things will work; I tried both.

If someone suffers really low BP, especially after eating it could be a form of, "Dumping Syndrome", which is what I suffered with and still do if I don't take my 15mg tablet of Ephedrine 30 minutes before eating Breakfast and my main meal.

When we (including AB's but its worse for SCI) eat a meal, our blood supply is directed to our stomach to digest our food. This lowers our BP, which in my case put me out like a light. I was diagnosed at my SU with Dumping Syndrome, which has just started to show up in long term SCI people like me. Since taking my small tablet of Ephedrine I've been fine; know more blacking out after eating.

I suffer no side effects, but realise everyone reacts differently to drugs.

My husband takes 2x15mg tablets of Ephedrine 30 minutes before he get up. Otherwise he would just flake out. Although he doesn't suffer from dumping syndrome.
He does experience a dry mouth overnight but that's about it.

[Scribbler]

catmint, on Jan 2 2010, 10:49 PM, said:

My husband takes 2x15mg tablets of Ephedrine 30 minutes before he get up. Otherwise he would just flake out. Although he doesn't suffer from dumping syndrome.
He does experience a dry mouth overnight but that's about it.

Catmint, its quite common for some SCI to feel faint when they get out of bed. I suffered with this when first injured,and could now if I wasn't careful.
When I wake up, I turn on my back and first raise the top of my bed while I have my morning coffee (plus other tasks ) By now my BP is high enough to get up without feeling faint, so I've learnt to adapt.

Years ago when I first got up I would sit with my feet up for a while, but I'm fine now. I only have problems after eating, hence the Ephedrine 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch. It increases my BP enough for me to eat safely.

I don't think your hubby's dry mouth has anything to do with Ephedrine; tell him to sleep with his mouth closed, and to stop snoring...

[Irenec]

Do you find epherdrine keeps you awake at night?