About Crystal Meth

Ephedra, (ephedrine) (MaHuang) is a naturally occurring central nervous system stimulant obtained from the plants, MaHaung, Ephedra equisetina and others. It is also produced by chemical synthesis, the synthetic product being marketed in the form of ephedrine sulfate, ephedrine hall, or pseudoephedrine.

The side effects of ephedra are numerous and sometimes catastrophic. I should know as I experienced some terrible side effects over the 4 years that I took ephedra regularly. I started taking ephedra 14 years ago at the age of 20 to try and help shed some weight. Like so many other young adult women I was also struggling with an eating disorder. No matter how much weight I lost, I still saw myself as fat. Keep in mind that I am 5’4″ and at my heaviest 142 pounds. Hardly anything to be too concerned about. As time went on I became addicted to ephedra. It was a psychological addiction fueling my anorexia/bulimia. My sleeping patterns became terribly dysfunctional. At times I would not sleep at all. I stopped menstruating, due partially to the ephedrine as well as my eating disorder. My anxiety levels were through the roof and extreme mood swings were a regular occurrence. How anyone was able to be around me is now unfathomable! My heart was always racing and my behavior totally irrational. Thankfully, with the support of family and friends I was able to get off of ephedrine completely by the age of about 24 and have not touched it in 8 years. It took about a year for my system to get back to normal, where my anxiety levels settled down and my menstrual cycle returned. Funny thing is that I am in better shape now at the age of 32 and ephedrine free, than I ever have been in my life. Take it from me, ephedra is not worth it. Not to mention, these days it is illegal (for very good reason).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has compelling data showing that ephedra poses serious and unreasonable health risks to consumers. To date, the FDA says that at least 100 deaths have been linked to the use of ephedra. Other studies reveal that risks from the use of ephedra far outweigh any benefits
The Journal of the American Medical Association links the use of ephedra with risks of heart, psychiatric, and gastrointestinal problems, hypertension, irregular heartbeat, strokes and seizures. Some of those problems resulted in death or injury in previously healthy people. , while finding insufficient evidence to support its use to enhance athletic performance, or to promote long-term weight loss. The danger of ephedra regarding side effects is something many people are concerned about as ephedrine is closely related in structure to methamphetamine, (aka- crystal meth!) and its central nervous system actions are more potent per unit and longer-acting than those of the amphetamines. Higher doses can cause restlessness and anxiety, adrenal disorders, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, rapid pulse, sweating, respiratory difficulties, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and (very infrequently) convulsions. The most dangerous side effects of ephedra overdose are stroke, heart attack, abnormally high blood pressure and rapid, irregular heartbeat.

If you think you can start using ephedrine safely then this should interest you. A number of instances of psychosis, a side effect clinically similar to amphetamine psychosis, have resulted from long term ephedra abuse. Because of its extremely addictive properties, long term abuse of ephedra or ephedrine is very common and can cause severe with drawl symptoms when usage is discontinued, much like someone trying to get off of meth, or heroin.
These with drawl symptoms range from depression, to anxiety and manic depressive behavior associated with weight gain and metabolism changes.

Most of these side effects are due to the fact that ephedra and amphetamine usage can permanently damage your adrenals which depletes an important brain communication neurotransmitter called Noradrenalin, or commonly called Nor epinephrine (NE). It has been reported that depletion of NE from ephedra and amphetamine usage can reduce the effectiveness of a specific amine that provides mental energy and focus called Phenyl ethylamine. Without providing the nutrients to make NE and eventually Phenyl ethylamine, the ephedra/amphetamine usage eventually breaks your body down. In some individuals this brain chemical depletion can cause permanent behavioral damage.

Diet pills, weight loss enhancing supplements, fat burners and thermogenics. No matter what you call them, none of them are worth the potentially high price you may have to pay. Just stick to good old fashioned exercise and proper nutrition. Your body, mind and wallet will all be glad you did!

Crystal Meth: Crystal Darkness

Crystal Darkness is a documentry about the effects of Crystal Meth that the San Diego DA’s office sponsored.

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