Ephedrine
The effects, the risks, the law.
Slang:
Herbal Fuel, Chi Powder, Zest.
Background:
Ephedrine is an ingredient used in certain over-the-counter medications (mostly nasal drops) to treat congestion and asthma. It's a stimulant, extracted from an Asiatic shrub called Ma Huang, and is often found in herbal ecstasy products such as Cloud 9 and Nirvana Plus. It acts on the central nervous system. Reports suggest an increase in recreational misuse, in which the drug is sold as pills and 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, with stimulating effects on the body, such as shivers down the spine and sensitive skin.
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;
- The US Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of ephedra in dieting supplements after studies showed the substance raises blood pressure and stresses the heart.
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;
- The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) is currently investigating ephedrine-based products. A consultation is underway, with proposals to change the legal status of ephedrine from pharmacy (medicines that may be sold by a pharmacist without prescription) to prescription only, with a restriction in pack size.
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.
