Ephedrine primary mechanism of action is through increasing catecholamine activity at alpha, beta-1, and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. It also acts as a NDRA (norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent).
Ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, acts on part of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The principal mechanism of action relies on its indirect stimulation of the adrenergic receptor system by increasing the activity of norepinephrine at the postsynaptic α and β receptors. The presence of direct interactions with α receptors is unlikely, but still controversial. L-ephedrine, and particularly its stereoisomer norpseudoephedrine (which is also present in Catha edulis) has indirect sympathomimetic effects and due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it is a CNS stimulant similar to amphetamines, but less pronounced, as it releases noradrenaline and dopamine in the substantia nigra.
The presence of an N-methyl group decreases binding affinities at α receptors, compared with norephedrine. Ephedrine, though, binds better than N-methylephedrine, which has an additional methyl group at the nitrogen atom. Also the steric orientation of the hydroxyl group is important for receptor binding and functional activity.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
In comparison to other stimulants, ephedrine has particularly strong effects on the cardiovascular system, and its use has been associated with heart attacks, strokes, and arrythmia.
A 28-year-old white female with a history of two prior suicide attempts was found dead in her home by her common law husband. Autopsy findings were unremarkable except for partially dissolved ephedrine tablets in the stomach contents. Significant toxicological finding included ephedrine concentrations in the blood of 11 mg/L, liver of 24 mg/kg, kidney of 14 mg/kg, and brain of 8.9 mg/kg.
As with other stimulants, the chronic use of ephedrine can be considered moderately addictive and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.
Tolerance to the effects of ephedrine are quickly built after repeated and frequent usage. Ephedrinepresents cross-tolerance with other dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of ephedrine, most other stimulant compounds will have a reduced effect.
Severe Interactions of ephedrine include: iobenguane I 123, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.
Canada: Ephedrine can be sold for breathing purposes in 8 milligram doses OTC.
Germany: Ephedrine is a prescription only medication.
Sweden: Ephedrine is a prescription only medication.
United states: Ephedrine is controlled under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 and can be purchased behind the counter in all U.S. states. All pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine purchases are kept and maintained in state databases to ensure that no individual may exceed daily and monthly thresholds. The daily limit is 3.6 g of any of these substances and 9 g per 30 day period. Pseudoephedrine products can also be bought in larger quantities with a valid prescription.
Responsible use
Ephedrine (Wikipedia)
Ephedrine (Erowid Vault)
Ephedrine (Isomer Design)
Ephedrine (DrugBank)
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Ephedrine can be administered via oral. The route of administration can influence both the onset and intensity of emotion suppression.