Last updated on September 17th, 2023
Ephedrine-Induced Priapism: (Prolonged erected penis)
What is Ephedrine?
Ephedrine comes from the plant Ephedra sinica, which can be found in Asia. For centuries this herb has been used in China for its medical properties. Famously helpful to break a fever and induce sweating.
Ephedrine is categorized as a stimulant it is similar structurally to amphetamines. However, the effects of ephedrine are much weaker than amphetamines.
Short History:
Products that contain the herb ephedra have been promoted and used in the United States since the 1980s.
This herb has been advertised as a weight loss aid and enhancer of athletic performance.
However, there is no or very little research backing up these claims. An overwhelming amount of complaints in the 1990s lead to its prohibition.
Legality:
Ephedrine is currently banned by:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- National Football League (NFL).
Reports of adverse effects included serious side effects and, in some cases, death. Many of those reports were coming from healthy young customers and professional athletes.
Ephedrine as a stimulant:
The ephedrine alkaloids are stimulants, and so ephedrine can:
- Increase heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Relax bronchial tissue
- Ease shortness of breath
- Decrease appetite
- Increase alertness
- Increase productivity
- Improve mood
- Decrease fatigue
At higher doses, it can promote anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.
Ephedrine and Cocaine:
Ephedrine has been commonly used as a cut for cocaine. Is not only cheaper than cocaine, but it also provides a kick of its own. Ephedrine is a stimulant, so, it has the ability to speed up the nervous system. This can lead to serious side effects:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Seizures
- Strokes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Death
Cocaine and Ephedrine-Induced Priapism: (Prolonged erected penis)
Drugs that facilitate, potentiate, or mimic the action of sympathetic nerves have been associated with priapism.
Cocaine inhibits norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, in other words, cocaine increases the amount of NE. Ephedrine has a more varied method of action, but it mostly works by increasing the amount of adrenaline and/or norepinephrine (NE).
In theory, ephedrine should not induce priapism. However, in animal and case studies, the combination of ephedrine and cocaine was shown to induce priapism.
More research is needed to reach a concrete answer. However, chronic use of cocaine and ephedrine increases the risk of developing priapism.
Testing Cocaine For Cuts
It is possible to test cocaine for a variety of cuts.
Get your test kit for Ephedrine and other Cocaine Cuts.
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