Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

Ephedrine
Pseudoephedrine
Ephedrine Hydrochloride

Scientific Names: Ephedrine Hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride

Generic Names: Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine

An example of what Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are medicines in tablet, capsule and topical treatment forms that are used as nasal decongestants. They are also sold illicitly on the internet often as a powder. Although pseudoephedrine and ephedrine have been misused as recreational stimulant drugs, they can be used as precursor chemicals and used in the illegal manufacture methylamphetamine (crystal meth) and methcathinone.

Effects of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

Desired Effects:

Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine have been used by body builders, athletes and cyclists to supress appetite increase metabolism. They have been used for their stimulants effect but more commonly are found as an adulterant in more common stimulant street drugs.

Side Effects:

Anxiety, headache, insomnia; nausea.

Risks

Long term risks:

Stimulant dependence, heart arrhythmias, increase in blood pressure.

Short term risks:

Anxiety, paranoia.

How does Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine work?

Central nervous system stimulant.

Legal status of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

At lower doses ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found in OTC pharmacy preparations. Any product that contains more than 720 mg pseudoephedrine or 180 mg ephedrine cannot be sold without a prescription.

How is Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine taken?

It can be swallowed as a tablet, snorted up the nose, dissolved in a drink, or injected.

Paraphernalia

If snorted - razor blade, hard level surface (such as a mirror or glass), tube or rolled banknote.

If injected: syringe and needle, water, tourniquet.

Medical uses of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

It is mainly used as a nasal decongestant.

Where Does it Come From?

It is an alkaloid derived from various plants in the Ephedra family. It is a pharmaceutical drug which is sometimes diverted from legitimate manufacture. It is also contained in over the counter products sold in pharmacies.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Many drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents, family members and partners of people using drugs. They may provide relative support groups or advice, guidance and counselling on a one to one basis.