The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

Table 13-6. Adverse Effects of Amphetamine UseNervous System EffectsAcuteEffectsIrritabilityInsomniaRestlessnessDizzinessHeadacheVomitingConfusionParanoiaDeliriumUncontrolled AggressionDry MouthAbdominal PainChronicEffectsUncontrolled InvoluntaryMovementsHigh Blood PressureAddictionCerebral HemorrhageEphedrine and PseudoephedrineEphedrine, and its most notable derivative, pseudoephedrine, are adrenaline-likeCNS stimulants found in many over-the-counter cold and hay fever preparations as well asin many herbal products, in particular the herb known as Ma Huang. Like clenbuterol,ephedrine is a ß-agonist, and has properties similar to that of amphetamines. It is oftencombined with caffeine. At doses higher than found in over-the-counter medications,restlessness, muscle tremors, anxiety, and headaches are frequently produced. Ephedrine isnot widely used in sports to improve performance and there is no scientific evidence that itdoes. However, many people have used ephedrine and Ma Huang to lose weight throughan increase in resting metabolic rate and metabolism of fat. Recently a number of peoplehave died from drinking tea containing ephedrine. Given that it is banned by the OSOC anda potentially life-threatening agent, it should not be used.ErythropoietinErythropoietin (EPO) is used by endurance athletes to improve performance. Onetype of EPO, called rEPO or rhEPO, is used to treat a number of blood diseases. Athletesuse rEPO because it increases the red blood cell count by stimulating red blood cellproduction and speeding red blood cell release from the bone marrow to the blood stream.The red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, so more red cells mean more oxygen. TheThe Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 231