Ephedrine Caffeine Stack – Good Weight Loss Supplement or Dangerous Drug.

[tazzman]

There are loads of theories and stories concerning the EC stack most of which are rumours that are floated around from half studies and hype.

I thought I would stick down my thoughts and some facts that I collected before I took an EC stack.

The details I found about the first half of the EC stack, Ephedrine is that its Historic or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies but learned from websites like GNC): The Chinese have used ephedra medicinally for over 5,000 years. Ephedra is listed as one of the original 365 herbs from the classical first century A.D. text on Chinese herbalism by Shen Nong. Ephedra’s traditional medicinal uses include the alleviation of sweating, lung and bronchial constriction, and water retention. Coughing, shortness of breath, the common cold, and fevers without sweat are all indications for its use. While its active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in 1887, the herb did not become popular with U.S. physicians until 1924 for its bronchodilating and decongesting properties.

How much is usually taken?

The crude powdered stems of ephedra (with less than 1% ephedrine) are used at 1.5–6 grams per day, taken as a tea. The crude herb can also be taken in capsule or tablet form, at 500–1,000 mg of ephedra two to three times daily. Tinctures of 1–4 ml three times per day can be taken. Alternatively, standardized extracts supplying 12–25 mg of total alkaloids (calculated as ephedrine) per capsule or tablet may be taken two to three times daily. This form may be preferable for monitoring total daily intake of ephedrine.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Ephedra has a long history of safe use at the recommended amounts. However, abuse of ephedra (and particularly ephedrine)—especially for weight loss or as a recreational drug in the form of pseudoephedrine — can lead to amphetamine-like side effects, including elevated blood pressure, rapid heart beat, nervousness, irritability, headache, urination disturbances, vomiting, muscle disturbances, insomnia, dry mouth, heart palpitations, and even death due to heart failure. One study has shown that a single application of ephedra caused only mild elevation of heart rate but did not consistently affect blood pressure in otherwise healthy adults. When taken at higher levels, ephedra can cause drastic increases in blood pressure, as well as cardiac arrhythmias.

So now it comes to mixing the Ephedrine with caffeine – studies have shown that when the two compounds are mixed an alleviation in heart rate is noted therefore anyone with heart conditions, hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disease should as always check with your physician before taking an EC stack.

So is it safe?

As far as the studies I have read have shown Ephedrine and caffeine like most weight loss products that increase your metabolic rate also creates an alleviation in your heart rate and should always be taken with sensible caution and discontinued if any side affects are noted. I personally try and stay away from products that contain the Guaraná plant as its main source of caffeine as combining caffeine drug products such as ephedra (ephedrine) and guaraná increases caffeine-induced side effects. I do recommend if possible that you try and find clean sources of ephedrine and caffeine to create the stack (I get mine from a registered doctor) as it reduces side affects caused by the mix of herbs that a lot of companies put into there weight loss products to try and increase the affects as the body can only take so much punishment before something needs to give, rather use the fact that the ephedra and caffeine give you a good energy boost and spend a little more time on the CV equipment.

So in conclusion an EC stack is safe as long as you use it safely and wisely.

[mingo3403]

great read man

[pvillebo]

where can you get it at? the gnc in my area does not sell any products containing ephedrine.

[conwaylucas]

if you are in shape , then it is safe.

if you are out of shape, then it is dangerous.

[shabaman]

It's safe as long as you are knowledgeable about dosages and not over working your heart while on it/ I.E. rigorous cardio or intense exercise.

[avio]

Is it safe to take Lipo 6? bodybuilding.com/store/nutrex/lipo6.html

I don't think it has any Ephedrine. I won't be doing any out of this world intense cardio routines while on it, and will be monitoring my heart rate during my cardio sessions.

Since I've bulked up quite nicely over the past few months, and will be cutting starting June. Hoping Lipo 6 will help with energy and boost the fat burning process somewhat hopefully.

Could it possibly cause any damage to my body? What should I avoid? What precautions should I take while on Lipo 6?

[Ratix]

Sorry if it's been answered already. But i'd like to ask you guys if ephedrine is free to buy again, in united states. I know it was banned, but have things changed?
In my country you need the prescription from the medic, but don't know in what cases he does that. Maybe next year, when i'll cut, i'll ask him about that.

[Avaric3]

the only way you can get ephedrine in the us now is by goin to your local drug store and buying a product called "bronkaid" or "primatene". bronkaid is more preferred tho cuz its dosage is better

[Ratix]

Thx.
I've just read that bodybuilders usually take a stack made of ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin.
So, how could you take this stack?
Maybe with one pill of bronkaid, 1 coffe (to stay on natural food), and 1 aspirin with water?

[VDubb]

the only way you can get ephedrine in the us now is by goin to your local drug store and buying a product called "bronkaid" or "primatene". bronkaid is more preferred tho cuz its dosage is better

Bronkaid is slightly cheaper per dose......but it's a toss up as to which is "better"......

Primatine uses Ephedrine HCl, whereas Bronkaid uses Ephedrine Sulfate.......

The difference:

Ephedrine HCl is approximately 82% ephedrine by weight.

Ephedrine sulfate is approximately 77% ephedrine by weight.

25 mg ephedrine HCl = 20.5 mg ephedrine

25 mg ephedrine sulfate = 19.25 mg ephedrine

[VDubb]

Thx.
I've just read that bodybuilders usually take a stack made of ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin.
So, how could you take this stack?
Maybe with one pill of bronkaid, 1 coffe (to stay on natural food), and 1 aspirin with water?

http://www.hotnfit.com/ecstack.htm

^Read this ENTIRE thing.......and don't be an idiot and just pop some pills.......follow the dosage indicated in the above link........or risk death......... :)

[Strike-Force]

if you are in shape , then it is safe.

if you are out of shape, then it is dangerous.


That's about the sorriest comment I've read on here in a few days. It can be just as unsafe for people in shape and just as safe for poeple out of shape. It's about using this stack in a safe correct manner and about your overall state of health, not whether you're in shape or not.

[Ratix]

Bronkaid is slightly cheaper per dose......but it's a toss up as to which is "better"......

Primatine uses Ephedrine HCl, whereas Bronkaid uses Ephedrine Sulfate.......

The difference:

Ephedrine HCl is approximately 82% ephedrine by weight.

Ephedrine sulfate is approximately 77% ephedrine by weight.

25 mg ephedrine HCl = 20.5 mg ephedrine

25 mg ephedrine sulfate = 19.25 mg ephedrine

So one should take 2 pills of primatene per dose?
Is the difference only the quantity of ephedrine, or also the quality?

[Ratix]

^Read this ENTIRE thing.......and don't be an idiot and just pop some pills.......follow the dosage indicated in the above link........or risk death......... :)

Thx for the link dude.
But i'd still like to use aspirin. After having read that link though, i may only take 1 or at most 2 pills of aspirins (adult ones) per day.
So, do i have to take the normal aspirins that dissolve in water?

[dannymyers1988]

i recently just finished a course of eca 30+
the outcome was great even give u a great boost when training!!

[conwaylucas]

That's about the sorriest comment I've read on here in a few days. It can be just as unsafe for people in shape and just as safe for poeple out of shape. It's about using this stack in a safe correct manner and about your overall state of health, not whether you're in shape or not.


I'm sorry if every single post I make is not scientifically accurate.... but that statement is general and my own opinion.

Even at the recommended dosages, for out of shape people, I believe the EC stack is unsafe. For people that are in shape, at recommended dosages, I believe the EC stack is safe.

A fat person should not decide to change his life, get on the EC stack and start running.... that is how ephedrine became illegal in the first place.

[du3ce]

u shouldnt be running while on the ec stack no matter how fit or unfit u are

[Strike-Force]

A fat person should not decide to change his life, get on the EC stack and start running.... that is how ephedrine became illegal in the first place.

ephedrine was banned due to misuse in general by all sorts of idiots, not just fat folks. Granted a fat person would have a higher propensity for stim induced medical issues, however I've seen many more "in shape" people misuse stims than I have fat people. Typically it's the people who are just a little overweight that abuse the hell out of them because they are under the misconception that it's a quick fix to burn off that fat.

Regardless of who decides to use them, definitely make sure you are up on all the facts surrounding it.

[kapil_g]

for all the information about ephedrine effects and how to take

just-ephedrine.co.uk[/url]

[dougie-fresh]

I just took a three week crash deit to get some pictures taken and a big part of my cutting was 25mg ephedrine, 100mg caffine and 100mg of asprine. I've taken this stack before to lose weight and believe this to be the most correct and safest dose of each pill in the stack.

[BigChamp89]

EC stack is perfectly safe if you use the recommended dosage

[cpursx]

So in conclusion an EC stack is safe as long as you use it safely and wisely.

Just like so many things in life.

[BrbGettinHyooge]

EC stack is perfectly safe if you use the recommended dosage

Just like mostly everything. :)

[Ratix]

Couldn't find the 60 caps pack. So i only got what the pharmacy had, that is, 2 packs of 24 caps.

[phoenixr2]

u shouldnt be running while on the ec stack no matter how fit or unfit u are

Why do you say that?

[invega]

I used Ripped Fuel back in the day when it had Ephedra and gaurana (Spelling?) in it. I used it during my college days like 5 days on 2 days off for a couple years and developed PVC's that i've kept as a souviner since then. Not saying it was directly related, I guess i'll never know, but i never had any other health problems or a family history prior. Just saying

[du3ce]

Why do you say that?

it raises your bp

[ThinLikeWhoa]

Like stated, Bronkaid for the US, if you want the real thing, order it from a supplement company in Canada.

[Katimba]

Ephedra by itself does not really do anything, well at least for me, its not until you mix it with some guarana or other caffeine that magic happens. It is safe as long as you don't over do more than 100mg of about 4-8 percent ephedra in a single day or a serving, but it also depends on your body and tolerance. The chinese have been using this herb for about a thousand years with no problems, moderation is the key. I have a nice black chunk of 8% ma huang, i grind it up with some guarana and pour it into a redbull, 30 mins later you feel like an animal. you just have to know what u r doing and not abuse it.

[DANNYVOMIT]

u shouldnt be running while on the ec stack no matter how fit or unfit u are


Ya thats a dumb statement. Its a supplement bro, you diet and exercise and supplement it with that. I ran the EC stack twice, it is a powerful cheap($$) product, combine it with a calorie deficit and fasted cardio ( i prefer 25-30 min 3 or 4 times a week) and you will see some great results. YOU CAN RUN ON THIS!!! JUST DONT OVER EXERT YOURSELF, SAFEST BET IT TO KEEP HEARTRATE ROUND 130. SEEN PEOPLE DO 150bpm FOR CARDIO BUT THAT SEEMS TO HIGH FOR ME. NOT A MIRACLE DRUG WHERE YOU EAT IT AND SIT ON UR ASS ALL DAY.....

[Justin23454]

Ya thats a dumb statement. Its a supplement bro, you diet and exercise and supplement it with that. I ran the EC stack twice, it is a powerful cheap($$) product, combine it with a calorie deficit and fasted cardio ( i prefer 25-30 min 3 or 4 times a week) and you will see some great results. YOU CAN RUN ON THIS!!! JUST DONT OVER EXERT YOURSELF, SAFEST BET IT TO KEEP HEARTRATE ROUND 130. SEEN PEOPLE DO 150bpm FOR CARDIO BUT THAT SEEMS TO HIGH FOR ME. NOT A MIRACLE DRUG WHERE YOU EAT IT AND SIT ON UR ASS ALL DAY.....

Its probly better to say dont do HIIT rather then dont do cardio.

[DANNYVOMIT]

Its probly better to say dont do HIIT rather then dont do cardio.

that would be the word I was looking for..thanks bro.

[bz91589]

Im 6'3 305, im wondering what would be the recommended dose of eca stack would u suggest? Did you guys have any side effects at all? any help would be great!

[N.K.]

Ephedra by itself does not really do anything, well at least for me, its not until you mix it with some guarana or other caffeine that magic happens. It is safe as long as you don't over do more than 100mg of about 4-8 percent ephedra in a single day or a serving, but it also depends on your body and tolerance. The chinese have been using this herb for about a thousand years with no problems, moderation is the key. I have a nice black chunk of 8% ma huang, i grind it up with some guarana and pour it into a redbull, 30 mins later you feel like an animal. you just have to know what u r doing and not abuse it.

I agree. Have had no real results with Epedra by itself. Mixing it as you describe (love the Red Bull - I am big fan of that!), is pretty much what I have done to get anything out of it.

I would add that they need to make sure that they are not doing this at like 3:00 pm on if they plan on sleeping!

[PJBOY]

where online is the cheapest?

im a noob so is there a site that tells me the safe amount to take

[Justin23454]

25mg. Look it up on here there is a biiig thread about it.

EDIT: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=106816881

[PJBOY]

25mg. Look it up on here there is a biiig thread about it.

EDIT: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=106816881

thanks..next question is

what will the Guaifenesin do?

[dh_biker]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaifenesin

[havoc00]

Basically I have asthma, and no insurance. I play ice hockey, I know that the EC stack isn't great for that type of hit like activity. But what about just taking the bronkaid for the asthma during an activity like that? Would the ephedra still pose a threat to me or is that only intensified with caffeine?

[dlm]

thanks..next question is

what will the Guaifenesin do?

give you diarrhea...hate that stuff, but oh well lol

yellow power is a good supplement i've found...EC in one bottle and no guaif stuff.

Basically I have asthma, and no insurance. I play ice hockey, I know that the EC stack isn't great for that type of hit like activity. But what about just taking the bronkaid for the asthma during an activity like that? Would the ephedra still pose a threat to me or is that only intensified with caffeine?

i have a bit of asthma as well, works well for me

[Justin23454]

give you diarrhea...hate that stuff, but oh well lol

yellow power is a good supplement i've found...EC in one bottle and no guaif stuff.

never got the runs from it.

[dlm]

never got the runs from it.

count yourself lucky...i was hoping to avoid some of the listed side effects but that one got me lol...it only happened right when i started taking it though...i've adjusted

[havoc00]

i have a bit of asthma as well, works well for me


thanks for the reply, ill try this before my next game.

[Thuirwyne]

thanks for the reply, ill try this before my next game.

Just make sure you leave out the aspirin; that can make the asthma worse.

[ukbutler]

i definately recommend ECA before playing sports, i used to take it before soccer matches and it made me faster, fitter and stronger, and it definately improved my awareness

[Vietgoboi]

i definately recommend ECA before playing sports, i used to take it before soccer matches and it made me faster, fitter and stronger, and it definately improved my awareness
Good job, what works for you is fine, and I hope others don't follow your foot steps lolz.
--

Just let you know, a football player die taking EC before a practice game.

Hot weather included ;)

[jturcotte]

good article man.

[hema456]

thank you