Long-term Side-effects of Amphetamine Usage

[Zuras]

I guess I have a couple questions:

Is ephedrine considered an amphetamine? Would a doctor say such?

What are some of the long-term effects that could come from long term usage?

Over the last 4-5 years(used ephedrine for over a year, previously), I've had some serious side-effects, totally life altering side-effects. These include but not limited to:

Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Paranoia
Mental lethargy
Physical lethargy
Severe loss of short-term memory
Black outs or "near" black outs(fainting)
Circulation problems(feet/hands)

Basically, I feel like an 80 year old man with Alzheimer with a little paranoia thrown in.... I had none of the problems prior to my usage of the drug.

Did these all just "happen" or could they have been related to my tenure of taking ephedrine??

If this could have been due to ephedrine usage, I would love to find any medical studies that say this or suggest it. Please let me know of any information anyone has or where I could look.

[OxyDout]

****, i really don't know, but hopefully someone else has some more experience...............

[Witchywoman]

I hate to tell you this, but my best guess is that your symptoms could be associated with the long term ephredine use.  Even the natural herb ephedra is an amphetamine, and all long term use of amphetamines can cause major side effects and symptoms, some of which fit the list you describe. Here at the psychiatry clinic I work at, we see people coming in with these kinds of effects after using speed for too long.

I don't know for sure if this is the case, but it is possible.

Is there any way you can get to a doctor and tell them exactly what you took and for how long, to see if they know how to help you? I know you don't have health insurance, but I do worry for how you must be feeling.

I wish I had more info for you. I'll do a web search and see if I find anything.

good luck,
WW

[OxyDout]

WW I think we finally found something that we disagree on........ haha, anyway, i disagree with your statement, although physicians ,hospitals etc. make ephedrine as "nasty" as speed I do not agree.  I myself have taken ephedrine for a LONG period of time, i know many others that have done the same.  The only time I have seen ephedrine effect someone that badly is when the person has a PRE-EXISTING MED. issue, or when they combine ephedrine with speed, alcohol or other drugs..... I have NEVER seen anyone have a side effect from straight ephedrine, and multiple 12 to 15 year studys have shown no major side affects, I have done many hours of research over the last year...............  

Zuras, I still agree 100% with what I initially stated, but as WW recommended, if you can get to a Dr. it can't hurt....... and you obviously need to see someone, so go get looked at if its possible.

GWH

[spint]

Ephedrine is not an amphetamine.  It does however act in the same way and Yes you can react to it as you have and Yes it is addicting.  Do an interent search on ephedrine side effects, You will see all of the bad things that can happen to you because  of its use, even death.  

[joe beyers]

I took ephedrine from age 19 to 21,  and I believe it has changed my life forever. It made me feel great! I'm now 33 and I still think about it on almost a daily basis. I had all of the side effects you mentioned accept for the short term memory loss. I was consuming large amounts of caffeine at the time, as well as alcohol, and I believe the mixing of these together was the real cause of my adverse side effects.

[Richo]

Hi this is Rich, I know alot about ephredine, I used it for about 10 yrs, no serious side effects, however, i only took 3 pills per week.  I had to stop taking it because, I experimented with Salvia Diviorumn, it did something to my central nervous system, where I can't take any kind of speedy susbstances anymore, not even coffee.  My suggestion to u guys, if u take it in small amounts, without any strenous activities, it shouldn't cause any problems. Unless, u have a serious health condition prior to usage.