A word on ephedrine!
Ephedrine is an amphetamine-like stimulant that the FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved for treating asthma and allergies. But because it also has the potential to be abused, it can now only be purchased in limited quantities and from behind the counter (that means from a pharmacist). Buyers need to state their name and address, have identification, and be at least 18 years of age.
Why such a big fuss about Ephedrine?
For two very good reasons:
1. Because ephedrine and its chemical cousin, pseudoephedrine, are often used to make methamphetamine, and extremely dangerous illegal drug.
2. Because some companies make products containing ephedrine and claim that using them will help people lose weight, get bigger muscles, experience "natural" highs, and have more energy.
Unfortunately, the FDA hasn't approved ephedrine for any of these uses.
Users don't necessarily get the results they've been lead to expect.
And worst of all, manufactures don't even warn us about what the possible negative side effects might be.