Difference between ADD drugs and ephedra?!
Question:
Difference between ADD drugs and ephedra?
most ADD drugs prescribed, like adderall, have the same effects, including negative side effects and warnings, as ephedra/ephedrine...so why is taking ephedra so much worse? seems to me that if you don't abuse it and take it within the recommended dosage it would be the same as taking adderall. i know both have caused deaths, but so has just about everything in the world today...
Answers:
ADD drugs are supposed to selectively stimulate the frontal lobe of the brain. Since (in theory) ADD is caused by/results in lower-than-normal frontal lobe activity, the drugs should allow clearer thinking and better self control IF the patient has ADD. If not, the drugs act as any other amphetamine--thus the warnings.
Ephedra (Ma Huang) is actually an extract of a popular herb in Chinese Medicine, with several uses. In small quantities in combination with other herbs,it can be quite useful. Taken in larger quantities all by itself, it is a powerful metabolic and CNS stimulant--and there have been some very bad reactions from people who have done this (including heart attack). DO NOT take it except under the supervision of a medical professional, preferably someone trained in the use of Chinese herbs.