EPHEDRINE ABUSE AMONG 36 FEMALE WEIGHTLIFTERS

Ephedrine, a central nervous system stimulant is widely available over the counter in nutritional supplements for body-builders and other at hletes. Recently, federal agencies in the United States have reported growing numbers of adverse events attributable to use of this drug. Th e authors describe preliminary observations of 36 dedicated female ath letes who reported ephedrine use. Many of these women had used the dru g for years, often in high doses. Most had experienced at least some a dverse effects and seven (19%) displayed frank: ephedrine dependence a t the time of the interview Eating disorders and disorders of body ima ge appeared to be especially prevalent among ephedrine users.