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Ephedrine Used for Depression

Ephedrine—a stimulant derived from a plant extract—made headlines during the 1990s as a non-prescription weight loss and exercise supplement. Due to side effects, the FDA banned its sale for weight loss, but ephedrine remains legally available for other uses. Some people use it to self-treat obesity, attention problems, low energy and depression.

  1. CNS Action

    • A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, ephedrine enhances the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nervous system neurons—resulting in heightened physiological arousal, heart rate, blood pressure and muscular tension.

    Short Term Effects

    • At low doses, ephedrine improves mood, heightens alertness, and decreases appetite, fatigue and the desire for sleep. At higher doses, release of norepinephrine causes anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.

    Prolonged Use

    • Prolonged use may damage the central nervous system, depleting monoamines—neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system—leading to a decrease in CNS activity. Further documented effects include psychosis, severe depression, mania or severe agitation, hallucinations, sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation.

    Addiction and Abuse Risk

    • Ephedrine acts quickly and has euphoric effects, increasing the likelihood of abuse and addiction. Like other stimulants, people develop a tolerance for it and so require higher dosages in order to obtain the euphoria.

    Effectiveness

    • Stimulants aren’t generally prescribed for depression because other medications, such as antidepressants, are more effective and have fewer toxic side effects when used properly. Ephedrine may enhance mood temporarily, but due to its side effects and risks, it is not useful for long-term mood modulation.

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