Table of Contents:
[
General /
Adrenergic /
Amphetamine
]
[
Ergogenic /
Hormones /
Steroids
]
[
Over the Counter /
Recreational / Related ]
ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)
DIURETICS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANTS
The NCAA bans EPO
What are the actions/effects of erythropoietin (EPO)?
EPO is a glycoprotein that stimulates red blood cell production.
What are the therapeutic uses of EPO?
The FDA, for treatment of anemia, approves EPO.
Why would some student athletes want to use EPO?
The use of EPO is believed to increase oxygen absorption, reduce
fatigue and improve endurance by increasing the rate of red
cell production. Promoters of EPO claim that this drug increases
the metabolism and the healing process of muscles because the
extra red cells carry more oxygen and nutrients.
What are the adverse effects associated with using EPO?
EPO causes an increase in the total number of circulating red
bloods cells. This can lead to increased thickening (blood viscosity)
of the blood. Added to the dehydration that frequently occurs
in endurance sports, excess thickening of the blood takes place.
The risk for coronary and cerebral artery blockages
increases when the hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells
in the blood) level exceeds 55%.
The NCAA bans use of diuretics.
What are the therapeutic uses of diuretics?
Diuretics are drugs that increase urination. These drugs are
used medically used to control hypertension, or high blood pressure,
reduce edema and to treat congestive heart failure.
Why would some student athletes want to use diuretics?
Diuretics have been used by athletes to achieve rapid weight
loss, to reduce the concentration of drugs in the urine through
rapid diuresis, and to reduce the likelihood of detection of
banned drugs in a urine test. Athletes involved in weight-category
sports have used a combination of heat exposure, exercise, food
and water restriction, self-induced vomiting, laxatives and
diuretics to lose weight. Diuretics have also been used by female
athletes in conjugation with strict dieting which could lead
to anorexia. Diuretics have also been used to manage premenstrual
fluid retention.
What are some potential adverse effects associated with
using diuretics?
Some individuals may experience dehydration, muscle cramps,
dizziness, high potassium levels, high calcium levels, low blood
sugar levels, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness.
The NCAA bans central nervous system stimulants.
What are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants?
CNS stimulants increase brain activity. Many CNS stimulants
have direct effects on cardiovascular functions and on the sympathetic
nervous system.
How do CNS stimulants work in the body?
Stimulants pass easily into the brain tissue. Once the stimulant
is in the brain it can increase the release of neurotransmitters
onto receptor sites, directly stimulate the postsynaptic receptors,
or inhibit neurotransmitter re-uptake. Amphetamines as CNS stimulants
cause an increase in norepinephrine (NA).
Two major examples of CNS stimulants are:
