Your problem is probably under-reported. I myself have used it
at various times in the last 5 years. I never stretched use over
three months, which is already more than what I would ever recommend.
You probably feel better by now, but why not address the problem
anyway.
First, all products containing this type of stimulant mimic adrenaline
by acting in a similar manner at the corresponding receptors.
Hence, we'll call them agonists. These agonists also increase
adrenaline output (probably by the increase in sympathetic tone).
These will induce fat loss when combined with caffeine in conjunction
with an aspirin. Thus, at first, the supplement will definitely
increase vigilance and energy levels. However, I can find many
reasons why long-term use could bring about constant fatigue.
I have seen two friends (non-athlete graduate students) develop
restlessness or exhaustion after using it in increased dosages
(25 up to 75mg) over a year. Also, they could not function without
taking at least 25mg upon getting up. One of them managed to get
off of it after tree planting for three months (the importance
of physical exercise in well-being is far too under estimated
in my opinion). He never went back to it and feels great now.
He also told me about a fitness athlete (female) who reported
mood swings (cried for no reason) after being on it for over a
year. My other friend is still a regular user.
Enough anecdotal evidence, let's move on. The Medline database
has many articles reporting dependence (notice I didn't say addiction)
in collegiate athletes throughout USA. Some female students were
taking 6 tablets a day regularly. We could assume going off cold
turkey would not lead to a great energy level, but anyway...when
you take it, the ratio of serum T3 to T4 increases significantly
after 4 weeks of treatment (20mg three times/day). This means
your T3 hormone level increases and your metabolism will do just
the same. Hyperthyroid states generally induce a chronic sense
of fatigue. No, we could not say it makes the person clinically
hyperthyroid, but it does make him or her use more energy per
unit time while the substance is active. This could very well
increase the need for nutrients such as in the hyperthyroid state
(see Medline). Furthermore, the adrenal glands need Vitamin C
and copper (and others) to produce adrenaline. Vitamin C need
is increased under physiological stress, nudge-nudge, wink-wink.
In another line of thought, Fry (forgot is first name) mentions
beta-agonist induced over training (exhaustion due to physical
effort). In such a case, the stimulant could push someone's nervous
system beyond its ability to recuperate, in the short term of
course.
Hang in there as you're sure to expect the rebound low energy
level due to decreased cAMP activation following cessation of
stimulants. Coffee or tea are milder stimulants that avoid going
through the tongue dragging on ground phase. Green tea is verrry
good for health, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant due to cathechins
and quercetin. The theophylline in tea has even been shown to
increase TSH, the hormone stimulating thyroid hormone production.
Fry PhD's book is "Over Training in Sport," I believe.
To Response 1: Electrolyte (ex. Mg or K) or water deficiencies are common causes of cramping, and yes, exercise makes a huge difference (long explanation though).
Please excuse grammar as English is not my first language. This info is not intended to cure or prevent disease nor to replace the advice of a physician. The goal is just to impress you.
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