EC stack (ephedrine/caffeine) FAQ

[1quick1]

1. What is EC? How do I dose it?
See EC Stack

2. Can I take EC with xyz supplement?
As a general rule, avoid taking any stimulants with EC. If you have a preworkout product, you can skip a dose of EC to take it.

A few stim. products I found to be ok with ephedrine personally (drop caff. part) are
- controlled labs white flood
- millennium sports ragnarok

3. Which supplements would you recommend in addition to the EC?
EGCG, fish oils (I have a couple brands listed on my site if you want a rec.)
Creatine (mono or a non-stim product) - good for keeping strength/lean mass)
Multivitamin (for general health)

4. Why not take aspirin?
See EC Stack
Your fish oils, at a EPA + DHA dosing of 1-2 g per day (so 3-6 regular, or 2-3 concentrated omega 3 caps) will help lower blood pressure slightly.

5. What are things to watch out for NOT mentioned on the hotnfit ec site?
Especially if you are low carbing, watch that your potassium intake is at least 2000 mg per day. Low potassium combined with EC can put you at risk for heart palpitations.

If you want to know how much potassium is in your diet, input your diet into Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com

Avocado's are rich in potassium and a good choice if you are low carbing.

Also, monitor your blood pressure. If your blood pressure goes outside the normal range, STOP the ec stack.

Don't use it in the heat. People have gotten heatstroke while on EC in the heat, esp. playing sports. This is because it raises your body temperature.

6. What is the difference between ephedrine sulfate and ephedrine hcl?
Ephedrine hcl is slightly stronger, 25 mg ephedrine sulfate is equivalent to 20 mg ephedrine hcl.

7. How do I take it in relation to meals?
Up to you, I always took it every 4 hours upon waking INDEPENDENT of when my meals were.

8. Can I take it just preworkout/precardio?
Yes, HOWEVER, start with a small dose and ONLY increase if you are not having jitters. And I don't suggest doing workouts with jitters. And dont' do your first ever dose preworkout.

9. Is EC dangerous?
It's not foolproof. Use with caution, listen to your body, stop taking it if you get negative symptoms. And yes, people have died.

10. How to come off of EC with minimal sides?
Drop the ephedrine immediately, taper caffeine at 100 mg less every third day.

11. I have 30 mg pills, how do I dose them?
I'd dose this way:
Day 1 - test dose, take 100mg C 15mg E
Day 2-4 - 100mg C 15mg E, 2x
Day 5-7 - 200mg C 15mg E, 2x
Day 8-14 - 300mg C 30mg E first dose, 200mg C 15mg E second dose
Day 14+ - 300mg C 30mg E, 2x

Put the two doses 6 hours apart.

12. Is 2 doses per day effective?
Yes. Go for it if this works better. Sleep is VERY important too.

13. Shouldn't I cycle it every 2 weeks, 4 weeks (whatever)?
Not necessary, and check out this post here
Bodybuilding.com Forums - View Single Post - Ephedra/Ephedrine Information

But I do suggest stopping after 6 weeks for a break, otherwise you risk adrenal fatigue from all that caffeine. If you want to take it LONGER than you may want to consider dosing it only 2x/day or 1x/day.

14.Where can I read some scientific studies?
Check out this thread here
Ephedra/Ephedrine Information - Bodybuilding.com Forums

Also, go to Google Scholar and search away.

15. What is this about not doing HIIT?
Well, you can skip an EC dose and do HIIT if you like. The danger is that your heartrate may go too high. If you have a heart rate monitor, keep track of your heart rate. I definitely would not go above 170-180 bpm. Otherwise, go at a moderate pace. Running should be ok, it's sprinting that would be an issue.

16. I've decided I don't want to do an EC stack, do you have other suggestions?

Prolab Thermo Fire (dose at 2x3 caps if over 200 lbs)
MAN Scorch (dose at 2x2 caps if under 150 lbs)

by terracotta

[Big Guns]

Great post. Treat Ephedra like booze. Don't do a ton of it. If you have serious heart probs and are very overweight....I would steer clear. Other than that the saftey is in the hands of the user. don't be stupid

[1quick1]

Originally Posted by Big Guns

Great post. Treat Ephedra like booze. Don't do a ton of it. If you have serious heart probs and are very overweight....I would steer clear. Other than that the saftey is in the hands of the user. don't be stupid

Right on

[strawser9]

2x per day
200mg caffeine, 25mg ephedrine

works perfectly...$30 a month.

[1quick1]

Originally Posted by strawser9

2x per day
200mg caffeine, 25mg ephedrine

works perfectly...$30 a month.

where you ordering your Ephedrine from?

[strawser9]

Originally Posted by 1quick1

where you ordering your Ephedrine from?

damn i've forgotten the site

I'll look at the box and put it up later

[1quick1]

Originally Posted by Big Guns

Great post. Treat Ephedra like booze. Don't do a ton of it. If you have serious heart probs and are very overweight....I would steer clear. Other than that the saftey is in the hands of the user. don't be stupid

Quoted for truth.