Stimulants
Ephedrine
Street names: Ephedra, Ma Huang, Mini-thins
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Stimulant, bronchodilator, appetite suppression
⚠Key risks
- Heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes
- Stroke at high doses
- Pre-cursor to meth — heavily watched
✚Overdose signs
- Racing heart
- Tremor, anxiety
- Severe hypertension
📋Quick facts
Also known asEphedra, Ma Huang, Mini-thins
CategoryStimulants
Schedule / classNot scheduled (US) — regulated sale (combat-meth laws)
AppearanceWhite 25–30 mg tablets, powder, or dried herb
Street price~$0.50–$3 per tablet (retail-regulated)
Legal statusOTC-regulated US (behind counter, ID + limits); Rx/controlled in many EU states
Last updated2026-09-12
Sources: FDA, EMCDDA
Category comparison — Stimulants
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ephedrine | Not scheduled | Heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes; Stroke at high doses | ~$0.50–$3 per tablet |
| Cocaine | Schedule II | Heart attack/stroke even in young users; Severe addiction — craving cycle | ~$60–$120 per gram |
| Speed (amphetamine paste) | Schedule II | Insomnia, anxiety, paranoia; Heart strain and overheating | ~$10–$40 per gram |
| Methamphetamine | Schedule II | Addiction — among the most addictive drugs known; Meth mouth, skin sores, psychosis | ~$20–$100 per gram |
| Adderall (amphetamine salts) | Schedule II | Dependence and tolerance; Cardiovascular strain | ~$3–$15 per 30 mg tablet |
| Adderall XR | Schedule II | Same as Adderall; long duration masks sleep debt; Beads snorted bypass XR mechanism | ~$5–$20 per 30 mg capsule |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Ephedrine look like?
White 25–30 mg tablets, powder, or dried herb
What are the signs of a Ephedrine overdose?
Racing heart; Tremor, anxiety; Severe hypertension Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Heart palpitations, blood pressure spikes Dependence can develop with regular use.