Energy Supps

[ritzgal]

So, I know there are a few of you who like to take something, be it E/C or caffeine or whatever. What do you like and why? What dosage do you use? Brands you like? I'd like to try something for a little boost but want some recommendations from others before spending $$$.

[Erik]

Stimulant based - the obvious choices are ephedrine and/or caffeine. (20-25mg + 200mg) is standard. You could consider adding anywhere from 500mg-3g of tyrosine as well.

Then there's these other non-stimulant type products like Power Drive, Spike, etc. (kinda nootropic like) that some use. I've never tried any of them so I can't comment.

[Noel Clark]

Caffeine does it for me....:shrug:

[Blondell]

Biotek ephedrine w/ any caffeine is my choice. Vasopro is awesome also, but most places overcharge for it. Tyrosine is one of my new best friends. THANK YOU, ERIK!! :lol:

[ritzgal]

Thanks!

So B, you just take the dosage of BioTek with the Tyrosine? Gives you a little extra umph? Do you take it around workout primarily?

[Ali]

What does the Tyrosine do?

[Blondell]

Thanks!

So B, you just take the dosage of BioTek with the Tyrosine?yes
Gives you a little extra umph?yes
Do you take it around workout primarily?:blink: :funny:

[Ali]

Biotek ephedrine w/ any caffeine is my choice. Vasopro is awesome also, but most places overcharge for it. Tyrosine is one of my new best friends. THANK YOU, ERIK!! :lol:

Do you guys just take this stuff....like in the middle of the day....or is it before a workout or something? :uhuh:

[Blondell]

What does the Tyrosine do?
My understanding is that it's a precursor to happy hormones (catecholamines) :lol3:

[Ali]

yes yes :blink: :funny:

Oh.

[Blondell]

Do you guys just take this stuff....like in the middle of the day....or is it before a workout or something? :uhuh:
Beginning, middle, end.....it's all good. :lol:

[ritzgal]

Do you guys just take this stuff....like in the middle of the day....or is it before a workout or something? :uhuh:

I'm guessing it's intravenous for B based on her response above! :laugh:

[Erik]

What does the Tyrosine do?

It's a precursor to various catacholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine). Combined with caffeine it will help with sympathetic neural activity. That would be a good thing.

[Blondell]

It's a precursor to various catacholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine). Combined with caffeine it will help with sympathetic neural activity. That would be a good thing.
For once, I beat you to an answer and had it right! :woohoo: :lol:

[Ali]

My understanding is that it's a precursor to happy hormones (catecholamines) :lol3:


Well, heck...I definitely need more happy hormones. :bunny:

[jackieleigh]

I have heard St. Johns Wart is a good "happy pill" too. I bought some, but still havent tried it

[Blondell]

I have heard St. Johns Wart is a good "happy pill" too. I bought some, but still havent tried it
You may want to try his wort instead. I don't think you want his wart. :lol:

[jackieleigh]

You may want to try is wort instead. I don't think you want his wart. :lol:


:funny: I never did learn how to spell. Thanks :girly:

[Neely]

I have heard St. Johns Wart is a good "happy pill" too. I bought some, but still havent tried it

St John's Wort scares me. I read something a while back, no clue how credible it was, that said regularly taking that will decrease effectiveness of BCP by up to 40% :blink:

[ritzgal]

Well, heck...I definitely need more happy hormones. :bunny:

This is what I was thinking too! This is me: :mecry: :grumble: :huh: :funny: :grumble:

[Espi]

St John's Wort scares me. I read something a while back, no clue how credible it was, that said regularly taking that will decrease effectiveness of BCP by up to 40% :blink:
That's correct. It makes your liver enzymes (P450-complex) work faster.

I'm in love with Fortega that has sulbutiamine (a B1-analogue), one of our own supplements that's also got additional B3, B6 and methyl-B12. Methyl-B12 is also wonderful if you're tired often.

[ritzgal]

St John's Wort scares me. I read something a while back, no clue how credible it was, that said regularly taking that will decrease effectiveness of BCP by up to 40% :blink:

OK, what is BCP?

[Erik]

Birth Control Pill I'd assume ...

[Blondell]

Birth Control Pill I'd assume ...
AVI!! :clap: :drool: :yum:

[ritzgal]

I knew the answer was going to be obvious... :laugh:

[Neely]

I knew the answer was going to be obvious... :laugh:

:lol:

Erik nailed it. Birth Control Pills

[jackieleigh]

St John's Wort scares me. I read something a while back, no clue how credible it was, that said regularly taking that will decrease effectiveness of BCP by up to 40% :blink:


But if you take them seperate you should be fine

[chelleashley]

Okay, layman's terms...you take ephedrine, caffeine and tyrosine? How much of each, how often? We're ordering stuff from SND online and want to get some now. I'm always tired. Okay, not always, but a LOT. :grumble: It comes in 500 mg tablets.

[Erik]

Post #2 of this thread ...

[chelleashley]

Thanks...:oops: that's what happens when you skim the posts, and are distracted by certain AVI's. :lol3:

[jackieleigh]

The tyrosine didn't do a single thing for me :shrug: I think I am immune to suppliments

[Mandy]

just curious, since there's a range for the Tyrosine, what is the amount one should take determined by? That's a pretty big gap. My guess would either be size of person or like some other things, a person's response to it. That is completely a guess.
Jackie, what were you expecting it to do? Just curous.

[jackieleigh]

Jackie, what were you expecting it to do? Just curous.


Energy and mood

[Erik]

The tyrosine didn't do a single thing for me :shrug: I think I am immune to suppliments

By itself you mean?

It doesn't give 'energy'.

[jackieleigh]

By itself you mean?

It doesn't give 'energy'.


w/ caffeine

[ritzgal]

UPDATE: So, I ended up getting the Tyrosine that Erik recommended, but I couldn't find (locally) any straight caffeine. I found guerana. Is that the same? I've been taking 2 caps which gets me to the 200mg dosage recommended.

Question: Should this combo make me hungry? Is it supposed to be an appetite suppresant? I don't really feel jittery per se, but maybe similar to low blood sugar. Is this normal?

[Blondell]

UPDATE: So, I ended up getting the Tyrosine that Erik recommended, but I couldn't find (locally) any straight caffeine. I found guerana. Is that the same? I've been taking 2 caps which gets me to the 200mg dosage recommended.

Question: Should this combo make me hungry? Is it supposed to be an appetite suppresant? I don't really feel jittery per se, but maybe similar to low blood sugar. Is this normal?
Where are you that you don't have vivarin?

Caffeine helps to suppress my appetite.

[ritzgal]

Where are you that you don't have vivarin?

Caffeine helps to suppress my appetite.

I went to the local chain sup store and was told that this was basically the same as the guerana was a stimulant like caffeine. Perhaps this is why my reaction is different. I'll have to order some caffiene on the net and try again.

[Blondell]

I went to the local chain sup store and was told that this was basically the same as the guerana was a stimulant like caffeine. Perhaps this is why my reaction is different. I'll have to order some caffiene on the net and try again.
I'd get plain caffeine. :nod:

Things like No-Doz, Vivarin, Stay Awake, Sci-Fit caffeine capsules, Mega-Pro....all good.

You can get powder too if you're into that sorta thing. :naughty: :lol:

[ritzgal]

You can get powder too if you're into that sorta thing. :naughty: :lol:

I'm such a baby to all this I don't even know what that means. :shrug: had to do a web search for DNP cause I read it in the other thread and had NO IDEA what the hell ya'll were talking about. :lol:

[Blondell]

I'm such a baby to all this I don't even know what that means. :shrug: had to do a web search for DNP cause I read it in the other thread and had NO IDEA what the hell ya'll were talking about. :lol:
:console:

It's just caffeine in powder form instead of tablets or capsules. No hidden message there. :lol:

DNP can be dangerous stuff if you don't know what you're doing.

[ritzgal]

DNP can be dangerous stuff if you don't know what you're doing.

Yep, that was the gist of what I read. SOmething about it originally being intended for wood preservation. :wth: Very toxic stuff, or so it said.

[Blondell]

Yep, that was the gist of what I read. SOmething about it originally being intended for wood preservation. Very toxic stuff, or so it said.
Explosives

[ritzgal]

Explosives
:huh: :blink:

Yeah, that sounds worth it. :lol::laugh:

[straitshooter]

I am pretty much set with ECA stack during comp prep as far as energy goes!

[Blondell]

:huh: :blink:

Yeah, that sounds worth it. :lol::laugh:
:shrug:

I've never seen, or heard of, anyone exploding from it. I was just making an addition to your comment. :p

[kelster]

UPDATE: So, I ended up getting the Tyrosine that Erik recommended, but I couldn't find (locally) any straight caffeine. I found guerana. Is that the same? I've been taking 2 caps which gets me to the 200mg dosage recommended.

Question: Should this combo make me hungry? Is it supposed to be an appetite suppresant? I don't really feel jittery per se, but maybe similar to low blood sugar. Is this normal?
where do you find tyrosine and how much are you taking with ur caffeine??

[synergyb3]

I've used tyrosine in the past. It, along with some other amino acids, helped me quite a bit. I might do well to add tyrosine again sometime soon.

L-tyrosine produces thyroid hormones & adrenaline as well as norepinephrine. It's the body's natural caffeine & helps with low energy, depression & poor concentration. I think it is also supposed to help when breaking addictions to caffeine & artificial sweeteners.

If you try tyrosine, it is recommended to start with the lowest dosage (500mg) and if that doesn't help, increase slowly until you notice a difference.

Timing is very important when taking supplements as well as prescription meds. Taking the correct dose at the right time can make the difference between seeing great results and no results (yep, been there, done that.) Be sure to check to see that you aren't taking competing supplements at the same time.

Tyrosine should be taken first thing in the morning, mid-morning & mid-afternoon. Not with meals. It's a stimulating and energizing amino acid so it competes with what it in protein. If you find you have trouble sleeping, reduce the dosage or eliminate the mid-afternoon dose.


USING AMINO ACIDS: PRECAUTIONS (http://www.moodcure.com/aminoacidprecautions.html)

If you have: overactive thyroid (Grave's disease), PKU (phenylketonuria) or Melanoma; Do NOT take: L-tyrosine, DL-phenylalanine, or L-phenylalanine

Please consult a knowledgeable practitioner before taking any amino acids if any of the following statements apply to you: You react to supplements, foods or medications with unusual or uncomfortable symptoms
You have serious physical illness, particularly cancer
You have severe liver or kidney problems
You have an ulcer (amino acids are slightly acidic)
You are pregnant or nursing
You have schizophrenia or other mental illness
You are taking any medications for mood problems, particularly MAO inhibitors or more than one SSRIEven if your doctor agrees that you can try amino acids (or any other nutrients), if you experience discomfort of any kind after taking them, stop taking them immediately.

[synergyb3]

where do you find tyrosine and how much are you taking with ur caffeine??
You should be able to find tyrosine at any health food or supplement store. I've found it at Vitamin World, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, etc.

[Inatic]

I see Deb found the thyroid tie in. :)

[Brandy]

I see Deb found the thyroid tie in. :)

Ileen, (or anyone that knows the answer:wink: )

Could I take tyrosine along w/ my E/C stack if I also take Synthroid? Does it make a difference?

[magdalynaa]

I'd get plain caffeine. :nod:

Things like No-Doz, Vivarin, Stay Awake, Sci-Fit caffeine capsules, Mega-Pro....all good.

You can get powder too if you're into that sorta thing. :naughty: :lol:

I'm just gonna throw this out there, and take it however you like, but it's a really bad idea to snort No-Doz.

I'm just saying... :lol3:

Bronkaid and caffeine just doesn't seem to be doing it for me anymore. I'm kinda sad about this.

[ritzgal]

Bronkaid and caffeine just doesn't seem to be doing it for me anymore. I'm kinda sad about this.

:hug:

I feel like I've had good results with the tyrosine as well. It's just the guerana that I think is making me hungry. I'm going to try to find some straight caffeine and see if that makes a difference.

[magdalynaa]

I feel like I've had good results with the tyrosine as well.

I may have to try this!

[Ana]

:hug:

I feel like I've had good results with the tyrosine as well. It's just the guerana that I think is making me hungry. I'm going to try to find some straight caffeine and see if that makes a difference.

Guarana is not making you hungry it's a cousin to caffeeine. It's virtually the same thing.

[kelster]

You should be able to find tyrosine at any health food or supplement store. I've found it at Vitamin World, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, etc.
thanks!! do you take it with ur E/C stack??

[Blondell]

I'm just gonna throw this out there, and take it however you like, but it's a really bad idea to snort No-Doz.

I'm just saying... :lol3:

Bronkaid and caffeine just doesn't seem to be doing it for me anymore. I'm kinda sad about this.You've done this? :uhuh::lol: I've done lots of things, but never snorted. :p


Try an Hcl.

[ritzgal]

Guarana is not making you hungry it's a cousin to caffeeine. It's virtually the same thing.

This is what they told me at the store. Maybe I'm just not used to the "hopped up" feeling and I'm reading it as hunger? It's definately NOT acting as an appetite suppresant though.

[Blondell]

This is what they told me at the store. Maybe I'm just not used to the "hopped up" feeling and I'm reading it as hunger? It's definately NOT acting as an appetite suppresant though.
Hmmm, have you tried any other E in the past? You may wanna try a name that others have used w/ success.

[wanttobefit]

It seems we have two similar threads running at the same time. Do any of you feel EXTREMELY hungry after the E/C wears off-say at the end of the day?
Also another questions: Do any of you feel extremely lethargic/tired on the days you don't take E/C or just plain C.? I do and it is miserable, I don't know if I have been taking it for to long and maybe I should have been cycling it two weeks/on/off. I usually just take it for like 2 days then take 1 day off, take for 2 days then 1 day off and that off day is the pits.:suicide:

[ritzgal]

Do any of you feel EXTREMELY hungry after the E/C wears off-say at the end of the day?

I noticed this in myself last night. I had eaten recently and thought, why do I feel so hungry? I took caffiene and tyrosine around mid-morning yesterday.

[futurenow]

I've never tried any of these, but I'm curious. I drink a lot of really strong tea in the morning and I love coffee mid morning as well. But any caffeine after noon or so keeps me up at night till 4:00 am!! (I never used to be this way, just happened one day-I'm 46 so ....)

I'm wondering what these supps would do for me if I don't get all that tired. My energy level is usuallty right up there.
Are they just for "good energy" or do they do other good things as well?

[Blondell]

Appetite suppression.

[ritzgal]

Appetite suppression.

:dry: Or so she says...:funny:

[Blondell]

:dry: Or so she says...:funny:
You just suck, that's all. :console: :lol:

:jk: It doesn't help everyone.

[futurenow]

And if appetite suppression isn't a big issue?

[Blondell]

And if appetite suppression isn't a big issue?
save your money.

[ritzgal]

You just suck, that's all. :console: :lol:

:D

[futurenow]

Haha, thanks!
I've played around with stimulants in my college days (and then a little beyond ;) ) Yes, they made me "feel good" and it was sure easy not to eat, but I find it hard to recover from those things!

[DesperadousPrime]

just chiming in here.
1. love the eca, i get my fix at walmart - (better pharmacy prices): primatene tabs, 'equate'/generic 200 mg caff tabs, 81 mg enteric coated generic aspring tabs (this is optional, turns out it really doesn't block one of the main negative feedback inhibition loops).

2. dinitrophenol is a potent electron transport chain uncoupler. essentially, you'd process huge amounts of energy, i.e. calories, but not utilize it. you starve your body basically (of energy). it is a toxic as it is effective. you cannot separate the effects of this agent on multiple systems nor can you standardize a dose response routine.

3. yeah, cycle eca it if you can, the withdrawl days suck for me (usually 2-4). chronic beta adrenergic agonism (even in this case with a nonselective agent) can and usually will result in receptor downregulation.

4. the stuff rocks especially on low carb days. but then again so does yhcl, i better a bigger buzz on yohimbine w/ caff than on the e+c most times.

[TillyT]

Haha, thanks!
I've played around with stimulants in my college days (and then a little beyond ;) ) Yes, they made me "feel good" and it was sure easy not to eat, but I find it hard to recover from those things!

:ditto: Which is on reason why I rarely ever use the stuff.

Also, relying on a chemical just to get me through every day is not something I want. Once you start, it's hard to stop. Addiction just isn't my thing.

[futurenow]

Also, relying on a chemical just to get me through every day is not something I want. Once you start, it's hard to stop. Addiction just isn't my thing.

So true, I've never been an addict, but I find that habits can be very hard to break. I prefer to just tough it out until it becomes easier (which it does after a while, or so it seems!)

[mackie]

:ditto: Which is on reason why I rarely ever use the stuff.

Also, relying on a chemical just to get me through every day is not something I want. Once you start, it's hard to stop. Addiction just isn't my thing.
That's how I feel about it. I'm totally addicted to caffeine/coffee. I have quit before... for extended periods of time, the longest being 7 months, each time. Its always rough at first, but once I get used to living caffeine-free I feel like a brand new person! Better & better as time goes by. I sleep better. My skin clears up. I'm not so easily aggitated. The list goes on. In fact, I'm so much better without it, that its a wonder that I've started the coffee again, each time that I have. :scratch:

The caffeine is bad enough for me. Can't imagine adding another stimulant.

Thanks for the reminder. Its time to put some serious effort into getting off the caffeine again. :flex:

[Inatic]

Ileen, (or anyone that knows the answer:wink: )

Could I take tyrosine along w/ my E/C stack if I also take Synthroid? Does it make a difference?

I have friend on another BB that does the Tyrosine with thyroid meds ( for energy)

I will stop there however and will not make any recommendations when it comes to the E/c combo.

[jackieleigh]

I only use E/C when I absolutely have to, and only for energy. I do not want to have to rely on anything to keep me going.

IMO, if you cant get through a day on your own you should try to change something in your diet

[mackie]

I only use E/C when I absolutely have to, and only for energy. I do not want to have to rely on anything to keep me going.
And that's great for you :thumb:. But some people... a lot of people... are more easily addicted to certain substances than others. If person a has the biological make-up to become addicted to stimulants, it may not be so easy to just take it once in a while.

I become completely dependent on caffeine, myself. I may not want to "have to rely on anything" but I definitely do rely on it, once I've allowed it into my diet again... and more & more so as time goes on. I have to go through quite a process to quit. And I know I'm not alone in this.

[Wendyoh]

From what I've read, tyrosine is contraindicated if you have hyperthyroidism, b/c it supposedly enhances T4, not something you'd want if you are hyper ;)

[jackieleigh]

And that's great for you :thumb:. But some people... a lot of people... are more easily addicted to certain substances than others. If person a has the biological make-up to become addicted to stimulants, it may not be so easy to just take it once in a while.

I become completely dependent on caffeine, myself. I may not want to "have to rely on anything" but I definitely do rely on it, once I've allowed it into my diet again... and more & more so as time goes on. I have to go through quite a process to quit. And I know I'm not alone in this.

I agree...I have an addictive personality...it's the reason I watch very carefully what I take. If I decide I want to try something I weigh the pros and cons. As soon as I feel I have become dependent on something I throw it out. I have gone through caffiene withdrawal more times than I can count :lol:

[mackie]

I agree...I have an addictive personality...it's the reason I watch very carefully what I take. If I decide I want to try something I weigh the pros and cons. As soon as I feel I have become dependent on something I throw it out. I have gone through caffiene withdrawal more times than I can count :lol:

Same here! My last few attempts to quit haven't gone past a few days.:oops:
I need to really focus on how great I feel without it (once I get used to being without). Not so sure I would agree that its a personality thing though. I lean more toward agreeing with the biological predisposition theories. In fact, I more than lean... I firmly believe that certain body chemistries become easily addicted to certain substances, when introduced. :shrug:

[synergyb3]

IMO, if you cant get through a day on your own you should try to change something in your dietIt's not always caused by something lacking in one's diet.

[synergyb3]

thanks!! do you take it with ur E/C stack??I'm not currently taking tyrosine but when I did I wasn't taking an E/C stack but I was taking a lot of other amino acids. I was amazed at the difference they made in how I felt but it was too expensive for me to keep it up.

I wasn't even drinking any coffee at that time. Thank goodness I outgrew that stage. :coffee:

[MichelleS]

Does it make a diff in which brand of E you use?

[jackieleigh]

It's not always caused by something lacking in one's diet.

No, you're right.....