The vast majority of athletes prefer to train in a natural way, namely, without the use of steroids, and in order to improve the quality and speed of recovery after training, they use only some, relatively harmless, non-doping drugs, including creatine, protein, amino acids, gainers, free sold in specialized sports nutrition stores. For the same purposes, athletes widely use a number of medications that are available in regular pharmacies and are available without a prescription.
But, nevertheless, despite the relative harmlessness and availability of such pharmaceutical drugs, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions attached to them and it is advisable to consult a doctor about their use before taking them. This article reviews the main medications used in bodybuilding, discusses their significance and effect on the athlete's body, contraindications and possible side effects.
Asparkam
Asparkam contains potassium and magnesium in an easily digestible form for the human body - aspartate. Potassium and magnesium help normalize metabolic processes in muscle cells, maintaining normal osmotic pressure in them. This is realized through the potassium-sodium pump (the predominant location of potassium inside the cell, and sodium outside the cell space). However, the operation of the potassium-sodium pump will be ensured only if a sufficient amount of energy is supplied to the cells, for which magnesium is responsible.
Aspartate facilitates the transport of potassium and magnesium into cells, which has a beneficial effect on the athlete’s body. The drug increases performance, which contributes to the speed of muscle growth. Magnesium, which is involved in protein metabolism and supplies energy in this process, allows the athlete to effectively build muscle during strength training.
Asparkam is also used by athletes for the purpose of rapid weight loss, when this is necessary in case of weight gain due to the fat component or excess fluid. Excess fat is removed by “drying”, combining increased protein nutrition with active training, and to prevent possible intoxication, they drink a lot of fluid, along with which the body removes potassium and magnesium, so asparkam is necessary here, as it restores the balance of potassium and magnesium. When there is fluid retention in the body and swelling, diuretics are used simultaneously with asparkam, which helps prevent the body from losing essential minerals and related complications.
The drug helps fight cramps and also significantly increases the endurance of an athlete training in high ambient temperatures. Asparkam is produced in the form of tablets. Dosages and method of use are indicated in the attached instructions; as a rule, this is taking one or two tablets three times a day. The drug should be taken in the morning and during the day, since in the evening, magnesium and potassium are absorbed worse by the body. The duration of the course of taking asparkam by a bodybuilder is individual and determined by a sports doctor. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets 3 times a day, preferably in the morning and afternoon.
Glutamic acid (L-glutamine)
Description: antihypoxic agent, available in tablets of 250 mg of glutamic acid.
Action: glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that takes part in metabolic and oxidative processes. Accelerates metabolism, has a detoxifying effect, increases resistance to hypoxia. Stimulates the process of synthesis of acetylcholine and ATP, the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles, and promotes better penetration of potassium ions into muscle fibers.
Purpose: epilepsy, depressive states in chronic diseases, myopathy and cerebral palsy.
In bodybuilding: used to improve brain activity and increase endurance. Minimizes the risk of overtraining syndrome and stimulates weight gain. According to some data, the combination of glutamic acid with whey protein provides better gains in lean muscle mass compared to the results of consuming protein alone.
Contraindications: fever, increased excitability of the nervous system, renal and liver failure, stomach ulcers, leukopenia and anemia.
Dosage regimen: 500 mg 2-3 times a day. You can take the product for a long time, up to six months.
Side effects: well tolerated by the body. Long-term use of large doses can cause headaches, insomnia, and decreased hemoglobin.
Riboxin
Riboxin, being a stimulator of biochemical processes, can have a beneficial effect on the athlete’s cardiovascular system. The drug increases the force of heart contractions, increasing stroke volume and coronary blood supply, and has anabolic and antiarrhythmic effects. Riboxin improves blood supply to muscle tissue, normalizes energy metabolism, activates metabolic processes in the myocardium, as well as a number of enzymes. In addition to its positive effect on the heart, Riboxin improves the regeneration of muscle tissue. But for effective recovery after heavy exercise, riboxin alone is not enough, so it is recommended to take it in combination with potassium orotate.
Riboxin can replace ATP. The drug is effective in combination with potassium orotate. It is taken for 1-3 months according to the regimen of 0.2 g 3-4 times a day.
Reviews
Each athlete has his own set of “favorite” medications. This is natural, because Susceptibility to drugs is an individual thing. Glutamic and orotic acid have a lot of positive reviews in professional circles. With low cost, good tolerability and rare occurrence of side effects, they have proven to be effective drugs for effective training.
In medicine, there is a double opinion about supplements from the pharmacy. The drugs used for this purpose in bodybuilding are relatively safe and have a beneficial effect on the body, but if the instructions are not followed, any drug can be harmful. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting a course of any medication.
Potassium orotate
The drug is a stimulator of endogenous biochemical processes and is classified as a metabolic drug. It is produced mainly in tablet form and is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. The average dosage for an athlete is 1.5-2 g per day. Essentially, potassium orotate is a common mineral salt found in the tissues of any living organism. The drug helps strengthen the cardiovascular system and has an anabolic effect, allowing the athlete to recover faster after training. The drug increases diuresis and improves appetite. The drug is not particularly effective for noticeable progress of a bodybuilder, but, nevertheless, in general it is beneficial for the body, is well tolerated by the athlete and has no side effects.
The drug is taken according to the following scheme: an hour before meals, 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. The duration of the treatment course is 21-24 days.
Pharmaceutical drugs or sports supplements?
The debate about how best to pump up will probably never subside. Some athletes prefer a natural approach, which consists of a balanced diet and strength training. Progress with this approach is inevitable, but it will take a long time to wait.
Other athletes cannot imagine life without sports aids - various dietary supplements and tablets from sports nutrition stores. The most popular are gainer, protein and creatine, with the help of which it is possible to achieve progress somewhat faster. These supplements are safe, well studied, and truly effective. However, they are not drugs and do not cause any side effects or irreversible changes in the body.
The third approach is the use of pharmaceuticals, both sports and medical, intended for the treatment of various diseases. Medicines can really help the body if you choose the right dosage regimen and take into account contraindications and side effects.
The first thing that comes to mind when mentioning pharmaceutical drugs for bodybuilders is testosterone propionate. With the help of this anabolic steroid, originally created to treat hypogonadism in men, athletes achieve excellent results. However, it has many side effects, so success in bodybuilding is not achieved with testosterone alone. Few people know that pharmacy chains offer many affordable and conditionally safe medications that support the body during periods of intense physical activity, stimulate the nervous system recovery process, and make the training process even more effective. Thus, some medications also have a right to exist in a bodybuilder’s medicine cabinet, but first you need to figure out which of them are really effective and safe for athletes to take.
Mildronate
Mildronate is classified as a cardioprotector. The drug is designed to increase the athlete's performance, compensating for the manifestations of mental and physical fatigue syndrome. Mildronate normalizes metabolic processes and regulates cellular immunity. As a rule, mildronate is prescribed at a rate of 15-20 mg per kilogram of weight. The drug is taken as prescribed by a doctor, so it is recommended to consult before you start taking it.
The daily dosage of the drug is determined at the rate of 15-20 mg/kg of body weight, which is on average 1-2 g, taken in 4 divided doses. Course duration is 14 days, repeated after 2-3 weeks.
Agapurin
Agapurin is available in tablet form and is relatively inexpensive. Drugs based on a similar active ingredient are trental and pentoxifylline. Agapurin is taken separately from other drugs. It increases vascular tone, reduces blood viscosity and increases blood flow speed, which is important for an athlete who feels the maximum pumping of working muscles. The drug is used mainly by experienced bodybuilders - agapurine should be taken carefully, following the instructions, in order to avoid side effects of the drug.
In bodybuilding, Agapurin is taken according to the following scheme:
- on training days 3 times 2 tablets;
- on rest days, 3 times 1 tablet.
The duration of the course of Agapurin is 20 days. After a 4-week break, the course is repeated. Take the tablets with plenty of water. To avoid side effects, it is forbidden to take the drug without consulting your doctor.
Clomiphene
Description: 50 mg tablets. Commercial names: Clomid, Clostilbegit. A drug for women's health, an anti-estrogen.
Purpose: stimulation of ovulation, secondary amenorrhea, oligospermia in men.
Principle of action on the body: reduces the level of estrogen in the body, but is not a hormonal drug.
In bodybuilding: blocks receptors sensitive to the action of estrogen, accordingly, increases the activity of the testicles and the production of their own testosterone, which ensures success in bodybuilding and powerlifting. The main direction is the effect on the pituitary gland.
Dosage for bodybuilding: 1 tablet per day for 14 days. If tolerance is normal and there are no negative reactions, you can increase the dosage for the widow, but before taking it you should consult a urologist.
Contraindications: dysfunction of the pituitary gland, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, hormone-dependent tumors.
Negative reactions of the body: hot flashes, cramps, gynecomastia, liver dysfunction.
Precautions: included in the list of prohibited substances for athletes, and is regarded as doping. It should be noted that the active substance is detected in the body even three months after the end of the course.
Result of use: antiestrogens are widely popular among bodybuilders, as they help make the body drier and more sculpted. Such products speed up the drying process, and at the same time increase endurance and strength.
Leuzea (maral root)
The plant grows in the western and eastern parts of Siberia, in the Altai mountains and in Central Asia. It contains phytoexidones - substances identical to steroid compounds that have a pronounced anabolic effect. Leuzea activates protein synthesis and its accumulation in muscle tissue, heart, liver and kidneys. The drug helps increase physical endurance and intellectual performance. Long-term use of Leuzea strengthens the vascular bed and thereby improves overall blood circulation. The drug reduces the heart rate. Leuzea is part of a dietary supplement called Leuzea-P. One tablet of the supplement contains about 0.85 mg of the active substance - ecdisthene; the cost of supplements in sports stores varies between 700-1800 rubles.
Aralia Manchurian
The drug is capable of causing hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels) and is more effective than individual RA adaptogens. Since hypoglycemia causes a release of somatotropic hormone, taking Manchurian aralia helps achieve a high anabolic effect - the athlete’s appetite improves and body weight increases. The drug is classified as an anabolic stimulant. Aralia tincture is sold in every pharmacy. Take it in a dose of 20-30 drops in the morning on an empty stomach and an hour before training.
Vitamin complexes
Among the complex drugs, Complivit is recommended, which is taken three times a day, one tablet after meals.
As for vitamins taken individually:
Thiamine (B1) is involved in the activities of the body's main systems: cardiovascular, nervous and digestive. Affects growth and energy balance. A lack of vitamin B1 causes irritability, lack of appetite, increased fatigue and associated health disorders.
Cyanocobalamin (B12) increases protein synthesis and its accumulation in tissues, and is an effective anabolic agent.
Pyridoxine (B6 ) plays an important role in metabolism and normal functioning of the nervous system.
Ascorbic acid (C) is an antioxidant and reducing agent involved in metabolic processes.
B vitamins are available in injection form; as a rule, an ampoule contains 1 ml of a substance of 5% concentration. It is unacceptable to administer all vitamins simultaneously on one day - each vitamin is administered sequentially on a separate day, adhering to cyclicity. Injections are given intramuscularly; the administration of B1 and B6 may be somewhat painful.
Enzymes
Enzymes promote good absorption of beneficial components from the food consumed, which is why this class of drugs is especially popular among athletes. Calories enter the body in sufficient volume, since the substances are completely broken down and absorbed into the blood. Among these drugs are the following:
- Panzinorm forte
This drug is suitable for athletes whose work is aimed at building muscle mass. In this case, the body receives a lot of solid protein food, and enzymes contribute to its rapid digestion. The components of the drug are extract of the stomach mucosa of cattle, pancreatin and bile extract.
The drug should be taken while eating food, 1 tablet. three times a day. The price is 110 rubles.
- Festal
This enzyme preparation promotes thorough digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It consists of pancreatin, bile extract and hemicellulase enzyme, promoting the absorption of heavy and plant foods. The drug is taken three times a day in the amount of 1 tablet after meals. The price of a package of 20 tablets can reach 145 rubles.
Diabeton MV
Diabeton MV is a pharmaceutical drug sold freely. One of the strongest anabolic steroids. As a medicine it is used as a pancreas stimulant in the complex treatment of diabetes mellitus. Bodybuilders use this drug to maintain a high level of anabolism during the off-season. In terms of effectiveness, it is close to insulin injections, and in terms of general action, it is similar to methandrostenolone. The drug allows the athlete to quickly gain weight.
Available in the form of 30 mg tablets. They start with a dose of 30 mg per day, which, if necessary, in the next course (the course lasts one and a half to two months) can be increased to 60 mg. Diabeton MV should not be taken with other medications. Take it with breakfast once a day. The anabolic effect of diabeton is to stimulate the production of one of the anabolic hormones - insulin. For the drug to be effective, it is recommended to eat at least six meals a day with a small amount of fat and a high amount of protein. While taking Diabeton, low-calorie diets are prohibited to avoid the development of side effects of the drug, in particular hypoglycemia.
How to take it correctly
Bodybuilders are recommended to take about 1-3 milligrams per day at absolutely any time. Daily consumption of even 100 micrograms can significantly slow down the effect of the aromatase enzyme. Recommended dosages should not be exceeded. Otherwise, the chance of developing negative consequences, especially a decrease in sexual desire, increases sharply.
The daily dose for each bodybuilder is always selected individually. It all depends on the experience, age of the athlete, duration of use of a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, but should not exceed the optimal 1-3 milligrams. A specialist will help you calculate the exact amount of the drug. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using any pharmaceuticals. Long-term use of the drug allows you to slightly adjust the regimen for taking this substance and use the drug not daily, but every other day.
Letrozole on PCT (post-cycle therapy)
The Letrozole course suggests using the drug in variable dosages. They can change quite a lot. During post-cycle therapy, the norm remains unchanged. It is recommended to take the standard 2.5 milligrams per day for a week or 10 days, and then reduce the dosage to 0.5 milligrams over the next two or three weeks.
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is classified as an antiestrogen. The drug is used by bodybuilders to increase testosterone levels in the body, which blocks estrogen. Tamoxifen is used in combination with other drugs for the most effective effects in long courses, for at least 6-8 weeks. Tamoxifen becomes especially popular among bodybuilders during cutting, as it accelerates and enhances fat burning processes. In cases where an athlete has a tendency to water retention due to the use of anabolic steroids, taking tamoxifen becomes mandatory. The drug is also valuable in bodybuilding because it allows the bodybuilder to effectively increase muscle density. Like any highly effective drug, tamoxifen has many side effects and contraindications, so it should be taken strictly as prescribed by a sports doctor.
Contraindications
Any, even the most harmless medicine, is in some cases prohibited for use. Medicines used in bodybuilding are no exception. Common contraindications:
- Individual intolerance.
- Severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.
- Metabolic diseases.
- For drugs that improve blood circulation - disorders of the blood coagulation system, pathology of the heart and blood vessels.
These are just some cases when taking medications from this group is contraindicated. Each drug has instructions that will outline all the negative effects.
Saltos
It is an analogue of clenbuterol and belongs to the category of effective fat burners. Available in pharmacies without a prescription. The drug provides an increase in body temperature by one degree, which allows you to mobilize fat from the depot and convert it into energy. Possible side effects when taking it include nervousness and hand tremors. On average, take 3-5 tablets per day in three doses (based on a tablet per 25 kg of athlete’s weight). The course lasting 6 weeks is repeated after 1.5 months.
Side effects
With increased sensitivity or incorrect dosage, side effects may develop such as:
- Allergic reactions.
- Stomach upsets.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Decrease in the number of blood cells (platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes).
- Nervous system disorders: irritability, insomnia, lethargy.
Side effects are also described in detail in the instructions for each individual drug.
Calcium glycerophosphate
Indications for taking glycerophosphate as a medicine are fatigue, dystrophy, and rickets. For a bodybuilder, the drug is valuable because it accelerates the absorption of protein and improves metabolism. Calcium glycerophosphate also helps increase appetite. While taking the drug, it is necessary to limit fats in the diet, replacing them with proteins. It is recommended to take the drug in courses. There are no analogues of calcium glycerophosphate. The approximate daily dose of the drug is calculated based on the ratio of 100 mg for every 8 kilograms of weight. The daily dosage of calcium glycerophosphate is 1000 mg for a weight of 80 kg. It is divided into 5 doses, one tablet (200 mg). Time to take the drug: morning 2 hours before training. The course for weight lasts 1.5-2 months.
Conclusion
A competent approach is the key to success when taking doping drugs. Maximum results can only be achieved when combined with active, regular training and a healthy lifestyle. Any medicine requires careful administration. If any side effects occur, you should interrupt the course and seek help from a doctor.
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Trimetazidine
In terms of action, trimetazidine is close to the well-known mildronate, but is much cheaper than the latter. The drug promotes greater oxygen delivery to cells, preserves intracellular potential, counteracts the formation of free radicals, and increases the athlete’s endurance. Taking the drug allows you to significantly increase the load and intensity of training. Trimetazidine can be replaced with a similar product containing creatine, which, however, will not be an equivalent replacement in terms of effectiveness. It is possible to combine the drug with other drugs.
Analogs
According to numerous reviews, the drug Methyluracil not only copes with its therapeutic function, but is also affordable for patients with different income levels. However, there are many analogue drugs on the market that contain a substance similar to Methyluracil.
You should be careful when taking analogue tablets: you should not self-medicate, since the effect of cheaper analogues or tablets with a different dosage of the active substance may be insufficient. There are many analogues of Methyluracil, among them:
- Wilosen;
- Anaferon;
- Immunex;
- Poludan;
- Ribomunil;
- Ruzam;
- Zadaxin;
- Neuroferon and others.
In this case, analogues are drugs that have a similar effect to the main drug. A number of drugs are aimed at enhancing the body's immune response, others have anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial activity. The choice of analogue will depend on the diagnosis, since it is impossible to carry out an equivalent replacement in all cases. Some of the well-known analogues are significantly more expensive, which makes them unprofitable for replacement.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a drug that corrects cerebral circulatory disorders. The active ingredient of the drug is apovincaminate. Vinpocetine has a direct effect on metabolic processes in brain tissue. It has a vasodilating effect and improves blood supply to brain tissue. Vinpocetine increases tissue resistance to hypoxia, activates glucose utilization and the exchange of serotonin and norepinephrine in brain tissue. The drug prevents platelet aggregation, thereby reducing blood viscosity. Vinpocetine has a positive effect not only on the brain, but also on muscle tissue, promoting a better supply of oxygen and nutrients. The drug is usually taken in a dose of 5 to 30 mg 30 minutes to an hour before training. Vinpocetine does not have the side effects of classic “energy drinks” such as insomnia or hand tremors.
Clenbuterol
Description: for the treatment of bronchial asthma, contains 40 mcg of the active substance of the same name in one tablet. Belongs to the group of adrenergic drugs. Dispensed strictly according to prescription.
Purpose: bronchial asthma, obstruction and emphysema.
In bodybuilding: used for quick drying of the body and weight loss. It is especially popular among women as it does not cause androgenic side effects. Also increases strength and endurance, reduces apatite, provides rapid muscle drying and promotes activation of the nervous system, increasing concentration.
Principle of action on the body: excites beta-2 adrenergic receptors, stimulates the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the launch of the process of lipolysis (breakdown of fats). Clenbuterol affects the secretion of thyroid hormones, increasing their release, thereby triggering natural fat burning mechanisms.
Contraindications: thyrotoxicosis, aortic valve stenosis, tachycardia, acute infarction.
Side effects: tachycardia, anxiety, hand tremors, insomnia, headache and nausea.
Dosages for bodybuilders: initial dosage – 20 mcg, then over four days the dose is increased by 20 mcg, respectively, on the 5th day 100 mcg of the drug is taken. From the sixth to the twelfth day, 120 mcg is taken, the next day - 80 mcg, then 40 mcg. After a two-week course, a break is taken for 2 weeks, as the body gets used to this medicine.
Features: doping is detected in the blood even 2 weeks after the last dose . The medicine should not be combined with alcohol, as alcohol increases the risk of side effects.
Metformin
The mechanism of action of metformin is based on its ability to suppress gluconeogenesis in the liver, prevent the absorption of glucose in the intestine and its better utilization in muscle tissue. Accelerates the process of transition of glucose into glycogen. Reduces appetite, due to which weight decreases or stabilizes. Does not have a hypoglycemic effect. Before use, the athlete should consult a doctor, as the drug has many contraindications and may have side effects.
"Sidnocarb": instructions for use
This is a very popular drug that many athletes have been using since the early 70s of the last century. It belongs to the group of psychostimulants. Its structure is similar to amphetamine, but it also has a difference: it does not have a free amino group.
Experts do not advise athletes to use it, as it can cause serious harm to a person, which will cover up all the advantages.
In the instructions for use of Sidnocarb you can learn about numerous side effects: irritability, headaches, lack of appetite, even anorexia, high blood pressure, allergies can develop. In rare cases, hallucinations and exacerbation of mental disorders are observed.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is also called Golden Root. Its habitats are Eastern Siberia, the Far East, Altai, and Sayan Mountains. The pharmacological properties of golden root are due to the active substances present in it - rhodioliside and rhodosin. In pharmacies you can find them in their pure form. The main feature of Rhodiola rosea is the effect it has on muscle tissue, which manifests itself in improving energy metabolism in them. Taking the drug helps increase endurance and muscle strength. At the same time, the activity of contractile proteins – myosin and actin – increases at the cellular level, and mitochondria increase in size. Rhodiola rosea tincture is taken 2-3 times before meals in the amount of 20-25 drops.
Creatine and its derivatives
This is not a drugstore supplement, but I decided to include it on the list for two reasons.
First of all, it DOES WORK FOR MOST people, but not for everyone (it doesn't work for about 30% of athletes)! And secondly, this is one of the cheapest sports supplements in bodybuilding.
Approximately 98% of creatine is found in our muscles . When taking creatine, muscles become more massive, voluminous and strong. Creatine stores water.
Muscle fibers thicken due to the deposition of additional protein on their walls, i.e. muscle mass grows.
Just don't get confused. Water does not accumulate between muscle fibers, as happens when taking steroids or cortisone, but inside the muscle fibers, which promotes anabolism (growth) in muscle cells.
Here is a very detailed, cool article about this supplement: creatine monohydrate: what is it for. I'm sure you'll learn a lot of new things from there. I will not dwell on it in detail here.
I take creatine during the muscle building phase. The muscles become fuller, the strength actually increases a little. The supplement is definitely worthy of your attention.
Buy CREATINE MONOHYDRATE! This is creatine in its pure form, without any transport systems, which are, in fact, simple carbohydrates that raise insulin levels in the blood. So save yourself money.
Release form: capsules, powder
Average price: In Moscow, the average price for 1 kg of creatine monohydrate ranges from 700 to 2000 rubles.
Reception scheme:
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) with sweet juice (preferably grape) in the morning on an empty stomach immediately after waking up;
- Course 60 days;
- The course can be repeated, but not earlier than 30-60 days after the end of the previous course;
