Coming off an ECA supp...

[dodgyone]

I stopped using my ECA supplement (Dymetadrine Xtreme) about 7 days ago now. I had been using x2 capsules prior to training on and off for a few years now. I only took them as a pre-training pick-me-up and never used them on non-training days or for any other purpose.

I've noticed a total drop in strength and energy not only in the gym but throughout the day. I can't believe how much of an effect those things had on my life. Now I struggle to even finish a workout and am finding it hard to complete my cardio after the weights (if at all).

I don't know if it was the ECA but I found it has caused me to cheat far too much on my diet. Sure, your appetite is reduced after training because of the ECA but when this wore off I found myself literally pacing the house with ice cream on my mind. The cravings were so intense that I often had to give in to save my sanity! When I initially lost my weight (60lbs) I managed almost no cheats in about 2 years of dieting so it's not as if I tend to suffer too badly from cravings!

I'm also concerned about my matabolism. Have I completely screwed this up now? What else might I have screwed up. Has anybody else got any experiences when they came off ECA or any words of advice? What did you find when you came off? How did you deal with it?

Thanks guys...

 

[brodus]

Well, if you've been "on" for 2 years, and only off for 7 days, I'd expect at least this much of a problem. Your body is going to take a whlie to readjust. People who do four week cycles of other things do a four week post-cycle-therapy to get back to homeostasis, so I have no idea how long 2 years will require.

There are some things you can take that will help ease the transition. Drink a lot of green tea, for instance. I'm sure others will post more supps to take.

I'm a little puzzled by the total lack of energy/ability to complete a workout, etc.

That would seem to be more connected to glycogen stores, etc.

I noticed in your sig that you hate carbs-->are you on a version of Atkins?

 

[once was fat]

Have you ever stopped to think that you could be doing this to yourself and its not really the supps. Your mind is the most powerful tool on this world. For me when I stopped using an EC stack the first thing that went into my mind was I hope I dont loose my energy levels. That first thought could have broke me down and made me feel tired because I already told myself that when I stop the Ec stack Im not going to have as much energy now. Im guessing when I say thats why you took them for 2 years for fear that you could not do without them and that they gave you the ability to what you did. No supp or vitamin for that matter is stronger than your mind. You were able to keep going becuase you set your mind to it not because of an EC stack.

 

[dodgyone]

My diet is pretty well balanced "brodus" and my split is P=50% C=30% F=20% with plenty of fruit and vegetables thrown in every day. The carbs are a little low at 1 gram per pound of my bodyweight but nothing as drastic as the Atkins.

Good point "once was fat" there is a lot that can be accomplished if you have the right mindset. I had thought a lot about the placebo effect that the pills might of had on me.

I'm going to try and look at the positives. I only take multi-vitamins and glucosamine for my joints now so I am 100% natural which is quite a nice feeling in itself. If I make any more progress then it's because of me, not a bottle of pills.

 

[brodus]

I only ask about the carbs b/c if you're not getting a lot of complex carbs, it might explain your energy problem to a degree. Maybe without an ECA you need a little more complex carbs or seomthing to help you sustain longer workouts/cardio.

You know, when I stopped dirnking coffee after a couple years I felt like total crap for a couple weeks, and then everything was back to normal, so if you have a positive attitude and dedication, I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[camarosuper6]

Have you considered taking an caffiene free/ephedra fee pick me up before your workouts?