Sports drugs and their side effects
Steroids: Include anabolic steroids such as nandrolone (commercial name Deca-Durabolin), used to build muscle and increase recovery time from training, and corticosteroids used to gain weight.
Side effects: Depression, liver damage, increased aggression, mood swings, acne, increased blood pressure, peptic ulcers, osteoporosis, development of breasts (in men), shrinking of the testicles, sterility and impotence, stunted growth, increased body and facial hair (men and women).
Stimulants: Ranging from drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine to ephedrine (caffeine was recently taken off the World Anti Doping Agency list) -- used to increase alertness and reduce fatigue.
Side effects: Increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, loss of judgment, dehydration, anxiety, aggression, loss of appetite, addiction.
Diuretics: Chemicals which increase the speed at which the body loses fluids and used to reduce weight and eliminate other banned substances.
Side effects: Dehydration, kidney damage, dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps, confusion, irregular heart beat
Peptide and glycoprotein hormones: Used to build muscle, recover quicker from injury and increase endurance during training.
Side effects: Hormone imbalance, allergic reaction, high blood pressure, diabetes, C.J.D (Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease -- better known as "mad cow disease"), hypertension, seizure blood clots.
Narcotic Analgesics: Used to reduce or eliminate the pain from an injury or to allow an athlete to train with an injury.
Side effects: Drowsiness decreased breathing rate, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, loss of concentration, balance and coordination, fainting, mood changes; over dose can result in breathing difficulties, addiction.
Beta blockers: These are used in sports which require a steady hand such as shooting and archery.
Side effects: high blood sugar levels, decreased heart rate, weight gain, tiredness, impotence, weakness, dizziness.
Source: Interviews with medical professionals, fitness trainers and information available on www.drugsinsport.towp.com