Which substance is similar to an amphetamine and is associated with tachycardia and arrhythmias?

• A. Creatine
• B. Ephedra
• C. DHEA
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (B)

Ephedra is the stimulant in question. It contains ephedrine, a powerful sympathomimetic that increases norepinephrine release and activates adrenergic receptors, producing effects similar to amphetamines. That heightened sympathetic activity raises heart rate and can trigger arrhythmias, which is why tachycardia and rhythm disturbances are associated with it. Creatine doesn’t act as a stimulant and is mainly an energy substrate for muscles; DHEA is a hormonal precursor with androgenic effects rather than acute sympathomimetic activity; growth hormone affects growth and metabolism but isn’t classically linked to tachycardia or arrhythmias. So the substance most linked to amphetamine-like stimulation and cardiovascular rhythm disturbances is Ephedra.