Narcotic analgesic drugs that are banned from use in sport affect the central nervous system.
What do they do to your body?
In masking the sensation of pain athletes are able to train harder and for longer and ignore injury. They may also produce the sensation of euphoria and invincibility.
Effects of narcotic analgesics
As these substances hide the pain resulting from an injury, athletes risk further, possibly irreversible damage to muscles and ligaments that could result in the end of their career.
Narcotic analgesics are addictive and can also produce the following side effects:
Loss of balance and co-ordination
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of sleep and depression
Breathing becomes slower
Decreased heart rate
Constipation
What are diuretics?
Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine and excretion produced by the body. They generally act directly on the kidney tubules to produce the desired effects.
What do they do to your body?
Diuretics are primarily used by athletes for two reasons:
- To achieve rapid weight loss in sports where weight categories are involved. Such sports include horse racing, boxing, weightlifting, rowing and judo.
- To dilute the concentration of other drugs in the urine. This means that the detection of other illegal drugs used may be reduced.
Effects of diuretics
Harmful side-effects of diuretics include:
-Dehydration
-Decreased circulation of blood volume
-(hypovolemia)
-Muscle cramps
-Renal disorders
-Dizziness when standing up
-(orthostatic hypotension)
-Heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias)