Types of Peds

But using performance-enhancing drugs — aka, doping — isn't without risks. Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids, androstenedione, human growth hormone, erythropoietin, diuretics, creatine and stimulants.

With large androstenedione doses of 300 to 400 mg/day, serum androstenedione levels can almost double in some patients. Testosterone levels and, particularly in men, estrone and estradiol levels, may also increase, but to a much lesser degree.

Creatine powder, tablets, energy bars, and drink mixes are available without a doctor's prescription at drug stores, supermarkets, nutrition stores, and over the Internet. Although creatine is a natural substance, it hasn't been well-studied over the long-term.

A diuretic is any drug that affects kidney function, resulting in increased urine output. The "water pill" chlorthalidone, for example, prevents fluids and salts from being reabsorbed into the kidney tubules and returned to the blood. As a result, more water leaves the body.

A synthetic version of the natural hormone erythropoietin, EPO is an extremely effective drug that is widely prescribed by the medical community to treat a number of health conditions and diseases. It is also one of the most popular but banned PEDs.

In addition to a wide and varied regimen of anabolic steroids, late NFL defensive end Lyle Alzado — whose famous 1991 admission of years of steroid use helped spotlight their popularity and prolonged abuse — also used human growth hormone (HGH) to boost muscle mass.

The 2 major components in the medical care of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously termed attention deficit disorder (ADD), are behavioral and pharmaceutical therapies. The behavioral component is covered in the Treatment section.