What pharmacology is best suited for powerlifting?

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2016-09-24

Recently, one of our regular site visitors wrote me a rather fair suggestion. Why is there no article describing a range of products for powerlifters, only for bodybuilders? I'm correcting this. This article will be specifically for you, esteemed lifters. I will try to discuss and comment on the main medications that are actively used in powerlifting.

Of course, all information is for educational purposes. Don’t blindly copy it. Each individual athlete must consider the characteristics of their body, weight category, and, of course, the possibility of failing a doping test before choosing a set of medications. So, in order:

I. Protection and Support for the Musculoskeletal System

1. Growth Hormone. Personally, I believe this is the number one medication in powerlifting. No other compares to Growth Hormone in terms of beneficial effects on joints and ligaments. Lifters are fortunate that there is no need to use high (bodybuilding) doses. 4 - 6 IU per day or every other day is more than enough.

It is advisable to take somatotropin on a regular basis or in cycles of 4 months with a break of one to one and a half months. I STRONGLY recommend not exceeding 6 IU per day. Otherwise, the pitfalls of this medication will start to emerge, which are not needed in powerlifting at all. For example, a GH dosage of 10 IU per day will eventually lead to partial joint stiffness, especially concerning the elbows and shoulders. You don’t want that. Accordingly, use it wisely, and you will be happy.

2. Dexamethasone. This is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It must be acknowledged that it quickly eliminates inflammatory processes in ligaments and joints and also strengthens them. However, only with proper use. Proper use means that the duration of the Dexamethasone course should not exceed three weeks in a row. It’s better to limit it to two. The break between courses should correspond to the duration of the course. The daily dosage should not exceed two tablets (0.5 mg each) taken twice, in the morning and in the evening.

Keep in mind that with Dexamethasone, more means worse. Side effects will start to pop up from all sides, and there are plenty of them. This medication can suppress your own testosterone production, which must be taken into account when resorting to it. Additionally, Dexamethasone significantly weakens the effects of GH, insulin, antihypertensive medications, and antibiotics. It negatively affects the thyroid and pancreas. It also weakens the immune system. If the dosage is excessive, it can soften ligaments and activate the development of osteoporosis. Athletes in lighter categories may experience significant weight gain, and that will NOT be muscle. Be cautious. Dexamethasone is effective but as dangerous.

3. Nandrolone. There are those who can’t afford GH due to its high cost and are afraid to use Dexamethasone. Nandrolone remains. This steroid has two extremely unpleasant downsides. Firstly, its metabolites stay in the body for a VERY long time. If you might have to undergo doping control in the future, then forget Nandrolone forever. Secondly, this steroid significantly disrupts the HPTA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis), and recovery will take time. If these two issues don’t scare you, then go ahead and take Nandrolone. It’s the only anabolic steroid that not only alleviates joint pain during the cycle but also has a strengthening and restorative effect on them.

Supplements containing Glucosamine with Chondroitin should be a rule for you. If you regularly train with heavy working weights, especially if you compete in strength sports, then these products MUST be part of your diet throughout the entire year. No exceptions. Progress doesn’t stand still, and it’s foolish to deny the obvious. This sports nutrition has PROVEN its effectiveness, but only with systematic use.

II. Accelerating the Recovery Process

I will list AAS medications from the most effective and so forth. But don't be mistaken. Any drug from the AAS class will undoubtedly accelerate your recovery after lifting weights. I will say a bit about other medications as well.

1.Methyltestosterone. Unmatched. Do not exceed a daily dose of 50 mg. Although competing lifters will just smile in response.

2. Testosterone. No need to dwell on this. Everything is clear without further words. I’ll highlight Testosterone Suspension and Testosterone Propionate.

3. Methandrostenolone. The leader among all AAS for its ability to accelerate the recovery of glycogen and creatine phosphate in muscle tissues.

4. Drostanolone. This DHT derivative is renowned for its restorative qualities.

5. Turinabol. Only slightly inferior to Drostanolone.

6. Oxandrolone. Quickly normalizes the amount of Creatine. Plus, it is a good anti-catabolic. Both qualities together result in rapid recovery.

7. Stanozolol. The fact that this AAS is at the bottom of the list is just my personal opinion.

I purposely did not mention Trenbolone and Oxymetholone because people do not always respond well to them.

8. Insulin and/or IGF-1. Both drugs can compare with AAS in this regard. However, their use (particularly insulin injections immediately after training) requires a knowledgeable approach. They are not inexpensive (especially IGF) and have unpleasant side effects.

9. Actovegin. Recently, various negative rumors have been circulating about this pharmacy drug. In my opinion, it is the best non-hormonal product for our purpose.

III. Increasing Strength Indicators

Naturally, the medications for heavy and light weight categories will differ. Again, I will list my top choices in order of decreasing effectiveness.

1. Trenbolone. Best is the primal acetate. Yes, it is the harshest, but also the most powerful among all varieties of Tren.

2. Methyltestosterone. It is more androgenic than testosterone in oil esters.

3. Fluoxymesterone and Oxymetholone. These are extremely good for increasing strength, but the first is overly toxic to the liver and is unreasonably expensive, while the second often results in muscle tears during strength training.

4. Testosterone. Again, I will highlight the short forms: propionate and suspension.

5. Methandrostenolone. Everything is clear with this one.

6. Turinabol, Oxandrolone, Stanozolol, Drostanolone. They all share the same position. It all depends on your body’s reaction to each of these steroids. Everyone remembers the danger of Stanozolol for ligaments and joints.

IV. Mental Concentration

In this regard, I am a conservative. Here are the drugs that allow you to tune in MUCH better for record weights:

1. Piracetam. A nootropic that improves blood flow and metabolic processes in the brain.

2. Vinpocetine. Similar to Piracetam in properties, but some people experience a diuretic effect from it. And losing water is not beneficial for a lifter.

3. Caffeine and guarana. A classic CNS stimulant. If abused in a single dose, it can exhaust neurons and create the opposite effect from the desired.

That’s all. Stay strong and healthy. Good luck!