ENHANCED KNOWLEDGE
A doctor-written reference for the substances men actually ask about. What each is, why people use it, and what the risks really look like — not the marketing version, not the broscience version.
Our position
Enhanced Men does not condone the non-medical use of anything on this page. That covers every category below — anabolic-androgenic steroids, SARMs, growth hormone and secretagogues, healing and cognitive peptides, fat-loss and GLP-1 compounds, ED and hormone-modulating medicines, tanning compounds, longevity supplements, hair-loss compounds, nootropics, and the DIY substances in the last section. We actively discourage non-medical use of all of them, and our obligation is to set out the risks rather than the appeal.
This page makes no claims. Nothing here says that any substance listed works, is safe, is well tolerated, or is better, stronger, cleaner or safer than another. Nothing here claims that anything listed will prevent, alleviate or cure any disease or condition. Nothing here is a recommendation or an endorsement, and naming a substance is not a statement that any Enhanced Men clinician uses it, prescribes it, or advises it. Where an entry states a registered indication, it is recording a regulatory fact about that medicine in New Zealand — not suggesting it for you.
We list the names men actually encounter, including the street names used for compounds sold outside pharmacies, because men use these substances whether or not anyone advises it, and no one can weigh a risk he cannot name. Our approach is harm reduction: a judgement-free conversation with a doctor who knows what you are taking.
Most of this page is a prescription medicine — or not a legal medicine at all. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are prescription medicines — not controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 — and importing or supplying them without a prescription is an offence under the Medicines Act 1981. The same applies to SARMs, peptides, growth hormone, GLP-1s, thyroid hormone, PDE5 inhibitors, stimulants, modafinil, finasteride and every other prescription medicine named here when it is sourced outside a New Zealand pharmacy. Some entries are not prescription medicines: topical minoxidil up to 5% is a pharmacy medicine, and a number of items listed are supplements, plants, devices or procedures rather than medicines. Others have no New Zealand approval in any category and cannot lawfully be supplied here at all. Enhanced Men does not supply, source or condone the non-medical use of any substance on this page. This page exists for education and harm reduction — so men already considering or using these substances get accurate information from a clinician, not a forum.
This page is general educational information for adults in New Zealand. It is not personal medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Reading this page does not create a doctor–patient relationship with Enhanced Men or any clinician named on this site. For a personalised assessment, book a consultation.
In an emergency, call 111. For mental health crisis support, call or text 1737 — free, anonymous, 24/7. If reading this page brings up thoughts of self-harm, please reach out.
Categories
Synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Outside legitimate medical use — TRT for confirmed hypogonadism — AAS carry cardiac, hepatic, endocrine and psychiatric risk that scales with dose and duration. Polycythaemia, cardiomyopathy, suppressed natural testosterone and infertility are predictable, not rare.
Long-acting injectable testosterone ester; a prescription medicine in New Zealand.
RisksSupraphysiologic dosing drives polycythaemia, sleep apnoea, HPGA suppression, infertility, mood lability and oestrogen-driven side effects.
Long-acting injectable testosterone ester.
RisksSame systemic risks as other testosterone injections: polycythaemia, HPGA suppression and infertility that scale with dose and duration.
Short-acting ester; frequent injections, fast clearance.
RisksSame cardiovascular and endocrine profile as longer esters, plus injection-site reactions from frequent dosing.
Long-acting injectable given every 10–14 weeks.
RisksCarries a rare risk of pulmonary oil microembolism (POME).
Blend of four testosterone esters in one injection.
RisksSame systemic risks as other testosterone injections; the blend complicates timing of bloods.
Oral 17α-alkylated testosterone, rarely used clinically today.
RisksSignificant hepatotoxicity; superseded for TRT and no longer used clinically.
19-nor injectable AAS with high androgen-receptor binding affinity; no human medical indication.
RisksSevere cardiac strain (LVH, sharp HDL crash, arrhythmia), aggression, insomnia, night sweats, renal stress, prolactin-driven gynaecomastia, profound HPGA suppression.
Long-acting 19-nor; used historically for anaemia, osteoporosis, HIV wasting.
RisksPersistent HPGA suppression (often >12 months post-use), 'Deca dick' (low libido / ED), prolactin elevation, slow clearance that drags out recovery after stopping.
Short-ester nandrolone, faster clearance than Deca.
RisksSame nandrolone profile; faster ester does not eliminate HPGA suppression or prolactin issues.
Veterinary 1-test analogue, long-acting; used in the illicit market for extended cycles.
RisksMarked rise in red cell mass and haematocrit; hypertension; mood agitation; very long detection window.
DHT-derivative; used in the illicit market for cosmetic purposes, no current medical role.
RisksAccelerated androgenic side effects (hair loss, acne, prostatic enlargement); lipid changes; HPGA suppression.
Mild DHT-derivative; oral (acetate) or injectable (enanthate).
RisksFrequently counterfeited and underdosed; still suppresses HPGA; oral form is hepatotoxic.
Oral or injectable 17α-alkylated AAS; historic use in hereditary angioedema.
RisksHepatotoxicity, severe joint dryness, tendon-rupture risk, sharp HDL drop, hair loss in predisposed men.
Oral 17α-alkylated AAS; one of the oldest in illicit use.
RisksHepatotoxicity, oestrogen conversion (gynaecomastia, water retention), hypertension, rapid HPGA suppression.
Oral DHT-derivative; prescribed historically for burn recovery and weight regain.
RisksFrequently counterfeited, often substituted with other oral AAS; hepatotoxicity; HDL suppression; HPGA suppression even at low doses.
Oral 17α-alkylated AAS originally for anaemia.
RisksHepatotoxicity at higher doses; significant water retention and blood pressure rise; mood disturbance; oestrogenic side effects despite not aromatising.
Oral 'designer' AAS, sold as a supplement until banned; a drostanolone derivative.
RisksSevere hepatotoxicity — multiple case reports of cholestatic hepatitis and liver failure; aggressive HDL crash; mood changes.
Oral DHT-derivative used historically for low libido / fertility support and to lower SHBG.
RisksStrong DHT effects — accelerated hair loss, prostatic enlargement; HPGA suppression at higher doses.
Oral 17α-alkylated AAS used pre-event in boxing and strongman.
RisksSevere hepatotoxicity, marked aggression and mood lability, lipid disruption.
Research compound; an oral trenbolone analogue active at microgram doses.
RisksProfound hepatotoxicity even at microgram doses; rarely used due to toxicity.
19-nor androgen trialled for male contraception.
RisksComplete HPGA shutdown; aromatises to a potent oestrogen (7α-methyl-oestradiol); oestrogen-driven side effects can be severe.
Veterinary AAS; non-aromatising boldenone analogue.
RisksPainful injection-site reactions (PIP), androgenic side effects, lipid changes, HPGA suppression.
Oral 'designer' AAS sold pre-2005.
RisksSevere hepatotoxicity, aggression, mood changes.
Veterinary AAS originally for canine oestrus suppression.
RisksExtreme hepatotoxicity, aggression — used pre-fight in 1980s combat sports; not safe for human use.
Non-steroidal androgen receptor binders marketed as 'side-effect-free anabolics'. Reality: human safety data is sparse, every well-studied SARM suppresses the HPGA, several are flagged hepatotoxic, and a growing case series links them to drug-induced liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis and cardiac events.
Most-studied SARM; trials in muscle wasting and sarcopenia.
RisksHPGA suppression at typical 'cycle' doses; multiple case reports of drug-induced liver injury; oestrogen-related side effects; banned in elite sport.
Early-generation SARM, abandoned in development.
RisksYellow tint to vision (reversible), HPGA suppression, lipid changes.
PPAR-δ agonist (not a true SARM); marketed for endurance.
RisksDiscontinued by GSK after rodent studies showed dose-dependent carcinogenicity across multiple organs; WADA-banned.
Potent SARM, trials in muscle wasting.
RisksStrong HPGA suppression after short use; case reports of drug-induced liver injury and myocarditis.
Earlier ligandrol analogue claimed to be more receptor-selective.
RisksEven less human data than LGD-4033; likely same HPGA and hepatic profile.
High-affinity SARM; originally investigated for breast cancer and muscle wasting.
RisksDocumented case reports of severe drug-induced liver injury and autoimmune hepatitis; cardiovascular events; aggressive HPGA suppression.
REV-ERB agonist marketed as 'exercise in a bottle'.
RisksOral bioavailability is essentially zero — most product sold is inactive or contains undeclared compounds.
Myostatin pathway modulator with a steroidal backbone — closer to an AAS than a SARM.
RisksHepatotoxicity, HPGA suppression, mood and cardiovascular effects akin to oral AAS.
Selective androgen receptor agonist in early development.
RisksMinimal human data; SARM-class HPGA suppression assumed.
Highly anabolic SARM trialled for male contraception.
RisksComplete HPGA shutdown observed in animal contraceptive studies; very limited safety data.
Oral ghrelin mimetic / GH secretagogue — often grouped with SARMs but acts on the GH/IGF-1 axis.
RisksIncreased appetite and water retention; insulin resistance and elevated fasting glucose; raised cortisol and prolactin; cardiovascular events at higher doses.
Recombinant human growth hormone and compounds that stimulate endogenous GH/IGF-1 release. Growth hormone is a prescription medicine, approved for narrow paediatric and adult indications. Off-label 'anti-ageing' or athletic use falls outside every one of them.
Recombinant somatropin; injected daily or as long-acting formulations.
RisksInsulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, carpal tunnel, oedema, acromegalic features (jaw/hand growth), increased cancer mortality with chronic supraphysiologic use.
Long-acting modified IGF-1; injected for direct anabolic effect.
RisksSevere hypoglycaemia, organ enlargement, tumour-growth signal in preclinical work.
Short truncated IGF-1 variant.
RisksSame hypoglycaemia risk; minimal human data.
IGF-1 splice variant claimed to drive muscle satellite cell proliferation.
RisksAlmost no human safety data; mostly counterfeit on the grey market.
GHRH analogue; the DAC version has extended half-life.
RisksCortisol and prolactin elevation; water retention; potential downregulation of natural GH pulse.
Ghrelin mimetics that drive a GH pulse.
RisksHunger spikes, water retention, cortisol/prolactin rise; tachyphylaxis with chronic use.
GH secretagogue; marketed on greater selectivity for the GH axis than the earlier GHRPs, on limited human data.
RisksStill drives insulin resistance with chronic use; sourcing is unregulated.
GHRP; an older compound in the class.
RisksSignificant cortisol and prolactin elevation; rapid desensitisation of GH response.
GHRH (1-29) fragment; medically used to test pituitary function.
RisksAdverse-effect data outside pituitary testing is limited; injection-site reactions and headache are reported. Unapproved for anti-ageing or athletic use.
GHRH analogue; the only indication it has been approved for is HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
RisksInsulin resistance, oedema, joint pain; no approved use for ageing, body composition or performance, so any such use relies on unregulated supply.
Marketed for tendon, joint, gut and wound healing. Most have animal or in-vitro evidence; rigorous human RCTs are limited or absent. Unregulated supply means purity, dose and identity are rarely what the label claims.
Synthetic fragment derived from human gastric juice; marketed for tendon and gut healing.
RisksNo published human RCTs; injectable supply is unregulated; theoretical angiogenic effect raises tumour-growth concerns with chronic use.
Promoted for soft-tissue and vascular healing.
RisksSame evidence gap as BPC-157; angiogenic activity creates a theoretical tumour-growth concern.
Endogenous tripeptide bound to copper; topical use in skin repair has stronger evidence than injection.
RisksInjectable use is poorly studied; copper accumulation is possible.
Immunomodulatory peptide used in some countries for chronic hepatitis B/C.
RisksNot licensed in NZ; flu-like symptoms; can flare autoimmune conditions.
Tripeptide derivative of α-MSH; anti-inflammatory mucosal effects in animal IBD models.
RisksMinimal human data; oral and injectable supply unregulated.
Antimicrobial peptide.
RisksSourcing unreliable; possible mast cell activation and pro-inflammatory effects.
Newer stabilised analogue marketed as a BPC-157 successor.
RisksEssentially no human safety data; same theoretical concerns as BPC-157.
From regulated GLP-1 medicines to dangerous DIY chemistry. The label 'fat burner' covers compounds with vastly different risk profiles. Supervised options exist; the unsupervised ones are where the deaths happen.
GLP-1 receptor agonist; a prescription medicine in New Zealand, given by weekly injection.
RisksNausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, gallstones, gastroparesis; loss of lean mass without resistance training; rebound weight gain on cessation; rodent black-box warning for medullary thyroid cancer.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist; a prescription medicine, given by weekly injection.
RisksSame GI side-effect profile as semaglutide; longer-term safety data still accruing.
Earlier-generation daily GLP-1 agonist.
RisksGI side effects, pancreatitis, injection-site reactions.
Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist in late-phase trials.
RisksNot yet approved; same GI concerns; cardiovascular signal under evaluation.
Pancreatic lipase inhibitor.
RisksSteatorrhoea, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency; modest weight loss.
Sympathomimetic appetite suppressant.
RisksHypertension, tachycardia, insomnia, dependence; contraindicated with cardiovascular disease.
Combination targeting reward and appetite circuits.
RisksLowered seizure threshold, blood pressure rise, sleep disturbance, psychiatric effects.
C-terminal fragment of HGH marketed as fat-mobilising.
RisksHuman evidence for fat-loss effect is weak; sourcing is unregulated; legal status varies.
NNMT inhibitor under preclinical study for fat oxidation.
RisksNo human safety data; oral grey-market products of unknown purity.
Active thyroid hormone; a prescription medicine. Non-medical use for fat loss is outside any registered indication.
RisksSuppression of endogenous thyroid axis, arrhythmia, bone loss, muscle loss; rebound hypothyroidism on cessation.
Pro-hormone form of thyroid hormone.
RisksOff-label fat-loss use is unjustified; arrhythmia, osteoporosis, suppression of natural thyroid output.
Long-acting β2-agonist; veterinary bronchodilator.
RisksTachycardia, palpitations, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with prolonged use, tremor, hypokalaemia, anxiety.
ERR agonist in preclinical study marketed as an 'exercise mimetic'.
RisksNo human safety data; bioavailability of oral product is unknown; entirely unregulated supply.
Mitochondrial uncoupler; banned for human use after deaths in the 1930s.
RisksFatal hyperthermia, cataracts, rhabdomyolysis, multi-organ failure. Regularly causes deaths — no antidote exists. Do not use under any circumstance.
Classic 1990s sympathomimetic fat-burner.
RisksHypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, anxiety, stroke; ephedrine is restricted in NZ.
α2-antagonist; targeted fat mobilisation, often pre-cardio fasted.
RisksAnxiety, panic, tachycardia, hypertension; interacts with antidepressants.
PDE5 inhibitors (regulated, evidence-based) sit alongside experimental melanocortin agonists and injectable mixtures with limited safety data.
PDE5 inhibitor; a prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction.
RisksHeadache, flushing, dyspepsia; contraindicated with nitrates (risk of severe hypotension); rare NAION (sudden vision loss).
Long-acting PDE5 inhibitor; daily low-dose option.
RisksSame class effects as sildenafil; longer half-life means longer drug-interaction window.
PDE5 inhibitor; a prescription medicine for erectile dysfunction.
RisksQT prolongation in susceptible patients; same nitrate contraindication.
PDE5 inhibitor; shorter time to peak plasma concentration than the older agents in the class.
RisksClass-typical side effects; less drug-interaction data than sildenafil/tadalafil.
Melanocortin receptor agonist; approved in the US for low libido in women.
RisksNausea (very common), transient hypertension, focal hyperpigmentation, headache; off-label male use is unstudied.
Peptide that stimulates GnRH release; under research for libido and fertility.
RisksNo approved formulation; sourcing is unregulated; long-term safety unknown.
Compounded intracavernosal injection for severe ED.
RisksPriapism (>4 hr erection requiring emergency reversal), penile fibrosis with repeated use, injection-site bruising.
PGE1 analogue; injectable or intraurethral.
RisksPriapism, injection-site pain, and urethral burning with the intraurethral route.
Dopamine agonist; clinical use for prolactinoma; off-label for prolactin-driven sexual dysfunction.
RisksCardiac valvulopathy with chronic high doses, postural hypotension, impulse-control disorders.
Older dopamine agonist; same indications as cabergoline.
RisksWorse GI tolerability than cabergoline; same valvulopathy concern.
Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists marketed for tan or aesthetic effect. Not approved for cosmetic use in NZ.
Approved in NZ/EU/US for erythropoietic protoporphyria; implantable.
RisksPigment changes including darkening of moles (requires baseline and ongoing dermatology review), GI upset, headache.
Unregulated injectable, sold for tanning and libido (precursor to PT-141).
RisksNausea, flushing, hypertension, atypical melanocytic lesion changes; case reports of new melanomas in users — moles should be reviewed before and during use.
Mostly Russian-origin peptides marketed for focus, mood and neuroprotection. Animal data is the bulk of the evidence base; Western clinical use is limited.
ACTH-derived heptapeptide; used in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders.
RisksLimited Western trial data; intranasal route reasonable, injectable supply unregulated.
Tuftsin analogue; anxiolytic claims.
RisksSame evidence gap as Semax; long-term effects unknown.
Endogenous neuropeptide marketed for sleep.
RisksHuman evidence for sleep effect is weak; injectable sources unregulated.
Angiotensin IV analogue with strong nootropic claims.
RisksAlmost no human safety data; molecular potency at synapses unstudied long-term.
Porcine-brain-derived peptide mixture; injectable; used in some countries for stroke and dementia.
RisksAllergic reactions, source-related infection concerns, mixed efficacy in modern meta-analyses.
Russian peptide bioregulator marketed for cognition and longevity.
RisksNo published RCTs of meaningful quality.
Compounds marketed for healthspan extension. Most have promising preclinical data, sparse human RCT data and active investigation. Buying off-label is buying tomorrow's safety data with today's body.
Synthetic tetrapeptide claimed to upregulate telomerase.
RisksNo Western RCT evidence; injectable sources unregulated; theoretical telomerase concerns regarding cancer.
Mitochondrial-derived peptide under preclinical study for insulin sensitivity.
RisksNegligible human safety data; grey-market product purity is unverified.
mTOR inhibitor; used clinically as an immunosuppressant.
RisksImmunosuppression, dyslipidaemia, mouth ulcers, glucose intolerance; longevity dosing regimens are unvalidated.
Biguanide for type 2 diabetes; under study for ageing.
RisksGI side effects, B12 deficiency, rare lactic acidosis; may blunt exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptations.
Cofactor marketed for energy, recovery and ageing.
RisksFlushing, anxiety, GI distress during infusion; the infused route has no controlled human evidence behind it.
NAD+ precursor.
RisksShort-term trials report GI upset and flushing; long-term safety is unknown, and there is concern about increased methylation and folate demand.
Alternative NAD+ precursor.
RisksSame long-term uncertainty as NMN; theoretical concern with stimulating proliferation in occult cancers.
Polyamine marketed for autophagy.
RisksDietary intake is long-established; supplement doses are not, and lack human RCTs. GI upset is the commonly reported effect.
Polyphenol with extensive preclinical literature.
RisksLimited human translation; oestrogenic activity; GI upset at high doses.
Medicines that AAS users self-source in an attempt to restart their own testosterone production or to manage oestrogen-related side effects. The anti-oestrogens that are approved in New Zealand are approved for breast cancer — taking them for this purpose is an unapproved use — and several of the drugs sold online for 'PCT' have no current New Zealand approval at all. There are no controlled trials showing that self-run 'PCT' regimens speed recovery after a cycle, and each of these drugs carries harms of its own. Enhanced Men does not prescribe post-cycle drug regimens.
SERM approved in New Zealand for breast cancer. Self-sourced by some AAS users to try to restart testosterone production or to treat gynaecomastia — an unapproved use.
RisksHot flushes, mood changes, rare DVT/PE; lowers IGF-1.
Aromatase inhibitor approved in New Zealand for breast cancer in postmenopausal women; blocks oestrogen synthesis. Self-sourced by some AAS users to lower oestradiol — an unapproved use.
RisksCrashing oestrogen too low → joint pain, libido loss, dyslipidaemia, bone density loss.
Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor; commonly overused in AAS cycles.
RisksOestrogen suppression is easily overshot, producing joint pain, libido loss, dyslipidaemia and bone density loss.
Steroidal ('suicide') AI; covalently inactivates aromatase.
RisksSame oestrogen-deficiency syndrome; it has weak androgenic activity of its own, which is an additional effect rather than a lesser one.
Approved oral and topical options vs. DIY research compounds. The evidence base diverges sharply. Of the medicines here, finasteride 1 mg is the only one registered in New Zealand as a prescription medicine for male pattern hair loss in men; topical minoxidil up to 5% is registered as a pharmacy medicine for androgenetic alopecia. Everything else on this list is off-label, unapproved, a supplement, or a cosmetic device, and which of them is appropriate for you is a decision for you and your own prescribing doctor.
Oral 5α-reductase type II inhibitor; reduces scalp DHT.
RisksTrials: decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, each under 2%. Post-marketing reports include depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual dysfunction or decreased libido that continued after stopping — frequency and causation not established. Breast tenderness, enlargement and male breast cancer also reported.
Dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (types I and II); not registered in New Zealand for hair loss.
RisksSame risk class as finasteride. Its longer half-life means exposure — and therefore recovery on stopping — takes longer.
Unapproved compounded preparations, made by a pharmacy for one named patient against a prescription.
RisksMarketed on reduced systemic exposure. Plasma finasteride is far lower by this route, but serum DHT still falls, and systemic exposure tracks the dose applied rather than the route — reduced, not absent. Strength and quality vary between compounders.
Vasodilator; mechanism in hair growth incompletely understood. Topical up to 5% is pharmacy-only for androgenetic alopecia; the oral tablet is registered in New Zealand for severe hypertension only.
RisksTopical: scalp irritation, paradoxical shedding initially. Oral: fluid retention, tachycardia, body hair growth, rare pericardial effusion.
Topical anti-androgen popular in DIY hair-loss communities.
RisksEssentially no human safety data; sourcing is unregulated and product purity is variable.
Topical anti-androgens in early-phase trials.
RisksSparse human data; long-term scalp and systemic safety unknown.
DP2 antagonist trialled then abandoned for hair loss.
RisksNo efficacy benefit shown; abandoned for that indication.
Topical compound marketed as a hypoxia-mimetic for hair stem cells.
RisksCosmetic ingredient, not a medicine; scalp irritation and contact dermatitis are the reported issues, and long-term data is thin.
Antifungal with anti-androgen activity at the scalp.
RisksMild scalp irritation; an adjunct, not an alternative to prescribed treatment.
Botanical 5α-reductase inhibitor claims.
RisksSold as supplements, not assessed by Medsafe as hair-loss medicines; not a replacement for prescribed treatment.
In-office or home derma-roller; creates controlled micro-injuries in the scalp.
RisksInfection if poor hygiene; bruising; depth and frequency determine whether it does anything.
Autologous growth-factor injections; the patient's own blood is spun down and re-injected into the scalp.
RisksInjection discomfort, bruising, transient inflammation; no Medsafe-approved indication for hair loss, and protocols vary widely between clinics.
Red-light combs and caps sold as home devices.
RisksAdjunct effect at best; expensive devices with modest absolute benefit.
Prescription wakefulness agents alongside unregulated 'smart drugs'. Risk varies enormously — from well-studied modafinil to substances with documented dependence and deaths.
Wakefulness-promoting agent; a prescription medicine, registered in New Zealand for narcolepsy.
RisksHeadache, insomnia, anxiety; rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome; off-label use carries dependence and tolerance risk.
R-enantiomer of modafinil; longer duration.
RisksSame profile as modafinil.
Stimulant for ADHD; controlled in NZ.
RisksHypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, dependence; cardiovascular risk in undiagnosed structural heart disease.
Stimulant ADHD medication; not licensed in NZ.
RisksCardiovascular events, psychiatric effects, high dependence potential.
Original 'racetam' nootropics.
RisksHeadache, insomnia, irritability and GI upset are reported; evidence in cognitive enhancement is modest. Phenylpiracetam is WADA-banned. None are approved medicines in New Zealand.
Russian peptide-like nootropic.
RisksLimited long-term data; irritability and headache reported.
Russian psychostimulant.
RisksLimited Western data; WADA-banned.
Investigational racetams with cholinergic and glutamatergic effects.
RisksSparse human safety data.
Choline precursors; modest cognitive effect, often stacked with racetams.
RisksHeadache, insomnia and GI upset are reported; alpha-GPC carries a stroke-risk signal in one observational study.
Old dye with monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity; biohacker favourite.
RisksSerotonin syndrome with SSRIs; G6PD deficiency triggers haemolysis; blue staining of urine and mucosa.
Mushroom with NGF-stimulating compounds in vitro.
RisksCase reports of contact dermatitis, respiratory allergy, and rare rebound depressive symptoms on stopping.
Marketed as nootropics, sleep aids, or fat burners but with documented severe harms — deaths, dependence, and withdrawal that often outpaces the benefits people sought.
Mitochondrial uncoupler used illicitly for rapid fat loss.
RisksFatal hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, cataracts, multi-organ failure. Regularly kills users — no antidote exists. Do not use.
GABA-B agonist sold as a calming / nootropic.
RisksTolerance develops within days; severe physical dependence with seizure risk on withdrawal; respiratory depression with alcohol or opioids.
Atypical antidepressant in some countries; activates mu-opioid receptors.
RisksOpioid-like dependence and withdrawal; deaths reported; multiple US states have scheduled it.
Botanical with opioid-receptor activity at higher doses.
RisksDependence, withdrawal, hepatotoxicity, contaminated batches; deaths in combination with other CNS depressants.
Research-chemical benzodiazepine analogues sold online.
RisksExtreme potency, blackouts, respiratory depression, severe physical dependence with seizure-risk withdrawal.
Not exhaustive. The risks listed against each compound are the major or most-documented ones, not every possible adverse event. Many compounds carry harms that only emerge with chronic use, supraphysiologic dosing, polypharmacy, or in particular individuals.
Individual risk varies. Risk and effect depend on dose, frequency, duration, route, individual genetics, pre-existing conditions, other medications, and the actual purity of what you have. Two men taking the same compound can have very different outcomes.
Counterfeit and contamination risk. Substances sourced outside a regulated New Zealand pharmacy frequently contain the wrong active ingredient, the wrong dose, or contaminants (heavy metals, undeclared compounds, bacterial endotoxins). Even the best harm reduction cannot protect you against a vial that contains the wrong drug entirely.
Evidence is evolving. Particularly for SARMs, peptides, and newer biologics, the safety evidence base is incomplete and is changing. Information on this page reflects published evidence as of the last review; it may be incomplete or outdated by the time you read it.
No prescription, and no recommendation. Nothing on this page is an offer or commitment to prescribe anything listed on it, in any category. Naming a substance here is not a statement that any Enhanced Men clinician uses it, prescribes it, or recommends it — including the medicines on this page that have ordinary clinical indications. Enhanced Men will not prescribe an anabolic-androgenic steroid, SARM, growth hormone, secretagogue, or other performance- or appearance-enhancing substance at all. For the medicines here that do have mainstream indications, Enhanced Men prescribes only where New Zealand law and professional standards allow, and only after assessment — never as a post-cycle drug regimen and never as an 'oestrogen control' add-on. Which of these — if any — is right for you is a decision for you and your own prescribing doctor.
Report adverse events. If you experience a side effect or suspected drug reaction in New Zealand, report it to Medsafe via the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) at nzphvc.otago.ac.nz/reporting, or speak to a pharmacist, prescriber, or your GP.
External links. Links to external sites (PubMed, government bodies, third-party tools) are provided for reference only and do not imply endorsement of those sites' content, services, or commercial offerings.
Jurisdiction. This information is written for adults (18+) physically located in New Zealand. Legal status, drug scheduling, and access to medicines differ in other jurisdictions; if you are not in New Zealand, consult local regulations and clinicians.
Last clinical review: May 2026. Author: NZ-registered medical doctor practising at Enhanced Men.
No judgement, no reporting. If you're using anything on this page, you should have a clinician who actually knows what you're taking and can run the right bloods around it.
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