2 Aminoisoheptaine
Also known as: Dimethylhexylamine, DMHA, Octodrine, 1,5-dimethylhexylamine, 2-amino-6-methylheptane, 2-Aminoisoheptane
Overview
2-Aminoisoheptane, commonly known as DMHA or Octodrine, is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant structurally related to amphetamines and other alkylamines like DMAA. It is not found naturally but is incorporated into dietary supplements for its stimulant properties, primarily marketed to enhance athletic performance, increase energy, improve focus, and sometimes for weight loss or appetite suppression. As a sympathomimetic amine, it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. Research on 2-Aminoisoheptane is limited, consisting mostly of older studies and anecdotal reports, with a notable absence of recent high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses to substantiate its claimed benefits or fully assess its safety profile.
Benefits
While 2-Aminoisoheptane is anecdotally claimed to enhance focus, energy, and mood through central nervous system stimulation, there is a significant lack of robust, peer-reviewed clinical trials to confirm these benefits. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes or established effect sizes are available. Potential secondary effects, such as appetite suppression and increased metabolic rate, are inferred from its structural similarity to other stimulants, but direct evidence for these effects in humans is also lacking. Consequently, no specific populations have been rigorously studied, and the clinical significance or time course of any potential benefits remains unestablished due to the absence of controlled research.
How it works
2-Aminoisoheptane functions as a sympathomimetic agent, primarily by stimulating the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Its mechanism of action likely involves increasing the release or inhibiting the reuptake of monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. It may also inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, which would further prolong the activity of these monoamines. The amphiphilic nature of 2-Aminoisoheptane facilitates its penetration across the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to exert its central effects. This interaction with monoamine transporters and MAO enzymes leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of 2-Aminoisoheptane is unclear due to limited scientific data. Potential risks are similar to those associated with other stimulants, including cardiovascular stress and possible neurotoxicity, especially at high doses or when combined with other substances. Common side effects are not well-documented but are likely to include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and jitteriness. Uncommon and rare side effects are unknown due to the lack of comprehensive data. Strong caution is advised regarding drug interactions, particularly when combined with other stimulants, antidepressants, or MAO inhibitors, as this can significantly increase the risk of adverse events such as hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome. 2-Aminoisoheptane is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or those taking interacting medications. Due to the lack of data, it is likely contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for 2-Aminoisoheptane has not been established through clinical trials. Common dosages found in supplements typically range from 100 to 200 mg, but these recommendations are not evidence-based and lack scientific validation. The maximum safe dose is unknown, and high doses may pose serious health risks. Due to its slow absorption, the effects of 2-Aminoisoheptane may last for several hours, suggesting that timing of administration should consider this prolonged action. It is typically administered orally in supplement form. Its amphiphilic nature aids in absorption and brain penetration. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its action.
FAQs
Is 2-Aminoisoheptane safe?
The safety of 2-Aminoisoheptane is not well-established due to limited research. Potential risks, especially cardiovascular stress and interactions with other substances, exist. Caution is strongly advised.
How long does it take to work?
Due to its slow absorption kinetics, the effects of 2-Aminoisoheptane may take some time to onset and can last for several hours. Specific timing is not well-documented.
Can it be combined with other stimulants?
Combining 2-Aminoisoheptane with other stimulants, antidepressants, or MAO inhibitors is not recommended due to a significantly increased risk of severe cardiovascular and neurological adverse effects.
What results can be expected?
Anecdotal reports suggest increased energy and focus. However, these claims lack rigorous scientific evidence from controlled human trials, so efficacy is not proven.
Is it legal?
The legal status of 2-Aminoisoheptane varies by country and jurisdiction. While it is found in some supplements, it may be banned in certain sports or regions.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836053/ – This review by Catalani et al. (2018) highlights the severe lack of peer-reviewed studies on Octodrine (DMHA), identifying only five relevant papers, mostly from the 1960s and 70s. It notes the absence of recent RCTs or meta-analyses, emphasizing that while sympathomimetic effects are known, central nervous system effects and safety remain poorly studied. The authors call for comprehensive chemical analyses and controlled studies to clarify efficacy and safety, acknowledging the limitations of relying on anecdotal reports and older, limited data.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29461475/ – This PubMed entry corresponds to the Catalani et al. (2018) review, which critically assesses the scientific literature on Octodrine (DMHA). The review underscores the scarcity of modern, high-quality research, particularly randomized controlled trials, regarding its efficacy and safety. It points out that most existing data are outdated and insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about its use as a dietary supplement ingredient.
- https://gigasnutrition.com/en/collections/2-aminoisoheptane – Gigas Nutrition (2023) provides mechanistic insights into DMHA, suggesting it inhibits monoamine oxidases, thereby prolonging monoamine activity, and that its amphiphilic nature aids brain penetration. The summary warns about risks when combined with other stimulants or MAO inhibitors but does not present clinical trial data to support efficacy or safety claims, reflecting the general lack of robust human studies.
- https://www.rivm.nl/sites/default/files/2020-07/Fact%20sheet%20DMAA%20DMBA%20%20DMHA_final_20180129_anon.pdf – The Dutch RIVM fact sheet on related compounds (DMAA, DMBA, DMHA) reports slow absorption and a prolonged half-life for these substances. It also notes potential inhibition of CYP450 enzymes and highlights significant safety concerns due to a lack of metabolism data and direct clinical trials on DMHA. This document underscores the general uncertainty surrounding the safety and pharmacokinetics of this class of stimulants.
