DMHA
Also known as: DMHA, Octodrine, 2-amino-6-methylheptane, Dimethylhexylamine
Overview
Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA) is a synthetic central nervous system stimulant structurally related to DMAA (dimethylamylamine). It is primarily used in dietary supplements, particularly pre-workouts and weight-loss products, to enhance energy, mental focus, and suppress appetite. DMHA exerts its effects by increasing the uptake and release of dopamine and noradrenaline. While anecdotal reports suggest benefits like improved focus and energy, robust scientific evidence from controlled human studies is very limited. Most available data are from animal toxicology studies, case reports, and observational data, raising safety concerns similar to those associated with DMAA.
Benefits
DMHA is anecdotally reported to increase mental focus, energy levels, and feelings of well-being, with effects typically observed within 15 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Some users also report appetite suppression and enhanced athletic performance, especially when combined with other stimulants or nootropics. However, the evidence supporting these benefits is largely anecdotal or derived from preclinical studies. There are no rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans with adequate sample sizes and controls to confirm the efficacy of DMHA for any of these purported benefits. Consequently, quantified effect sizes and clinical significance remain undocumented in peer-reviewed human research, making it difficult to ascertain the true extent or reliability of these effects.
How it works
DMHA functions primarily as a central nervous system stimulant by modulating neurotransmitter activity. Its main mechanism involves increasing the uptake and release of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are key neurotransmitters responsible for alertness, focus, and energy regulation. This stimulant effect is similar to that of DMAA, though DMHA's longer alkyl chain may influence its potency and duration of action. The compound is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, where it interacts with adrenergic receptors, leading to an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity. This interaction results in the physiological effects associated with stimulation, such as heightened arousal and increased heart rate. Absorption kinetics suggest that effects typically manifest within 15 to 60 minutes after oral consumption.
Side effects
DMHA carries significant safety concerns, largely due to its structural similarity to DMAA, which has been linked to severe adverse events. Potential side effects include elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), anxiety, mood swings, tremors, and other cardiovascular risks. While animal studies at doses of 20-25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 30 days showed mild effects like tremors and restlessness without major organ damage, human safety data are extremely limited. DMHA is considered possibly unsafe when taken orally, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, glaucoma, or arrhythmias. It can interact dangerously with other stimulants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and other sympathomimetic agents, potentially exacerbating adverse effects. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is strongly not recommended due to the complete lack of safety data in these populations. There have been reports of adverse events, including psychiatric disorders and deaths, associated with DMAA-containing products, and DMHA is believed to pose a similar risk profile.
Dosage
There are no established minimum effective doses or optimal dosing guidelines for DMHA due to the absence of well-controlled human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized intraperitoneal doses of 20-25 mg/kg, but a safe and effective human oral equivalent dose has not been defined. Given its stimulant properties and significant safety concerns, a highly conservative approach to dosing is advised, and medical supervision is recommended if considering its use. For acute stimulant effects, timing of administration is typically 15-60 minutes before the desired activity. The absorption of DMHA may be influenced by its formulation, but no specific cofactors are documented to enhance its absorption. Due to the lack of safety data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are unknown, emphasizing the need for extreme caution.
FAQs
Is DMHA safe?
Current evidence suggests potential cardiovascular risks similar to DMAA, including elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Caution is strongly advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Does DMHA improve workout performance?
Anecdotal reports suggest increased energy and focus during workouts. However, there is no high-quality clinical evidence from human trials to confirm these benefits or quantify their extent.
Can DMHA cause addiction or dependence?
As a stimulant affecting dopamine pathways, there is a theoretical potential for abuse and dependence. However, specific data on addiction or dependence related to DMHA are currently lacking.
Is DMHA banned in sports?
Due to its stimulant properties, DMHA may be prohibited by various sports organizations. Athletes should check with their respective governing bodies regarding its status.
Research Sources
- https://www.rivm.nl/sites/default/files/2020-07/Fact%20sheet%20DMAA%20DMBA%20%20DMHA_final_20180129_anon.pdf – This RIVM fact sheet provides a toxicological assessment of DMHA, noting that animal studies showed no significant organ damage after 30 days of intraperitoneal administration at 20-25 mg/kg, though mild tremors and restlessness were observed at higher doses. It highlights the lack of human clinical trials and emphasizes ongoing safety concerns due to DMHA's structural similarity to DMAA, which has documented adverse events including fatalities.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836053/ – This narrative review describes DMHA as a central nervous stimulant that increases dopamine and noradrenaline uptake, leading to subjective effects like increased focus and energy. It also notes reported side effects such as mood swings, tremors, and cardiovascular symptoms. The review points out the significant limitation of relying on anecdotal evidence and case reports due to the absence of controlled human trials for DMHA.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1538/dimethylhexylamine-dmha – The WebMD summary on DMHA warns of possible serious side effects, including heart attack and death, based on its similarity to DMAA. It advises against its use in individuals who are pregnant, or have conditions such as hypertension, glaucoma, or arrhythmias. The summary also confirms the lack of available clinical efficacy data for DMHA.
