Methylhexanamine Hcl
Also known as: DMAA, Methylhexanamine, Methylhexanamine HCl, geranamine, 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
Overview
1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA), commonly known as Methylhexanamine HCl, is a synthetic stimulant structurally related to amphetamines. Originally developed as a nasal decongestant by Eli Lilly, it later gained popularity as an ingredient in dietary supplements for its stimulant properties. DMAA is not naturally occurring, despite some claims of derivation from geranium oil. It is primarily marketed for performance enhancement, weight loss, increased energy, focus, and appetite suppression. Its mechanism involves acting as an indirect sympathomimetic, promoting the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, which leads to vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. While pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies exist, high-quality clinical trials on its efficacy and safety in humans are limited, with most evidence coming from small clinical pharmacology studies and case reports.
Benefits
DMAA's primary benefits stem from its central nervous system stimulant effects, leading to increased energy and focus. It also exhibits bronchodilation and vasoconstriction, with these effects observed at oral doses of 4–15 mg, and more pronounced cardiovascular effects at 50–100 mg. Secondary effects, such as appetite suppression and potential weight loss, are inferred from its sympathomimetic activity, but these have not been robustly demonstrated in controlled trials. While athletes and individuals seeking stimulant effects for performance or weight management might use it, DMAA is banned in professional sports due to doping concerns. A pharmacokinetic study of a 25 mg oral dose showed measurable plasma concentrations and statistically significant physiological effects on heart rate and blood pressure, but it did not quantify clinical efficacy outcomes. The long half-life of DMAA suggests that repeated dosing within 24–36 hours can lead to accumulation, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
How it works
DMAA functions as a norepinephrine and dopamine releasing agent (NDRA), significantly increasing the synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters. This action primarily stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The increased neurotransmitter levels lead to a cascade of physiological responses, including vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), an elevated heart rate, bronchodilation (widening of airways), and general central nervous system stimulation. At a molecular level, DMAA acts as an indirect agonist at adrenergic receptors by facilitating the release of endogenous neurotransmitters. When administered orally, DMAA is absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching peak plasma concentrations within a few hours, with a half-life that allows for potential accumulation with repeated dosing.
Side effects
DMAA carries significant safety concerns due to its sympathomimetic effects. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, headache, and nervousness. Less common side effects (1–5%) may involve palpitations, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare but serious cardiovascular events, such as hemorrhagic stroke and myocardial infarction, have been anecdotally reported, though not confirmed in controlled trials. DMAA has potential additive effects with other stimulants or sympathomimetics, and caution is advised when used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other cardiovascular medications. It is contraindicated in individuals with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety disorders, and during pregnancy and lactation. Due to a lack of safety data, DMAA is not recommended for special populations. The long half-life increases the risk of adverse effects with repeated dosing within a short period.
Dosage
There is no established safe or effective dosage range for DMAA. Pharmacological effects on the lungs have been observed at approximately 4–15 mg orally, while cardiovascular effects typically manifest at 50–75 mg. A 25 mg dose has been studied pharmacokinetically, showing measurable plasma levels. However, a maximum safe dose has not been established, and doses exceeding 100 mg are known to significantly increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Due to its long half-life, it is crucial to avoid repeated dosing within 24–36 hours to prevent accumulation in the body, which can heighten the risk of adverse reactions. DMAA is commonly found in oral capsule or powder forms. Food intake may delay its absorption, but comprehensive bioavailability data are limited, and no specific cofactors are established to influence its effects.
FAQs
Is DMAA safe?
Safety concerns exist due to cardiovascular risks, and no large-scale randomized controlled trials confirm its safety. Many regulatory agencies have banned DMAA in supplements due to these concerns.
Does DMAA improve athletic performance?
DMAA is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). While it provides stimulant effects, limited evidence robustly supports performance enhancement beyond these general stimulant properties.
How long do the effects of DMAA last?
DMAA has a relatively long half-life, meaning its effects can last for several hours. Repeated dosing within a short period can lead to accumulation in the body.
Can DMAA cause addiction?
Preclinical animal studies suggest that DMAA may have abuse liability similar to other stimulants, indicating a potential for dependence, though human addiction potential is not fully established.
Is DMAA legal?
DMAA's legal status varies globally. Many countries and sports organizations have prohibited its use and sale in dietary supplements due to safety concerns.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3852303/ – This pharmacokinetic study investigated a 25 mg oral dose of DMAA in healthy adults. It found measurable plasma concentrations, with a half-life suggesting a risk of accumulation with repeated dosing. The study also noted statistically significant physiological effects on heart rate and blood pressure, though no serious adverse events were reported in this single-dose context.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylhexanamine – This source, referencing pharmacology reviews, describes DMAA as a norepinephrine and dopamine releasing agent. It outlines DMAA's dose-dependent cardiovascular and respiratory effects, consistent with a sympathomimetic profile, drawing from pharmacological data rather than clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4272877/ – This animal study assessed the abuse liability of DMAA. It demonstrated stimulant-like effects on locomotor activity and drug discrimination in rats, suggesting a potential for abuse. While preclinical, these findings are relevant for understanding the safety considerations of DMAA.