1,4-DMAA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

1,4-DMAA is a chemical with stimulant effects.

1,4-DMAA is used for athletic performance and obesity, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Taking 1,4-DMAA might also be unsafe.

1,4-DMAA is found in small amounts in geranium plants. However, some supplements have been found to contain much larger amounts than are found in nature. Because of this, there is a concern that manufacturers are using synthetic 1,4-DMAA that is made in a laboratory rather than obtaining it from a natural source. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that supplements containing 1,4-DMAA appear to be illegal and recommends that these products not be taken. 1,4-DMAA is also included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited substances list. Competitive athletes should avoid taking it.

How does it work ?

1,4-DMAA is thought to have stimulant effects. Stimulants can increase energy and focus and decrease hunger. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support the use of 1,4-DMAA for these effects.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Athletic performance.
Obesity.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate 1,4-DMAA for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: 1,4-DMAA is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Since it's thought to work like a stimulant, there is concern that it might increase the chance of serious side effects such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if 1,4-DMAA is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

High blood pressure: 1,4-DMAA might have stimulant effects and can increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, avoid taking 1,4-DMAA.

Glaucoma: 1,4-DMAA might have stimulant effects and cause blood vessels to constrict. This could worsen some types of glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, avoid taking 1,4-DMAA.

Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia): 1,4-DMAA might have stimulant effects and can cause a rapid heartbeat. This could worsen heart arrhythmias.

Surgery: 1,4-DMAA might have stimulant effects, so it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking 1,4-DMAA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Stimulant drugs interacts with 1,4-DMAA
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. 1,4-DMAA might also speed up the nervous system. Taking 1,4-DMAA along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Some stimulant drugs include amphetamine, caffeine, diethylpropion (Tenuate), methylphenidate, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), and many others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of 1,4-DMAA depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 1,4-DMAA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Adverse Event Report. Jack3d. Natural MedWatch, May 28, 2011.

Archer JR, Dargan PI, Lostia AM, van der Walt J, Henderson K, Drake N, Sharma S, Wood DM, Walker CJ, Kicman AT. Running an unknown risk: a marathon death associated with the use of 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Drug Test Anal. 2015 May;7(5):433-8. View abstract.

Cohen PA, Travis JC, Keizers PHJ, Deuster P, Venhuis BJ. Four experimental stimulants found in sports and weight loss supplements: 2-amino-6-methylheptane (octodrine), 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA), 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA) and 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (1,3-DMBA). Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2018;56(6):421-6. View abstract.

Eliason MJ, Eichner A, Cancio A, Bestervelt L, Adams BD, Deuster PA. Case reports: Death of active duty soldiers following ingestion of dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Mil Med. 2012 Dec;177(12):1455-9. View abstract.

Fleming HL, Ranaivo PL, Simone PS. Analysis and Confirmation of 1,3-DMAA and 1,4-DMAA in Geranium Plants Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry at ng/g Concentrations. Anal Chem Insights. 2012;7:59-78. View abstract.

Gee P, Jackson S, Easton J. Another bitter pill: a case of toxicity from DMAA party pills. N Z Med J 2010;123:124-7. View abstract.

Palmer PG Jr. Deadly dimethylamylamine: "health" supplements are killing consumers while current regulations impede FDA action. J Leg Med. 2014;35(2):311-36. View abstract.

Removal of the dietary supplement DMAA. Army Medicine, Office of the Surgeon General, 2011. Available at: https://humanperformanceresourcecenter.org/dietary-supplements/files/dmaa-pdf. (Accessed 4 January 2012).

Starling S. Synthetic geranium substance raises ephedra-like red flags. Nutraingredients-use.com, May 11, 2010. Available at: https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Synthetic-geranium-substance-raises-ephedra-like-red-flags. (Accessed 12 August 2011).

U.S Food & Drug Administration. Dietary supplement ingredient advisory list. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dietary-supplement-ingredient-advisory-list. Updated June 24, 2019; Accessed September 24, 2019.

Vorce SP, Holler JM, Cawrse BM, Magluilo J. Dimethylamylamine: A drug causing positive immunoassay results for amphetamines. J Anal Toxicol 2011;35:183-7. View abstract.

World Anti-Doping Agency. Prohibited list - January 2019. Available at: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2019_english_prohibited_list.pdf. Accessed September 24, 2019.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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