DEANOL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Deanol is a chemical used to make choline. Choline is involved in reactions that form acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain and other areas of the body.

Having more choline in the body might increase the production of acetylcholine, which is involved in brain and nervous system function. This might have effects on some neurological conditions.

People use deanol for Alzheimer disease, a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Deanol was previously sold by Riker Laboratories as the prescription drug Deaner. It was prescribed for the management of children with behavior problems and learning difficulties. Deanol is not an approved food additive in the US, nor is it an orphan drug, as some marketing suggests.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely InEffective for

Alzheimer disease. Taking deanol by mouth does not seem to improve memory in people with Alzheimer disease.
A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking deanol by mouth does not seem to improve symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

There is interest in using deanol for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Deanol is possibly safe when used in doses up to 2 grams daily for up to 4 weeks or 500 mg daily for up to 3 months. It seems to be well tolerated. Side effects might include stomach cramps, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if deanol is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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

Depression: Deanol might make depression worse.

Schizophrenia: Deanol might make schizophrenia symptoms worse.

Tonic-clonic seizures: Deanol should not be used by people with tonic-clonic seizure disorders. It might make seizures worse.

Interactions

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with DEANOL
Deanol can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking deanol might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with DEANOL
Deanol can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking deanol with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of deanol might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Coleman N, Dexheimer P, DiMascio A, et al. Deanol in the treatment of hyperkinetic children. Psychosomatics 1976;17(2):68-72. View abstract.

Davies C, Maidment S, Hanley P, et al. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). HSE. Risk assessment document; EH72/2;1997. (TOXLINE).

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Jus A, Villeneuve A, Gautier J, et al. Deanol, lithium and placebo in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. A double-blind crossover study. Neuropsychobiology 1978;4:140-9. View abstract.

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