Introduction
Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA), also known as octodrine, is a central nervous system stimulant that has garnered attention for its potential role in weight loss and performance enhancement. Originally developed in the 1950s as a nasal decongestant, it has recently re-emerged in the market as a pre-workout and "fat-burner" product. It increases the uptake of dopamine and noradrenaline. This article examines the available evidence regarding DMHA, its mechanisms of action, potential benefits, risks, and regulatory status, with a particular focus on its use in weight loss.
What is DMHA (Octodrine)?
Octodrine is the trade name for Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA). DMHA, scientifically identified as 2-amino-6-methylheptane, functions primarily as a central nervous system stimulant. It is an amphipathic primary amine also known under many names, including dimethyl hexylamine (DMHA) and 2-amino-6-methylheptane, 2-metil-5-amino-eptano. Its structure presents some similarities with that of other illegal stimulants like, AMP Citrate (DMBA), Ephedrine and 1.3-DMMA itself. With DMAA and AMP Citrate already phasing or phased out of current supplements, this drug was brought back on market as an alternative in pre-workout and ‘fat-burner’ products in 2016.
DMHA functions primarily as a central nervous system stimulant. Its mechanism of action involves increasing the levels and availability of key neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. By influencing these catecholamines, DMHA can lead to enhanced alertness, improved focus, and a surge in energy.
History and Development
Octodrine was originally developed in the United States as an aerosolized treatment for bronchitis, laryngitis, and other conditions. Its pharmacology was studied in the early 1950s, was investigated as an antitumor drug and used to be available as a nasal decongestant under the tradenames Vaporpac and Tickle Tackel Inhaler.
Mechanism of Action
DMHA binds to the trace amine associated receptor 1. This will briefly prevent the re-uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into the presynaptic nerve. Sympathomimetic effects of DMHA were explained as alpha adrenergic agonist-mediated via G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). It increases the uptake of dopamine and noradrenaline. DMHA can lead to enhanced alertness, improved focus, and a surge in energy.
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DMHA for Weight Loss: Claims and Evidence
DMHA is used most often in pre-workout, weight-loss, and “fat burner” (thermogenic) dietary supplement products because of its supposed benefits to suppress appetite and enhance energy. It has also been claimed to enhance focus, memory, and attention; increase pain threshold; and decrease rates of perceived exertion. Many customers say that the effects last several hours and they felt a sense of euphoria after taking a product with DMHA.
Appetite Suppression
One of the primary reasons DMHA is included in weight loss supplements is its purported ability to suppress appetite. Users often report a reduced desire to eat, which can contribute to a decrease in caloric intake.
Increased Energy Expenditure
DMHA's stimulant properties may also lead to increased energy expenditure through enhanced physical activity and a higher metabolic rate.
Limited Scientific Evidence
Despite these claims, it's important to note that there is limited scientific evidence specifically examining the effects of DMHA on weight loss in humans. The lack of experimental randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other interventional studies on humans has led to a complete absence of systematic reviews and meta-analytic studies related to use of Octodrine as a medicinal agent or food supplement. Animal experiments suggest a potential for adverse cardiovascular effects.
Potential Benefits of DMHA
Improved Workout Performance
DMHA can help improve your overall performance. Many customers say that the effects last several hours and they felt a sense of euphoria after taking a product with DMHA.
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Enhanced Focus and Energy
DMHA is presented as a DMAA-like stimulant and predominantly sold as a fat-burner product or pre-workout formula. Claims such as “It boosts dopamine and noradrenaline uptake, while slowing down reuptake just long enough for a solid workout or study session” are quite common. It can allegedly enhance focus, experience and performance.
Risks and Side Effects
Reported side-effects include hypertension, dyspnoea and hyperthermia. Potential side effects can include increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Animal experiments suggest a potential for adverse cardiovascular effects. DMHA was found to increase the pain threshold, cardiac rate (positive chronotropic effect) and myocardial contractility (positive inotropic effect).
Lack of Human Data
The safety of Octodrine as an individual drug remains unknown due to the lack of any placebo-controlled trial.
Similarities to DMAA
Given the similarities between 1,3-DMAA and 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine, caution should be exercised regarding the safety of 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine in consumer products. The consumption of dietary supplements containing 1,3-DMAA has been linked to adverse effects including strokes, heart failure, and sudden death.
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Regulatory Status and Legality
As of right now, this molecule is not on the 2016 WADA banned substances list but it fits perfectly in the category of the well-known Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs).
Not Approved for Oral Use
Octodrine was never approved for oral use, but in recent years, it has shown up as an ingredient in dietary supplements.
Concerns and Actions by Regulatory Bodies
Given the similarities between 1,3-DMAA and 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine, caution should be exercised regarding the safety of 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine in consumer products.
Presence in Dietary Supplements
Despite its FDA status, DMHA is still present as an ingredient in some dietary supplements, so be sure to look carefully at the Supplement Facts label of any product you’re considering.
Synonyms and Alternate Names
DMHA goes by many names, including:
- 1,5-dimethylhexylamine
- 1,5-DMHA
- 2-amino-5-methylheptane
- 2-amino-6-methylheptane
- 2-aminoisoheptane
- 2-heptylamine, 6-methyl-
- 2-Metil-6-amino-eptano
- 2-isooctyl amine
- 6-amino-2-methylheptane
- 6-methyl-2-heptylamine
- 6-methyl-2-heptanamine
- Amidrine
- dimethylhexylamine
- isoctaminum
- Octodrine
- Vaporpac
DMHA vs. Other Stimulants
DMHA vs. DMAA
DMAA has two methyl groups that are right next to the NH2 group on either side. This binding increases the potency. DMHA and DMAA both have a lot of the focus elements, but DMHA is a little short in the energy department which can be good because the crash from DMHA is much smoother than DMAA was.
DMHA vs. Ephedrine
Similar to DMHA, Ephedrine has been used in medicine. Ephedrine is also a nasal decongestant.
DMHA vs. Caffeine
Caffeine is a common stimulant that people often overlook for its stimulatory properties. Caffeine is often used in dietary supplements in a variety of dosages. When Caffeine is consumed, caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors in the brain. This then blocks the receptor and affects the release of norepinephrine and dopamine.
DMHA vs. Theophylline
Theophylline is another stimulant that is similar to DMHA, DMAA, and Ephedrine. Theophylline is a medication that is used to treat asthma. However, Theophylline is naturally more abundant in tea leaves instead of coffee.
DMHA vs. Citrus Aurantium
Citrus Aurantium is also known as Bitter Orange Extract which is a popular stimulant in fat burners. The thing that makes this ingredient so popular is a specific set of alkaloids, Synephrine. P-Synephrine is the most abundant and structurally similar to Ephedrine. Plus, there are many studies that show Synephrine aids in fat mobilization.
DMHA vs. Senegalia Berlandieri
Senegalia Berlandieri is related to Acacia Rigidula which is another ingredient that wasn't popular in dietary supplements, however Acacia Rigidula was banned due to the presence of an amphetamine isomer. Phenylethylamine Alkaloids' stimulant effects can lead to the release of amines like dopamine and serotonin.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Many online stores also provide detailed information around usage and dosage, alongside with warnings on risks and severe side effects of this emerging molecule.
Positive Reviews
- "This product is great!! It gives me more energy, appetite cut back, and great weight loss!"
- "The energy boosting effects from this product is like nothing I have ever used before."
- "My experience with this product has been great. It helped me lose 6lbs over the past 2 weeks!"
Weight Loss Success
- "Never Have I ever experienced such amazing fat burning effects! I started losing weight almost immediately!"
- "This product has helped me go above and beyond when it comes to reaching my weight loss goals."
Enhanced Workout Performance
- "Tons of energy and great pump!"
- "Love the taste, and the intense focus it gives you. This is the best preworkout, that I ever tried."