Research chemicalStimulantSympathomimetic amineAliphatic amine

DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine)

Also known as Methylhexanamine · Geranamine · 1,3-DMAA · Forthane

Written by enwyReviewed 5 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

DMAA is a sympathomimetic amine marketed in the late 2000s and early 2010s as a potent pre-workout stimulant and fat-burner ingredient, often as 'geranium extract'. It produces stimulant euphoria and appetite suppression but has been tied to hypertensive crises, cerebral haemorrhage and several deaths. The FDA declared it an illegal dietary ingredient and issued warning letters; it is banned in sport by WADA.

01 Overview

1,3-Dimethylamylamine (methylhexanamine) was originally patented by Eli Lilly as a nasal decongestant in the 1940s. It re-emerged in supplements as a cheap amphetamine-like stimulant, frequently mislabelled as a natural constituent of geranium oil despite little evidence it occurs there in meaningful amounts.

The FDA sent warning letters to manufacturers in 2012 and 2013 after receiving reports of serious cardiovascular and neurological events, including fatalities in military personnel. DMAA raises blood pressure sharply and its combination with caffeine or exercise magnifies cardiovascular strain. It remains widely available on the grey market despite regulatory action.

02 Mechanism

Acts as an indirect sympathomimetic, promoting release of noradrenaline and to a lesser extent dopamine, and blocking their reuptake; this vasoconstricts and raises heart rate and blood pressure.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Low	20–40 mg	Oral	Historical pre-workout serving size.
Common	40–75 mg	Oral	Typical labelled dose; often stacked with caffeine.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Increased energy and focusUsers report amphetamine-like alertness and drive during training.	Marked	Anecdotal
Appetite suppressionReduced hunger contributing to its use as a fat-burner.	Moderate	Anecdotal

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
Tachycardia and palpitationsRacing heart and irregular beats, worse when combined with caffeine.	Moderate	Common	Observational
Hypertensive crisisSharp rises in blood pressure linked to case reports of cerebral haemorrhage and death.	Life-threatening	Uncommon but documented	Observational

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Medicine, not permitted in supplements

MHRA action taken against sale. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Illegal dietary ingredient (FDA)

FDA warning letters 2012-2013; not lawful in supplements. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

DMAA in Dietary Supplements and FoodsU.S. FDA Dietary Supplement Products & Ingredients

Cerebral hemorrhage associated with 1,3-dimethylamylaminePubMed

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.