Research chemicalStimulantSympathomimetic aminePre-workout supplement

DMHA

Also known as 2-aminoisoheptane · Octodrine · 1,5-dimethylhexylamine · 2-amino-6-methylheptane · DMHA

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20262 sources0 comments

DMHA (2-aminoisoheptane, octodrine) is a synthetic aliphatic amine stimulant used in pre-workout and fat-burner supplements, often as a successor to DMAA. It is a sympathomimetic that raises energy, focus and blood pressure. Human safety data are limited, but its close similarity to DMAA raises comparable cardiovascular concerns, and regulators including the FDA consider it an unlawful supplement ingredient.

01 Overview

DMHA appeared in supplements in the mid-2010s as vendors sought DMAA replacements. It shares the sympathomimetic amine structure and stimulant profile, and is marketed for energy, appetite suppression and 'focus'. It has a limited historical pharmaceutical background as octodrine but almost no modern controlled human safety data.

Because it acts on the same noradrenergic pathways as DMAA, it raises blood pressure and heart rate and carries plausible cardiovascular risk, particularly when stacked with caffeine or other stimulants or used during intense exercise. The FDA has issued warnings that DMHA is not a lawful dietary-supplement ingredient, and it is prohibited in sport.

02 Mechanism

A sympathomimetic amine that promotes noradrenaline release and reduces its reuptake, producing CNS stimulation, vasoconstriction and raised blood pressure.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Light	50–100 mg	Oral	Typical supplement lower range; no established safe dose.
Common	100–200 mg	Oral	Common pre-workout range; cardiovascular effects rise with dose and with caffeine.
Strong	200–300 mg	Oral	Higher doses increase cardiovascular and neurological risk.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Stimulation and increased energyEnergy, alertness and focus, sought for training.	moderate-marked	Anecdotal
Appetite suppressionReduced appetite, exploited in fat-burner products.	moderate	Anecdotal
Raised blood pressure and heart rateSympathomimetic increase in cardiovascular parameters.	dose-dependent	Observational

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Cardiovascular strainRaised blood pressure and heart rate; by analogy to DMAA, potential for hypertensive and cardiac events, especially stacked with caffeine or during exertion.	Severe	Uncommon but plausible	Observational
Anxiety, palpitations and insomniaStimulant effects of anxiety, racing heart and disturbed sleep.	Moderate	Common	Anecdotal
Uncharacterised long-term safetyMinimal human data mean chronic effects are essentially unstudied.	Moderate	Unknown	Unconfirmed

06 Legal status

United States

Not a lawful dietary ingredient

FDA warns DMHA is not a lawful dietary-supplement ingredient; prohibited in sport by WADA. · as of Jan 2026

United Kingdom

Not permitted in supplements

Not authorised as a supplement ingredient; regulatory status akin to other stimulant amines. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

DMHA (octodrine / 2-aminoisoheptane) in supplements: analysis and safetyPubMed

FDA warning letters on DMHA-containing productsUS Food and Drug Administration

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.