DMHA (2-Aminoisoheptane)
DMHA (octodrine / 2-aminoisoheptane) is a stimulant amine that replaced DMAA in many pre-workout and fat-burner products after DMAA was banned. It is a weaker but related sympathomimetic marketed under exotic botanical names. Human data is minimal, and the FDA considers it an unlawful dietary ingredient.
01 Overview
2-Aminoisoheptane, also called octodrine, was historically a pharmaceutical (a vasoconstrictor and respiratory stimulant) before being repurposed as a supplement stimulant. Products often list it as 'Aconitum kusnezoffii', 'Kigelia africana' or 'Juglans regia' extract, though credible evidence it occurs in these plants is lacking.
DMHA produces energy, focus and appetite suppression similar to DMAA at higher milligram doses. Because it has almost no modern human safety data at supplement doses and shares a cardiovascular risk profile with related amines, regulators have moved to remove it from the market.
02 Mechanism
Indirect sympathomimetic that increases noradrenaline and dopamine availability, producing central stimulation and peripheral vasoconstriction.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 75–150 mg | Oral | Lower labelled pre-workout serving. |
| Common | 150–300 mg | Oral | Common labelled dose; potency varies with source purity. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulant energyReported focus and drive during training, milder than DMAA. | Moderate | Anecdotal | |
| Appetite suppressionUsed in fat-burner formulas for hunger control. | Moderate | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insomnia and jitterinessOverstimulation, anxiety and disrupted sleep, especially late in the day. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| Elevated blood pressureVasoconstriction raises blood pressure, a risk given the drug's original pressor use. | Severe | Common | Preclinical |