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Overview: 1,3-DMAA is a stimulant-like chemical. Although it is sometimes used to improve physical performance or increase energy levels, its benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects include headache, nervousness, irritability, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects include heart problems, heart attack, stroke, behavior changes, and mood changes. In the U.S., 1,3-DMAA cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement. However, it may still be found in some products that are marketed for athletic performance. Talk with your health care provider before taking a product that contains 1,3-DMAA.

Uses

What is 1,3-DMAA used for?

1,3-DMAA is commonly used to improve physical performance and increase energy levels. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: 1,3-DMAA is not approved by the FDA for any use. The FDA also does not consider 1,3-DMAA to be a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. Learn more about the legal status of 1,3-DMAA here.

How does 1,3-DMAA work (mechanism of action)?

1,3-DMAA (1,3-dimethylamine), also known as DMAA, is a chemical that is related to amphetamine. This chemical can act like a stimulant in the body. Theoretically, this means that it may be able to affect energy levels and exercise performance. But the effects of 1,3-DMAA are not well understood, and it may cause serious side effects. See the Side Effects section for more information.

Although 1,3-DMAA is sometimes added to supplements that are marketed for physical performance, it is not a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. Some products that contain this chemical may list it as DMAA or methylhexanamine. These are the same as 1,3-DMAA. Read the product label carefully to confirm which ingredients it contains.

How should I store 1,3-DMAA?

You should store 1,3-DMAA according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of 1,3-DMAA?

The most common side effects of 1,3-DMAA are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
  • Sweating or flushing
  • Trouble sleeping (especially if taken later in the day or close to bedtime)

There may be other side effects of 1,3-DMAA that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of 1,3-DMAA?

While less common, the most serious side effects of 1,3-DMAA are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. 1,3-DMAA may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking 1,3-DMAA and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Effects. 1,3-DMAA can have stimulant-like effects. This may increase your risk for certain heart effects, such as raising your heart rate, blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). These effects may be more likely with higher doses of 1,3-DMAA or when other products with stimulant effects are used together with 1,3-DMAA.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Heart Attack and Stroke. 1,3-DMAA can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk may be higher in people who already have heart disease, with higher doses of 1,3-DMAA, or when other products with stimulant effects are used with 1,3-DMAA. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Behavior, Thought, or Mood Changes. 1,3-DMAA can have stimulant-like effects. This may cause or worsen psychotic-like behaviors, such as hallucinations or mania. People who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, may be at higher risk of having these side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Very increased energy
  • Significant trouble sleeping
  • Racing, fast-paced thoughts
  • Panic attacks
  • Reckless behavior
  • Unusually grand ideas
  • Excessive happiness or crankiness
  • Talking more or faster than usual

Liver Damage. There is some concern that 1,3-DMAA may cause liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity. This may be more likely if you are using other products that can also cause liver damage. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Seizures. There is some concern that taking 1,3-DMAA can increase the risk for seizures. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking 1,3-DMAA and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use 1,3-DMAA?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take 1,3-DMAA.

  • DMAA
  • 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
  • 1,3-DMAA
  • Methylhexanamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in a 1,3-DMAA product.

What should I know about 1,3-DMAA before using it?

The FDA does not consider 1,3-DMAA to be a legal dietary ingredient. However, it may still be available for purchase in many places. These products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels.

Keep 1,3-DMAA out of the reach of children.

1,3-DMAA is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes while in competition. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here.

Many dietary supplements that are marketed for physical performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or other substances that are prohibited for use by athletes. Use caution when buying a performance enhancing product because it may contain ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using 1,3-DMAA?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if 1,3-DMAA is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. 1,3-DMAA may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking 1,3-DMAA, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how 1,3-DMAA could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if 1,3-DMAA passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does 1,3-DMAA interact with foods or drinks?

1,3-DMAA can have stimulant-like effects. Taking 1,3-DMAA with caffeine, which is also a stimulant, may increase the risk of having side effects. Caffeine is found in many common foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some protein bars).

Taking 1,3-DMAA and alcohol together may increase your risk of having serious side effects. It may be best to avoid using alcohol and 1,3-DMAA together.

Does 1,3-DMAA interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking 1,3-DMAA.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A stimulant, such as amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, or methylphenidate, which is a medicine commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Any product that contains caffeine, which is often found in medicines or supplements for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, headaches, and hangover relief

The interactions between 1,3-DMAA and medicines are not fully understood. As with most unapproved products, the research on drug interactions with 1,3-DMAA is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking 1,3-DMAA with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much 1,3-DMAA?

If you or someone else has used too much 1,3-DMAA, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

1,3-DMAA is not considered to be a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. and may cause serious side effects in some people. Speak with a health care provider before taking 1,3-DMAA for any reason.