Overview

1,3-DMAA is a drug made synthetically in a laboratory. It was originally used as a nasal decongestant. Today, 1,3-DMAA is sold as a dietary supplement used for attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD), weight loss, improving athletic performance, and body building.

Some products claim that 1,3-DMAA naturally comes from rose geranium oil. Supplements that contain this ingredient sometimes list rose geranium, geranium oil, or geranium stems on the label. However, laboratory analysis shows that this drug probably does not come from this natural source. It is thought that these manufacturers have artificially added this drug to the supplement rather than obtaining it from a natural source. 1,3-DMAA is considered a drug in Canada and is not permitted in dietary supplements or natural health products.

Many athletes take 1,3-DMAA to improve performance. However, 1,3-DMAA was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited substances list in 2010. Therefore, competitive athletes should avoid taking it.

Due to safety concerns, 1,3-DMAA has been removed from military stores in the US. It has also been banned in New Zealand. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers supplements containing 1,3-DMAA to be illegal. Its use has been linked to several reports of serious, life-threatening side effects.

How does it work ?

1,3-DMAA is thought to have stimulant effects similar to decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and others. Some promoters say that it is a safer alternative to ephedrine. But there is no scientific information to back up this claim.

1,3-DMAA is thought to have stimulant effects similar to decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and others. Some promoters say that it is a safer alternative to ephedrine. But there is no scientific information to back up this claim.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Obesity. Early research shows that taking 1,3-DMAA doesn't seem to help with weight loss.
  • Athletic performance.
  • Attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
  • Body building.
  • Memory and thinking skills (cognitive function).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate 1,3-DMAA for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: 1,3-DMAA is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Since it is thought to work like a stimulant, there is concern that it might increase the chance of serious side effects such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

There have been several reports of dangerous side effects including stroke, a condition called lactic acidosis, heart attack, liver injury, and death in people who have taken 1,3-DMAA.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: 1,3-DMAA is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Since it is thought to work like a stimulant, there is concern that it might increase the chance of serious side effects such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

There have been several reports of dangerous side effects including stroke, a condition called lactic acidosis, heart attack, liver injury, and death in people who have taken 1,3-DMAA.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if 1,3-DMAA is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

High blood pressure: 1,3-DMAA might have stimulant effects and can increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, avoid taking 1,3-DMAA.

Glaucoma: 1,3-DMAA might have stimulant effects and cause blood vessels to constrict. This could worsen some types of glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, avoid taking 1,3-DMAA.

Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia): 1,3-DMAA might have stimulant effects and can cause a rapid heartbeat. This could worsen heartarrhythmias.

Surgery: 1,3-DMAA might have stimulant effects, so it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking 1,3-DMAA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Stimulant drugs interacts with 1,3-DMAA

    Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. 1,3-DMAA might also speed up the nervous system. Taking 1,3-DMAA along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

    Some stimulant drugs include amphetamine, caffeine, diethylpropion (Tenuate), methylphenidate, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), and many others.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with 1,3-DMAA

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. 1,3-DMAA might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking 1,3-DMAA along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking 1,3-DMAA, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

    Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of 1,3-DMAA depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 1,3-DMAA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.