Herb & supplement monograph

1,3-dmba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how 1,3-dmba interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 1,3-dmba is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what 1,3-dmba is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 1,3-dmba

321 medications have a known interaction with 1,3-dmba, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps› Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine› Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin› Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact 1,3-dmba combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs 1,3-dmba affects

Every type of medication (drug category) 1,3-dmba is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories 1,3-dmba interacts with
Stimulant DrugsCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, combining 1,3-DMBA with other stimulant drugs might increase the risk of cardiovascular toxicity.
Animal research shows that 1,3-DMBA has stimulant effects, such as increasing blood pressure and heart rate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, 1,3-DMBA might modestly increase the levels of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that 1,3-DMBA weakly inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

1,3-dmba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

1,3-DMBA is a synthetic stimulant chemically similar to the banned stimulant DMAA, and it is not a proven or safe dietary ingredient. The U.S. FDA considers supplements containing it adulterated, and it is banned in sports. Because of serious heart and stroke risks, it is best to avoid products that contain it.

Part used
Synthetic chemical (sometimes claimed to come from plants such as Coreopsis tinctoria or pouchong tea)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, and powders (pre-workout, fat-burner, and weight-loss products)
People commonly use it for
  • Athletic and workout performance
  • Energy and stimulation
  • Weight loss and fat burning
  • Appetite suppression
  • Focus and concentration

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

It is an unapproved synthetic stimulant linked to potentially serious heart and blood vessel harm.

PregnancyBest avoided

Stimulants like this should not be used during pregnancy.

BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. 1,3-DMBA is thought to have stimulant and vasoconstrictive effects which might increase the risk of serious adverse effects.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

1,3-DMBA (1,3-dimethylbutylamine) is a man-made stimulant chemical that has appeared in some dietary supplements sold for exercise performance, energy, and weight loss. It is closely related to another stimulant called 1,3-DMAA (DMAA), which has been pulled from the U.S. market because of safety concerns.

Some product labels claim 1,3-DMBA comes from plants such as Coreopsis tinctoria or pouchong tea. However, the amounts found in supplements are far higher than anything a plant would naturally contain, which strongly suggests the ingredient is made in a laboratory.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that supplements containing 1,3-DMBA are adulterated, meaning they are not legal dietary ingredients. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also bans it for athletes.

How it works

1,3-DMBA is believed to act as a stimulant, much like its chemical cousin DMAA. Stimulants of this type are thought to narrow blood vessels and increase the activity of the body's "fight or flight" (sympathetic) nervous system.

This may raise heart rate and blood pressure and create a temporary feeling of energy or alertness. These proposed effects are based on its chemical structure and on what is known about similar stimulants, rather than on careful human studies of 1,3-DMBA itself.

Effectiveness

Does 1,3-dmba work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated
3 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For 1,3-dmba, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral 1,3-DMBA to improve athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1,3-DMBA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cognitive function
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral 1,3-DMBA to improve cognitive function, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1,3-DMBA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral 1,3-DMBA for weight loss, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 1,3-DMBA for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

1,3-DMBA should be avoided. It is not an approved or legal dietary ingredient, and it behaves like a powerful stimulant. Stimulants in this family have been linked to dangerous increases in blood pressure and to serious events such as heart attack, stroke, and even death.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, or any chronic health condition are at especially high risk and should not use it. Combining it with caffeine or other stimulants may make these dangers worse.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. Stimulants of this kind are not considered safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and the safety of 1,3-DMBA has never been established.

If you find a supplement that lists 1,3-DMBA (or 1,3-dimethylbutylamine) on the label, stop using it and talk with a pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

Because 1,3-DMBA acts as a stimulant and narrows blood vessels, reported and expected side effects include increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, headache, anxiety, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping.

More serious, though rarer, problems associated with similar stimulants include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis), and death. Seek emergency care for chest pain, severe headache, fainting, or signs of stroke.

1,3-dmba: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on 1,3-dmba from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

There is currently a limited amount of information available about the adverse effects of 1,3-DMBA. However, the closely related chemical 1,3-DMAA has been linked to serious adverse effects in humans, including lactic acidosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and death.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe or established dose of 1,3-DMBA. It is not an approved supplement ingredient, and the amounts in products are unregulated and may vary widely.

Because of the real risk of serious harm, no recommended dose can be given. The safest amount is none. If you are considering any pre-workout, fat-burner, or weight-loss product, check the ingredient list and ask a pharmacist before using it.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

1,3-dmba & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. 1,3-DMBA is thought to have stimulant and vasoconstrictive effects which might increase the risk of serious adverse effects.

  1. SWANSON EE, CHEN KK. Comparison of pressor action of alicyclic derivatives of aliphatic amines. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1948 Aug;93(4):423-9.
  2. Cohen PA, Travis JC, and Venhuis BJ. A synthetic stimulant never tested in humans, 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), is identified in multiple dietary supplements. Drug Test Analysis.,10-8-2014.
  3. Cohen PA, Travis JC, Keizers PHJ, Deuster P, Venhuis BJ. Four experimental stimulants found in sports and weight loss supplements: 2-amino-6-methylheptane (octodrine), 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA), 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA) and 1,3-dimethylbuty
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 4 references that drive our 1,3-dmba monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. SWANSON EE, CHEN KK. Comparison of pressor action of alicyclic derivatives of aliphatic amines. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1948 Aug;93(4):423-9.
  2. Cohen PA, Travis JC, and Venhuis BJ. A synthetic stimulant never tested in humans, 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), is identified in multiple dietary supplements. Drug Test Analysis.,10-8-2014. PubMed
  3. Liu Y, Santillo MF. Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 3A4 enzyme inhibition by amine stimulants in dietary supplements. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):307-10. PubMed
  4. Cohen PA, Travis JC, Keizers PHJ, Deuster P, Venhuis BJ. Four experimental stimulants found in sports and weight loss supplements: 2-amino-6-methylheptane (octodrine), 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA), 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA) and 1,3-dimethylbuty
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

1,3-dmba: Common Questions

What is 1,3-dmba used for, and does it work?
People use 1,3-dmba for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does 1,3-dmba interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 321 medications with a known interaction with 1,3-dmba. Use the checker above to see how 1,3-dmba interacts with a specific drug.
How are 1,3-dmba interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take 1,3-dmba with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this 1,3-dmba interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is 1,3-dmba used for?
It is added to some workout, energy, and weight-loss supplements as a stimulant. None of these uses are proven safe or effective.
Is 1,3-dmba safe to take?
No. It is a synthetic stimulant similar to the banned ingredient DMAA, and it has been linked to serious heart and stroke risks. It is best avoided.
Is 1,3-dmba legal in supplements?
The U.S. FDA considers supplements containing 1,3-dmba to be adulterated, meaning it is not a legal dietary ingredient. It is also banned in sports by WADA.
Can I take 1,3-dmba while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Stimulants like this should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its safety has never been established.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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