Herb & supplement monograph

1,4-dmaa Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

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

First and foremost: how 1,4-dmaa interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 1,4-dmaa is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what 1,4-dmaa 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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1,4-dmaa Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, 1,4-dmaa drug interactions come down to one moderate concern that applies mainly to people who take other stimulant medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major, but every one is rated moderate and reflects the same issue: stacking stimulant effects on top of stimulant effects.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve stimulant medications, including prescription drugs such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, and phentermine, and common products like pseudoephedrine and caffeine. Because 1,4-DMAA is itself a synthetic stimulant, and animal research suggests it can narrow blood vessels, combining it with these drugs could add up and put extra strain on heart rate and blood pressure. This has not been confirmed in human studies, but the concern is plausible given how these drugs work.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications reflects one shared mechanism, not many separate problems: any drug with stimulant activity gets flagged. The evidence comes from animal research rather than documented harm in people, so the risk remains theoretical. Even so, because 1,4-DMAA has little human safety data of its own, we treat this predicted effect as worth taking seriously.

Check your medications against 1,4-dmaa

Based on HelloPharmacist’s 1,4-dmaa interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 1,4-dmaa

172 medications have a known interaction with 1,4-dmaa, 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 1,4-dmaa 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 1,4-dmaa affects

Every type of medication (drug category) 1,4-dmaa is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category 1,4-dmaa interacts with
Stimulant Drugs
Stimulant Drugs

1,4-DMAA is thought to have stimulant and vasoconstrictive effects, which have been demonstrated in animal studies. Theoretically, taking 1,4-DMAA with stimulant drugs might increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Some stimulant drugs include amphetamine, caffeine, diethylpropion (Tenuate), methylphenidate, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

1,4-dmaa: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

1,4-DMAA is a synthetic stimulant that the U.S. FDA has determined is not a legal dietary ingredient and considers unsafe in supplements. It has been linked to serious heart and blood pressure problems, and we recommend avoiding it entirely.

Part used
Synthetic chemical (not a true plant part)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, pre-workout powders
People commonly use it for
  • Energy and stimulation
  • Weight loss
  • Athletic performance
  • Focus and concentration

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Banned by the FDA and tied to serious cardiovascular harm; avoid use.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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

1,4-DMAA (1,4-dimethylamylamine) is a synthetic stimulant chemical, closely related to the better-known compound 1,3-DMAA (also called methylhexanamine). It is not a vitamin, herb, or natural food ingredient. Compounds in this family were originally developed decades ago and one version was once used as a nasal decongestant.

Despite sometimes being marketed as a "natural" extract, these DMAA-type stimulants are man-made or made in a lab. They have been added to some pre-workout, energy, and weight-loss supplements to boost energy, focus, and exercise output.

In the United States, the FDA has stated that DMAA does not meet the legal definition of a dietary ingredient and is not safe to use in supplements. Products containing it have been pulled from the market and warned against in several countries.

Uses & effectiveness

People have used DMAA-type stimulants mainly to feel more energetic, to lose weight, and to push harder during workouts. Some users report sharper focus and a temporary mood lift, similar to other stimulants.

The honest answer on effectiveness is that well-designed human studies are very limited, and any short-term stimulant feeling does not outweigh the safety concerns. There is no reliable, high-quality evidence that DMAA safely improves health, fat loss, or athletic performance. Because of this, the risks clearly outweigh any possible benefit.

How it works

DMAA is a sympathomimetic stimulant, meaning it acts somewhat like adrenaline (epinephrine) in the body. It is thought to narrow blood vessels and increase the release of certain brain chemicals such as norepinephrine, which can raise heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.

Much of this understanding comes from its chemical similarity to other stimulants rather than from large human studies. These same actions that create a feeling of energy are also what make it dangerous for the heart and blood vessels.

Safety & precautions

DMAA is not considered safe. The FDA and health authorities in several countries have warned against it and removed products containing it from the market. It has been linked to serious and sometimes life-threatening events.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, or any cardiovascular risk are at especially high risk, but harm has also been reported in otherwise healthy young adults, including athletes and military members.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. Strong stimulants can be dangerous to both a pregnant person and a developing baby, and the safety of DMAA in these situations is unknown and not worth the risk.

Because supplements containing DMAA are often mislabeled or hide it under other names, we strongly recommend reading labels carefully and checking with a pharmacist before using any energy or pre-workout product.

Side effects

Reported side effects include increased blood pressure, rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations), headache, nausea, shortness of breath, chest tightness, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.

More serious harms have been reported, including heart attack, stroke, seizures, liver injury, and death. Because these events can happen suddenly and in young, healthy people, this stimulant should not be used.

1,4-dmaa: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on 1,4-dmaa from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, clinical evidence on the safety of 1,4-DMAA is lacking, although it has demonstrated stimulant and vasoconstrictive effects in animal studies. A related stimulant called 1,3-DMAA has been linked to serious adverse events in humans, including lactic acidosis, hemorrhagic stroke, heat stroke, and death.

  1. 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
  2. Vorce SP, Holler JM, Cawrse BM, Magluilo J. Dimethylamylamine: A drug causing positive immunoassay results for amphetamines. J Anal Toxicol 2011;35:183-7.
  3. Adverse Event Report. Jack3d. Natural MedWatch, May 28, 2011.
  4. Starling S. Synthetic geranium substance raises ephedra-like red flags. Nutraingredients-use.com, May 11, 2010. Available at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Synthetic-geranium-substance-raises-ephedra-like-red-flags. (Accessed 12 August 2011
  5. Gee P, Jackson S, Easton J. Another bitter pill: a case of toxicity from DMAA party pills. N Z Med J 2010;123:124-7.
  6. Removal of the dietary supplement DMAA. Army Medicine, Office of the Surgeon General, 2011. Available at: http://humanperformanceresourcecenter.org/dietary-supplements/files/dmaa-pdf. (Accessed 4 January 2012).
  7. Archer JR, Dargan PI, Lostia AM, van der Walt J, Henderson K, Drake N, Sharma S, Wood DM, Walker CJ, Kicman AT. Running an unknown risk: a marathon death associated with the use of 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Drug Test Anal. 2015 May;7(5):433-8.
  8. Eliason MJ, Eichner A, Cancio A, Bestervelt L, Adams BD, Deuster PA. Case reports: Death of active duty soldiers following ingestion of dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Mil Med. 2012 Dec;177(12):1455-9.
  9. Palmer PG Jr. Deadly dimethylamylamine: "health" supplements are killing consumers while current regulations impede FDA action. J Leg Med. 2014;35(2):311-36.
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 1,4-DMAA, and it is not a legal dietary ingredient in the United States. We do not recommend any amount.

If you find a product that lists DMAA, 1,4-DMAA, or similar stimulant names on the label, do not take it, and consider reporting it. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially energy or weight-loss products.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

1,4-dmaa & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

1,4-dmaa & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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 9 references that drive our 1,4-dmaa 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. Vorce SP, Holler JM, Cawrse BM, Magluilo J. Dimethylamylamine: A drug causing positive immunoassay results for amphetamines. J Anal Toxicol 2011;35:183-7. PubMed
  2. Adverse Event Report. Jack3d. Natural MedWatch, May 28, 2011.
  3. Starling S. Synthetic geranium substance raises ephedra-like red flags. Nutraingredients-use.com, May 11, 2010. Available at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Synthetic-geranium-substance-raises-ephedra-like-red-flags. (Accessed 12 August 2011
  4. Gee P, Jackson S, Easton J. Another bitter pill: a case of toxicity from DMAA party pills. N Z Med J 2010;123:124-7.
  5. Removal of the dietary supplement DMAA. Army Medicine, Office of the Surgeon General, 2011. Available at: http://humanperformanceresourcecenter.org/dietary-supplements/files/dmaa-pdf. (Accessed 4 January 2012).
  6. Archer JR, Dargan PI, Lostia AM, van der Walt J, Henderson K, Drake N, Sharma S, Wood DM, Walker CJ, Kicman AT. Running an unknown risk: a marathon death associated with the use of 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Drug Test Anal. 2015 May;7(5):433-8. PubMed
  7. Eliason MJ, Eichner A, Cancio A, Bestervelt L, Adams BD, Deuster PA. Case reports: Death of active duty soldiers following ingestion of dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA). Mil Med. 2012 Dec;177(12):1455-9. PubMed
  8. Palmer PG Jr. Deadly dimethylamylamine: "health" supplements are killing consumers while current regulations impede FDA action. J Leg Med. 2014;35(2):311-36. PubMed
  9. 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

1,4-dmaa: Common Questions

Does 1,4-dmaa interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 172 medications with a known interaction with 1,4-dmaa. Use the checker above to see how 1,4-dmaa interacts with a specific drug.
How are 1,4-dmaa 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 1,4-dmaa 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 1,4-dmaa 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 1,4-dmaa used for?
It has been added to some pre-workout, energy, and weight-loss supplements as a stimulant to boost energy, focus, and exercise output. However, it is not approved for these uses and is considered unsafe.
Is 1,4-dmaa legal and safe?
No. The FDA considers it an illegal supplement ingredient and unsafe, and it has been linked to serious heart problems, stroke, and even death. We recommend avoiding it entirely.
Is it natural since some products call it a plant extract?
Despite marketing claims, DMAA-type stimulants are synthetic chemicals. Calling it natural does not make it safe.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Strong stimulants like this should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of serious risks to you and your baby.

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

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