Herb & supplement monograph

Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

First and foremost: how Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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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Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) drug interaction appears low for most people, because every listed interaction is theoretical and none has been confirmed in humans. None of the interactions are rated major, and all are graded as only possible, resting on lab research rather than human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination that deserves the most caution is BMPEA with other stimulant medications, since BMPEA is chemically similar to amphetamine and pairing stimulants could, in theory, raise blood pressure or heart rate. Lab tests also show BMPEA strongly blocks an enzyme the body uses to clear many common medicines, so levels of CYP2D6 substrates could theoretically rise. A weaker lab effect on another clearance enzyme raises a similar, milder concern for CYP3A4 substrates.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications comes almost entirely from these two enzyme effects, which have only been shown in test tubes. A predicted lab effect often does not translate into a meaningful change in people, so most combinations on the list are unlikely to cause a real problem, though human data to confirm this is lacking.

Check your medications against Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea)

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea)

815 medications have a known interaction with Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AcalabrutinibCalquence› 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, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› 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 Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› 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›
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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) affects

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

All 3 drug categories Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) interacts with
Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) SubstratesCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesStimulant Drugs
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, BMPEA might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that BMPEA strongly inhibits CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, BMPEA might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that BMPEA inhibits CYP3A4 by up to 37%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, taking BMPEA with other stimulant drugs might increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
BMPEA is thought to have stimulant effects, including cardiovascular effects such as hypertension, tachycardia, and cardiac arrest.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea): Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA) is a synthetic stimulant chemically similar to amphetamine that has been found in some weight-loss and sports supplements, often without being clearly listed on the label. It is not an approved or well-studied dietary ingredient, and regulators have warned that it may carry real cardiovascular risks. Because of safety concerns and the lack of human research, it is best avoided.

Part used
Synthetic chemical; also reported as a constituent of some Acacia species
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, and powders sold as pre-workout, weight-loss, or 'energy' supplements
People commonly use it for
  • Weight loss
  • Pre-workout energy
  • Athletic performance
  • Appetite suppression
  • Mental focus

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

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

BMPEA is an unapproved synthetic stimulant linked to safety concerns and is best avoided.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. BMPEA is an amphetamine-like compound that has been shown to have stimulant properties and is associated with severe cardiovascular...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally. BMPEA is an amphetamine-like compound that has been shown to have stimulant properties and is associated with severe cardiovascular...

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.

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Overview

Beta-methylphenethylamine (BMPEA) is a stimulant compound that is closely related in structure to amphetamine. It is sometimes described as being found in certain plants, such as some Acacia species, but the BMPEA in supplements is generally believed to be made synthetically rather than extracted from a plant.

BMPEA gained attention when testing found it hidden in some dietary supplements—especially products marketed for weight loss, energy, and exercise performance. In several cases it was added without being clearly named on the label, sometimes appearing under a plant name like Acacia rigidula.

It is important to understand that BMPEA is not a traditional herb with a long history of safe use. It is a drug-like chemical, and health authorities have raised serious concerns about its presence in supplements.

How it works

BMPEA belongs to a family of compounds called phenethylamines, which includes amphetamine. Because of this close chemical similarity, it is thought to act as a central nervous system stimulant. Stimulants of this type can raise heart rate and blood pressure and increase alertness.

The exact effects of BMPEA in the human body have not been carefully measured in formal studies. Most of what is assumed about it comes from its chemical resemblance to amphetamine-like drugs rather than from direct research in people.

Effectiveness

Does Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea), 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 BMPEA for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of BMPEA for this purpose.

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

Although there has been interest in using oral BMPEA to improve memory, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of BMPEA for this purpose.

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

Although there has been interest in using oral BMPEA for weight loss, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of BMPEA for this condition.

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

BMPEA is not an approved dietary ingredient, and several regulatory agencies have warned about products that contain it. Because it acts like an amphetamine-type stimulant, there is concern that it could raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and stress the heart and blood vessels.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, thyroid problems, or a history of stroke should be especially cautious and avoid it. Anyone who takes other stimulants or who is sensitive to caffeine should also steer clear.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should not use BMPEA. There is no safety information, and stimulants of this kind are not considered safe during pregnancy or nursing. Because BMPEA is often hidden in supplements, it can be hard to know if a product contains it—reading labels carefully and choosing third-party tested products may help, but the safest choice is to avoid suspect 'energy' or weight-loss products entirely.

Side effects

Because BMPEA acts like a stimulant, possible side effects include increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, palpitations, jitteriness, anxiety, headache, and trouble sleeping.

More serious concerns, based on what is known about amphetamine-like compounds, could include dangerous spikes in blood pressure or heart rhythm problems. The full risk profile in humans is unknown because BMPEA has not been studied the way an approved medication would be.

If you have taken a product containing BMPEA and feel chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, or shortness of breath, seek medical help right away.

Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea): Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

BMPEA is an amphetamine derivative which can cause serious stimulant adverse effects.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Hypertension and tachycardia.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Cardiac arrest, stroke.

Reports by condition
Cardiac arrest Cardiovascular

Hemorrhagic stroke was reported in a healthy 53-year-old female who took a specific supplement (Jacked Power, MM sports) 30 minutes prior to exercise. It was not labeled as containing BMPEA, but testing showed a level of 290 mg per dose. A combination of BMPEA with other stimulants including synephrine, yohimbine, and caffeine has been associated with cardiac arrest and several reports of tachycardia and palpitations.

  1. Cohen PA, Zeijlon R, Nardin R, Keizers PH, Venhuis B. Hemorrhagic Stroke Probably Caused by Exercise Combined With a Sports Supplement Containing ß-Methylphenyl-ethylamine (BMPEA): A Case Report. Ann Intern Med. 2015 Jun 16;162(12):879-80. doi: 10.7326/L1
  2. Venhuis B, Keizers P, van Riel A, de Kaste D. A cocktail of synthetic stimulants found in a dietary supplement associated with serious adverse events. Drug Test Anal. 2014 Jun;6(6):578-81. doi: 10.1002/dta.1664. Epub 2014 May 6.
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 established or recommended dose for BMPEA, and no safe dose has been determined through research. It is not an approved ingredient, so any amount in a supplement is unregulated and may not match what the label says.

We do not recommend taking BMPEA. If you are considering a supplement that may contain it, talk with a pharmacist or doctor first, and avoid products that list vague or unfamiliar stimulant ingredients.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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 5 references that drive our Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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. Venhuis B, Keizers P, van Riel A, de Kaste D. A cocktail of synthetic stimulants found in a dietary supplement associated with serious adverse events. Drug Test Anal. 2014 Jun;6(6):578-81. doi: 10.1002/dta.1664. Epub 2014 May 6. PubMed
  2. Cohen PA, Bloszies C, Yee C, Gerona R. An amphetamine isomer whose efficacy and safety in humans has never been studied, ß-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), is found in multiple dietary supplements. Drug Test Anal. 2015 Apr 7. PubMed
  3. Cohen PA, Zeijlon R, Nardin R, Keizers PH, Venhuis B. Hemorrhagic Stroke Probably Caused by Exercise Combined With a Sports Supplement Containing ß-Methylphenyl-ethylamine (BMPEA): A Case Report. Ann Intern Med. 2015 Jun 16;162(12):879-80. doi: 10.7326/L1 DOI
  4. 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
  5. Brown DH, Hansson R, Oosthuizen F, et al. ß-Methylphenylethylamines: common fragmentation pathways with amphetamines in electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation. Drug Test Anal 2016;8:344-50.
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

Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea): Common Questions

What is Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) used for, and does it work?
People use Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 815 medications with a known interaction with Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea). Use the checker above to see how Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) interacts with a specific drug.
How are Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 Beta-methylphenethylamine (bmpea) 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 BMPEA?
BMPEA (beta-methylphenethylamine) is a synthetic stimulant chemically similar to amphetamine that has been found in some weight-loss and pre-workout supplements, sometimes without being clearly listed on the label.
Is BMPEA safe to take?
It is not considered safe. BMPEA is an unapproved stimulant that may raise heart rate and blood pressure, and it has not been properly studied in people, so it is best avoided.
Does BMPEA help with weight loss?
There is no reliable human evidence that BMPEA safely or effectively supports weight loss. It is marketed for this use, but those claims are not backed by good research.
How can I tell if a supplement contains BMPEA?
It can be hard to know, since BMPEA is sometimes hidden or listed under a plant name like Acacia rigidula. Choosing third-party tested products and avoiding suspicious 'energy' or fat-burner products is the safest approach—ask your pharmacist if you're unsure.

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

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