Herb & supplement monograph

Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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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Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) drug interaction appears moderate, and the concern applies mainly to people taking other stimulant medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major, but every one is rated moderate, and all of them trace back to a single concern: DMHA's own stimulant effects.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most attention involve stimulant drugs, such as medications used for attention disorders or weight loss. Because DMHA is itself a synthetic stimulant, adding it to another stimulant could stack their effects and, in theory, raise the risk of cardiovascular problems such as strain on the heart or blood pressure. This is the one pattern we see across the whole profile, so people whose blood pressure or heart rhythm is closely watched should treat these pairings with the most caution.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications is large, it does not mean each pairing has been shown to cause harm. Every interaction here rests on the same theoretical reasoning, that two stimulants together might amplify each other, rather than on well-controlled human studies. The concern is plausible given how DMHA works, but it has not been confirmed in people.

Check your medications against Dimethylhexylamine (dmha)

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha)

172 medications have a known interaction with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) affects

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

All 1 drug category Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) interacts with

Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, combining DMHA with stimulant drugs might increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
DMHA is thought to have stimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Dimethylhexylamine (dmha): Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

DMHA (dimethylhexylamine, also called octodrine) is a synthetic stimulant added to some pre-workout and weight-loss supplements, often falsely labeled as a natural plant extract. It has not been shown to be safe as a dietary supplement, has been flagged by the FDA as an unapproved and potentially dangerous ingredient, and is best avoided. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any product that contains it.

Part used: Synthetic chemical compound (not from a plant)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powders, pre-workout blends

People commonly use it for

Pre-workout energy
Fat loss and weight management
Athletic performance
Appetite suppression
Focus and stimulation

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

Safety at a glance

OverallBest avoided

DMHA is an unapproved stimulant with serious safety concerns and is best avoided.

PregnancyBest avoided

Avoid during pregnancy; no safety data and it is a potent stimulant.

BreastfeedingBest avoided

Avoid while breastfeeding; no safety data and it may pass into breast milk.

Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Dimethylhexylamine, usually shortened to DMHA, is a synthetic stimulant chemical. It is also known by the name octodrine. It is not a vitamin, mineral, or true plant extract, even though some product labels claim it comes from plants like Juglans regia (English walnut) or Aconitum kusnezoffii. There is no good evidence that DMHA is naturally found in these plants in meaningful amounts.

DMHA is chemically related to other lab-made stimulants, including DMAA, which has been banned from supplements in several countries. It became popular as a replacement ingredient in pre-workout powders, "energy" capsules, and fat-burning products after stricter rules were placed on similar stimulants.

Health authorities, including the U.S. FDA, have warned that DMHA is not a lawful dietary ingredient and have taken action against products that contain it. Despite this, it still appears in some supplements sold online.

How it works

DMHA is thought to work as a central nervous system stimulant. It is believed to act somewhat like other stimulants by increasing the activity of brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This can raise alertness, heart rate, and blood pressure.

These effects may explain why people feel more energetic or less hungry after taking it. However, much of this mechanism is assumed from its chemical structure and from comparisons to related stimulants rather than from detailed human studies.

Because it raises heart rate and blood pressure, the same actions that produce a "boost" can also strain the heart and blood vessels.

Effectiveness

Does Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated

2 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha), current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 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 DMHA for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of DMHA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral DMHA for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of DMHA 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

DMHA is not considered safe for use as a dietary supplement. The FDA has stated it does not meet the definition of a legal dietary ingredient and has warned consumers about products containing it. Stimulants like DMHA have been linked to increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and other heart-related problems.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, an overactive thyroid, or a history of stroke should not use it. Anyone scheduled for surgery, or who is sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, should also avoid it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid DMHA completely. There is no safety information, and stimulants can be risky for a developing baby or a nursing infant. Athletes should also know that DMHA may cause a failed drug test, since it can be banned by sports organizations.

Side effects

Reported and expected side effects of DMHA come mainly from its stimulant activity. These may include:

Increased heart rate and palpitations
High blood pressure
Headache
Anxiety, jitteriness, or restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Nausea

More serious problems are possible, especially at higher doses or when combined with other stimulants. These can include chest pain, dangerously high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and stroke. If you experience chest pain, severe headache, fainting, or shortness of breath after taking a product with DMHA, seek emergency medical care right away.

Dimethylhexylamine (dmha): Reported Adverse Effects

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

Reports by condition

Hypertension Cardiovascular

Theoretically, DMHA might be associated with an increased risk for hypertension, tachycardia, and cardiovascular events, as have been reported with a structurally similar stimulant, dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

McCarthy C, Farney TM, Canale RE, et al. A finished dietary supplement stimulates lipolysis and metabolic rate in young men and women. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:23-31.
McCarthy C, Canale RE, Alleman RJ, et al. Biochemical and anthropometric effects of a weight loss dietary supplement in health men and women. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:13-22.
Farney TM, McCarthy C, Canale RE, et al. Hemodynamic and hematologic profile of health adults ingesting dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:1-12.

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 safe or standardized dose for DMHA, and we do not recommend taking it. Because it is an unapproved ingredient, product labels may be inaccurate, and the actual amount in a supplement can be unknown or inconsistent.

If you find DMHA listed on a supplement label, the safest choice is to avoid the product and speak with a pharmacist or doctor. Do not try to guess a dose or combine it with other stimulants such as caffeine.

References & further reading

The 6 references that drive our Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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.

McCarthy C, Farney TM, Canale RE, et al. A finished dietary supplement stimulates lipolysis and metabolic rate in young men and women. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:23-31. PubMed
McCarthy C, Canale RE, Alleman RJ, et al. Biochemical and anthropometric effects of a weight loss dietary supplement in health men and women. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:13-22.
Farney TM, McCarthy C, Canale RE, et al. Hemodynamic and hematologic profile of health adults ingesting dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine. Nutr Metab Insights 2012;5:1-12.
Rasmussen N, Keizers PH. History full circle: 'novel' sympathomimetics in supplements. Drug Test Anal 2016;8(3-4):283-6. PubMed
Monroe RR, Drell HJ. Oral use of stimulants obtained from inhalers. J Am Med Assoc 1947; 135(14):909-15. PubMed
Fellows EJ. The pharmacology of 2-amino-6-methylheptane. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1947;90(4):351-8. DOI

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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha)

40 brands in our database make a supplement containing Dimethylhexylamine (dmha).

Aggressive Labz 19 products Alpha Lion 43 products Anabolic Warfare 65 products APS 34 products AS Aesthetics Sports 1 product Biogear Begin Series 1 product BioSource Elite 1 product Black Magic 12 products Blackstone Labs 83 products Centurion Labz 15 products Chaos and Pain 9 products Condemned Laboratoriez 3 products DNM Nutra Incorporated 2 products EFlow Nutrition 3 products Elevacity 2 products God Status Labz 1 product GoldStar Performance Products 4 products Gorilla Mind 89 products HC Platinum 2 products Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 106 products HTP Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals 15 products i-Prevail Supplements 3 products Inspired Nutraceuticals 3 products MAN Sports 2 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha)

72 products in our database contain Dimethylhexylamine (dmha). Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Dimethylhexylamine (dmha): Common Questions

What is Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) used for, and does it work?

People use Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 172 medications with a known interaction with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha). Use the checker above to see how Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) interacts with a specific drug.

How are Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) 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 DMHA used for?

People use DMHA as a stimulant for pre-workout energy, focus, appetite control, and fat loss. However, it is an unapproved ingredient with little proof of safety or effectiveness.

Is DMHA safe to take?

No. DMHA is considered an unapproved and potentially dangerous stimulant. The FDA has warned against it, and it has been linked to raised blood pressure and heart problems.

Is DMHA a natural plant extract?

Not really. Some labels claim it comes from plants like walnut, but DMHA is a synthetic chemical and there is no good evidence it occurs naturally in supplements in meaningful amounts.

Can DMHA cause a failed drug test?

Possibly. DMHA is a stimulant that may be banned by sports organizations, so athletes risk testing positive if a product contains it.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Dimethylhexylamine (dmha)

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 72 products with Dimethylhexylamine (dmha) →

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