Herb & supplement monograph

N,n-dmpea Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what N,n-dmpea 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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N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea drug interaction appears low for most people, because every listed concern is theoretical rather than shown in humans. All of the interactions are rated moderate, but each one traces back to a single lab finding that has not been confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

Every interaction here stems from lab research showing N,n-dmpea may strongly block an enzyme the body uses to clear many common medications. If that effect happens in people, levels of drugs cleared this way could rise. The most careful attention belongs to narrow-margin medicines processed by this enzyme, such as fentanyl, flecainide, and clozapine, where even a modest rise in drug levels could mean more sedation, heart rhythm effects, or other side effects; codeine and antidepressants like amitriptyline share the same pathway.

What the rest of the list means

A long list like this reflects one shared pathway, not many separate proven problems. The evidence comes only from test-tube research, so it is not yet known whether N,n-dmpea actually changes drug levels in people. For now, these interactions are best seen as a reasonable precaution rather than an established risk.

Check your medications against N,n-dmpea

Based on HelloPharmacist’s N,n-dmpea interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with N,n-dmpea

193 medications have a known interaction with N,n-dmpea, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
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, 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, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8› Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol› Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8› Acetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength› 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, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more› Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP› Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR› Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic› Aerosphere Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, GlycopyrrolateBreztri› Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2›
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 N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea affects

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

All 1 drug category N,n-dmpea interacts with
Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

In vitro research shows that N,N-DMPEA strongly inhibits cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase the risk for adverse effects from these drugs.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

N,n-dmpea: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

N,N-DMPEA (N,N-dimethylphenethylamine) is a synthetic relative of phenethylamine sometimes marketed in stimulant or pre-workout supplements. There is very little reliable human research on its effects or safety, and it is not a well-established dietary ingredient, so it should be approached with real caution.

Common forms
Powder, capsules, research chemical
People commonly use it for
  • Mood or energy support
  • Pre-workout or stimulant effect
  • Cognitive or focus support

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Human safety data are very limited, and stimulant-like effects are possible.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is 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

N,N-DMPEA stands for N,N-dimethylphenethylamine. It is a synthetic chemical that is closely related to phenethylamine, a small molecule found naturally in trace amounts in the body and in some foods like chocolate.

Unlike herbs, N,N-DMPEA is not a plant or a traditional remedy. It is a lab-made compound that has appeared in some sports, energy, and "pre-workout" products that are marketed for stimulant or mood effects. Because it is a designer-type ingredient, you may see it listed under chemical names rather than a common name.

It is important to know that the quality, purity, and even the actual contents of products containing this compound can vary a lot, and it is not a clearly approved dietary ingredient.

How it works

N,N-DMPEA is structurally similar to phenethylamine, a compound that can interact with brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. Based on this similarity, it is proposed to have mild stimulant-like activity.

However, this is mostly theory based on its chemical structure and on what related molecules do. The actual way N,N-DMPEA behaves in the human body has not been well studied. Adding methyl groups to a molecule can change how it is absorbed, broken down, and how strong its effects are, so we cannot assume it acts the same as plain phenethylamine.

In short, the mechanism is mostly assumed rather than clearly demonstrated in people.

Effectiveness

Does N,n-dmpea work?

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

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 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 N,n-dmpea, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry eye
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in 14 patients with dry eye syndrome shows that applying 1-2 drops of 15% N,N-DMPEA (AF2975, Angelini Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) into the eye four times daily for 21 days improves tear composition when compared with placebo.

Sources Ref 95470

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

Because there is so little research, the safety of N,N-DMPEA is largely unknown. Stimulant-like compounds can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which is a special concern for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety, or thyroid problems.

People who are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants, those with a history of heart rhythm problems, and anyone taking medications that affect mood or blood pressure should be especially careful and talk to a healthcare professional before use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no safety information for these situations. To be safe, N,N-DMPEA should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Also be aware that ingredients like this are sometimes banned in competitive sports and may not be legal in all dietary supplements, so check the rules that apply to you.

Side effects

Because formal studies are lacking, the full side effect profile is not known. Based on its stimulant-like nature, possible effects could include increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, jitteriness, anxiety, restlessness, headache, and trouble sleeping.

More serious reactions, while not well documented for this specific compound, are a theoretical concern with stimulant ingredients and could include heart palpitations or significant blood pressure changes. Stop use and seek medical care if you have chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or severe anxiety.

Dosing

There is no established or standardized safe dose of N,N-DMPEA. Because it has not been properly studied in humans, no reliable dosing guidance exists.

If a product contains it, follow the product label, but understand that label amounts may not be accurate or safe. The most cautious approach is to avoid it altogether or to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you take other medications or have any health conditions.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

N,n-dmpea & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

N,n-dmpea & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is 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 2 references that drive our N,n-dmpea 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. 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
  2. Schoenwald RD, Vidvauns S, Wurster DE, Barfknecht CF. Tear film stability of protein extracts from dry eye patients administered a sigma agonist. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 1997;13(2):151-61. PubMed
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

N,n-dmpea: Common Questions

What is N,n-dmpea used for, and does it work?
People use N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 193 medications with a known interaction with N,n-dmpea. Use the checker above to see how N,n-dmpea interacts with a specific drug.
How are N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea 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 N,n-dmpea?
It is a synthetic chemical (N,N-dimethylphenethylamine) related to phenethylamine, sometimes added to stimulant or pre-workout supplements. It is not a plant or traditional herbal remedy.
Is N,n-dmpea safe to take?
Its safety is largely unknown because there is very little human research. Because it may have stimulant-like effects, caution is strongly advised, and people with heart or blood pressure issues should avoid it.
Can I take N,n-dmpea while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is no safety data for these situations, so it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does N,n-dmpea actually work for energy or focus?
There is no good-quality human evidence proving it works for energy, focus, or any other use. Claims are based mostly on its chemical structure and marketing rather than real studies.

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

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