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Dietary supplement

Choline Complex + DMAE Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Cognitive Compounds

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Choline Complex + DMAE is a dietary supplement by Cognitive Compounds with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and learning support, age-related cognitive decline, alzheimer's disease and dementia (under study).Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dimethylaminoethanol L-Bitartrate, Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has three active ingredients working on brain chemistry. Alpha-GPC and citicoline are both phospholipids — compounds that support cell membranes and are involved in memory and brain energy.

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to focus and recall. Together they're pitched for cognitive support, though the strength of evidence varies by ingredient.

The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients: mannitol, cellulose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — these are fillers and binders that help the capsule hold together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Memory, focus, and cognitive function support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Cognitive function, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer disease, Vascular dementia, Stroke — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Alpha-gpc is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Citicoline is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline.
  • Also on file: Citicoline is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Stroke.

Alpha-GPC is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, but the evidence for cognitive function, stroke, and vascular dementia isn't strong enough to rate. Citicoline is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and glaucoma, possibly ineffective for stroke, and evidence is lacking for Alzheimer disease and traumatic brain injury.

DMAE, on the other hand, is rated likely ineffective for Alzheimer disease and tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder), and evidence is insufficient for ADHD, athletic performance, and aging skin. In short: if you're hoping for memory or focus help, alpha-GPC and citicoline have some promise for specific situations, but DMAE doesn't show reliable benefit for the brain conditions it's been studied in.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-gpc Citicoline Deanol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

All three ingredients are generally well tolerated in short-term studies, but long-term safety data is limited for all of them. Common side effects you might see include headache, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — these are rare but documented.

Alpha-GPC has a more serious signal: long-term use (at least 2 months) has been rarely associated with an elevated risk of stroke compared to non-users, though this is uncommon. DMAE at high doses (over 1000 mg daily) can cause mood changes in people with psychiatric conditions, and it's been linked to worsening schizophrenia symptoms.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, safety data isn't available for any of these ingredients — the product labeling advises against use in both situations due to insufficient information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-gpc Citicoline Deanol

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Deanol, Alpha-gpc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 219 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check the following medication types before taking this product, in order of severity: scopolamine patches (Minor risk of reduced motion sickness relief); anticholinergic drugs like benztropine or oxybutynin (Minor risk of reduced effectiveness); and cholinergic drugs like physostigmine or bethanechol (Minor risk of increased effects and side effects).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a cognitive supplement for people interested in memory or focus support, though evidence is stronger for some ingredients than others. If you take medications for motion sickness, Parkinson disease, overactive bladder, or any drug that affects acetylcholine levels, talk to your pharmacist first — there are documented interactions to sort through.

Anyone with a history of stroke or psychiatric conditions should check with their doctor before starting. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: skip this product and talk with your doctor about safer options.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Choline Complex + DMAE, straight from the product label.

Brand Cognitive Compounds
Barcode (UPC) 810039263501
Net contents 240 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2025
DSLD ID 321618
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
240
UPC/BARCODE
810039263501
IngredientAmount% DV
Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine150 mg--
Citicoline125 mg--
Dimethylaminoethanol L-Bitartrate125 mg--

Other ingredients: Mannitol, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one serving (1 capsule). Taken 1-2 times daily, or as directed by a qualified health professional.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children. Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Always consult with a qualified health physician before taking any new dietary supplement.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Formula

Choline complex + DMAE 400mg

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container240 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine

Interacts with
16 drugs
150 mg per serving

Alpha-GPC is a choline-containing compound used mainly for memory, brain health, and as a choline source. There is some evidence it may help cognition...

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine monograph & interactions

Citicoline

No known
interactions
125 mg per serving

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in making brain cell membranes and the messenger chemical acetylcholine. It is popularly taken f...

Citicoline monograph & interactions

Dimethylaminoethanol L-Bitartrate

Interacts with
219 drugs
125 mg per serving

Deanol (DMAE) is a compound related to choline that is marketed for memory, focus, and mood, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limite...

Dimethylaminoethanol L-Bitartrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Mannitol, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Choline Complex + DMAE?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
219Drugs
219 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Choline Complex + DMAE with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Dimethylaminoethanol L-Bitartrate2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might decrease the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might increase the effects and adverse effects of cholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine1 drug type · 16 drugs

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

Theoretically, alpha-GPC might decrease the effects of scopolamine.
A small clinical study shows that alpha-GPC can partially counteract the attention and memory impairment effects caused by scopolamine given intramuscularly. Whether alpha-GPC can decrease the beneficial anti-motion sickness effects of the scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Choline Complex + DMAE, from the product label.

Cognitive Compounds

See all Cognitive Compounds products
Name
Supplement Partners, LLC
Street Address
1607 W. Whispering Wind Dr.
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85085
Web Address
www.HRsupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds: Common Questions

Does Choline Complex + DMAE by Cognitive Compounds interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Choline Complex + DMAE has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Choline Complex + DMAE contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I use a scopolamine patch for motion sickness?
This product contains alpha-GPC, which may reduce some effects of scopolamine. A small study showed it can partially reverse the memory and attention impairment from scopolamine, but it's unclear whether it weakens the anti-nausea benefit of the patch. Talk to your pharmacist before combining them.
Does this actually work for memory or focus?
It depends on the ingredient and what you're hoping for. Alpha-GPC is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease, but evidence for general cognitive function is too weak to say. Citicoline is possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline. DMAE, though, is likely ineffective for Alzheimer disease and other conditions it's been tested in.
What are the most common side effects?
Headache, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are the main ones reported in studies — all rare, but possible. Alpha-GPC users over the long term (2+ months) have also shown a rare elevated stroke risk, so that's important to know.
Can I take this while pregnant?
The safety data isn't available for any of these three ingredients during pregnancy. The product labeling advises against it. Talk with your doctor about what's safe for you and your baby.
Is this safe for people with psychiatric conditions?
DMAE at high doses can cause mood changes and has been linked to worsening schizophrenia symptoms in people with that condition. If you have depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or another psychiatric condition, check with your doctor before starting.
What exactly is DMAE and why is it in here?
DMAE is dimethylaminoethanol, a compound your body uses to make acetylcholine, a brain chemical linked to focus and memory. It's included for cognitive support, though research shows it's likely ineffective for Alzheimer disease and other brain conditions.

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

Not sure if Choline Complex + DMAE is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Choline Complex + DMAE label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Choline Complex + DMAE's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 30 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Alpha-gpc 4 references
  1. Di Perri R, Coppola G, Ambrosio LA, et al. A multicentre trial to the evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia. J Int Med Res 1991;19:330-41.
  2. Barbagallo Sangiorgi G, Barbagallo M, Giordano M, et al. Alpha-glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks: An Italian multicenter clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1994;717:253-69. PubMed
  3. Canal N, Franceschi M, Alberoni M, et al. Effect of L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine on amnesia caused by scopolamine. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1991;29:103-7.
  4. Lee G, Choi S, Chang J, et al. Association of L-a glycerylphosphorylcholine with subsequent stroke risk after 10 Years. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4(11):e2136008.

See these in context on the Alpha-gpc monograph →

Citicoline 11 references
  1. Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, et al. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol 1996;53:441-8. PubMed
  2. Fioravanti M, Yanagi M. Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(2):CD000269. PubMed
  3. Conant R, Schauss AG. Therapeutic applications of citicoline for stroke and cognitive function in the elderly: A review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 2004;9:17-31.
  4. Warach, S., Pettigrew, L. C., Dashe, J. F., Pullicino, P., Lefkowitz, D. M., Sabounjian, L., Harnett, K., Schwiderski, U., and Gammans, R. Effect of citicoline on ischemic lesions as measured by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Citicoline 0 DOI
  5. Lukas, S. E., Kouri, E. M., Rhee, C., Madrid, A., and Renshaw, P. F. Effects of short-term citicoline treatment on acute cocaine intoxication and cardiovascular effects. Psychopharmacology.(Berl.) 2001;157(2):163-167. PubMed
  6. Dinsdale, J. R., Griffiths, G. K., Castello, J., Maddock, J., Ortiz, J. A., and Aylward, M. CDP-choline: repeated oral dose tolerance studies in adult healthy volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung. 1983;33(7A):1061-1065.
  7. Clark BC, Georgekutty J, Berul CI. Myocardial ischemia secondary to synthetic cannabinoid (K2) use in pediatric patients. J Pediatr 2015;167(3):757-61.e1. PubMed
  8. Ghajar A, Gholamian F, Tabatabei-Motlagh M, et al. Citicoline (CDP-choline) add-on therapy to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2
  9. Castagna A, Manzo C, Fabbo A, Lacava R, Ruberto C, Ruotolo G. The CITIMERIVA Study: CITIcoline plus MEmantina plus RIVAstigmine in Older Patients Affected with Alzheimer's Disease. Clin Drug Investig. 2021 Feb;41(2):177-182. PubMed
  10. Jeong H, Yoon S, Sung YH, et al. Effects of cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline on gray matter volumes in methamphetamine-dependent patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Psychiatr Res 2021;143:215-221. PubMed
  11. Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Nutr 2021;151(8):2153-2160. PubMed

See these in context on the Citicoline monograph →

Deanol 15 references
  1. Davies C, Maidment S, Hanley P, et al. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). HSE. Risk assessment document; EH72/2;1997. (TOXLINE).
  2. Re O. 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol): a brief review of its clinical efficacy and postulated mechanism of action. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1974;16:1238-42.
  3. Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther 1991;13:373-82.
  4. George J, Pridmore S, Aldous D. Double blind controlled trial of deanol in tardive dyskinesia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 1981;15:68-71. PubMed
  5. Penovich P, Morgan JP, Kerzner B, et al. Double-blind evaluation of deanol in tardive dyskinesia. JAMA 1978;239:1997-8. DOI
  6. de Montigny C, Chouinard G, Annable L. Ineffectiveness of deanol in tardive dyskinesia: a placebo controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1979;65:219-23. PubMed
  7. Lindeboom SF, Lakke JP. Deanol and physostigmine in the treatment of L-dopa-induced dyskinesias. Acta Neurol Scand 1978;58:134-8. PubMed
  8. Jus A, Villeneuve A, Gautier J, et al. Deanol, lithium and placebo in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. A double-blind crossover study. Neuropsychobiology 1978;4:140-9. PubMed
  9. Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1975;17:534-40. PubMed
  10. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970-2. PubMed
  11. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, et al. Senile dementia: treatment with deanol. J Am Geriatr Soc 1977;25:241-4. PubMed
  12. Haug BA, Holzgraefe M. Orofacial and respiratory tardive dyskinesia: potential side effects of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol)? Eur Neurol 1991;31:423-5. PubMed
  13. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1979;62:187-91. PubMed
  14. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26:255-7. PubMed
  15. Osol A, Hoover JE, eds. Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 15th ed. Easton, PA: Mack Publishing Company, 1975.

See these in context on the Deanol monograph →

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

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