2-Amino-5-Methylheptane
Also known as: 2-amino-6-methylheptane, dimethylhexylamine, DMHA, octodrine, dimethyl hexylamine, 2-Amino-5-methylheptane
Overview
2-Amino-5-methylheptane, commonly known as DMHA or Octodrine, is a synthetic stimulant structurally related to other alkylamines like DMAA. It is not naturally occurring but is synthesized for use in dietary supplements, primarily marketed as a pre-workout stimulant and fat burner. Its intended purpose is to enhance energy, focus, and athletic performance. As a sympathomimetic amine, it is believed to exert stimulant properties. However, the scientific literature on 2-Amino-5-methylheptane is extremely limited, consisting mostly of dated or indirect studies. There are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on this compound, and the evidence quality is sparse, lacking high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that meet modern rigorous standards. Most available data are anecdotal or derived from older pharmacological studies, raising significant concerns about its efficacy and safety profile.
Benefits
2-Amino-5-methylheptane is claimed to increase energy, focus, and fat metabolism due to its stimulant action. Some user reports also suggest mood elevation and increased alertness. However, there is no robust clinical evidence from well-designed trials with adequate sample sizes or controls to demonstrate statistically significant benefits for any of these claims. No specific benefits have been established for any particular population subgroup, and effect sizes or clinical significance remain unestablished due to the severe lack of rigorous clinical trials. The stimulant effects are presumed to be acute, but their time course and characteristics are not well-defined or supported by scientific data.
How it works
2-Amino-5-methylheptane acts as a sympathomimetic, meaning it likely stimulates adrenergic receptors and increases the release of norepinephrine, similar to other alkylamine stimulants. This mechanism is presumed to lead to central nervous system stimulation, resulting in effects such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. While its interaction with the body's systems primarily involves cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulation, the exact molecular targets and pharmacodynamics are not well-studied. Detailed pharmacokinetic studies regarding its absorption and bioavailability are also unavailable, leaving many aspects of its biological pathways and interactions with body systems largely uncharacterized.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of 2-Amino-5-methylheptane is largely unknown due to insufficient safety data, and significant concerns exist due to its structural similarity to banned stimulants like DMAA. Common potential side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, jitteriness, and anxiety. Less common effects may include headache and nausea. The occurrence of rare side effects is unknown due to the severe lack of comprehensive research. DMHA has the potential for adverse drug interactions, particularly with other stimulants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and cardiovascular medications. It is likely contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety disorders, or known sensitivity to stimulants. Safety in special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or the elderly has not been established, and its use in these groups is strongly discouraged. Regulatory agencies have issued warnings about stimulant supplements containing DMHA due to these safety concerns.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for 2-Amino-5-methylheptane has not been established through scientific research. Commercial supplements typically contain 100-350 mg per serving, but there is no clinical evidence to support the efficacy or safety of these specific dosages. The maximum safe dose is unknown, and regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, have issued warnings regarding stimulant supplements containing DMHA due to safety concerns. It is typically used pre-workout or for an acute energy boost, usually in oral capsule or powder form. Information regarding absorption factors or required cofactors is not documented, further highlighting the lack of comprehensive data on its usage and safety.
FAQs
Is 2-Amino-5-methylheptane safe?
The safety of 2-Amino-5-methylheptane is uncertain. Regulatory agencies have raised concerns about stimulant supplements containing DMHA due to potential cardiovascular risks and a lack of sufficient safety data from clinical trials.
Is it legal?
The legality of 2-Amino-5-methylheptane varies by country and organization. It is banned by some sports organizations, such as WADA, and is under scrutiny by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
How fast does it work?
As a stimulant, 2-Amino-5-methylheptane is presumed to have a rapid onset of action. However, there are no clinical data or studies available to confirm or characterize its precise onset time.
Will it cause dependency?
While formal studies are lacking, anecdotal reports suggest a potential for tolerance and withdrawal with 2-Amino-5-methylheptane, similar to other stimulants. However, this has not been scientifically confirmed.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836053/ – This narrative review by Geyer et al. (2018) highlights the extreme paucity of peer-reviewed studies on Octodrine/DMHA, noting only a handful of relevant papers, mostly outdated. It emphasizes the critical lack of systematic or experimental studies on its central nervous system effects and overall safety, underscoring the urgent need for more research and the absence of high-quality RCTs or meta-analyses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10570429/ – This narrative review by Cohen et al. (2023) discusses the issue of adulteration in dietary supplements, identifying the presence of Octodrine/DMHA in some products, often combined with other stimulants. The review raises significant safety concerns due to unregulated dosing and the potential for adverse events, while also noting the absence of clinical efficacy data for DMHA.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.868228/pdf – This analysis from Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (2022) mentions DMHA as a stimulant banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), indicating significant regulatory concerns within competitive sports. The inclusion of DMHA on the banned list reflects its stimulant properties and potential for performance enhancement, but the source does not provide clinical trial data on its efficacy or safety.
- https://www.fda.gov/food/information-select-dietary-supplement-ingredients-and-other-substances/dmha-dietary-supplements – The FDA's information page on DMHA in dietary supplements indicates that the agency has issued warnings and expressed concerns regarding its presence in supplements. This highlights the regulatory body's stance on the potential health risks associated with DMHA due to insufficient safety data and its stimulant properties.
