DMHA (octodrine) - chemically 2-amino-6-methylheptane, also sold as 2-aminoisoheptane or 1,5-dimethylhexylamine - is an aliphatic-amine central nervous system stimulant and a close structural analog of DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine). Originally introduced in the 1950s as a nasal decongestant and vasopressor, it re-emerged around 2015 as a gray-market pre-workout and 'fat-burner' ingredient.
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Overview
At A Glance
DMHA (octodrine; 2-amino-6-methylheptane / 1,5-dimethylhexylamine) is a simple aliphatic amine that behaves as an indirect sympathomimetic - structurally and pharmacologically a close cousin of DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine). Agents in this class raise synaptic activity of the ca…
Overview
DMHA (octodrine) - chemically 2-amino-6-methylheptane, also sold as 2-aminoisoheptane or 1,5-dimethylhexylamine - is an aliphatic-amine central nervous system stimulant and a close structural analog of DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine). Originally introduced in the 1950s as a nasal decongestant and vasopressor, it re-emerged around 2015 as a gray-market pre-workout and 'fat-burner' ingredient. It is not an approved dietary ingredient in the US and has essentially no modern clinical safety data. Presented here for research and educational use only.
What to Expect
- •Onset roughly 20-45 minutes after an oral dose, felt as a stimulant 'ramp' rather than a sharp hit
- •Increased energy, drive, and focus; many users describe it as a stronger, longer-lasting stimulant feel than caffeine
- •Noticeable appetite suppression during the active window
- •Raised heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes with sweating, warmth, or feeling 'wired'
- •A comedown or crash as effects fade (commonly around 3-6 hours), occasionally with fatigue or low mood
- •Wide variability between products, because actual DMHA content is inconsistent and often undisclosed
Individual responses vary. Timeline based on commonly reported research observations.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
129.24 g/mol (free base; molecular formula C8H19N). Commonly supplied as a salt (e.g., hydrochloride or, historically, camphorsulfonate), which increases the labeled mass per dose.
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction Matrix
Contraindications
Avoid entirely if you have any cardiovascular condition (hypertension, arrhythmia, coronary disease), a history of stroke, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, or take MAO inhibitors, other stimulants, or blood-pressure-affecting medications. Do not combine with other sympathomimetics (high-dose caffeine, DMAA, ephedrine, synephrine, yohimbine) or use before high-heat or endurance exertion where hyperthermia risk is elevated. Competitive athletes must avoid it: octodrine and its metabolite heptaminol are prohibited in competition by WADA and have produced doping sanctions even when they entered the body through a contaminated supplement [PMID:39401652].
Research Disclaimer
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
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Protocols, calculator & safety for DMHA
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4/1/2026Research Score
0 PubMed results
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%Quick Facts
Half-Life
Not formally characterized in humans. After ingestion, octodrine is rapidly metabolized to heptaminol, which becomes the predominant compound detected in blood and urine within hours [PMID:39401652]. Users commonly report perceptible stimulant effects lasting roughly 3-6 hours, but this is anecdotal rather than measured pharmacokinetics.
Molecular Weight
129.24 g/mol (free base; molecular formula C8H19N). Commonly supplied as a salt (e.g., hydrochloride or, historically, camphorsulfonate), which increases the labeled mass per dose.
Trial Phase
Historical pharmaceutical; no modern clinical trials
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMHA the same as DMAA?
No, but they are close cousins. DMHA (octodrine; 2-amino-6-methylheptane / 1,5-dimethylhexylamine) is a structural analog of DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) and was pushed as a 'legal' successor after DMAA was banned. Both are aliphatic-amine sympathomimetic stimulants with similar effects and similar cardiovascular concerns [PMID:29115866].
Is DMHA legal?
In the US it is not a lawful dietary ingredient - the FDA does not accept it and has issued warning letters, the same regulatory stance it took on DMAA, though it is still sold in gray-market pre-workouts. For competitive athletes it is prohibited in competition by WADA (octodrine and its metabolite heptaminol are listed specified stimulants) and has caused bans even when it entered the body through a contaminated supplement [PMID:39401652].
Is DMHA natural, from Kigelia africana or Aconitum?
No. Labels citing Aconitum or Kigelia as a 'natural' source are misleading. When researchers tested those plants, no DMHA was detectable, and the material in supplements showed synthetic byproducts and a racemic (roughly 50/50) enantiomer ratio consistent with laboratory synthesis [PMID:29454882].
How much DMHA is actually in a pre-workout?
It is unpredictable. Independent lab testing found anywhere from 18 mg to 112 mg of octodrine per serving, frequently different from the label, and often combined with other banned stimulants such as 1,3-DMAA, oxilofrine, or deterenol in undisclosed cocktails [PMID:29115866][PMID:33755516].
What are the main risks?
As a sympathomimetic it raises blood pressure and heart rate and can cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, hyperthermia, anxiety, and insomnia [PMID:29461475]. Given its similarity to DMAA - linked to hemorrhagic stroke and sudden death in case reports - serious cardiovascular events are a genuine concern, particularly at high doses or when stacked with other stimulants, and there is no long-term human safety data [PMID:29115866].
Will DMHA make me fail a drug test?
It can cause an anti-doping failure. Once ingested, octodrine is rapidly metabolized to heptaminol, and both are detectable in urine and appear on the WADA prohibited list. A 2024 case documented an athlete sanctioned for heptaminol traced back to a contaminated supplement [PMID:39401652]. It is a distinct molecule from amphetamine, but it is not something to rely on around any tested competition.
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