--- title: "DMHA: Dosage & Side Effects | BodyHackGuide" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/dmha description: "DMHA: dosing protocols, mechanism & side effects. Research compound guides, vendor prices and dosing tools from BodyHackGuide." lang: en --- Skip to content Compare notes on r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Compare notes with other researchers. Join r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) # DMHA Energy & Performance: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki#cat-energy-&-performance Status Historical pharmaceutical,, not approved for human use Evidence Not graded on a research bench yet 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). Reviewed 25 October 2026 01 Overview ## What DMHA is 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. ### How it works 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 catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine (by promoting their release and/or slowing reuptake), which drives central nervous system stimulation, heightened alertness and focus, appetite suppression, and peripheral vasoconstriction that pushes up blood pressure and heart rate. A 2018 Brain Sciences review describes octodrine as a central stimulant that increases dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling and notes it was originally developed as a 1950s nasal decongestant and vasopressor [PMID:29461475]. Historical animal work on the octodrine camphorsulfonate salt characterized it as a circulatory/vasoactive agent affecting blood pressure, pulse, and coronary flow [PMID:5632522][PMID:5136846]. After ingestion, octodrine is rapidly metabolized to heptaminol, which becomes the predominant species detected in blood and urine [PMID:39401652]. Its precise receptor pharmacology in humans at the doses used in supplements has never been formally characterized - mechanistic statements here are extrapolated from its chemical class and limited mid-20th-century data, not from modern human studies. ### Benefits listed - Increased energy and perceived training intensity - the reason it is added to pre-workout products (reported by users; not established in any controlled trial) - Sharper focus and heightened alertness from central nervous system stimulation - Appetite suppression, which is why it appears in 'fat-burner' formulas - Mild mood lift or euphoria reported anecdotally Show 1 more Show less - Users often describe a longer, 'smoother' stimulant feel than caffeine alone - again anecdotal, not clinically demonstrated ### What to expect 1. - Onset roughly 20-45 minutes after an oral dose, felt as a stimulant 'ramp' rather than a sharp hit 2. - Increased energy, drive, and focus; many users describe it as a stronger, longer-lasting stimulant feel than caffeine 3. - Noticeable appetite suppression during the active window 4. - Raised heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes with sweating, warmth, or feeling 'wired' 5. - A comedown or crash as effects fade (commonly around 3-6 hours), occasionally with fatigue or low mood 6. - Wide variability between products, because actual DMHA content is inconsistent and often undisclosed Individual responses vary. Timeline based on commonly reported research observations. 02 Research Free with email ## What the research shows No research bench grades DMHA yet. Benches compare compounds people pair, with the evidence for each. ### Unlock the research summary Enter your email to keep reading. It is free, and it opens these sections on every compound page in this browser. - A summary of the key research - Safety and side effects - A link to the PubMed results You also get the free peptide cheat sheet by email. Unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Sign in (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/auth) 03 Safety ## DMHA side effects and interactions ### Side effects Not in our record Our record lists no side effects for DMHA. That means none are recorded here, not that there are none. The Research section has the written safety notes. ### Who should not use it 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]. ### Interactions 4 pairings in our record: 4 not rated. - Not rated Other stimulants (high-dose caffeine, DMAA, ephedrine, synephrine, yohimbine): additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate; a common and risky combination in stacked pre-workouts - Not rated MAO inhibitors: risk of dangerous hypertensive reactions with any sympathomimetic amine - Not rated Antihypertensive and cardiac medications: DMHA's pressor effect can oppose blood-pressure medicine and add cardiac strain - Not rated Multi-stimulant 'cocktail' products: lab testing found DMHA combined with as many as four experimental stimulants in a single product, compounding unknown risks [PMID:33755516] This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds. Need bloodwork before starting? Full hormone + metabolic panels from Anabolic Insights. Code CHONCH for first-order discount. Order Bloodwork (https://anabolicinsights.ai/?ref=nwm2zjb) 04 Dosing Free with email ## DMHA dosage and protocols Dose range 75-200 mg per dose (anecdotal pre-workout range; ~75,000-200,000 mcg). Historical pharmaceutical unit dose was 8-33 mg. No approved or clinically validated dose exists. Dosing Acute, single-session (pre-workout) use rather than a daily or continuous compound. Users typically leave rest days between doses to limit tolerance buildup and cardiovascular strain; there is no evidence base for any regular dosing schedule. ### Unlock the dosing protocols - Dose, route and how often - Beginner, intermediate and advanced protocols - Additional dosage notes 05 Prices ## DMHA prices No listings We do not track a vendor for DMHA yet, so this page states no price. 06 Chemistry ## Chemistry and structure 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. 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. 07 Related ## Related to DMHA ### Compare DMHA - Alternatives to DMHA: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/alternatives-to/dmha ### Research tools - Peptide Calculator Reconstitution and syringe units: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/reconstitution - Reconstitution Guide How to mix, step by step: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/how-to-reconstitute-peptides - Nasal Spray Calc mL per actuation: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/intranasal - Half-Life Visualizer Decay curves: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/halflife All articles (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog) 08 Questions ## 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. Related ## Articles on DMHA - We Compared 8 Focus Nootropics for 90 Days: Here's What Actually Works nootropics, 3 April 2026: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/best-focus-nootropics-90-day-comparison - Nootropics for Social Confidence: The Alcohol Alternative Guide nootropics, 1 April 2026: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/nootropics-social-confidence-alcohol-alternative Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet (PDF) 38 compounds and blends: vial sizes, BAC water volumes, dosing ranges and bloodwork markers. Download Free (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/peptide-cheat-sheet-download) BodyHackGuide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/) Your biohacking research hub: compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews. support@bodyhackguide.co Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA r/BodyHackGuide on Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide **Affiliate Disclosure:** We rank every vendor on the same public, reproducible methodology (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/methodology). Full details in our affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). **Research Disclaimer:** All compounds listed are for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This site does not sell or ship any products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and comply with local regulations. © 2026 BodyHackGuide. All rights reserved. - Terms: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/terms - Privacy: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/privacy ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Compounds", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "DMHA" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "DMHA", "description": "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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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.", "activeIngredient": "DMHA", "mechanismOfAction": "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 catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine (by promoting their release and/or slowing reuptake), which drives central nervous system stimulation, heightened alertness and focus, appetite suppression, and peripheral vasoconstriction that pushes up blood pressure and heart rate. 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Not for human consumption." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is DMHA the same as DMAA?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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]." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is DMHA legal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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]." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is DMHA natural, from Kigelia africana or Aconitum?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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]." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much DMHA is actually in a pre-workout?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the main risks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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]." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will DMHA make me fail a drug test?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It can cause an anti-doping failure. 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