DMHA, Octodrine or the Newest Stimulant
Science develops extremely fast trying to find newer and newer substances to support humanity in one way or another. Very often studies done with medical purposes are used for the development of different sports products. As we know, in the contemporary sport, stimulants are treated with enormous respect and there is a wild rush for the development of newer and newer products to support the central nervous system. Very often we come upon promising and very effective products and some of them find good application in sports, become popular and stay in the industry for a long time, others have their peak and leave the scene ingloriously being banned or ineffective.
Today I would like to introduce to you a product which just entered the market. Its name is DMHA, also commonly known as Octodrine and scientifically named Dimethylhexylamine or 2-aminoisoheptane, is a psychoactive central nervous system stimulant with a similar molecular structure to a number of illegal stimulants including AMP Citrate (DMBA), Tuaminoheptane, Ephedrine, and the ever popular DMAA. Structurally, there are 2 forms of DMHA as follows:
2-amino-6-methylheptane (synthetic)
2-amino-5-methylheptane (naturally occuring)
Looking at the lower cost DMHA or 2-amino-6-methylheptane, this ingredient looks to be completely synthetic. Previously it was thought to be naturally derived from a plant known as Aconitum Kusnezoffii, which is actually highly toxic, with its posions often used for hunting purposes. As such, to avoid any dangerous contamination, it is believed that any inclusion of DMHA is synthetic in nature.
If however, you look at the other version of 2-aminoisoheptane (2-amino-5-methylheptane), it is naturally found in Walnut Bark extract, or the bark from the Juglans Regia tree. However, as previously mentioned, it is too economically unviable to utilise this version of the compound as the key stimulant.
The synthetic version of DMHA is much cheaper to produce than the natural version, although the natural version is thought to be stronger and more potent in its mechanism of action. The natural version of DMHA can be found in Juglans Regia Extract (Walnut Bark), Aconitum Kusnezoffii Extract, and also Kigelia Africana Extract.
DHMA is relatively new to the market and is slowly appearing in a variety of pre-workout and thermogenic fat burner supplements. DMHA carries out a variety of similar functions to other psychoactive central nervous system stimulants, including enhancing energy levels, enhancing cognitive function, decreasing appetite and improving bronchodilation. DMHA has also been shown to increase levels of dopamine and noradrenaline; two hormones responsible for making you “feel good” and allowing you to perform in stressful situations. It has the effect of decongestant, makes breathing easier. In addition, users of DMHA have reported a higher pain threshold and a decreased rate of perceived exertion, thus allowing workouts to extend beyond the point of fatigue. The combination of effects experienced when using DMHA provide the ultimate support for workouts, hence its increased inclusion in a variety of performance based supplements on the market.
DMHA (Octodrine) Benefits for Bodybuilding
From the list of the above potential benefits of DMHA, you can see that a lot of those are applicable to the bodybuilding and weight training setting. Perhaps the best facet of DMHA that can be used for lifting is its ability to boost energy levels and enhance focus and attention. In addition, its hold similar structure to compounds which are seen as monoamine releasing agents. That is, it can potentially increase the levels of monoamines such as dopamine and noradrenaline. This can further support motivation and desire to train. Basically, less fatigue, more work, greater results.
Because strong stimulants are also excellent appetite suppressants, DMHA can potentially also be used to help support fat loss by minimising your desire to snack and possibly straying from your diet. It’s very important to note that while DMHA isn’t a banned substance per se in sport, because of its structural similarity to already banned substances, it’s best not to take any during competition.
To take advantage of the performance enhancing properties of DMHA, it is best used approximately 15-30 minutes prior to working out. Alternatively, if used predominantly for its appetite suppressant properties, DMHA can be used during the day between meals. However, we recommend taking caution if using this ingredient late in the afternoon or early evening, as it has the potential to hinder your ability to sleep.
The most efficacious dose of DMHA is 100mg of the synthetic 2-amino-6-methylheptane, or 75mg of the naturally occuring 2-amino-5-methylheptane.
DMHA begins to work as soon as it is absorbed into the blood stream, which will occur approximately 15-30 after consumption, depending on if it is taken on an empty of full stomach. You will notice a heightened level of mental focus, increased energy and a reduction in appetite, as well as an increased feeling of wellbeing and motivation.
Due to lack of human research, there’s really no data detailing DMHA’s safety or potential side effects. As such, we can only infer potential side effects due to its structural similarity to DMAA and tuaminoheptane. These effects include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and possibly shortness of breath. With any supplement that contains a stimulant or a under researched compound, it’s best to start with very conservative amounts. For athletes and those who are drug tested quite often, it’s best to stay away from the compound entirely.
On our market, there is only one pre-workout formula which contains DMHA in combination with some other potent stimulants like yohimbine and caffeine. I do not recommend it to beginners and those who are sensitive to this type of products, people with high blood pressure, at risk for heart diseases etc. As a whole, you should be extremely careful with such type of products and they should be used only in case of pressing need for energy and when the other formulas are not effective.
