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EmergingResearch compoundLimited evidence

1,4‑DMAA

Experimental sympathomimetic stimulant, a positional isomer of DMAA, banned in competitive sport.

StimulantSympathomimeticStimulantWakefulnessNorepinephrineDopamine

Pharmacology

ClassStimulant · Wakefulness
Primary targetIndirect sympathomimetic (catecholamine release)
Targets3 receptor targets
Half-lifeNo human pharmacokinetic data
OnsetNo reliable human data (products time it early in the day for energy and focus)
EvidenceLimited evidence
Affected systemsNorepinephrineDopamine

Contents

WHAT IS 1,4-DMAA?

Detailed overview

1,4-DMAA (1,4-dimethylamylamine, or 5-methylhexan-2-amine) is a positional isomer of the notorious 1,3-DMAA: an aliphatic amine stimulant detected in pre-workout and weight-loss supplements, often to sidestep regulatory bans. Its presumed mechanism is that of an indirect sympathomimetic, promoting the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, which accounts for the expected wakefulness, energy and appetite-suppressant effects along with vasoconstriction and raised blood pressure. There are no human efficacy or safety studies, and the mechanism is inferred from related compounds rather than established. The available literature is almost entirely analytical detection in supplements rather than drug development; the compound is an unapproved stimulant prohibited in competitive sport.

Mechanism

Indirect sympathomimetic (norepinephrine/dopamine release)

Evidence

Analytical detection only, no human clinical data

Legal status

Unapproved stimulant, prohibited in competitive sport

Receptor profile

  • Norepinephrine and dopamine releaseStrong
  • Sympathetic nervous systemModerate
  • Blood pressure / heart rateStrong

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Elevated blood pressure, sometimes markedly
  • Rapid heart rate, palpitations
  • Jitteriness, anxiety, tremor
  • Headache
  • Sleep disruption, especially with late dosing
  • Unknown human safety: the closely related 1,3-DMAA has been linked to cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack and deaths, and the cardiovascular risk applies here too

Contraindications · 4

  • Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arrhythmia
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid
  • Concurrent MAO inhibitors or other stimulants: risk of hypertensive crisis
  • Competitive athletes: a WADA-prohibited substance that causes an anti-doping violation

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

FAQ

FAQ

Experimental sympathomimetic stimulant, a positional isomer of DMAA, banned in competitive sport.

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Structure & chemistry

TypeStimulant
FormulaC7H17N
UpdatedJuly 10, 2026
MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: July 10, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.