DMAE Side Effects, Dangers and Drug Interactions

DMAE is also known as dimethylaminoethanol. This natural compound is produced in small quantities in the brain and is linked to memory and cognitive function.

DMAE side effects are generally mild, but may include insomnia, headache, and excitation in large dosages.

NOTE: DMAE should not be used by pregnant women or those trying to conceive due to the potential risk of teratogenic side effects (birth defects).

DMAE is used to support learning, short-term memory and concentration. It is also occasionally used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, though there are conflicting results in research studies regarding efficacy.

In 1959, research studies found that taking DMAE improved academic test scores among children who regularly used it. Other studies have compared the effectiveness of DMAE for ADHD to the prescription drug Ritalin. However, the FDA determined that these studies were insufficient to approve this compound for the treatment of ADHD.

Dimethylaminoethanol seems to work by elevating the synthesis of acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter directly involved in memory and brain power. For this reason, it is called a cholinergic supplement. However, it is reported to have low bioavailability in the brain which makes it less effective than other choline supplements.

DMAE

Cholinergic Supplement

Focus

Brain Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Found to enhance mental concentration
• Supports memory by boosting acetylcholine
• Neuroprotective with anti-aging effects

Dosage:

Between 300 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top DMAE Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is DMAE?

DMAE is categorized chemically as a “primary alcohol”. Its chemical structure is closely related to choline, but with one fewer methyl group on its molecule. It is also sold under the name Deanol, which is used as a pharmaceutical drug in some countries as well as an ingredient in some skin creams.

DMAE can be naturally manufactured within the brain. This compound is also found in some food sources, including salmon, anchovies and sardines.

Research shows that this supplement may improve brain health by reducing the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque in the brain. This plaque naturally accumulates as we age and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and age-relhttps://nootriment.com/dmae-benefits/
ated cognitivehttps://nootriment.com/dmae-benefits/
impairment.

Using a DMAE supplement is said to have anti-aging benefits for the brain. This supplement may also increase levels of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in memory formation and retrieval. It may also protect against oxidative damage – both in the brain and when applied topically to the skin.

Despite in vitro research showing effectiveness, this supplement may not be as effective when administered orally. Research demonstrates that DMAE may have low penetration of the blood-brain barrier.

For this reason, Centrophenoxine was developed – a derivative of DMAE that is better able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

DMAE Side Effects

Dimethylaminoethanol is generally well tolerated by most users. It is rated as Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines database when taken orally and at appropriate dosages. There have been some DMAE side effects reported, including:

• Constipation and/or bloating of the stomach area;
• Headaches and/or insomnia
• Urticaria and/or consistent drowsiness;
• Overstimulation of thoughts and/or vivid dreaming
• Confusion, hypomania and/or depression;
• Blood pressure increases, especially in patients with Alzheimer’s disease;
• Increased expressions of the symptoms of schizophrenia;
• Irritability and/or muscle tension;
• Tightness in the neck, shoulders and/or jaw;
• Weight loss and/or muscle atrophy;

Certain people should not use dimethylaminoethanol. Those with diagnosed epilepsy, or a history of convulsions, should not use DMAE. Also, those with bipolar disorder may experience an increase in symptom frequency and/or severity.

Be aware of DMAE side effects like confusion or excessive irritability, especially if you are about to drive a vehicle or operate heavy equipment.

DMAE Contraindications

DMAE is potentially teratogenic, meaning that it may cause birth defects when used by women who are pregnant. This risk is said to be greatest when using this supplement in the first days following conception. For this reason, it should not be used by women who are trying to become pregnant.

DMAE can also affect enzymes in the kidneys and liver, and thereby affect the manners in which other compounds are broken down by these organs. Alterations of certain liver enzymes may affect the strength of the effects and/or side effects of various pharmaceutical agents.

DMAE may interact with anti-cholinergic drugs and reduce their effectiveness. Drugs in this category include benztropine (Cogentin), biperiden (Akineton), procyclidine (Kemadrin), trihexyphenidyl (Artane), and more.

This supplement may also affect cholinergic drugs or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that increase levels of acetylcholine. Theoretically, combining DMAE with these drugs could increase levels of this neurotransmitter too much.

Consult with your doctor before using DMAE if you currently take donepezil (Aricept), tacrine (Cognex), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine (Reminyl, Razadyne), Huperzine A, bethanechol (Urecholine), echothiophate (Phospholine Iodide), edrophonium (Enlon, Reversol, Tensilon), neostigmine (Prostigmin), physostigmine (Antilirium), pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol) or succinylcholine (Anectine, Quelicin).

This is not a complete list of possible drug interactions. Speak with your doctor about any possible interactions if you are taking any prescribed drugs or other supplements.

Conclusions

If you are considering using dimethylaminoethanol for cognitive enhancement, then you should consult with your primary healthcare provider first. It is best to understand all of the safety warnings before using any supplement.

Your doctor can also help you determine the appropriate dosage to take. In studies, doses of between 400 – 1200 mg per day have been administered.

It is best to begin using this supplement at a low dosage to monitor yourself for any adverse reactions. Overdoses can produce DMAE side effects including sleep disturbances, headaches or muscle tension.

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