Scientific Name: DMAE
Other Names: 2-Dimethyl aminoethanol, 2-Dimethylaminoethanol, Deaner, Deanol, Dimethylaminoethanol, Dimethylethanolamine

Who is this for?

Uses

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) has been marketed for over 50 years—most recently as a dietary supplement that is promoted mainly to treat dementia and memory loss. In general, dementia is a serious cognition impairment that may be caused by stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, substance abuse, brain infection, or injury to the brain or spinal cord. Cognition includes the mental processes used to acquire, maintain, retrieve, and utilize information. Individuals who have dementia often also have a low level of a natural chemical known as acetylcholine. A neurotransmitter (a natural body chemical involved in carrying signals from nerve cells to other cells), acetylcholine plays a role in learning, remembering, and thinking. The main component of acetylcholine is a substance known as choline, which comes from foods and also may be converted in the body from other substances, including DMAE.

Formerly, DMAE supplementation was believed to relieve the symptoms of dementia by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, but recent studies suggest that it has little direct effect on acetylcholine levels. Instead, it may work by increasing the amount of choline in the blood. It may block the break down of natural choline, as well. Both possible effects may increase the amounts of choline that are available to make acetylcholine. However, whether DMAE actually increases the amount of choline or acetylcholine levels in the brain, is questionable. For the most part, studies of its use for treating dementias in humans have been negative. In one very small study of patients with advanced dementia, no improvements in cognition or memory were seen after four weeks of treatment. In another study of 27 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, unpleasant side effects caused nearly half of the patients receiving DMAE to stop taking it within 5 weeks of starting the study. Among the remaining patients, DMAE was no better than placebo (inactive sugar pills) for reducing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

General increases in activity levels and attention spans were seen in some of the individuals who took a combination product containing DMAE during one 12-week study. Additionally, participants in some of the studies showed improvements in mood and attention span, which could explain DMAE’s use during the 1960s and 1970s as a prescription drug for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Easily distracted, individuals with ADHD often exhibit inappropriate or impulsive behavior. DMAE has also been tried to treat autism, but no clinical studies have been conducted to prove or disprove its usefulness for autism. A developmental disorder, autism results in problems with behaving, communicating, learning, and relating to other individuals.

In a few published cases, DMAE was reported to alleviate tardive dyskinesia (constant uncontrollable movements). Tardive dyskinesia usually develops after certain drugs, mainly used to treat schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, have been taken for a long period. Conversely though, a case report suggests that DMAE may have caused some types of dyskinesia for an individual who took it for 10 years to treat shaking. Additionally, results of at least one small placebo-controlled study of patients with schizophrenia showed that taking DMAE not only failed to relieve tardive dyskinesia, it may also have made schizophrenia worse among the participants who took it. “Placebo-controlled” means that about half of the individuals in the study took DMAE and the others took an identical-looking but inactive sugar pill. In this study, neither the researchers nor the participants knew which individuals got DMAE. Overall, DMAE treatment of individuals with tardive dyskinesia and other types of movement disorders, such as Huntington’s chorea, has not been effective.

Both topically and orally, DMAE may help to improve the appearance of aging skin. Its possible increasing effect on acetylcholine may cause the muscles under the skin to tighten. Because acetylcholine also affects the stability of body cells, increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the skin may also cause skin cells to hold moisture. Results may include firmer skin and lessened wrinkles and facial lines. In a 16-week study, applying a topical gel containing 3% DMAE once a day seemed to decrease the appearance of lines around the eyes and foreheads of individuals who were using it. Individuals using the same gel without DMEA did not see similar results. Orally, DMAE may prevent or lessen deposits of lipofuscin, the substance that causes brown age spots on the skin. Although some manufacturers claim broader anti-aging effects for oral DMAE, laboratory studies of animals have shown mixed results and no human studies have been conducted to show that DMAE has any youth-restoring properties.

A high number of the babies born to laboratory animals that were given DMAE while pregnant had low birth weights or deformities of the brain, eyes, face, or skeleton. Many of the babies died before or soon after birth. It is believed that DMAE interfered with choline utilization during the time that the brain, spinal cord, and face were developing. While similar problems have not been reported in humans, very little is known about how DMAE affects a developing human fetus or infant. Therefore, women are advised not to use DMAE during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

DMAE may worsen bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Individuals who have or who ever have had one of these conditions should not take DMAE.

Some types of seizures may be triggered by DMAE. Individual who have epilepsy should avoid taking it.

In the kidneys, DMAE blocks the production of another substance, betaine, from choline. Betaine assists in the break down of a chemical known as homocysteine in the body. Increased blood levels of homocysteine may be associated with heart diseases such as arteriosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”. Although DMAE has not been proven by scientific studies to contribute to arteriosclerosis, individuals with elevated homocysteine levels are advised to avoid taking DMAE.

Precautions

Although it was formerly used to treat children, not enough is known about how DMAE affects growth and development to recommend its supplemental use for young children.

What side effects should I watch for?

Major Side Effects

DMAE may cause or deepen depression. It may also make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse.

Some workers who inhaled high levels of DMAE vapor for long periods on their jobs have experienced visual disturbances such as blurred vision and thickened corneas. While these problems have not been reported among study participants who took or applied much smaller amounts of DMAE, individuals who decide to use DMAE may want to be alert for visual changes.

High levels of homocysteine, a substance involved in heart disease, may be associated with taking DMAE.

Less Severe Side Effects

Small increases in blood pressure have occurred among individuals who took DMAE.

Taking DMAE has been associated with developing a strong body odor for some individuals.

A number of the individuals who took DMAE in clinical studies remembered their dreams clearly. Many also reported realizing that they were dreaming while they were still asleep.

Other side effects that occasionally have been associated with taking DMAE by mouth are:

• Confusion
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

What interactions should I watch for?

Some prescription drugs inhibit acetylcholine. These “anticholinergic” drugs may be used to prevent bed wetting, relieve stomach cramps, and treat nausea. If DMAE is taken at the same time as an anticholinergic drug the effects of the drug may be lessened to unpredictable extents. Anticholinergic drugs include:

• atropine
• dicyclomine (Bentyl)
• glycopyrrolate
• Levsin
• propantheline
• Transderm Scop

A slight possibility exists that both the effects and the risk of side effects of prescription drugs that also increases choline levels may be increased if DMAE is taken at the same time. These “cholinergic” drugs include Aricept and Cognex, which are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, pyridostigmine (Mestinon) and neostigmine, which are used to treat myasthenia gravis; and bethanechol (Urecholine), which may be used for the treatment of urine retention.

DMAE is believed to affect levels of acetylcholine and possibly other neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia also alter the levels of neurotransmitters. If DMAE and antipsychotic drugs are taken at the same time, the effectiveness of the drug may be changed, so it is best to avoid using DMAE while taking drugs such as:

• chlorpromazine
• fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• Risperdal
• Seroquel
• Zyprexa

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how DMAE interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

Should I take it?

Between 1957 and 1983, DMAE was sold in the U.S. as a prescription drug named Deaner or Deanol. Several small studies—mostly conducted from the 1950s through the 1970s—tested it as a possible treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although DMAE appeared to improve learning and behavior, newer more effective drugs were being developed and approved. Some parents of children with autism also have reported improved behavior and/or concentration when their children took DMAE, but no scientific studies proves these results.

In the early 1980s, prescription DMAE was taken off the U.S. market after the FDA asked the manufacturers to do more extensive clinical studies to prove its effectiveness and safety. The manufacturers chose to stop making the pharmaceutical product rather than spend large amounts of time and money on trials. DMAE is still available in the United States as a dietary supplement, although it is not recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a food additive. In Europe and Asia, a combination product (known as centrophenoxine or meclofenoxate) that includes DMAE is used as a memory enhancer.

In industry, DMAE is used in corrosion preventers, dyes, and paint removers. It helps to set plastics such as polyurethane and to dissolve pigments for water-based paints and coatings such as latex paint. DMAE is also used in anti-aging cosmetic products.

Dosage and Administration

Note: Alzheimer’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, ADHD, and autism are very serious conditions that require the attention of a healthcare professional. They should not be self-treated. Neither DMAE nor any other supplement, herbal, or over-the-counter medication is sufficient treatment.

Recommendations for oral doses of DMAE vary widely—averaging 100 mg to 500 mg per day for adults, but reaching 1,600 mg (1.6 grams) per day in some clinical studies. Best absorbed when it is taken with food, DMAE may be taken in one dose or several doses per day. It is often included in combination products along with ginkgo and other natural products that may have memory-enhancing effects. Individuals who decide to take a product containing DMAE should follow the directions on the package that is purchased.

Topically, a gel containing 3% DMAE has been applied once daily to reduce facial lines and wrinkles.

Summary

Formerly a prescription drug for treating attention and behavior problems in children, DMAE is now a dietary supplement in the United States. It has been claimed, but not proven, to reduce aging, dementia, memory loss, and movement disorders. Topically, it may help to reduce the signs of aging on skin.

Risks

DMAE may worsen some mental disorders or epilepsy. Because it is known to damage developing animals, it should not be taken during pregnancy. It may also increase blood levels of homocysteine, possibly contributing to heart disease.

Side Effects

Taking DMAE has been associated with small increases in blood pressure, unpleasant body odor, gastrointestinal upset, mental changes, muscle cramps, and sleep disturbances. Individuals taking it may remember dreams better and may be able to tell they are dreaming while still asleep.

Interactions

DMAE may interfere with the effects of anticholinergic drugs and antipsychotic drugs. It may increase the effects and potential side effects of drugs and supplements that increase choline levels.

Updated August 29, 2007

References

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Updated August 29, 2007

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

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