The “Other” Stimulant: 1,3, Dimethylamyaline (Geranium Oil)

The History

In the ever changing world of supplements that offer miracles with little to no hard work, we are seeing the resurgence of methylhexaneamine (Forthane), which was first patented in 1971 by Eli Lilly as a nasal decongestant. In 2006, Patrick Arnold, under Proviant Technologies and Ergo Pharm released, Ergolean AMP with methylhexaneamine as one of the main ingredients. He claimed that, “AMP gave dieters and athletes an alternative to ephedrine with fewer negative side effects. AMP was touted to have “adrenaline properties” and be “the most powerful weight tool you can purchase without a prescription,”

Methylhexaneamine is now included in a variety of nitric oxide (N.O), pre-workout and weight loss supplements on the internet and in nutrition stores across the country. Companies claim its advantages include powerful energy stimulation, increased metabolic rate, triggering of fat release and capacity to reduce weight, as well as ephedrine-like properties and those of general CNS stimulants.

Don Catlin was one of the first to discover methylhexaneamine on the supplement market back in 2006, when he tested the AMP product by request of the Washington Post. Catlin noted, "The chemical structure is similar to amphetamines and ephedrine." He also stated, "In this class of drugs, everything depends on the dose. Take enough of it and your heart rate and blood pressure will go up and you can die."

What is Methylhexaneamine?

Methylhexaneamine is a stimulant derived from geranium plant oil and is usually mixed with other substances, including caffeine and/or synephrine in dietary supplements as well as “party pills”. Stimulants often speed metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure and the increased activity in the body produces extra heat (especially in hot and humid conditions). Under these conditions the blood vessels in the skin constrict, preventing the body from cooling itself efficiently. By making the user feel more energetic and less fatigued, stimulants keep users exercising longer. This can set the stage for heat illness, heat stroke and sudden death in certain situations. Large amounts of any stimulant can have side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and nervousness.

Other names (synonyms) of Methylhexaneamine used by dietary supplement companies:

1,3, Dimethylamyaline (Most common)

Dimethylamphetamine

Dimethylamylamine (DMAA)

Dimethylpentylamine (common)

Geranamine (common)

Geranium Oil (common)

Geranium Extract (common)

Methylhexaneamine

2-Amino-4-methylhexane

1,3-Dimethylamylamine

4-Methyl-2-hexylamine

1,3-Dimethylpentylamine

Forthane (not to be confused with the anesthetic)

Forthan

Pentylamine, 1,3-dimethyl-
2-Amino-5-methylhexane
2-Hexanamine, 5-methyl-
5-Methyl-2-hexylamine
Pentylamine, 1,4-dimethyl

The REC has found this substance in many dietary supplements that we are commonly asked about by student-athletes. One of the most popular supplements that lists this ingredient is Jack3d by USPLabs. Jack3d lists 1,3 Dimethylamylamine, along with caffeine, on its label in what USPLabs markets as a pre-workout and nitric oxide boosting supplement. If you are using this product, we recommend that you discontinue use immediately, as 1,3 Dimethylamylamine will cause a positive drug test for banned stimulants.

Other commonly submitted products that contain 1,3 Dimethylamylamine:

USPLabs OxyElite Pro

Cellucor - M5 Extreme

Nutrex - Hemo Rage Black

Nutrex Lipo 6 Black Hers

BPI - 1M.R. (both capsule and powder)

VPX - Anarchy Covalex

BioRhythm - SSIN Juice

PrimaForce - 1,3 Dimethylamylamine

Serious Nutrition Solutions - Adrena-G

PharmaFreak Technologies – Ripped Freak

Nutrabolics – Hemodrene

MAN – Swagger

Neogenix – Velocity

SciVation – Quake 10.0

Muscle Gauge Nutrition – Trim Down

Beast Sports Nutrition – AmphetaLean Extreme

No Limit Labs – NL-Octrain

Muscle Fortress – Muscle Spike

Applied Nutriceuticals – Black Cats

MuscleMeds – Code Red

CTD Labs - Noxipro

And many more

If you are using any of these supplements, please be aware that the presence of this ingredient will cause a positive drug test. As the discovery of the resurgence of this ingredient is relatively new, please submit all supplements to the REC before using the. The REC does not recommend the use of any dietary supplement and encourages athletes to turn to food first for their dietary needs.