Treatment of Damatil (1,3-Dimethylamylamine/DMAA)
There is no legitimate medical treatment for Damatil (DMAA) as it is an illegal stimulant that has been banned by the FDA due to serious health risks including cardiac arrest, hemorrhagic stroke, and death. 1, 2
Background on DMAA
- DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is a sympathomimetic stimulant originally patented in 1944 as a nasal decongestant but later banned due to safety concerns 2
- It has been illegally marketed in dietary supplements, pre-workout formulations, and as a recreational stimulant drug 3
- The FDA has determined products containing DMAA to be illegal, though they remain available through various channels 1
- DMAA is a potent pressor agent that can cause dangerous elevations in blood pressure 2
Health Risks of DMAA
- Documented severe adverse effects include:
- The substance acts as a sympathomimetic, causing significant cardiovascular effects similar to amphetamines 2
- DMAA is often falsely marketed as a "natural" substance derived from geranium plants, but scientific analysis has confirmed it is synthetic in origin 4
Management of DMAA Exposure/Toxicity
- For acute DMAA toxicity, immediate medical attention is required with focus on:
- Cardiovascular stabilization
- Blood pressure management
- Neurological monitoring 2
- There is no specific antidote for DMAA toxicity; treatment is supportive and symptom-based 1
- Healthcare providers should maintain high suspicion for DMAA exposure in otherwise healthy individuals presenting with unexplained cardiac events or cerebrovascular accidents 1
Prevention
- Education about the dangers of DMAA is critical, particularly for:
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who may seek performance enhancement
- Young adults who may use it recreationally 1
- Healthcare providers should specifically ask about supplement use when taking patient histories 1
- Patients should be advised to check supplement ingredients carefully and avoid products containing DMAA or its synonyms (Geranamine, methylhexanamine, etc.) 4
Important Note
- DMAA should not be confused with dimenhydrinate (DMH, brand names Dramamine or Gravol), which is an antihistamine used for motion sickness that has its own potential for abuse but is a completely different substance 5