Treatment of Damatil (1,3-Dimethylamylamine/DMAA)
There is no legitimate medical treatment for Damatil (DMAA) as it is not a disease but rather a banned stimulant substance that poses significant health risks including cardiac arrest, cerebral hemorrhage, and death. 1, 2, 3
What is Damatil (DMAA)?
- DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine) is a synthetic stimulant originally patented in 1944 as a nasal decongestant but has since been marketed as a dietary supplement ingredient for pre-workout formulas and weight loss products 3
- Despite manufacturer claims of being "natural" or derived from geranium plants, scientific analysis has confirmed DMAA is synthetic and not naturally occurring in geranium or related plant species 4
- The FDA has determined DMAA-containing products to be illegal, though they remain available for purchase in some markets 2
Health Risks Associated with DMAA
- DMAA is a sympathomimetic compound and potent pressor agent that can cause dangerous cardiovascular effects 3
- Documented severe adverse effects include:
- DMAA-containing products may not be accurately labeled, with some products containing much higher concentrations than stated 4
Medical Management of DMAA Exposure/Toxicity
- For patients presenting with cardiac arrest or cerebral hemorrhage after DMAA ingestion, standard emergency protocols for these conditions should be followed 2, 3
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for DMAA toxicity in otherwise healthy individuals presenting with cardiac or neurological emergencies, particularly those who use workout supplements 2
- Sports medicine physicians should be particularly vigilant in educating patients about the dangers of DMAA-containing supplements 2
Prevention and Education
- Healthcare providers should actively screen patients, especially athletes and those interested in weight loss, about supplement use 2
- Patients should be educated about the illegal status of DMAA and its significant health risks 2, 3
- Patients should be advised to check supplement ingredients carefully and avoid products containing DMAA or its synonyms (Geranamine, methylhexanamine, etc.) 4
Important Considerations
- DMAA should not be confused with other substances with similar abbreviations such as DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment 5, 6
- It should also not be confused with dimenhydrinate (DMH), an over-the-counter antihistamine with the trade names Dramamine or Gravol 7
- The presence of DMAA in supplements can be confirmed through laboratory testing using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy or UPLC-MS/MS 1, 4