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What is it?
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain.
Like choline, DMAE may increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine; however, not all studies confirm that DMAE serves as a precursor to acetylcholine.1 Early preliminary research suggested that DMAE may relieve the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (a trembling disorder caused by long-term anti-psychotic medication),2 but several controlled studies did not find the effects of DMAE better than placebo.3 In fact, one case report suggested that DMAE can cause symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.4
One small, uncontrolled four-week trial of senile patients given DMAE supplements of 600 mg three times per day, failed to show any changes in memory but did produce positive behaviour changes in some of the patients.5 However, subsequent double-blind research did not find a significant benefit from the use of DMAE in people with Alzheimer’s disease.6
DMAE has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Rating | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but
minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal
health benefit. | |
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects.7 For this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic. However, one study using higher intakes for Alzheimer’s disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE.8 A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use.9 Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania) have been reported as side effects of DMAE.10
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with DMAE.
References
1. Zahniser NR, Chou D, Hanin I. Is 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol) indeed a precursor of brain acetylcholine? A gas chromatographic evaluation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1977;200:545-59.
2. Kazamatsuri H, Chien C, Cole JO. Therapeutic approaches to tardive dyskinesia. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1972;27:491-9.
3. Alphs L, Davis JM. Noncatecholaminergic treatments of tardive dyskinesia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1982;2:380-5 [review].
4. Haug BA, Holzgraefe M. Orofacial and respiratory tardive dyskinesia: potential side effects of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol)? Eur Neurol 1991;31:423-5.
5. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, Clark C. Senile dementia: treatment with deanol. J Am Geriatr Soc 1977;25:241-4.
6. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970-2.
7. Casey DE, Denney D. Dimethylaminoethanol in tardive dyskinesia. N Engl J Med 1974;291:797.
8. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970–2.
9. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26:255–7.
10. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology 1979;62:187–91.
