Also indexed as: 2-dimethylaminoethanol,
Dimethylaminoethanol
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
Where is it found?
DMAE is found as a supplement, although it is not widely available.
DMAE has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
No deficiencies of DMAE are reported or believed to occur.
How much is usually taken?
DMAE supplementation is not recommended at this time.
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.
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