Also indexed as: 2-Dimethylaminoethanol,
Dimethylaminoethanol
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain.
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.1 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.2 A possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious
and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use.3 Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania)
have been reported as side effects of DMAE.4
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with DMAE.
References:1. Casey DE, Denney D. Dimethylaminoethanol in tardive dyskinesia. N
Engl J Med 1974;291:797.
2. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of
2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry
1981;138:970–2.
3. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of
lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26:255–7.
4. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy.
Psychopharmacology 1979;62:187–91.