I've spent the past week reading as many user accounts here and elsewhere that I could find on DMAE along with all the studies; I'm quite bearish as a result... Here's what I have so far for my article
A Warning
The consensus of the Biohacker community seems to be that DMAE isn’t worth it. Scientific literature suggests that...
DMAE causes birth defects.
DMAE is not metabolized into choline in the brain.
DMAE inhibits choline kinase.
DMAE inhibits choline transport.
A not insignificant amount of self experimenters report unpleasant effects from it...
Hyperactivity is a frequent complaint
Loss of focus
Loss of motivation
Depression
Steep tolerance curve of diminishing positive effects
Frequently these negative effects are reported after prolonged use at high dosages, one time or infrequent users report typical Nootropic effects of enhanced cognition and memory.
DMAE has a significant effect on the highly complex ACh system, consistent or high dosage use of it present what I think is an unacceptable risk of unbalancing this intricate orchestra of chemical reactions.
The bottom line is that other Nootropics, like the Racetams or Alpha GPC, have the same effects to a similar or greater degree and there is a virtual consensus of positive effects, where as DMAE is both questioned by the scientific literature and harshly criticized by it’s users in the self experimentation community.
Depression
Confusingly, you’ll find reading online that DMAE is both a treatment of depression and a cause of it. Remember that depression is like a check engine on a car, it’s a symptom of a single or multiple imbalances somewhere in one’s complex neurobiology. Leapmind on Longecity self reported:
“When I take 50mg of DMAE for a couple of weeks my depression just disappears and even for a prolonged time. It also helps with my social- phobia.”
The solution to DMAE induced depression is quite simple, just cycle your dosing of it. When I do my Centrophenoxine trial I will only take it once a week. A good reason to buy this drug individually as opposed to in a stack or multivitamin.
It’s positive effects on body energy also help those suffering from chronic fatigue and mild depression, according to an early study (Possible precursors and effect on behavior. International Review of Neurobiology) - which I could not find anywhere online.
Mechanism of Action
The important thing to understand about this class of drug is that it is NOT a Choline source precursor like Alpha GPC or eggs, it’s something that prevents the breakdown of the ACh neurotransmitter in the mind. So it’s not an alternative to Alpha GPC or CDP Choline.
In conclusion...
I feel it’s necessary to add conclusion to this, somewhat bipolar, presentation on this drug. The cognitive enhancement benefits of this drug are nothing special or unique in the Nootropic world and the potential downsides seem to be significant...
Hypomania
Depression
Birth defects
So if you are an otherwise healthy person, looking to supplement your badassery in life, I think you can probably get the same results from less risky smart drugs. However, if you are an older person facing the dire spectre of cognitive decline this drug family, Centrophenoxine in particular, is well worth your consideration. Are the possible negative side effects of these drugs going to be worse than the certain cognitive decline of your faculties? Doubtful.
Anything I'm missing? Does this drug have some redeeming quality I've overlooked?
