Citation

Van Hout MC, Hearne E. Int. J. Drug Policy 2015; 26(12): 1279-1281.

Affiliation

Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.04.002

PMID

26001628

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a stimulant component present in dietary and sport supplements. Safety is debatable. Given recreational drug user interest in DMAA, a netnographic study investigated displacement of DMAA into the realm of recreational drug use as shared by drug users on publically available drug web fora.

METHODS: A systematic internet search was implemented on Google Insights for Search, Google and Yahoo by utilising precise key words; 'DMAA', 'Dimethylamylamine', 'Methylhexanamine', 'Methylhexaneamine', and 'Geranamine', and in combination with the word 'forum'. The search generated 1034 identified threads relative to recreational and sole use of DMAA for intoxication purposes. A cyclical analysis of textual data was conducted.

RESULTS: Findings are illustrative of drug user curiosity relating to DMAA's potential uses as recreational drug. Oral use was common, and within advisable ranges. Due to its adrenergic effect DMAA is viewed as having low value for intoxication purposes, and better suited as workout and weight loss aid. Adverse sympathomimetic effects, tolerance and concerns around toxicity discouraged further experimentation.

CONCLUSIONS: Continued surveillance of drug user trend interest in sport supplements, monitoring of displacement trends and presence of DMAA in new psychoactive substances is warranted. Information can inform clinical and harm reduction responses.

Language: en