DMAE Dosage, Benefits and Experiences
What is Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)?
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a nootropic compound that promotes cognitive health by reducing the build up of “age pigments.” These pigments impair different cognitive functions and this build up causes mental decline over time. It also serves to protect neurons and other cells from the harmful effects caused by oxidation. [1]
DMAE is also one methyl group away from being acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that serves to regulate basic cellular function. However, there is some controversy as to whether or not it actually converts into acetylcholine in the brain. [2]
The reason people love this supplement is that acetylcholine can improve mood and increase vigilance, and who wouldn’t like to feel a little better on a daily basis? [2]
The Test
At first I was wary because of some negative responses that I found on a few online forums. These side effects include confusion, drowsiness, and elevated blood pressure. There have also been cases of headaches and muscle tension due to heavy use. However, many of these side effects were only noted in very few test participants, so I felt confident that any negative effects could be easily dealt with by cessation. [3]
To start out my trial I administered the DMAE at a 200 mg dose and mixed it with water. I noticed that it has somewhat of a sour taste, so it could probably be mixed with a citrus flavor for those that find it too strong. I didn’t notice any immediate effects, but that night I felt more awake. I continued taking it in the morning to see if the effects continued.
The next several days were very high energy for me. I typically need an afternoon nap, and I rarely have an entire day where I don’t feel run down and sleepy at some point. This is why I believe the unusually high energy effect was due to the DMAE even though I had no placebo control in the relationship to the dosing in the following days.
DMAE Dosage
Now, allow me a moment to comment on the proper DMAE dosage. The generally effective range is 50 mg to 300, quite a large range; individuals would do well to start on the lower end to see how they react before increasing. Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way, as I chose to start a little high at 200mg, which might have been my downfall.
After continuous use for almost a week, I feel like I hit a DMAE wall.
Instead of high energy coming after a dose, I began to feel foggy and drowsy within the hour after my daily dropper full of DMAE supplement. This continued for almost a week. To remedy this I took a choline source with it (Alpha GPC) and the drowsiness went away.
Eventually, I started taking smaller doses of DMAE (around 50 mg) and only sparingly. This seems to be the sweet spot. I get more out of DMAE now than when I was taking 200 mg all of the time. The stimulating effects are still there, but without the general grogginess that overtakes it. I would highly recommend taking smaller doses and only going higher if you desperately need the extra push and even then maybe take a day or two off afterwards.