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Adequate Substitute for Amphetamines?
DMAE
Citation:   Pharm. Student. "Adequate Substitute for Amphetamines?: An Experience with DMAE (exp73987)". Erowid.org. Aug 31, 2018. erowid.org/exp/73987

 
DOSE:
  repeated   DMAE
BODY WEIGHT: 160 lb
DMAE....adequate substitute for amphetamines?

My experiences with DMAE stemmed from trying to find an adequate yet non-habit forming substitute for amphetamines. I am a pharmacy student and spend roughly 30 hours a week studying for my challenging curriculum. Over my college career I started developing dependence (mainly psychologically) towards amphetamines. Not only was I building up tolerance towards them I also found myself craving them for recreational purposes. This really concerned me given that once I graduate I would be like a kid in a candy store everyday I went to work. Given that I have never studied for a major college exam in the last five years without the help of amphetamines, I found myself somewhat worthless when it came down to crunch time.

I did some research on numerous agents and decided that DMAE might be something that could help me study longer and at a higher level without having the habit forming and adverse health effects of amphetamines. I started taking 750mg (3 tabs containing 250mg/each) every day of DMAE bitartrate, which is roughly 300mg of DMAE. After about a week of taking the supplement I was still yet to see any effects that I found to be beneficial for my school work. I did however experience the vivid dreams and ability to remember those dreams. Before I completely gave up on DMAE I thought that I would give myself a stimulant-free interval to see if my tolerance of stimulants were diminishing the mood elevation and alertness reported with DMAE use.

During my stimulant-free interval I forced myself to refrain from all caffeine products, and tobacco use for two weeks. After the two weeks and using the same dose, I did experience mild mood elevation and alertness from taking DMAE. I didn’t seem to struggle with any insomnia or any other side effects, and still found myself having the vivid dreams. Even though they work through different mechanisms of action, refraining from the stimulants my body was used to (I.e. Caffeine, amphetamines) seemed to help gain benefit from the DMAE. However when drinking caffeine while on the DMAE it seemed to add to the alertness factor.

In conclusion; DMAE at best will cause mild mood elevation, alertness, and stimulation. These effects will most likely escalate when used in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine or ginseng. As far as using this medication/supplement as a study aid it doesn’t seem to be extremely beneficial at purposed doses. As a future pharmacist I realize that medications affect people on a case to case basis. Through my research there has not been many clinical trials done on people and the ones that were conducted were on small population groups. From those trials done it seems to have very few serious side effects when taken at the recommended doses, but then again there is little evidence to go by. Considering that it is seemingly safe drug I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from at least giving it a shot, however I wouldn’t have the expectations of it being any type of miracle drug.

Exp Year: 2008ExpID: 73987
Gender: Male 
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Aug 31, 2018Views: 5,638
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DMAE (151) : General (1), First Times (2), Retrospective / Summary (11), Therapeutic Intent or Outcome (49), School (35)

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