Can DMHA Make You Fail a Drug Test?

A common question customers often ask us is "will DMHA make me pop on a drug test?" DMHA is not something that's tested for on satnadrd 5 Panel or 10 Panel Drug Test, though over the years there have been rumors that due to it's similar chemical structure DMHA could or has caused false positives on drug tests. So in today's post we'll be looking into whether DMHA can cause a false positive on a drug test as well as how long DMHA remains in your system and detectable via a blood or urine drug test. 

What is DMHA?

DMHA or 2-Aminoisoheptane, and also known as Octodrine, 1,5 Dimethylhexylamine, Amridine, and/or Kigelia Africana Extract is a synthetic stimulant often found in preworkout supplements and fat burners for its energy and mood boosting effects. Popular supplements which contain DMHA include Fat Burners like Lipodrene and Stimerex as well as Preworkouts like Mesomorph and JACK3D among others.  It's similar in structure and function to DMHA another well known stimulant that was banned by the FDA years back. DMHA provides users with increased energy, improved focus and alertness, elevated mood and appetite suppression and many users find it to be a cleaner energy than caffeine and report it has less of a crash or come down than caffeine. In terms of strength in comparison to DMAA, it's about a third as strong as the original DMAA.

Will DMHA Show Up on a Drug Test?

DMHA is typically not screened for in standard 5 Pane or 10 Panel Drug Test which are generally what are given for job drug tests or probation drug tests, those focus on things like THC, opiates, amphetamines, cocaine and benzodiazepines. 

DMHA Detection in Drug Tests

Standard Drug Tests: DMHA is not included in routine employment, military or probation drug tests

Specialized Tests: DMHA may show up on more advanced or targeted screenings such as in athletic organizations ie WADA, NCAA or Professional Sports leagues where it could be flagged as a stimulant analog. 

False Positives: There's a small theoretical risk of a false positive for amphetamines when taking DMHA due to the structural similarity, there's been rumors about this spouted online, though we have many Military customers who regularly take DMHA Fat Burners and Preworkouts and we've never heard a first hand account of this happening. It could also be clarified with GC/MS Confirmatory Testing.

How Long Does DMHA Stay In Your System?

Half Life: The half life of DMHA is estimated to be 4-12 hours though this can vary based on metabolism, hyration and dosage.

Detection Window:

• Urine: Up to 1-3 days after use in sensitive tests
• Blood: Likely undetectable after 24 hours
• Saliva & Hair: It would be uncommon to test saliva or hair for DMHA

Summary

• If you're concerned about a work or probation drug test DMHA is very unlikey to be detected.
• If you're subject to elite athletic or military testing DMHA could be flagged as a banned stimulant up to several days after use.
• To stay safe avoid it for at least 3 days, ideally a week before any serious screening.