Stimulants
DMAA
Street names: 1,3-DMAA, Geranium extract, Methylhexanamine, Geranamine
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sharp, tunnel-vision energy and focus at 25–50 mg
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure — the 'cracked-out' workout feel
- Crash and irritability as it wears off (~2–4 h)
⚠Key risks
- Linked to deaths, hemorrhagic strokes and cardiac events; FDA issued warning letters from 2012 and ruled it an adulterant in 2013
- Blood pressure and heart-rate spikes dangerous for anyone with cardiac risk
- Sold for years as 'geranium extract' despite containing no detectable DMAA from natural sources
- Banned from competition by WADA and most sports federations
✚Overdose signs
- Chest pain, severe headache, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Spiking blood pressure, confusion, collapse
- Stroke symptoms: one-sided weakness, slurred speech
Category comparison — Stimulants
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMAA | Not a legal dietary ingredient | Linked to deaths, hemorrhagic strokes and cardiac events; FDA issued warning letters from 2012 and ruled it an adulterant in 2013; Blood pressure and heart-rate spikes dangerous for anyone with cardiac risk | ~$1–3 per dose inside pre-workout tubs |
| Cocaine | Schedule II | Heart attack/stroke even in young users; Severe addiction — craving cycle | ~$60–$120 per gram |
| Speed (amphetamine paste) | Schedule II | Insomnia, anxiety, paranoia; Heart strain and overheating | ~$10–$40 per gram |
| Methamphetamine | Schedule II | Addiction — among the most addictive drugs known; Meth mouth, skin sores, psychosis | ~$20–$100 per gram |
| Adderall (amphetamine salts) | Schedule II | Dependence and tolerance; Cardiovascular strain | ~$3–$15 per 30 mg tablet |
| Adderall XR | Schedule II | Same as Adderall; long duration masks sleep debt; Beads snorted bypass XR mechanism | ~$5–$20 per 30 mg capsule |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does DMAA look like?
White crystalline powder; typical pre-workout dose 25–75 mg
What are the signs of a DMAA overdose?
Chest pain, severe headache, pounding or irregular heartbeat; Spiking blood pressure, confusion, collapse; Stroke symptoms: one-sided weakness, slurred speech Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Linked to deaths, hemorrhagic strokes and cardiac events; FDA issued warning letters from 2012 and ruled it an adulterant in 2013 Dependence can develop with regular use.