DEANOL

Uses & Effectiveness

Overview

Deanol is a chemical that can be converted into choline. Choline is involved in a series of reactions that form acetylcholine, a chemical that is found in the brain and other areas of the body. Acetylcholine is a “neurotransmitter” that helps nerve cells communicate.

Deanol is used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer disease, autism, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Deanol was previously sold by Riker Laboratories as the prescription drug Deaner. It was prescribed for the management of children with behavior problems and learning difficulties. Deanol is not an approved food additive in the U.S., nor is it an orphan drug, as some advertising suggests.

DEANOL, also known as DMAE, is a natural compound found in small amounts in the brain. It has been suggested that DMAE may enhance brain function and improve cognitive performance, leading to increased focus, alertness, and attention span. Studies have shown potential benefits in reducing age-related cognitive decline, although further research is needed.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Deanol is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken short-term. Most people do not experience side effects. But deanol might cause constipation, diarrhea, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, vivid dreams, confusion, mood changes, or increased blood pressure.

When applied to the skin: Deanol is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term.

Interactions

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

• Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with DEANOL

  Some drying medications are called anticholinergic drugs. Deanol might increase chemicals that can decrease the effects of these drying medications.

  Some drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and for depression (antidepressants).

• Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs) interacts with DEANOL

  Deanol might increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. This chemical is similar to some medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions. Taking deanol with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

  Some of these medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions include pilocarpine (Pilocar and others), donepezil (Aricept), tacrine (Cognex), and others.

Special Precautionsand Warnings

When taken by mouth: Deanol is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken short-term. Most people do not experience side effects. But deanol might cause constipation, diarrhea, itching, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, vivid dreams, confusion, mood changes, or increased blood pressure.

When applied to the skin: Deanol is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if deanol is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Depression: Deanol might make depression worse.

Schizophrenia: Deanol might make schizophrenia symptoms worse.

Tonic-clonic seizures: Deanol should not be used by people with tonic-clonic seizure disorders.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of deanol depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for deanol. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.