Updated for 2026!
DMHA pre-workout is a pre-workout supplement that includes the stimulant DMHA. DMHA is also known as English Walnut Extract, Octodrine, 2-aminoisoheptane, 2-amino-5-methylheptane, 2-amino-6, and Juglans Regia Extract.
DMHA grew in popularity as DMAA faced increasing scrutiny in many countries and DMAA pre workouts became more difficult to find.
Here are our top picks for DMHA pre-workout supplements.
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#1 DMHA Pre-Workout
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Dark Labs DMHA Banger
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DMHA hitter
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The Legend is Back!
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off
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- Euphoric rush
- No crash
- Consistently hits
- One of Dark Lab's best
- Quality ingredients
- Clean energy
- Smooth ride
- Big stims + big pumps
- Strong but not unmanageable
While DMHA pre-workouts are still around, some manufacturers are taking it out of their formulas. I suspect this was in response to the 2019 and 2020 warnings sent by the FDA to manufacturers that included DMHA in their pre workouts.
Here are some of the best DMHA pre-workouts still available.
This lineup is sourced using data from Label Rater, which aggregates real user feedback from Reddit to see which DMHA pre-workouts people actually enjoy most.
Get ’em while they last!
Table of Contents
- 1 Best DMHA Pre Workouts
- 1.1 Maniaco Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
- 1.2 Barbarian Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
- 1.3 Wild Fire Pre Workout (SoCal Supps)
- 1.4 Crack Purple Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
- 1.5 Crack Primal Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
- 1.6 Aventador Pre Workout (Diamondtech Performance)
- 1.7 Crack Gold Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
- 1.8 Flame Pre Workout v3 (Dark Labs)
- 1.9 Firestorm Pre Workout (Global Supremacy)
- 2 Bulk DMHA Powder
- 3 Pre Workout Graveyard
- 4 DMHA Side Effects
- 5 FAQs
Best DMHA Pre Workouts
The list below is ordered by how these pre-workouts are trending in Label Rater’s user data right now. All of them are strong, high-stim formulas that consistently earn good feedback from experienced users.
Alternative: You can also buy bulk DMHA powder and add it to pre workout yourself. This is more cost effective and allows you to control the exact dosage. Bulk Stimulants is a good vendor for this option.
Maniaco Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
Dark Labs Maniaco tops the current Label Rater trending data for DMHA pre-workouts, and the user feedback backs it up. The community describes a potent, euphoric focus that peaks hard without the nasty crash most extreme formulas leave behind, and the sour blueberry flavor gets repeat praise.
A handful of longtime Dark Labs users rank it a notch below their all-time favorites and call it “second tier,” but for most people chasing an intense high-stim session it lands as a top recommendation.
Maniaco is Dark Labs' extreme-tier entry, stacking DMHA and Eria Jarensis for the euphoric focus this brand is known for. Not for daily use. Simply one of the most loved pre-workouts amongst stim junkies.
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Barbarian Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
Dark Labs Barbarian pulls some of the most positive feedback in this whole list. Users describe it as a genuine hitter that slaps through leg day, and stim heads single out the smooth, euphoric DMHA rush it delivers.
It runs strong and aggressive, so it is better suited to experienced stim users than to anyone just easing into DMHA.
Barbarian brings 475 mg of caffeine plus DMHA and Eria Jarensis into Dark Labs' extreme lineup. Start with a half scoop, this one hits! Another winner from Dark Labs (what else did you expect?)
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Wild Fire Pre Workout (SoCal Supps)
Wild Fire pairs a stout DMHA hit with a serious caffeine load in a single scoop, which is exactly why the hardcore crowd keeps it in rotation. Users report strong energy and a positive headspace that carries through effective workouts, and a few call it a forgotten gem.
It also brings pump and endurance support from L-Citrulline, Beta Alanine, and Agmatine. The main knock is duration. It hits hard but may not carry all day, so take it right before you train rather than hours ahead.
If you are looking for the training intensity you have been missing, this is your product. Not recommended for beginners. Not as strong as the DMAA version, but lots of people still like it as an introduction to the stim junkie pre-workouts!
Discount Codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Crack Purple Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
Crack Purple has fully transitioned to a DMHA formula. Dark Labs kept the branding, but the old 1,3-DMAA version is gone, so treat what you buy today as a DMHA pre-workout. Users report insane energy and a euphoric, powerful ride, and the diehards still compare its intensity to the original 1,3 version.
It runs aggressive and very high-stim, so know your tolerance and start with a smaller scoop your first time through.
Crack Purple, the flagship stunner from Dark Labs, is back and still hitting hard. Boasting 240 mg of DMHA, 500 mg of caffeine, and 300 mg of eria jarensis, Crack Purple delivers long lasting energy, euphoria, and intensity. Only for experienced users!
Code: LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Crack Primal Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
Crack Primal brings the urgent, hard-hitting energy the Crack line is known for, and users describe a clear-headed focus and a noticeable mood lift that makes for a smooth session. It shows up across plenty of feedback simply tagged “100% fire.”
The stimulant load is serious, so it is not a good fit if you are sensitive to stims or new to strong pre-workouts. A few users even say the taste is better than expected.
Not for the faint of heart! Recommended for advanced users only. One of the strongest pre-workouts in 2024.
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Supps Central
Aventador Pre Workout (Diamondtech Performance)
Aventador earns its reputation for smooth, clean energy rather than a jittery blast. Users consistently praise a euphoric focus and a long-lasting ride with no harsh crash or ugly comedown on the back end, and many report a real mood and confidence bump during training. As with most extreme formulas, it is not the place to start if you are stim-sensitive.
If you haven't tried this pre-workout in 2025 or later then you have not tried this pre-workout. Not much to talk about back in 2020, this pre-workout is back and absolutely slaps now. They must have found a quality DMHA source!
Crack Gold Pre Workout (Dark Labs)
Crack Gold is the wakefulness-and-aggression pick of the Dark Labs lineup, and the users who love it call it a “banger pre” and an all-time high-stim favorite. It has firmly landed as a DMHA formula at this point.
A full scoop hits hard and is plenty for most people, so ease in with a partial serving before you commit to the whole thing.
One of Dark Labs' all-time most popular pre-workouts, Crack Gold blends 250 mg of well-sourced DMHA with a monster 300 mg of eria jarensis and 50 mg halostachine for a unique, euphoric intensity.
Flame Pre Workout v3 (Dark Labs)
Dark Labs Flame V3 is a stimulant-heavy formula built around raw energy and a strong mood lift, and users report a smooth build-up with a long, slow fade instead of a hard crash. It leans aggressive rather than euphoric for some people, so expect drive more than bliss.
It is light on pump ingredients, so stack it with a dedicated pump product if that matters to you.
Hard-hitting, "happy" DMHA experience. This one will make the stim junkies soar.
All stims, no pumps, but if you want energy, focus, and euphoria then Flame is the answer.
One of my personal favorites.
V3 is closer to how V1 felt, more euphoric, less "heart pounding" than V2.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Firestorm Pre Workout (Global Supremacy)
Firestorm posts some of the cleanest sentiment in this whole list, with users reporting intense euphoria and a fast come-up that delivers real performance boosts even at lower doses. It is a specific recommendation for people who want both DMHA and DMAA in one formula.
It does lean heavy on yohimbine-type stimulants, so if you’re sensitive to yohimbe either skip this one or start on the low end of the scoop.
Firestorm hits fast with a rare DMHA + DMAA stack built for experienced users chasing intense, quick-onset energy. This one is powerful, so dose conservatively. Weigh those scoops!
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Bulk DMHA Powder
Another option is to purchase bulk DMHA powder and add it to pre workouts yourself. This has the added advantage of controlling the DMHA dosage, allowing you to take smaller or larger doses depending on the training session, how you’re feeling, etc.
A popular online vendor for DMHA powder is Bulk Stimulants. Their DMAA and DMHA are reviewed in the video below – the reviewer actually preferred the DMHA, finding it more euphoric than the DMAA. They did caution to not take DMHA on consecutive days, as the product is quite strong and a tolerance can build quickly.
Pre Workout Graveyard
Here we mourn DMHA pre workouts that are no longer widely available. Rest in peace, kings.
Reformulated Pre Workout
The following pre workout supplements used to contain DMHA, but have since been discontinued or reformulated.
- Black Magic – BZRK
- Metabolic Nutrition – ESP Extreme
- Repp Sports – Broken Arrow (the old version with DMHA is still available at a few retailers if you get lucky)
- Dark Energy Pre Workout (discontinued, no longer available for purchase)
- NTel Nutra – Arez Titanium (original formula discontinued)
- God Status Labz – Zeus (discontinued)
Tested and Didn’t Make the List
The below DMHA pre workout supplements were tested, but ultimately did not make the “best of” list above.
- Blackstone Labs – Dust X
- Condemned Labz – ConvictStim
- GenOne Labs – Old Jack v2
- Inspired Nutraceutical – DVST8 Crimson
- American Metabolix – Havok Hardcore
- Innovative Labs – Wicked
- Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals – Jack’d Up
- Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals – Ultimate Orange
DMHA Side Effects
Please note that ingesting DMHA is not recommended and can lead to health risks.
Negative side effects of DMHA are similar to other central nervous system stimulants and include the following:
- Nausea
- Energy crash
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (i.e. heart palpitations)
- Dyspnoea
- Difficulty breathing
- Mood swings
- Hyperthermia
FAQs
Even though DMAA has a well-deserved reputation for being a powerful pre-workout stimulant, the truth is that DMHA can be just as a strong. It really comes down to the source of the ingredient. Quality for DMHA and DMAA varies widely and it really comes down to what is in the tub, not what’s on the label.
Right now the DMHA pre-workouts with the strongest user feedback are Maniaco by Dark Labs, Barbarian by Dark Labs, and Wild Fire by SoCal Supps.
Like DMAA, it is not illegal to simply possess DMHA or buy a supplement which contains it.
It is, however, illegal to sell a dietary supplement within the US that contains DMHA, as DMHA has not been approved by the FDA as a dietary ingredient. So the responsibility lies with the manufacturer, not the customer.
In 2019 and 2020, DMHA came under increased scrutiny by the FDA, who issued warning letters to 13 companies selling supplements containing DMHA.
