Overview

Deanol is a chemical used to make choline. Choline is involved in reactions that form acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain and other areas of the body.

Having more choline in the body might increase the production of acetylcholine, which is involved in brain and nervous system function. This might have effects on some neurological conditions.

People use deanol for Alzheimer disease, a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and many 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 US, nor is it an orphan drug, as some marketing suggests.



Uses & Effectiveness

Likely InEffective for

  • Alzheimer disease. Taking deanol by mouth does not seem to improve memory in people with Alzheimer disease.
  • A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking deanol by mouth does not seem to improve symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

There is interest in using deanol for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Deanol is possibly safe when used in doses up to 2 grams daily for up to 4 weeks or 500 mg daily for up to 3 months. It seems to be well tolerated. Side effects might include stomachcramps, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if deanol is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Deanol is possibly safe when used in doses up to 2 grams daily for up to 4 weeks or 500 mg daily for up to 3 months. It seems to be well tolerated. Side effects might include stomachcramps, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if deanol is safe or what the side effects might be.

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. It might make seizures worse.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with Deanol

    Deanol can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking deanol might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.

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

    Deanol can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking deanol with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of deanol might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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