Dopamine enhancing pill
Dopamine serotonin neurotransmitters, receptors dopamine, dopamine depression, and sex dopamine and libido

Dopamine is an important brain chemical for motor functions and general arousal. Dopamine is also involved in the ability to learn and encoding of stimuli, reward, and addiction. Virtually all drugs of abuse, including heroin and other opiates, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine and nicotine activate dopame neuronal systems. So called "natural" rewards such as food, positive social interactions and even humor, likewise activate dopamine neurons and are powerful aids to attention and learning. Sweet solutions are a well-characterized natural reward. When a source of sugar is encountered, animals will consume substantial amounts, return to it preferentially, and will work to obtain access. For more dopamine information.
   A number of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and mood disorders, are attributed to imbalances in dopamine levels. Dopamine may also be involved in restless leg syndrome. For more dopamine information. NADH is a nutrient that can raise dopamine levels. Mucuna-Pruriens is an herb to consider.

High on Dopamine
Temporary elevation of dopamine levels often leads to an improvement in mood, alertness, libido, and perhaps even an enhancement in verbal fluency and creativity. However, there can be side effects including the propensity to have an addictive behavior. For instance, there have been reports that patients with Parkinson's disease became involved in gambling when the dosage of their dopamine-enhancing medicines were increased.

How is Dopamine made?
Dopamine is made from the amino acid Tyrosine. Once produced, dopamine can, in turn, convert into the brain chemicals norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Brain metabolism of Dopamine
When released into the synaptic cleft, dopamine is broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This is an important point to keep in mind since many pharmaceutical drugs take advantage of this reaction. In fact, there are drugs that block the activity of MAO, and hence are known as MAO inhibitors. There are two types of MAO inhibitors—type A and type B. These monoamine oxidase inhibitors can act as antidepressants, and the type B inhibitors are also used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Selegiline (or deprenyl) is a well-known pharmaceutical MAO type-B inhibitor.

A decline in dopamine activity in the brain is linked to cognitive (learning and memory) and movement problems in those with Parkinson's disease. The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, along with the nutrient NADH and some of the B vitamins, influence the production of dopamine.

Dopamine and Libido
Dopamine can improve sex drive. Certain natural supplements can elevate dopamine levels and increase sexual interest. For more info on libido.

Dopamine Research Update
Oxidative stress to dopaminergic neurons as models of Parkinson's disease.
Gille G.Veterinary University of Vienna, Veterinarplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1018:533-40.
The effects of exogenous toxins (MPP(+), rotenone) and potentially neurotoxic properties of levodopa (L-DOPA) on the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons in dissociated primary culture are presented. Dopamine agonists show a capacity to counteract MPP(+)-toxicity. Moreover, a preserving potential of the antioxidant and bioenergetic coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) on the activities of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), complexes I and II of the respiratory chain, and hexokinase activity in striatal slice cultures against MPP(+) is demonstrated.

Dopamine questions
Q. I recently read about a NIMH study on monkeys. they turned monkeys into workaholics by blocking dopamine d2. is there an otc pill or supplement that will do this. I need more "drive". the NIMH response to this question was a policy statement, friendly, but not helpful. The study was gene manipulation, not drugs, the effects lasted 6 weeks, there are perscription drugs that increase dopamine, but i would prefer over the counter natural supplements.
   A. Certain supplements listed on this page increase dopamine levels, but having more energy and drive has to do with much more than dopamine alone. You may consider MultiVit Rx which can naturally increase motivation and energy since it supplies precursor vitamins for dopamine production.

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