Dopamine supplement and its medical uses, How to increase levels for depression, and to enhance libido
Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that influence mood and sexual response

Dopamine is an important brain chemical for motor functions and general arousal. It 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 dopamine 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.
   A number of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and mood disorders, are attributed to imbalances in this neurotransmitter. Dopamine may also be involved in restless leg syndrome. In some people, increasing dopamine levels may be helpful in erectile dysfunction.

High on dopamine, mood enhancement
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 medicines were increased.

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

Brain metabolism
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.

Cognitive decline, age related
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. However, these nutrients are not consistent in their beneficial effects on mood enhancement. There are other supplements that work better for the treatment of depression.

Dopamine and depression
Effective treatment of depression may not be fully possible with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. Depression is often due to shortages in several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. The potential role of natural supplements than enhance dopamine levels should be explored in the treatment of depression.

Risk of dopamine agonists, gambling
The frequency of clinically important valve regurgitation is increased in patients taking pergolide or cabergoline, but not in patients taking non–ergot-derived dopamine agonists.

The impulsive behavior that sometimes develops as a side effect of treatment with dopamine agonists drugs may not be limited just to patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients with restless legs syndrome who are treated with a drug belonging to this class may also be at increased risk for pathologic gambling. Dopamine agonists are a class of drugs that contain agents commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, both neurological disorders. Some of these dopamin agonist drugs commonly used for one or both conditions include Requip (generic name ropinirole), Mirapex (pramipexole) and Sinemet (levodopa plus carbidopa). Dr. M. Tippmann-Peikert and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, conducted a review of the available medical literature, and found that the lifetime prevalence of pathologic gambling in the general U.S. population is 2 percent. A similar or even higher frequency has been suggested in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with dopamine agonists. The researchers described the case history of three patients -- two middle-aged women and an older man -- with restless legs syndrome who became pathologic gamblers after treatment with dopamine agonists began. None of the three patients had signs of parkinsonism on neurologic examination, and none was aware of the possible link between dopamine agonists and pathologic gambling reported for Parkinson's disease patients. One of the patients had never gambled before starting dopamine agonist therapy, and the other two patients had just a little past experience of recreational gambling. At the time gambling commenced or worsened, the three patients were taking an average of 0.5 mg/day of pramipexole, and one other patients was on a daily dose of 0.25 mg of ropinirole. The gambling behavior got worse with each dose increase. The patients had been treated with dopamine agonists for an average 9 months when the gambling compulsions began. Once dopamine agonist therapy was discontinued, the pathologic gambling disappeared or drastically decreased in all three patients. Two of the patients continued to gamble occasionally and without much financial loss. Neurology, 2007.

Libido and sex drive
Dopamine can improve sex drive or libido. Certain natural supplements can elevate dopamine levels and increase sexual interest.

Is tongkat ali extract a dopamine agonist?
   We are not sure how this herb works as a libido enhancing product.

Does yohimbe bark herb help with sexual enhancement by acting on dopamine receptors or is this neurotransmitter not involved?
    This natural supplement work as a sexual stimulant without having a direct effect on dopamine.

Brain metabolism
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 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 Research
Oxidative stress to dopaminergic neurons as models of Parkinson's disease.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004.
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, complexes I and II of the respiratory chain, and hexokinase activity in striatal slice cultures against MPP(+) is demonstrated.

questions
Q. I have parkinsonism and need to increase my levels of dopamine. In my internet quest, I found a product, Passion RX, indicating that it will increase dopamine levels. Is this true? I want to increase my mobility and am not necessarily interested in increasing my libido. Will this help me increase dopamine level?
   A. Passion Rx is not formulated to help Parkinson's patients, and the dopamine increase is only part of what it does, not the main objective.

Q. I'm interested in using dopamine-enhancing supplements but wonder whether this is safe over the long term. Is there evidence that supplements might "burn out" dopamine-sensitive neurons, perhaps with overuse? I'm reminded of the drugs ecstacy and methamphetamine, and I'm wondering how supplements -- agonists and MAOI-Bs -- raise dopamine levels without causing addiction to the supplements or killing cells.
   A. As a general rule, it is a good idea to take breaks from the use of herbs and thus safety becomes less of a worry. We have not seen any evidence of damage to dopamine sensitive neurons from the use of NADH, mucuna pruriens, and other dopamine enhancing supplements. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to take 2 days off a week and a week off each month.

Q. I was just wondering what you considered the most effective way of increasing dopamine? Would you say taking l-dopa directly as in mucuna or tyrosine or phenylalanine or a combination?
   A. The most effective way to increase dopamine is by taking the drug L-dopa. As to which increases dopamine more, mucuna pruriens or tyrosine, we are not sure. Rather than focusing on a single neurotransmitter, it is better to consider the whole body. These nutrients and herbs have additional effects besides dopamine increase.

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.
    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.

Which supplement works well for better sex and raise dopamine levels in order to enhance libido?
    Mucuna pruriens herb is a good choice.

Q. I just wondered if their is a supplement that you feel would be good for creativity. I am a writer who from time to time finds it more difficult to come up with ideas. I'm not sure what helps that in the brain --- serotonin or dopamine or something else. Any thoughts?
   A. It's very difficult to predict which brain supplement will help creativity in any particular person. Some of the brain supplements to try include Mind Power Rx, acetylcarnitine, DMAE. You may consider taking a look at the book Mind Boosters.

Q. Is there a natural supplement to decrease dopamine levels?
   A. We are not aware of a natural herb or supplement that decreases dopamine levels.

Q. I am curious as to if there is actual dopamine in the Passion Rx herbal formula? I would like to attract my boyfriend, who has fallen out of love with me. I hear that dopamine increases a euphoric mood in the brain. Would Passion Rx do the same?
   A. Passion Rx has mucuna pruriens which has dopamine, but there are hundreds of other substances in Passion Rx besides dopamine. We do not suggest giving a product to someone unless they are fully aware of what they are taking and do so willingly. Passion Rx does enhance sexuality and having more libido or sex drive could enhance intimacy.

Q. You mention the Tyrosine dopamine pathway on your site. Phenylalanine to Tyrosine to L-Dopa to Dopamine to Norepinephrine to Epinephrine. Now, I've been wondering: If there exists an herb / supplement that acts to lower, limit/s how quickly dopamine is broken down into norepinephrine and then epinephrine. I know this is a highly specific question, but if by chance you have an answer or an idea, I would be in your debt!
   A. We are not familiar with any herbs or supplements that specifically interfere with this step. However, rather that focusing on one area of neurotransmitter influence, one should rather have a comprehensive approach to treating a medical or neurological condition for which the dopamine breakdown limiting knowledge is being seeked.

Q. I am currently taking a supplement with 5htp and St. Johns sort, how will this interact with a dopamine supplement?
   A. There is a pure pharmaceutical medicine called L dopa which converts directly into dopamine. There are a few natural supplements that have L dopa such as mucuna pruriens and other natural supplements that may help make more dopamine such as NADH. There are no simple answers since much depends on dosage, quality of the herbs and various other factors.

Q. How do postpartum hormones and menopausal hormones impact serotonin and dopamine levels (and the subsequent food cravings etc.)? My postpartum time was 24 years ago and now am menopausal. I crave caffeine, sugar, carbs. I am realizing those 'last 10 pounds' I've wanted to lose for these years could be related to some sort of serotonin or dopamine deficiency.
   A. This issue is very complicated since there are quite a number of hormones and many types of brain chemicals and there could be wide variations among different individuals in serotonin and dopamine levels. These levels also fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by a number of other factors, not just hormone levels.

Q. I have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder PLMD treated with Mirapex and Lunesta and have sleep apnea and use a CPAP regularly. Even with the medications and CPAP, my sleep is poor and I rarely wake up refreshed. As I understand the effect of Mirapex and other dopamine agonist is to increase dopamine. Could the increase in the dopamine contribute to addition? I seem to be craving alcohol, sweets and carbohydrates. I wanted to know if supplement products would interact negatively with Mirapex or Lunesta. Also which of the supplement products could I safely take to regulate the dopamine so that my legs don't jerk, improve sleep and reduce the cravings.
   A. It is difficult to predict any one person's reaction to a supplement when they are already taking medications such as Lunesta and Mirapex.

Would you agree that using dopamine supplementation in combination with an individual who suffers from severe anxiety disorder is probably a bad idea?
    Dopamine itself is not available as a supplement. There are supplements that increase dopamine levels but they may also influence levels of other brain chemicals and each may have a different effect. Dosage of the pills can also make a difference in the end result. Therefore it is not easy to give a simple answer.

I read with great interest about the natural product Passion Rx and the way this can perhaps increase dopamine and improve sexual desire (libido). I have done a Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy surgery (End which include cutting of T2 and T3 ganglions. This has reduced energy level and also reduced libido. It is found that ETS will reduce dopamine and thats maybe the reason also for my decreased libido: Will Passion Rx help to increase sexual drive after a nerve surgery and damage of the sympaticus tone? Is there any other product or treatments you can recommend based on a damage of ganglion T2 and T3? Is there any restriction to send Passion Rx to Norway? Do you have any online site I can order Passion Rx or other products you find useful to treat my condition? I did find UK online store and have now ordered 1 box of Passion RX. I will try this. I know that Norway is very restrictive to allow natural suplement to be sent from countries outside european union but hope I will get this box from UK.
    We are not aware of any feedback from those with such surgery who have taken sexual herbal pills.