Tyrosine, a precursor of both norepinephrine and dopamine, can act as an energizer, according to natural treatment advocates, and is available over the counter. Phenylalanine, a precursor, to tyrosine, is also an option.
Dopamine affects brain processes that control movement, emotional response, and ability to experience pleasure and pain. Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, apathy, and depression are some of the things that can result from norepinephrine going AWOL.
Effects of Dopamine
- Inhibits release of prolactine (it’s released from hypothalamus)
- Acts on the sympathetic nervous system, producing effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Controls smooth movements – balanced inhibition of muscle control
- Gives a feeling of a pleasure, or – it is released in desire or expectation
- Lowers appetite
What Affects Dopamine Release?
This:
- Cocaine and amphetamine both elevate dopamine levels in the brain
- MAO usually breaks down dopamine
Symptoms of Low Dopamine
They are:
- Parkinson’s disease: tremor, rigidity
- Impaired memory, attention
Symptoms of High Dopamine
- Schizophrenia: hallucinations, social withdrawal
Dopamine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, but L-DOPA does.
References:
- Dopamine physiology (iscid.org)
- Dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, GABA (bprayer0.tripod.com)
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