Dopamine [The Basics Of Neurotransmitters]

Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters, commonly known as a "pleasure compound" or "molecule of addiction." Following its chemical structure, it is an organic compound that belongs to both catecholamine and phenethylamine groups. Dopamine is synthesized in neurons of the midbrain (in its substantia nigra) and kidneys via the conversion of L-Tyrosine into L-DOPA and finally into dopamine, acting through dopamine receptors such as D1-5 adrenergic alpha and B1 receptors.

L-Phenylalanine → L-Tyrosine → L-DOPA → Dopamine

Dopamine can be broken down into homovanillic acid via three enzymes: MAO, COMT, and ALDH. ALDH is excreted in the urine and by scientific testings enables to precisely evaluate condition of the dopaminergic system.

Dopamine functions

Dopamine regulates reward-motivated behavior, meaning it's a chemical that motivates us to pursue potential rewards. Moreover, it determines memorization, concentration, and communication skills and regulates the functioning of the immune system and insulin production.

Whenever we perform an activity that causes dopamine release, we're experiencing a pleasurable euphoric-like feeling and/or longing to continue performing this dopamine-releasing activity to keep it stimulating our brain cells. From the evolutionary point of view, this mechanism was indispensable for human survival, i.a., making people long for hunting and gathering the reward that food was, as well as having sex in order to reproduce. Nevertheless, every single activity that causes dopamine release is addictive to some extent (depending on the level of dopamine stimulation).

Excess of dopamine

Let's imagine an experiment on rats whose brains were connected to a dopamine-releasing machine, resulting in a dopamine peak once they pressed a button. Such rats would repeatedly press the button for an easy reward, without the need to eat, have sex and perform other activities, suffering from a severe addiction. This is why, nowadays, people must carefully pick their dopamine-releasing activities. We may utilize this reward-motivated dopamine system to fulfill our hobbies and passions or to become absorbed in social media, gaming, drug use, and watching pornography.

Excessive dopamine overflow causes dopamine receptors to become less sensitive to this neurotransmitter. Therefore, generating the same pleasurable sensation requires a higher amount of dopamine. This mechanism is clearly observed in drug addiction and dose adaptation, increasing drug dose with time.

Side effects:

- aggressive behavior

- poor self-control

- binge eating

- ADHD (overfocus)

- mania

Interesting fact - excessive dopamine is typical for people with schizophrenia, serial killers, and gamblers.

Dopamine deficiency

The most common factors that lead to dopamine deficiency are:

- deficiency of vitamin C, E, B

- deficiency of L-Tyrosine

- drug habit. Many drugs such as psychotropics may directly deplete dopamine levels or desensitize responsiveness of dopamine receptors, including popular drugs. e.g., as alcohol, nicotine, amphetamine, or cocaine)

- excessive L-DOPA supplementation

- regular porn watching, gambling, excessive gaming, social media exposure or even consuming junk food

- lack of sleep, and poor lifestyle

- desensitized dopamine receptors

Dopamine deficiency will lead to:

- reduced motivation

- severe procrastination and lack of motivation

- aggressiveness

- sadness

- worsened memorization

- depression

- Parkinson's disease

- anemia

- increased blood pressure

- hyperglycemia

- hyperprolactinemia

- digestive problems

How to upregulate dopamine levels & receptors?

supplementation:

- Rhodiola Rosea (100-200mg)

- Phenylalanine (500-2000mg)

- Ginkgo Biloba (50-100mg)

- Tyrosine (500-2000mg)

- Citociline

- ALCAR

- NALT

- Caffeine

- Green Tea

behavior:

- reducing exposure to social media

- spending less time gambling, watching porn and gaming

- introducing meditation and mindfulness practice to your daily routine

other:

- regulating prolactin level

- reduce intake of dopamine-based drugs, including L-dopa

Worth knowing: Prolactin secretion in the pituitary is generally suppressed by dopamine-prolactin antagonists. Hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin production) may occur due to, i.a., low dopamine activity (induced by, e.g., dopamine-inhibiting drugs [D2 receptor antagonists]).