Dopamine enhancement
dopamine serotonin, 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 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 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. Phenylalanine to Tyrosine to L-Dopa to Dopamine to Norepinephrine
to 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.

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 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.
 

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