Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with dopamine

dopamine for shock?

GlowWyrm — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:35:47 -0800

Neurologic Drug Filter: I've been reading for a while and am quite tired so I'm hoping my exhaustion is not resulting in my going on mefi and asking a totally stupid question. So here goes.... If the activation of domaminergic receptors result in the vasodilation of the blood vessels in places like the heart and kidneys, why is one of the clinical uses of dopamine shock and hypotension? I'm a little confused by this. It would seem if dopamine results in vasodilation, you would not want to give it to someone hypotensive or in shock. Any ideas?

Don't know much about dopamine, don't know much about neurochemistry

EatTheWeak — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:12:58 -0800

I'd like to plan activities and experiences around the stimulation of certain neurotransmitters. So, as I read up on this notion, my ignorance of neurochemistry is becoming painfully apparent. So if this question counts as further evidence of that shortcoming, I apologize, but I'd like to run this by the hive mind anyway. Basically, my goal is to come up with a bunch of different ways to elevate the levels of adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin in my brain and in the brains around me.

What sort of activities are conducive to high production of these chemicals? Are any foods or types of music especially suitable for any of them? What sort of experiences trigger natural production of these neuortransmitters and what sort of experiences are best for keeping levels of them high?

How can I increase my dopamine levels without opiates?

itzfritz — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:23:34 -0800

Are there any natural substances that will stimulate the production of dopamine? Specifically, for someone who is in the late stages of a decreasing suboxone regimen, and is experiencing regular early-stage withdrawal symptoms? I am 8 months into a 1-year suboxone regimen for opiate addiction, and as my dosage decreases (currently @ 4mg, from 24) I find myself in the beginning stages of withdrawal on a daily basis (as the level of buprenorphine subsides at the end of the day).
Specifically, my entire body aches from about dinner time until I take my prescribed dosage the next morning; it is an all-over ache, and it is genuinely starting to impact my life negatively. Even with aspirin or advil and muscle cream, it causes me considerable pain to for instance get up from a chair, up from my bed in the morning, or into and out of a car.
I have been told by my doctor that this is definitely a symptom of withdrawal, as opposed to arthritis or some other ailment.

Does anyone know a compound that will affect the dopamine level in my body, such as a homeopathic remedy or herb? Or even specific low-impact exercises (I am overweight with bad knees)?

Thank you very much.

"Wow, that was quick."

proj08 — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:22:39 -0800

A google search confirms: "Time flies when you're having fun" is actually true, because the body's internal clock is influenced by dopamine. However, when the alarm goes off and I groggily stumble out of bed, it has been my life-long experience that times passes quickly. This seems like a contradiction. On those mornings when I need to have some kind of food or drink in order to get moving, it seems like the minutes are only 30 seconds long. Of course this is just a perception, so I can't say any more than that. Could there be dopamine left over from happy dreams?

Give me dopamine, or give me death.

Listener — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:51:05 -0800

What's a good source of GABA tablet supplements? I've heard GABA is an excellent supplement for people who have difficulty enjoying life, ie, depressoids. I'd like to try it. I don't see it at the health food store here in Canada. Can you suggest a good place to buy it online? A search of online supplement dealers simply makes me want to have a bath and purify myself, as they seem more than a tad slimy, but maybe there's something decent out there.

Anti-depressants: alternatives to bupropion (Wellbutrin)?

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:43:03 -0800

I'm starting out on anti-depressants. My doctor has prescribed me venlafaxine (Effexor XR), an SNRI. I strongly suspect a dopamine reuptake inhibitor would be better suited for my condition and personality, but sadly, bupropion (Wellbutrin) isn't available as an anti-depressant in my country: only under the name Zyban (as a smoking cessation aid), which is not covered by insurance and hence very expensive. Are there any alternatives I should look into? I'm a few days into taking venlafaxine, and I think it might help me, but obviously it will take some time for the effects to be determined. However, I'm a little worried about the possible side effects (especially those related to libido and weight) and the eventual withdrawal, which reportedly can be quite bad with venlafaxine.

Any insight would be much appreciated - thanks in advance.