Dopamine Neurotransmitter Effects on Motivation, Mood & Pleasure

The dopamine neurotransmitter plays a key role in cognitive performance, motivation, pleasure, sex drive, alertness and movement. Dopamine is also a catecholamine and the building block of other catecholamines, norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Some of the key functions of dopamine in the brain include recognizing pleasure, enjoying rewards, regulating memory and learning and accommodating fluent body movements.

People who have low levels of the dopamine neurotransmitter often experience symptoms like depression, chronic fatigue and feelings of defeat and hopelessness.

Increasing dopamine levels in individuals who are deficient can improve the desire to work toward challenging goals, enhance feelings of arousal, tap into our creativity and feel good about living our chosen life paths.

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Dopamine Neurotransmitter Biosynthesis

The dopamine neurotransmitter is produced in the brain from an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine is classified as “conditionally essential”.

In healthy people, tyrosine can be biosynthesized from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Tyrosine may also be gained from taking a dietary supplement and by choosing certain protein-rich food sources.

Tyrosine is the rate-limiting precursor of the compound L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, Levodopa). L-DOPA is then converted into the neurochemical dopamine.

L-DOPA is not found in most common food sources, but it is found in the seeds of the Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean) plant. This herbal extract is sometimes used as a dopamine-enhancing supplement.

The L form (isomer) of DOPA can cross into the brain and become available for conversion into dopamine. Dopamine cannot cross the blood brain barrier itself. This means that all brain dopamine must be manufactured within the brain.

Dopamine Neurotransmitter in the VTA

The VTA (ventral tegmental area) is a group of nerves inside the midbrain. More specifically, the VTA is located proximal to the floor midline of the mesencephalon.

Dopaminergic neurons originate in the VTA and extend into several other brain regions in between the caudal brainstem and the prefrontal cortex.

The cell bodies released from the VTA function in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. They are associated with modulating the natural reward circuitry of the brain.

When dopamine is released from the VTA affect cognition, this chemical messenger can cause the perception of intense emotions like love, addiction, orgasm and motivation.

Dopamine’s Effects in the Substantia Nigra

The substantia nigra is also found in the mesencephalon. The word “nigra” means “black” in Latin. Its name reflects the fact that it appears darker in color than other areas of the brain.

This darkness is caused by high concentrations of both dopaminergic and neuromelanin neurons. Notably, Parkinson’s disease is caused by dopaminergic neuron death in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra.

The pars compacta and the pars reticula form the substantia nigra. The release of the dopamine neurotransmitter into the pars compacta accommodates signaling to the circuits of the basal ganglia.

Certain neurons in the basal ganglia and the cerebellum are responsible for modulating motor function.

When dopamine levels in the basal ganglia are too low, movement may be delayed and uncoordinated. If dopamine levels are excessively high in the basal ganglia, involuntary movements like tics and spasms may onset.

Dopamine Neurotransmitter: Excitatory or Inhibitory?

All neurotransmitters are used to convey information throughout pathways between neurons in the brain. They relay nerve impulses across synaptic clefts between individual neurons.

When a neurotransmitter is released by one neuron and reaches a receptor on another neuron, it can have an excitatory or inhibitory effect. Excitatory neurotransmitters excite the brain. Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance moods and emotions in the presence of excessive concentrations of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Dopamine is special because it is both inhibitory and excitatory. Many of the effects of dopamine are excitatory, but in some cases it also has an inhibitory effect.

It helps to regulate our attention and focus, enabling better “Executive Function.” This relates to our ability to pursue goal-oriented activities as well as facets like working memory.

It is largely responsible for our feelings of motivation and can have a positive effect on productivity and concentration. Dopamine can also reduce feelings of depression and anxiety; it has been linked to feelings of confidence and the belief that we can accomplish our goals.

Signs of Dopamine Deficiency

The dopamine neurotransmitter can be depleted in various ways. Choosing improper foods, being sedentary, failing to manage stress properly, oxidation, genetic predisposition, pharmaceutical and illicit drugs, dehydration, environmental toxins and more can all decrease brain dopamine levels.

Levels naturally rise and fall depending on many factors. However, it is estimated that as many as 86% of people in the US have suboptimal brain dopamine levels.

If your dopaminergic brain activity is too low, it can result in a lack of mental drive, feelings of brain fog, and sadness. Individuals with dopamine deficiency or short-term depletion may feel unenthusiastic about life and have little energy or desire.

Low levels are also correlated with mood disorders, stress, weight gain, and Dopamine-Deficient Depression.

Conclusions

The dopamine neurotransmitter is a brain chemical that is commonly associated with experiencing pleasure.

Optimized levels of dopamine can be helpful for alleviating depression, enhancing focus, stimulating sex drive, or feeling deep love. It promotes intense drive and motivation, and also helps us to stay calm, focused and on-task.

Even slight changes in dopamine chemical balance in the brain can yield negative effects. Low dopamine levels are associated with depression, ADD (attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and Parkinson’s disease.

Excessive dopamine concentrations are associated with schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis.

Tyrosine supplementation is one way to improve excessively low dopamine levels. Taking mucuna pruriens or l-phenylalanine are two other popular supplements to increase the production of this neurotransmitter.

Dopamine supplements can carry a risk of side effects if overused or if taken by certain individuals. They can affect the synthesis of thyroid stimulating hormone and may exacerbate the effects of hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.

Tyrosine is also stimulatory and may interact with medicines for hypertension (high blood pressure). Other interactions with anti-depressant medications such as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) are possible.

If you are considering following a Dopamine-boosting diet or using supplements like tyrosine, then it is best to seek medical advice first. Let the doctor know about pre-existing health conditions and any prescription meds, OTC meds and/or herbal supplements you use.

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