Side Effects of Dopamine Supplements on the Brain & Body

What are the side effects associated with high or low levels of dopamine? Are supplements that increase dopamine concentrations safe or can they cause dangerous effects?

Dopamine is a natural chemical produced inside the brain. It is called a catecholamine neurotransmitter and is used to modulate motor movement, emotions and more.

Dopamine plays a role in the brain’s VTA (ventral tegmental area) and substantia nigra. It helps to control physical movement, memory, learning, sex drive (libido), motivation, appetite, mood – and our senses of pleasure and reward.

Low levels of dopamine can result in poor mood, lack of focus, low energy and a number of other adverse effects. But too much dopamine in the brain can also result in potentially serious side effects.

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Safety of Dopamine Supplements

Some health professionals estimate that at least 70% of those living in developed countries have dopamine deficiencies.

Some of the most common side effects of low dopamine include depression, attention deficits, anxiety and asthenia. Other include cognitive impairment, confusion and depersonalization.

Other low dopamine side effects include disorganized thought, fatigue, low libido, sleepiness and slow thinking.

As a result, many use dopamine-boosting pills to help them naturally elevate their mood, cognitive function, energy levels and more. L-tyrosine and Mucuna pruriens are two of the most popular supplement options used for this purpose.

L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid and is the natural precursor of L-dopa; the chemical used to manufacture dopamine in the brain. While safe when used at low dosages, excess use for long periods of time could cause side effects.

Mucuna pruriens is a natural plant that grows in African and has long been used in traditional medicine. The seeds of these plant contain about 5% L-DOPA extract and can have a significant effect on dopamine levels in the body.

This supplement is rated as Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines Database, but high doses could cause adverse effects. If dopamine levels are increased too much, a number of unpleasant reactions could manifest.

Too Much Dopamine Side Effects

If dopamine levels in the brain become excessive, then side effects may manifest including agitation, anxiety, cognitive acuity, feelings of pleasure, hedonism (seeking out pleasure), high energy and excessive libido.

Other possible side effects of too much dopamine include hyperactivity, insomnia, learning impairments, mania, paranoia, increased productivity, pro-social behavior and/or lacking self-control.

In some cases, users may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, headaches, hallucinations, delusions, dyskinesias and fainting caused by a drop in blood pressure.

Research also suggests a link between long-term elevated dopamine levels and addictive or compulsive behaviors.

Many of these side effects are unlikely to be experienced when using dopamine supplements like L-tyrosine and Mucuna Pruriens on their own at normal dosages.

However, side effects are more likely to occur when combining multiple dopamine boosters or drugs that affect dopaminergic functions in the brain.

Taking a Mucuna Pruriens supplement along with an MAOI medication for long periods of time could increase your likelihood of adverse effects. For this reason, you should check with a doctor before taking any new supplements to prevent dangerous interactions if you are using prescription drugs.

Side Effects of Dopamine Agonists

Most of the research looking at the potential side effects of high dopamine levels has been focused on the use of synthetic dopamine agonists, particularly for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

Levodopa is the synthetic version of L-dopa. It has been used since the 1960s as the first pharmaceutical choice for Parkinson’s disease therapy.

Levodopa is able to cross the BBB (blood brain barrier), enter the brain and be used for dopamine biosynthesis. Levodopa is associated with a number of possible adverse side effects.

When doctors prescribe Levodopa, they almost always prescribe an L-DOPA enhancer called Carbidopa with it. Carbidopa allows for up to 80% less Levodopa to be administered to gain desired therapeutic effects, which can help to reduce side effects.

However, many users of these drugs still report negative effects, including nausea, vomiting, hypotension (low blood pressure) and reduced libido. Other possibilities include narcolepsy, hallucinations, extreme mood shifts and gastrointestinal bleeding.

When Levodopa and/or Carbidopa are used for long periods of time against Parkinson’s disease, more serious side effects can occur.

Some of these include involuntary movement (tardive dyskinesia), freezing during movement, dopamine dysregulation syndrome and inability to move intentionally.

Increasing Dopamine Naturally

There are a number of natural ways to raise dopamine levels and avoid harmful side effects. While these methods may not be enough to address serious medical problems caused by dopamine dysregulation, they can help to stabilize mood, energy levels and cognitive performance.

Some factors that decrease dopamine and its receptors include environmental toxins, food additives, chronic stress, sedentary living and inadequate nutrition.

Factors that can increase dopamine concentrations inside the CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous system) include diet, physical activity level, stress management effectiveness, hydration and increased plasma levels of antioxidants.

You can also try to include more natural food sources for dopamine in your diet. L-dopa requires L-tyrosine for synthesis, which in turn requires another compound to be manufactured: L-phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means that the body cannot synthesize it internally. This means that it must be gained from dietary sources.

The best foods for increasing phenylalanine intake include lean cuts of red meats, fish, eggs, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach and certain other high-protein, low-fat food sources.

Research also indicates that dopamine can be increased by regular exercise, intentional motivation and activities that help to cope with daily stress; like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and sex.

If you are concerned about the side effects of taking dopamine supplements or drugs, consider adopting these dietary and lifestyle changes. Then speak to a doctor to find out if dopamine boosting supplements are appropriate for you.

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