L-DOPA (Levodopa) Effects for Boosting Dopamine

L-DOPA effects include increasing levels of dopamine and other catecholamines in the brain. L-DOPA is a natural compound used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, PCOS and other medical conditions. It is also taken as an anti-aging compound, to boost the libido and to improve mood and focus.

L-DOPA (Levodopa, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is a hormone and an amino acid. It is synthesized naturally in numerous plants and animals. Humans biosynthesize L-DOPA from the amino acid L-tyrosine.

This compound is also found naturally in the seeds of the Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean, Cowhage) plant. Mucuna supplements are commonly taken by bodybuilders or as part of nootropic stacks to boost concentration and improve symptoms of depression or anxiety.

What are the effects and side effects of L-DOPA? Should this supplement be used to increase dopamine levels or is it better to use L-Tyrosine capsules instead?

L-Dopa

Dopaminergic Supplement

Mood

Nootropic

Body -building

How It Works:

• Elevates dopamine & norepinephrine
• Boosts mood, focus & motivation
• Improves stress response & libido

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg of Mucuna Pruriens extract per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top L-Dopa Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

L-DOPA Effects

L-DOPA is used to produce several brain chemicals including dopamine, adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Together, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline are called catecholamines. When catecholamine levels drop too low, certain adverse conditions may develop.

Catecholamines play important roles within the brain’s arousal systems. Possible L-DOPA effects include mood enhancement, increased energy and improved concentration.

An herbal supplement called Mucuna Pruriens is an excellent natural source of Levodopa. Its seeds commonly contain between 3 and 6% pure L-DOPA. Levodopa supplements are used as nootropic agents. L-DOPA effects on depression, anxiety and stress seem favorable.

L-DOPA is also found in prescription medications, used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. Some brand names for L-DOPA include Stalevo, Sinemet, Prolopa, Atamet and Motopar.

L-DOPA Effects on Dopamine

The primary effect of L-DOPA in the body is to serve as a precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone and a neurotransmitter which induces pleasure/reward responses inside the brain. While dopamine is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, Levodopa can do so efficiently.

Once L-DOPA crosses into the brain, it can be utilized to increase inner-brain dopamine levels. Levodopa is converted to dopamine via an enzyme called DOPA decarboxylase.

Vitamin B6 is often used in conjunction with Levodopa supplements to increase successful Levodopa-to-dopamine conversion.

L-DOPA effects on the CNS (central nervous system) are stimulatory. This stimulation can result in upregulated levels of circulating HGH (human growth hormone), testosterone and LH (luteinizing hormone).

Adrenalin and noradrenaline levels may be increased. Decreased release of cortisol is also possible.

By positively affecting levels of these and other hormones and brain signaling chemicals, certain health benefits may occur, including:

• Improved motor control;
• Increased libido (sex drive);
• Enhanced functioning of the immune system;
• Decreased fat storage;
• Increased lean muscle mass;
• Improved density of bones;
• Upregulated energy levels;
• Improved sleep quality and duration;

L-DOPA Effects on Aging

L-DOPA effects on aging and extending life span seem favorable. As humans get older, dopamine levels decrease. Healthy adults have about 500,000 dopamine neurons in the brains. With age, there is a seemingly inevitable decline of dopamine receptor neurons.

When roughly 70% of these nerve cells become inactive, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and/or other neurodegenerative disorders begin to present. Increasing the availability of Levodopa may help to slow the aging process, particularly inside the brain.

L-DOPA for Brain Function

Levodopa may have positive effects for cognitive function. Dopamine is involved in executive function and helps to regulate feelings of focus, motivation and positivity.

Many people who use L-DOPA supplements like Mucuna Pruriens report feeling more optimistic and driven. By also increasing the actions of norepinephrine and epinephrine, more motivation, mental clarity and energy are likely.

L-DOPA Antioxidant Effects

L-DOPA may help the body to avoid or repair damages from free radical agents, environmental toxins, food poisons and more.

Levodopa possesses antioxidant properties which help to minimize damage from these oxidative substances. This, combined with increasing the activities of LH, HGH and testosterone, can benefit health on various levels simultaneously.

L-DOPA Side Effects

If used improperly or excessively, L-DOPA side effects can include low blood pressure, nausea, heart arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms), respiration disturbances, bleeding in the intestines, losing hair, confusion, agitation, irritability, disorientation, excessive sex drive, hallucinations, narcolepsy (quickly/inappropriately falling asleep), somnolence (excessive sleepiness) and/or very vivid dreams.

The primary medical use for Levodopa is the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Certain anti-Parkinson’s, anticholinergic and dopamine receptor agonist medications are associated with more serious possible side effects than L-DOPA.

It is possible for L-DOPA to cause neurological effects such as drug-induced dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is a condition where motor control is not predictable or normal. This is especially possible with long-term use of Levodopa for treating Parkinson’s symptoms.

Dyskinesia is marked by involuntary muscle movements. These muscle contractions are believed to be caused by elevated expression of dynorphin, preproenkephalin A and preproenkephalin B (prodynorphin) in the brain’s striatum.

Levodopa Warnings

Before using Levodopa or other agents which contain L-DOPA, make sure your doctor knows about any pre-existing conditions you may have; including kidney disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, glaucoma, liver disease, asthma, allergies, blood disease, depression, schizophrenia, sleep disorders and/or seizures.

Levodopa is able to pass into breast milk. Use cautiously, if at all, while breastfeeding. Speak with your doctor about the safety of L-DOPA effects for your unique health condition.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)