L-Dopa Effects, Side Effects and Dosages

L-Dopa is an amino acid and a hormone that is made naturally by a number of plants and animals. In humans, it is created via biosynthesis from the amino acid L-Tyrosine.

It is a precursor to several important and powerful neurotransmitters which include Dopamine, Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) and Epinephrine (Adrenaline). These are collectively known as catecholamines and they play a role in the stimulation and arousal systems in your brain.

In its pure form, L-Dopa is considered to be a psychoactive chemical, and can also be used for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and a number of other conditions related to lowered levels of the above neurotransmitters (especially Dopamine).

As a nootropic, L-Dopa is used to combat depression and anxiety while enhancing mood and improving the ability to concentrate and focus. L-Dopa is sold under the names Levodopa, Sinemet, Madopar, Stalevo, and Prolopa as well as from the herbal extract Mucuna Pruriens.

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

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L-Dopa Effects:

The main function of L-Dopa is as a precursor to several different neurotransmitters, especially Dopamine.

The Dopamine chemical cannot itself cross over the blood-brain barrier and must be synthesized in the brain.

However, L-Dopa can penetrate this barrier and leads to increased levels of this pleasure-inducing hormone. L-Dopa is converted into Dopamine by the DOPA decarboxylase enzyme, also known as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.

Another necessary component of this process is Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal phosphate) which is often stacked with L-Dopa supplements for increased conversion efficiency.

Once this action is complete, L-Dopa causes a stimulatory effect on the Central Nervous System. The hypothalamus area of the brain, along with the pituitary gland, release increased levels of growth hormone (HGH).

It has also been shown to increase the levels and activities of the adrenergic hormones Norepinephrine and Epinephrine. The combined presence of these increased levels of hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible for a number of beneficial effects like regulating motor control, sex drive, immune function, fat loss (and gain), lean muscle growth, bone density, energy levels, and even sleep cycles.

L-Dopa Benefits:

L-Dopa is frequently taken for anti-aging and life extension purposes. As you age, dopamine levels naturally decline and you lose some of the 40,000 dopamine neurons in the brain.

When 70% or more of your dopamine-producing neurons have been depleted, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease begin to appear.

It has been theorized that if we were to all live long enough, eventually 100% of the population would contract Parkison’s disease due to the inevitable decline in dopamine levels.

L-Dopa may counteract these effects and potentially slow down the aging process in your brain. Since the 1970’s, L-Dopa has been considered one of the most effective treatments of Parkinson’s disease available. It is interesting to think that this use has been known about since at least the early 1970’s.

L-Dopa is also highly effective at boosting overall brain function. Dopamine itself is known to be involved in the regulation of mood, attention and movement. Many users of L-Dopa drugs or herbal supplements such as Mucuna Pruriens report improvements to their mood and mental outlook when taking this supplement. It may reduce persistent negative thoughts and give you a general sense of wellbeing.

Other evidence also points to increased mental alertness as a result of this supplement. This may be the effect of increased dopamine which is also involved in executive functions that determine attention span, awareness and ability to focus. Many users also experience higher levels of energy and motivation which is attributed to the increase in norepinephrine and epinephrine activity.

This supplement is also known to be a powerful anti-oxidant. L-Dopa helps to remove toxins and poisons from the body, especially the brain, including free radicals and other particles which have been damage due to oxidation. Another benefit of this nootropic is that it raises plasma HGH levels which can contribute to improved whole body health as well as reduce signs of aging in elderly individuals.

L-Dopa is also effective at increasing testosterone production. This leads to enhanced ability to increase muscle mass and to lose weight (not to mention maintain a lower weight). This is an excellent supplement for anyone engaged in weight or strength training.

L-Dopa Dosage:

With hundreds of different studies looking at the effects of L-Dopa, there is a wide range of recommended dosages anywhere from 100 mg to 900 mg.

Most experts agree that for healthy adults, the recommended level should be between 250 mg and 500 mg per day. It may be divided into several administrations throughout the day, such as being taken either before or after a workout, but this is not required.

As with anything else, new users are advised to proceed cautiously and start with the lowest effective dose, probably around 100 mg. You may increase once becoming more familiar with the actual effects and benefits since they may vary slightly from person to person.

Another consideration is to cycle L-Dopa every few weeks so that your body does not naturally begin to produce less of its own dopamine.

L-Dopa Side Effects:

This supplement is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated. However, it is very powerful and there are some side effects associated with its use.

These include things like hypotension (usually only associated with a very high dose), nausea, GI bleeding, disturbed respiration, hair loss, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, and in extreme cases even uncontrollable muscles. Granted, most of these come only with high doses or extended usage, but they are certainly reasons for cautions.

L-Dopa Review:

L-Dopa is a natural supplement with the ability to enhance your mood, give you more energy and improve concentration. Many nootropic users will take some form of L-Dopa (most often Mucuna Pruriens) as a dopaminergic component in a cognitive enhancement stack.

It offers real medical benefits to individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease, but it is also regarded as an effective anti-aging supplement that may slow the onset of cognitive decline.

L-Dopa is also something that a weight lifter or strength training athlete might want to consider using as part of a muscle building or even off-season cycle. While you may not want to use it consistently over a period of years, cycling it off and on can minimizing any possible side effects.

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