Octopamine HCL: Uses and Effects on Energy and Weight Loss

Octopamine HCL is a dietary supplement used as an energy and wakefulness booster, as well as an weight loss aid.

It is a biogenic amine and is sometimes referred to as norsynephrine or 3, 4-dihydroxyphenethylamine.

Its function as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) is thought to be similar to the adrenal hormone norepinephrine.

Octopamine HCL is particularly useful as an aid for those trying to lose weight because it not only promotes fat loss but also works to minimize the loss of muscle and other lean body tissue. Supplementing with Octopamine HCL may help your body burn fat more effectively by safely boosting your body’s metabolic rate.

Although it is not considered a classic nootropic, Octopamine can have some beneficial cognitive effects due to its wakefulness capacities.

Octopamine

Nootropic Supplement

Energy

Focus

Fat Loss

How It Works:

• Stimulates dopamine & norepineprhine receptors
• Increases energy & focus
• May promote fat loss & muscle preservation

Dosage:

Between 100 - 200 mg per day

Safety:

Insufficient Research

Top Related Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is Octopamine?

Octopamine (beta,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) occurs naturally in the human body as a neurotransmitter.

It is produced from the amino acid tyramine (found naturally in cheese, meat and beer) by the tyramine beta-hydroxylase enzyme.

Octopamine was first discovered in the salivary glands of the octopus, which is where this neuromodulator derives its name.

In invertebrates, octopamine receptors play a functional role similar to that of noradrenergic beta receptors in mammals. However, in humans and other vertebrates, there are no selecteive octopamine receptors.

Instead, this neurohormone binds weakly to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline) receptors, exhibiting a stimulatory effect on the nervous system.

Octopamine Uses

Octopamine is found naturally in the Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium) plant among other natural amphetamine-like chemicals like synephrine and N-methyltyramine.

Because of Octopamine HCL’s chemical similarities to norepinephrine (noradrenaline), users can anticipate effects similar to those of norepinephrine.

It is a central nervous system stimulant and taken by bodybuilders as a pre-workout supplement to enhance energy levels.

Effects associated with oral consumption of Octopamine Hydrochloride include an increase in your heart rate, increased metabolism and glucose utilization, as well as an increase in blood flow to skeletal muscles.

It is sometimes promoted as a weight loss supplement purported to increase metabolism, decrease stored adipose tissue and suppress the appetite.

Octopamine HCL is sometimes used as a non-prescription Adderall alternative due to its stimulant-like properties.

Energy

This nootropic is sometimes used to boost energy levels. According to anecdotal reports, Octopamine HCL provides a stimulant effect without any of the adverse physical side effects of agitation or jitters.

Octopamine HCL is considered unique among other energy boosters because it appears to not develop tolerance when used over an extended period of time.

This is significant because most fat-burning supplements tend to build tolerance somewhat quickly and are no longer effective, or as effective after an initial period of use. Some have also said that Octopamine is effective for boosting concentration and focus, allowing you to study for long periods of time or work late into the night.

Other Health Benefits

Octopamine HCL may be beneficial for those who suspect they are developing diabetes or even for those who have diabetes. As discussed earlier, this supplement has been shown to increase the body’s metabolism causing more calories to be burned.

As it increases the metabolic rate, it also increases the rate of breakdown of stored fat (sometimes referred to as lipolysis) in our bodies. This process supports insulin secretion and sensitivity. It is possible it could cause a reduction in the symptoms of some diabetes patients, though this has not been established.

It is recommended diabetics speak with their personal health practitioner regarding the potential benefits or side effects of Octopamine HCL supplementation.

Octopamine hydrochloride is commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes because it has been suggested that it may prevent the breakdown of protein for energy. If this is accurate, then it would prevent muscle loss even while dieting. This may lead to successful fat loss without compromising muscle tissue.

It is is also a beta3 adrenergic agonist, meaning it is successful at activating the receptors (beta3 receptors) which are involved in almost all metabolic processes. This can also contribute to fat loss. Octopamine HCL is able to target and activate only the beta3 receptors, leaving the other receptors unaffected. This increases the body’s ability to burn fat significantly and makes Octopamine a unique supplement.

Octopamine HCL Dosages

There has been no research into the use of Octopamine HCL as a dietary supplement in humans

Most of the research available has been conducted on the function of endogenous octopamine in animals.

As such, there is limited information available for how to use this as a nootropic. Most of the information available is based on anecdotal results reported in user reviews.

According to one manufacturer’s website – PowderCity, the standard dosage is 250mg to 300mg taken twice a day.

There is more research available on the use of bitter orange extract supplements, which contain a small amount of octopamine per serving.

However, in analyses of the active constituents found in bitter orange peel, there has been significant variability in the concentrations of the different alkaloids, including octopamine and synephrine.

Side Effects

The main side effect reported with use of Octopamine HCL is increased blood pressure. In fact, this supplement has been used as a treatment for people with low blood pressure.

Those with high blood pressure should not use this supplement or other stimulant.

Additional side effects are associated with the use of octopamine in the form of Bitter Orange extract or a Citrus Aurantium supplement.

This dietary supplement is associated with the following adverse effects:

• Increased Heart Rate
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety or Nervousness
• Fainting
• Irritability
• Hypertension
• Heart Attack or Stroke

Octopamine HCL may interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before determining whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

Octopamine is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the NCAA, the NFL, IOC and other sport associations for use in competitie athletes because it has stimulatory properties.

Summary

The short-term effect is that Octopamine HCL increases energy levels and, thus, increases the capacity for physical exertion. The long-term effect appears to be an increase in muscle mass, particularly when it is combined with a reasonable diet regimen and exercise.

Indeed, it has been suggested that Octopamine acts as an anabolic agent when taken over a period of time. It has both a lipolysis (fat burning) and the thermogenic (metabolic rate increase) effect which can cause an acceleration in the removal of unwanted fat stores.

Octoopamine HCL acts as a neurohormone, a neuromodulator and a neurotransmitter in invertebrates. It is used primarily for increased energy and wakefulness, and as an adjunct for weight loss. It has been suggested it may have an effect on mood, but owing to lack of research, little is known at this time.

Rate This Article

(9 votes, average: 4.44 out of 5, rated)