Octopamine is one of the lesser-known nootropic compounds that is starting to now receive more attention. User reviews say that it gives them more energy, makes it easier to focus, enhances motivation and is effective as a wakefulness promoter.
However, there is limited research into its effects on humans. More research is needed on safety and efficacy before determining whether to use it.
Octopamine is an endogenous biogenic amine that is closely related to the hormone norepinephrine. It is an organic compound that contains a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair (or a valence electron pair without bonding or sharing with other atoms).
It is a derivative of ammonia with the hydrogen being at least partially replaced. This supplement is derived from tyramine, a natural amino acid that is found in foods like tomatoes and liver.
The chemical was discovered in 1948 by the Italian scientists Vittorrio Erspamer within the salivary glands of the octopus (hence its unique name).



- Stimulates dopamine & norepineprhine receptors
- Increases energy & focus
- May promote fat loss & muscle preservation
Octopamine Effects:
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Octopamine occurs naturally in a number of invertebrates and acts in a number of different functions including as a neurotransmitter, neurohormone, and a neuromodulator.
In vertebrates, this neurotransmitter is beliebed to replace norepinephrine in neurons involved in the sympathetic nervous system when taking MAOIs.
Octopamine works by stimulating beta3 adrenergic receptors, causing the breakdown of fat cells in the body, among other mechanisms of action.
This is effected by mobilization of the release of fat from adipocytes (or fat cells). This has, of course, given rise to the investigation of this supplement as a slimming and potential weight loss agent.
Octopamine also works by acting as a neurohormone, neuromodulator, and even as a neurotransmitter in the human body. It appears to work by affecting and modulating both the noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and the Dopamine systems within the brain.
Unfortunately, a number of human studies are lacking, which is partly responsible for the lack of understanding of these methods of action.
Octopamine Benefits:
There are some noted nootropic benefits of Octopamine, though this supplement is not extensively used as a nootropic. As an agonist of certain adrenergic receptors in the brain, Octopamine has a stimulating effect and can increase energy, alertness, vigilance and awareness.
Some users will take it when they really need to focus for long periods of time or increase their drive to attack a project at work or school. It has been compared to Adderall and Ritalin for these purposes, though in the nootropic community drugs like Adrafinil and Modafinil are still preferred.
Probably the most common use of this supplement is as a fat burner and weight loss agent. Since there is evidence to suggest that this supplement aids in the release and break down of fats this could be a significant benefit for most people. It has indeed been used in many types of fat-loss products already.
Additionally, it is less likely to lose effectiveness over longer periods of time, which is a significant benefit over many other fat burning products that tend to only work well for a few weeks.
Octopamine is also thought to increase the metabolism of the body. This ends up burning more calories and helping with weight loss. It supports insulin secretion and sensitivity which may lead to reductions in the symptoms of diabetes sufferers. There is also some thought that the supplement may lead to a reduced appetite, although this is still being researched.
Octopamine is used to treat low blood pressure and heart disease (in some cases). There is some evidence suggesting it may stimulate the release of chemicals known as catecholamines. These are hormones similar to adrenaline that can help the body adjust to, and deal with, stress.
Athletes who are looking to prevent muscle loss while dieting, like body builders and fitness athletes, might benefit significantly from this supplement. This is due to the thinking that Octopamine may prevent the breakdown of protein for energy. This leads to preserving that hard built muscle mass.
As a beta 3 adrenergic agonist, Octopamine is able to potentially play a role in almost all of the body’s metabolic processes. These receptor are very active and may also lead to fat loss. The most effective role of the supplement here is that it seems to ONLY activate these beta 3 receptors, while leaving all the others alone. This effect alone should help to increase the body’s overall ability to burn fat.
Octopamine Dosage:
The difficulty in determining an effective dosage recommendation for a new supplement like Octopamine is that it requires a number of different human studies for proper analysis.
Unfortunately, at the moment there is not much in the way of clinical human studies. Given a variety of user reports, it seems that most people find success in the range of 100 to 200 mg per day.
As with anything else, it is always suggested that you start lower than this range, using the lowest effective dose. Only increase once you have become familiar with the effects of this supplement. Additionally, it should be taken prior to meals in order to have the best chance of activating its fat burning and metabolism enhancing effects.
Octopamine Side Effects:
This is considered to be a safe supplement and it is well-tolerated by most healthy adults. There are not really any significant side effects that are reported on a consistent basis.
The only thing that may occur as far as side effects is an increase in blood pressure. Of course, this has only occurred in a very small number of cases. So, if you already have high blood pressure, definitely talk with a qualified medical professional before using this supplement.
It should be mentioned that since Octopamine has such a small research history in humans at this point, not much is known about the possibility of rare side effects or long-term outcomes.
Octopamine Review:
Octopamine is a supplement that started out predominantly being used by bodybuilders and other people interested in losing weight. After some positive reports were published by users who had taken it as a nootropic, more and more people seem to be investigating this compound.
It has shown a lot of great results in terms of weight control and burning fat, but we think there are better choices available if you are looking for an energizing nootropic. It will be interesting to continue to follow the research on Octopamine to see if any studies into its cognitive benefits are conducted.
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Article last updated on: March 14th, 2018 by Nootriment
3 Comments
Why does the link above for Octopamine (image) go to a buy Adrafinil page?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for noticing – it looks like this is no longer being stocked by our recommended vendor. Hordenine may be an alternative https://nootriment.com/buyhordenine/
I was doing some research for my medical biochemistry course in med school, and came across this link. Please do NOT take this stuff! Octopamine is a “false” neurotransmitter that the body produces in response to liver pathology. It blocks normal transmission of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) in the brain. This is BAD. It gives you energy because it acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, but without the inhibitory counterpart that is necessary for normal function. When this is produced in the body due to hepatic pathology (liver disease), the symptoms are seizures and ataxia. If someone had subclinical issues with protein metabolism or hepatic clearance, they could really be in trouble taking this stuff!
Yes, it will give you energy – but so does methamphetamine. It doesn’t mean it’s safe.