Dopamine

Dopamine belongs to the catecholamines together with adrenaline and noradrenaline. Dopamine is both a hormone and an important neurotransmitter that is naturally produced by the human body and used as a medicinal substance in an artificial form. Dopamine as a medicinal substance is mostly used to stabilize the cardiovascular system after a shock and in the treatment of Parkinson's, then as L-DOPA.

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is one of the most important hormones in the human body. It also functions as a neurotransmitter, so - to put it simply - it is responsible for the transmission of sensations and feelings.

It is thanks to this property that dopamine is popularly used as an attribute Happiness hormone had received. Dopamine is also responsible for the control and blood flow of the internal organs, as well as for the transmission of impulses to the muscles.

From a chemical point of view, dopamine is a precursor of adrenaline or noradrenaline and belongs to the group of catecholamines.

Pharmacological effect

So far, not all pharmacological effects on the body and mind have been researched and described. However, it is undisputed that Dopamine is responsible for transmitting impulses to the muscles.

In the absence of dopamine, the muscles begin to tremble uncontrollably; the patient has Parkinson's disease. In people who suffer from Parkinson's disease, it was found that the dopamine concentration in the brain stem is around 90% lower than in healthy people. Dopamine is also responsible for the transmission of sensations and perceptions.

It seems like dopamine can increase perceptions and sensations. People who suffer from psychosis have a demonstrably higher dopamine concentration than healthy people. They therefore perceive their environment to be stronger and are not able to differentiate between important and unimportant or to process sensory impressions correctly.

The too much information eventually leads to psychosis. Dopamine is also assigned an important role in the development of addictions. The consumption of certain drugs - mainly amphetamines and opiates - leads to an increased release of dopamine - the drug user perceives his environment more clearly or experiences increased feelings of happiness.

Dopamine also regulates the blood flow to various internal organs, especially the kidneys. A lack of dopamine can lead to listlessness and depressive moods.

Medical application & use

Especially the stimulating effect of the Dopamine on internal organs can be used medicinally. Drugs containing dopamine are used to treat shock states when the cardiovascular system is threatened with failure.

Even if kidney failure is imminent, dopamine can be given prophylactically to support kidney functions. Due to a natural blood-brain barrier, dopamine cannot enter the central nervous system. Therefore, the administration of dopamine in Parkinson's patients or for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome is not indicated.

In these cases, however, a dopamine prodrug, levodopa (L-DOPA), can be given. Dopamine is available as water-soluble dopamine hydrochloride under its generic name. It is given intravenously and requires a prescription. A preventive intake for the prevention of diseases could not be found so far.

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Risks & side effects

The gift of Dopamine can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which is why the main area of ​​application of dopamine - the treatment of shock states - is increasingly taking a back seat.

L-DOPA is the best active ingredient to date to reduce Parkinson's. The side effects of L-DOPA are nausea, increased dizziness, loss of appetite, indigestion and low blood pressure. Some patients experience an increased sex drive and an increased need to buy.

In addition to L-DOPA, other medications are usually given to reduce the undesirable side effects. A driving ban is discussed again and again in connection with the use of L-DOPA. So far, however, a general inability to drive could not be determined. Occasionally, patients complain of increased daytime sleepiness. The effect of L-DOPA decreases the longer it is taken.

However, since Parkinson's patients have to take L-DOPA for life, it is essential, especially for younger patients, to start with a small dose and to increase the amount steadily. If taken for too long, L-DOPA is almost ineffective.