About Dopamine

If you have been prescribed dopamine, chances are you are being treated for shock and/or low blood pressure due to trauma, an infection, heart attack, or after having surgery. You may also be receiving dopamine if your heart is unable to pump enough blood on its own. However, just because your doctor feels this drug may be necessary for you doesn't mean you shouldn't be as informed as possible before taking it.

Function

Dopamine is considered to be a vasopressor and inotropic agent. This means it does its job by increasing the pumping strength of the heart while increasing the blood supply to the kidneys.

Dosage

Though this is usually given as an injection by a doctor in his office, in a clinic, or in the hospital, it can be used at home. If this is the option chosen, it is vital to follow carefully the injection procedure the doctor has taught you. If you miss a dose, you must call your doctor immediately, and if you believe you have overdosed, call your local poison control center as soon as symptoms appear. Symptoms can include an inability to urinate, a severe headache, vomiting or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Side Effects

There is always a possibility of side effects with any medication, although most people do not experience side effects with dopamine. If they do, they are usually minor. Some of the more common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. If these side effects persist, call your doctor. In rare instances, some people will experience an allergic reaction to this medication. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include the swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and face, chest pain, dizziness, swelling of the injection site, severe headache, difficulty breathing and a rash. If any of these symptoms are experienced, contact your doctor.

Medication Interactions

Dopamine may interact with certain medications. These interactions can increase or decrease the side effects of the dopamine, as well as increase or decrease the effectiveness of any of the medications being taken. Some of these interactions include COMT inhibitors which increase the side effects of dopamine; MAO inhibitors which increase the risk of experiencing side effects, such as heart attacks or seizures; Alpha and Beta blockers which can decrease the effectiveness of Dopamine; and Tricyclic antidepressants which dopamine can increase the side effects of. It should be noted that this is not a complete list. Also, you should always tell your doctor what medications you are currently taking before starting dopamine injections.

Medical Conditions

Just as certain medications can interact negatively with dopamine, there are certain medical conditions that may do the same. You should always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are breast-feeding, have any allergies to any medications or food, or have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure or blood vessel disease.

Considerations

Dopamine sometimes contains sulfites, which may cause an allergic reaction in certain people, especially people who suffer from asthma. Tell your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to sulfites and ask if your injections contain this substance. In addition, it is important to keep all doctor and lab appointments made for you. While receiving these injections, various lab tests, such as thyroid tests, tests for heart function and urine output, may be performed to monitor your health and check for side effects.