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Dopamine Definition

Dopamine is a chemical that occurs naturally in the brain. Bodily functions affected by dopamine include mood, sleep, learning and voluntary movements. Dopamine is also available as a medication.

  1. Medicine

    • As a medicine, dopamine is used to treat low blood pressure and support heart function. It improves the heart's capacity to pump blood and the increases the blood supply to the kidneys.

    Drug Interactions

    • Dopamine may interact with certain medications, including (but not limited to) catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (such as tolcapone), cyclopropane, MAO inhibitors, alpha and beta blockers, tricyclic anti-depressants and guanadrel.

    Precautions

    • Pregnant women, nursing women and people who have food allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure or related conditions, should consult their doctors before taking dopamine.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of dopamine include headaches, nausea and increased heart rate. Other severe side effects include lightheadedness, chest pain, severe headaches and irregular heart rate.

    Drug Addiction

    • People with high levels of dopamine in the brain are more likely to develop addictions to recreational drugs, such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and marijuana.

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