What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a chemical which is naturally found in the human body. It is called a neurotransmitter as it sends signals from the body to the brain. It also helps in controlling the movements that a person makes and also helps in controlling the emotional responses. Low dopamine is linked with various mental health problems. Dopamine deficiency can lead to various conditions like:
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
Doctors prescribe dopamine tablets to address the deficiency. Dopamine is available in both injection and tablet forms. The decision between injection and tablet depends on the medical condition, its severity, and individual needs. Injections are preferred for emergencies or when rapid action is necessary. Both forms require a prescription and should be used under medical supervision.
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Uses of Dopamine
Doctors generally prescribe dopamine medications for treating certain conditions, such as :
It may be used in certain diagnostic tests, such as assessing cardiac function or kidney function.
It is used in cases of shock to improve heart function and increase blood pressure, stabilizing the patient.
Dopamine Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Dopamine are:
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Goosebumps
Some of the serious side effects of Dopamine are:
Contact the doctor if you experience serious symptoms or adverse reactions to Dopamine as your doctor prescribed it for its benefits.
What are the Precautions before taking Dopamine?
Before taking dopamine tablets, it's important to consider the following precautions:
- Follow the doctor's instructions.
- Tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions, allergies and medication.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of taking dopamine tablets with your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during medication.
Dosage:
- Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP: Administer via intravenous infusion after dilution. Dosage strength varies (80mg/100mL, 160mg/100mL, 320mg/100mL). Consult a doctor for proper administration.
- Dopamine Tablets: Take as instructed by your doctor. The dosage depends on the specific effects needed, such as beta1, alpha, or dopaminergic effects.
Missed Dose:
- Missing one or two doses typically has no effect. However, follow your doctor's advice for missed doses to prevent sudden chemical changes in your body.
Overdose:
- Accidental overdose may have harmful effects on bodily functions. Seek immediate medical attention if you've taken more than prescribed.
Interactions:
Dopamine interacts with various medications, such as MAOIs, sympathomimetic agents, TCAs, antipsychotics, SNRIs, antihypertensive agents, and anesthetics, potentially causing adverse effects or reduced efficacy. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications before starting dopamine therapy to minimize risks.
Warnings:
It contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and asthma episodes, especially in asthmatics.
Storage Instrauctions:
- Store dopamine away from heat, air, and light to prevent damage.
- Keep it out of children's reach.
- Store at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction in the brain's reward system. It's released when we eat food we crave or during activities like sex.
Dopamine is triggered by the production of amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are derived from protein-rich foods. Consuming high levels of these amino acids can increase dopamine levels.
Dopamine deficiency may be due to a drop in the amount of dopamine produced by the body or a problem with the brain receptors. Causes of dopamine deficiency include neurological disorders, genetic factors, drug use, stress, nutritional deficiencies, ageing, and other medical conditions.
The onset of action of dopamine tablets may vary from person to person and the condition treated for.
