Dopamine is prescribed to treat heart conditions. It stimulates the heart muscle by providing additional pumping strength. It may also be used to improve the blood supply to the kidneys. Like all medications, dopamine may also have certain side effects. In some people, these side effects may be minor, whereas in others, the medication may cause serious side effects.
Irregular Heart Beat
Drugs.com reports that arrhythmia is a side effect of increased levels of dopamine in the body. This is a condition in which the heart begins to beat irregularly. The heart may also beat much more rapidly than usual, a condition referred to as tachycardia. RxList reports that the individual may also develop anginal pain, or experience bradycardia, a condition in which the heart beats slower than the normal 60 beats per minute.
Skin Necrosis
Skin necrosis is a medical condition that can occur due to high dopamine levels, according to Drugs.com. With skin necrosis, the skin cells die off and there is loss of blood supply to the body region. When dopamine is injected, skin necrosis may occur as a local reaction in a peripheral nerve. RxList states that the hair on the skin may become erect as a side effect of this medication.
Azotemia
High dopamine levels can result in azotemia, reports RxList. Azotemia involves increased blood levels of urea and other nitrogen-containing compounds. This condition is usually diagnosed with a blood test that measures the blood urea nitrogen level. Urea can be toxic to the body and the buildup can affect the brain's functioning.
Gangrene
Gangrene infection can develop with high dopamine levels. According to Drugs.com, gangrene occurs when tissues die due to loss of blood supply to that tissue. This effect usually happens when dopamine is administered at moderate to high doses for prolonged periods.
Other Side Effects
RxList reports that vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the muscular wall of the blood vessels, is commonly seen due to high dopamine levels. Individuals with a respiratory disorder can experience increased dyspnea, or shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea and vomiting, are also symptoms of increased dopamine levels.
