5 Things You Need to Know About Dopamine

1. Dopamine: a Natural Messenger

Dopamine is a naturally produced chemical in the body that acts as a neuro-transmitter to the brain, carrying cues to emotional and physical pain and emotional response. Dopamine also controls movement and motor skills. The dopamine neurons are located in the middle part of the brain. It is similar to the affects of adrenaline on a person in that circumstances and situations can cause a flow of the chemical to motivate or stimulate a response.

2. When Neurotransmitters go Wrong

Parkinson's disease involves a disruption of these transmitters. The neurotransmitters actually die off, leaving the patient with no control over those functions. Drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines can interrupt the flow of dopamine. Also, it's one of the reasons that drug addicts often display inappropriate reactions to situations and make poor decisions. Repeated drug abuse can desensitize the dopamine neurotransmitters and keep them pumping long after they are needed, causing the prolonged high that the addict seeks. In some people, a single interaction with drugs can create a desensitized dopamine delivery system.

3. L-DO, Possible Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

For people with Parkinson's disease, a drug called L-DOP can be used. L-DOPA converts into dopamine in the brain. Other drugs can be used to shut or slow down the delivery of dopamine. They are called dopamine antagonists and are used to treat schizophrenia and other metal disorders.

4. Synthetic Dopamine

Dopamine is created in the lab and is approved for use to treat heart patients as it can stimulate the flow of blood to the heart. Patients in shock or exposed to extreme trauma are often treated with dopamine. It is a powerful drug and must always be diluted in saline before administered. Patients who have been injected with dopamine need to be closely monitored for reactions.

5. Watch for Side Effects for Dopaine

Dopamine can have serious side effects that affect the heart. Palpitations, irregular heartbeat and chest pain are signs that the dose may be too high or the patient has little tolerance for the treatments. The respiratory and digestive systems also can be interrupted. Urine flow is one of the ways to monitor the effects of dopamine injections. Headaches and symptoms of anxiety are common side effects that can be managed if the drug is helping to treat a major illness or trauma.