How Dopamine Agonist Drugs Work
Dopamine is a prominent part of our brain chemistry that influences our moods, motivation, and movement. When the dopaminergic pathways in the brain aren’t working effectively, physical and mental health issues may arise, impacting the quality of daily life. For some people, dopamine agonist drugs may provide a solution. Keep reading to learn more about how dopamine agonists can manage a variety of disorders and symptoms, including symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How do dopamine agonist drugs work?
To understand how dopamine agonists can help manage different disorders, it can be beneficial to first learn about what dopamine is and how it works. Dopamine is a chemical called a neurotransmitter. It acts as a messenger to carry the messages of pleasure or motivation to other parts of the brain that can interpret the message and respond accordingly. The message is sent and received if the dopaminergic pathways are functioning properly. Afterward, the message channel is closed when the dopamine binds to a dopamine receptor. Dopamine agonist drugs are chemical agents that activate a specific receptor to initiate a reaction in nerve cells in the dopaminergic pathway. For example, some of the older dopamine agonists attach interact with dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, serotonin, and adrenergic receptors. Whereas newer dopamine agonists primarily attach to the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.
Unlike Levodopa, which converts into dopamine, dopamine agonists mimic dopamine and affects the receptors. Dopamine antagonist medications are drugs or natural substances that block dopamine receptors to prevent symptoms caused by too much dopamine in the system. These can include hallucinations, delusions, hyper-sexuality, and impulse-control disorders such as gambling addictions and binge eating disorders. Like Levodopa treatment and other medications, dopamine antagonist drugs are used as antipsychotics to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Potential side effects of how dopamine agonist drugs work
Indirect dopamine receptor agonists include dopamine reuptake inhibitors and dopamine-releasing agents, while dopamine agonists drugs are used for several different dopamine deficiency conditions. They have been successful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, ADHD, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. They may also be effective for some people experiencing depression.
While dopamine agonist medication can be extremely helpful for these conditions, they may also result in unwanted drug interactions or side effects such as:
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Sudden sleep attacks
- Lightheadedness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle twitching
- Involuntary movements
- Motor fluctuations
- Leg swelling
- Addictions to gambling, shopping, pornography, etc.
- Withdrawal syndrome after long-term use
Drawbacks of taking dopamine agonists for treatment
Dopamine agonists work to increase your dopamine uptake and utilization, but there are a few drawbacks in addition to the listed side effects that may deter some individuals from using them.
For instance, the cost may play a determining role, although how much you will need to spend will depend on the specific medication you take, your dose, your insurance, and your location. Also, the drugs’ effectiveness relies on a commitment to treatment, whether you’re on higher or lower doses, and some patients report adverse side effects from stopping the medication.
For these reasons (among others), some patients choose psychotherapy instead of medications as the sole treatment for a dopamine imbalance. This choice also has its benefits; for instance, if you decide that therapy isn’t for you or you’d like to switch to dopamine agonist drugs altogether, weaning from therapy doesn’t have the kind of chemical side effects that ceasing to take your medication can.
Natural dopamine agonists
Natural dopamine agonists occur naturally in a low dose in certain foods and often create the same effect as a dopamine receptor agonist drug. Foods and supplements that may increase your dopamine level include:
- Chicken
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fish
- Watermelon
- Wheat germ
- Beans
- Ripe bananas
- Raw almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants
- Theanine supplements or teas
- Tyrosine supplements
Dopamine deficiency symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and others
Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, depression, and ADHD are examples of conditions related to dopamine deficiency. However, there are several factors beyond genetics or natural causes that may contribute to dopamine deficiency as well. For instance, repeated drug use, poor diet, obesity, and stress have all been linked to dopamine deficiency.
Dopamine deficiency symptoms
Dopamine deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Muscle cramps, stiffness, twitching, and body aches
- Balance problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slowed speech
- Lack of motivation
- Sleeping too much
- Restless legs syndrome
- Mood swings
- Depressed feeling
- Loss of pleasure in daily activities
- Forgetfulness
- Cravings for sweets, fats, and alcohol
- Trouble losing weight
- Low sex drive
Dopamine agonist drugs and psychotherapy
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dopamine deficiency and you think that a dopamine agonist drug treatment may be the solution, speak to your doctor or psychiatrist for guidance. They may prescribe medication, but depending on your symptoms, they may also recommend changes in diet.
Your doctor might also suggest that you attend adjunct therapy sessions in addition to, or instead of, taking Ropinirole or other dopamine agonist drugs. While more research is needed, studies suggest that psychotherapy can encourage similar changes in the brain as dopamine agonist drugs, providing relief for symptoms of dopamine deficiency.
Online therapy with BetterHelp
Online counseling can be an effective tool for discussing sudden onset symptoms and concerns about your mental health. You may also be able to learn more about how to control the dopamine levels in your brain for optimal cognitive health. At BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist entirely online with a smart device and an internet connection. Whether you talk over the phone, through a video chat, or by an in-app messaging feature, the choice is yours.
Online therapy benefits
Online therapy allows you to focus more on your mental health and less time driving long distances. You don’t have to cope with the potentially serious symptoms associated with dopamine imbalance on your own and may find the relief you’re looking for with the help of your doctor and an experienced psychotherapist.
The efficacy of online therapy
Online therapy has been found to be just as effective in the long term as in-person therapy for treating dopamine-related disorders such as depression and anxiety—
and more effective in the middle and short term. Among BetterHelp users, 70% of clients with depression have experienced significant improvement, while 94% of prefer online therapy to face-to-face therapy options.
Takeaway
Therapy can be a powerful method for treating many of the symptoms associated with disorders caused by low dopamine levels in the brain. It may be helpful to speak to your doctor about your options. Whether that involves psychotherapy, taking a dopamine agonist, or a combination therapy that utilizes both, they can support you in creating a complete treatment plan to suit your needs effectively. An online therapist may be able to support you as you figure out which treatment options work for you.
What are dopamine agonist drugs used for in treatment?
These medications activate certain types of cells in the brain, mirroring the effects of dopamine in the body but without the side effects. They are commonly used for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, as well as for dangerously high blood pressure, restless legs syndrome, high prolactin levels, Type 2 diabetes, amenorrhea, or oligomenorrhea.
What is the best drug to increase dopamine?
Some common medications prescribed by doctors to increase dopamine include:
- Amantadine
- Fenoldopam
- Apomorphine
- Pramipexole
- Rotigotine
What does an agonist do?
An agonist activates specific cells in the brain. Cells throughout the nervous system have what are called “receptors” which act as locks, while different neurotransmitters act as keys to these locks. Each key has a different shape, and unlocks specific functions. A dopamine receptor agonist works specifically on dopamine receptors with the same mechanism of action that natural dopamine uses, so that the body reacts as though it is dopamine.
What are signs of low dopamine?
The role of dopamine in the body is to control certain processes related to the heart, kidneys, reproductive system, the endocrine system, and the digestive system.
Signs of low dopamine, including Parkinson’s disease
Some common signs of low dopamine can include:
- A lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Moodiness or anxiety
- Low sex drive
- Depressive symptoms, a feeling of hopelessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Hand tremors or cramps
- Parkinson’s disease
- Restless legs syndrome
- Symptoms of schizophrenia, including social withdrawal, reduced emotions
- Symptoms of ADHD, including impulsiveness, forgetfulness, and lack of organization
What foods make dopamine?
Foods that are rich in magnesium and tyrosine can support dopamine production. This includes things like chicken, avocado, bananas, beets, chocolate, almonds, leafy greens, oatmeal, oranges, green tea, tomato, peas, and sesame seeds.
What happens when you have too much dopamine?
Too much dopamine in your system can lead to the following:
- Excessive energy
- Feelings of anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Mania
- Insomnia
- Impulse control issues
What happens if you take dopamine pills?
Dopamine agonist drugs activate dopamine receptors in the body the same way that the actual neurotransmitter does. Dopamine receptor agonists create the same effects in the body as increased dopamine production would, which can treat the effects of low dopamine.
Dopamine agonist therapy is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
Which antidepressant increases dopamine?
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), most commonly known under the name brand Wellbutrin, are prescribed for increasing dopamine levels.
How to make your brain release dopamine?
There are a number of ways to increase the release of dopamine in the brain without prescription drugs. Certain foods and supplements may increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, including chocolate, probiotics, gingko, and green tea. There are also healthy lifestyle habits that are known for their potential to improve dopamine levels, including regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep, and practicing mindfulness exercises like meditation.
What are the side effects of dopamine agonists?
Dopamine agonist therapy can be effective at treating many conditions, and are generally considered safe when used under the supervision of a medical professional. There are some side effects linked with long-term use, including depression, impulse control issues, mania, or confusion.
There are drug interactions with MAOIs, and if you are on one you will have to be off for at least two weeks before starting dopamine agonist therapy. Pregnant people, those with high blood pressure, and people with kidney or liver disease may not be permitted to use a dopamine agonist.
Finally, around 15 to 20% of those who use dopamine agonists may experience what is known as dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) when their dose is abruptly reduced or stopped altogether. Symptoms of dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome may include:
- Agitation
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Pain
- Nausea
- Orthostatic hypotension
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