@Chriswolf
If you are looking to boost your dopaminergic system, then the following drugs and supplements can do this:
Dopamine Receptor Agonists and Dopaminergic Boosters:
Very low dose amisulpride — activates dopamine D2 and D3 receptors by an auto-receptor mechanism.
Deprenyl — a selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor, which inhibits the breakdown of dopamine. Also called selegiline. Increases the sickness behavior inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6,
1 so may not be advisable for ME/CFS.
Moclobemide — a selective irreversible MAO-A inhibitor, which inhibits the breakdown of dopamine. Moclobemide is one of the safer antidepressants: in
one study, moclobemide was shown to have one of the lowest incidences of sexual dysfunction, a side effect common with antidepressants, especially SSRIs.
Memantine — dopamine D2 agonist (as well as an NMDA blocker).
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) — a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI); though note that Wellbutrin's dopamine reuptake inhibition is very weak, so it is more of a NRI. See also:
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)- Wikipedia
Cabergoline — a potent D2 agonist (and weak D1 agonist).
Bromocriptine (Parlodel) — a potent D2 agonist, and agonizes various serotonin receptors. It also inhibits the release of glutamate, by reversing the glutamate GLT1 transporter, and inhibits norepinephrine release.
Pramipexole (Mirapexin) — an agonist for the D2, D3 and D4 dopamine receptors, but strongest agonism is on D3.
Bromantane (Ladasten) — interesting Russian drug which enhances dopaminergic neurotransmission in the hypothalamus, striatum, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and other regions. This drugs works by up-regulating expression of the enzymes which create dopamine. Ref:
1
Ropinirole — acts as a D2, D3 and D4 dopamine receptor agonist with highest affinity for D2.
Tianeptine (Stablon) — increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (a part of the brain involved with motivation and reward). Ref:
1
Amfonelic acid — research chemical with highly selective dopaminergic stimulant and antibiotic properties which may also function as a nootropic. It is a NDRI.
Spanish saffron (Crocus sativus) — increases dopamine (and glutamate) levels in the brain. Ref:
1 Several studies have found saffron to be as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants.
NADH — this supplement increases dopamine (also increases norepinephrine and serotonin), but people sometimes report a loss of effect occurring over time. Ref:
1
Curcumin — a MAO-A and MAO- B inhibitor, increases levels of dopamine and serotonin. Increases BDNF. Ref:
1
Acetyl-L-carnitine — protects dopaminergic system? Ref:
1
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) — may agonize dopamine D2 receptors. Kava may also have effects on the GABA-A, mu-opioid and delta-opioid receptors. Ref:
1
GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) is known to promote the survival and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. GDNF also causes an enhancement of dopamine release. Ref:
1 Rehmannia and Iboga increase GDNF.
Amineptine (Survector) — Atypical tricyclic antidepressant that selectively inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and to a lesser extent norepinephrine, thus exerting a fast-acting antidepressant effect. Can be classed as a NDRI. Was taken off the market due to stimulant abuse and due to cases of liver damage. Note: Tianeptine is a cousin of amineptine (Survector).
How to buy amineptine ( Survector )
Apomorphine (Apokyn, Ixense, Spontane, Uprima) — is a non-selective dopamine agonist which activates both
D1-like and
D2-like receptors, with some preference for the latter subtypes. Apomorphine is given by subcutaneous injection or infusion. Also by sublingual tablets. Half-life = 40 minutes.
Apomorphine uses: originally a treatment of homosexuality in the early 20th century. More recently used for treating erectile dysfunction, and in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Apomorphine is a potent emetic (induces vomiting) and should not be administered without an antiemetic such as domperidone. Ixense (aka: Uprima) = 3 mg sublingual tablet of apomorphine (as hydrochloride). Each tablet contains 3 mg of apomorphine.
Pramipexole is a dopamine D2 autoreceptor agonist, and thereby reduces the extracellular concentrations of dopamine. Ref:
1.
Amphetamine attenuates dopamine D2 autoreceptor function, and thereby increases extracellular dopamine. Ref:
1.
Tricyclic antidepressants reduce the sensitivity of presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors. Ref:
1.
Increasing Dopamine Receptor Populations and Density:
Citicoline (CDP-choline) — supplement that increases dopamine receptor densities. Ref:
1 Citicoline is metabolized into uridine (and choline).
Uridine — a supplement that promotes the creation of new dopamine receptors in the brain, an effect which is more pronounced in brains with fewer dopamine receptors (this is done by activating the D1 and D2 receptor signaling cascade, which stabilizes spikes of dopamine activity that would normally “burn out” receptors and reduce their effective number). Ref:
1 People notice an increase in general motivation. Your capacity to learn and retain information is noticeably better. Best taken with DHA, choline and B vitamins. Uridine + DHA may partially restore dopaminergic neurotransmission in model of Parkinson’s. Ref:
1
Amantadine — helps with the fatigue in ME/CFS (but Dr Bell
recommends doses no higher than 50 mg in ME/CFS). Increases dopamine D2 receptor populations. Furthermore, the combo of amantadine + imipramine increases dopamine D2 and D3 receptor populations. Ref:
1
Citalopram — increases dopamine D2 receptor expression. Ref:
1
Fluoxetine and
desipramine (tricyclic antidepressant) both increases postsynaptic D2-receptor expression. Ref:
1
Sulbutiamine increases the density of D1 dopamine receptors, when given to rats at a dose of 12.5mg/kg daily (which corresponds to an oral human dose of around 170 mg daily). Ref:
1
Inositol increases dopamine D2 receptor density. Ref:
1
High-fat diet increases of D2 receptors. Ref:
1
BDNF regulates dopamine D1 receptor expression. Ref:
1
Centrophenoxine proposed to cause an increase in density of dopamine receptors. Ref:
1
Forskolin — increases dopamine D2 auto-receptor expression more than the postsynaptic, but this may reduce dopamine levels. Ref:
1 2
