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
For, dealing with the deficiency a person may take Dopamine tablets. The tablets are used for the treatment of heart failure and low blood pressure.
Dopamine Uses
Dopamine is a prescription medicine which is used for the treatment of low blood pressure, low cardiac output and also helps in improving blood flow in the kidneys. Dopamine can be taken as a single prescription dose or can be taken with the combination of other medicines depending on the severity of the disease. The medication belongs to the class of medication called Inotropic agents.
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:
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness
- Blue-colored appearance in the hands and feet
- Darkening or change in skin color
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Dopamine if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Dopamine side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Dopamine talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some serious problem. Before taking Dopamine talk with your doctor if you are having any serious medical conditions such as:
- Liver disease
- Kidney problem
- Heart disease
How to take Dopamine?
Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is administered by intravenous infusion (only after dilution). Dopamine tablets should be taken as per the doctor’s instruction.
Various Dosage forms and strengths
Infusion solution, in D5W
- 80mg/100mL
- 160mg/100mL
- 320mg/100mL
Injectable solution
- 40mg/mL
- 80mg/mL
- 160mg/mL
Dopamine tablets
Strong beta1-adrenergic, alpha-adrenergic, and dopaminergic effects are based on dosing rate
Beta1 effects
2-10 mcg/kg/min
Alpha effects
>10 mcg/kg/min
Dopaminergic effects
0.5-2 mcg/kg/min
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Dopamine won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Dopamine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
Because dopamine is metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO), inhibitors of this enzyme prolong and enhances the impact of dopamine. Patients who've been treated with MAO inhibitors within two to three weeks prior to administration of dopamine HCl should receive an initial dose of dopamine HCl of no more than one-tenth (1/10) of the usual dose.
Warnings
Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulphite that may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms, and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible individuals. The overall prevalence of sulphite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and is likely to below. Sulphite sensitivity is more commonly seen in asthmatics than in non-asthmatic people.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Dopamine consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Dopamine rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Dopamine.
Dopamine vs Serotonin
Dopamine |
Serotonin |
|---|---|
| Dopamine is a chemical which is naturally found in the human body. It is called as 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. | Serotonin is produced by chemical nerve cells. It sends signals between the nerve cells. Serotonin is most commonly found in the digestive system, although it is found in blood platelets and throughout the central nervous system. |
| Dopamine is a prescription medicine which is used for the treatment of low blood pressure, low cardiac output and also helps in improving blood flow in the kidneys. | Serotonin helps in reducing depression, regulate anxiety, heal wounds, stimulate nausea and maintain bone health. |
Some of the serious side effects of Dopamine are:
|
Some of the serious side effects are:
|
