Top 4 Nootropics to increase dopamine! 2023 Optimal Selection
Dopamine is the primary chemical in your body that controls motivation, rewards and pleasure. If there's not enough dopamine, you'll feel as if everything is a chore. You'll be uninspired to do anything.
And if you take too much dopamine or use it improperly, you might experience severe side effects like hallucinations and paranoia. Increasing dopamine levels can be tricky business!
So here's my list of 4 nootropics that will help increase your dopamine levels naturally without any negative side effects:
What is dopamine? How can I increase it?
What is dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a substance that facilitates the transmission of information between neurons. It should come as no surprise that low dopamine levels can cause depression as it is also the hormone in charge of controlling your mood.
How do I increase my dopamine levels naturally?
There are numerous ways to increase your body's production of dopamine: eating foods rich in tyrosine (an amino acid), drinking green tea or supplementing L-Tyrosine can all be helpful for increasing the amount of this vital chemical in your brain and keeping you feeling happy all day long!
But if you're looking for something more intense than just taking these supplements every day—and aren't afraid of an occasional "high"—then we recommend trying one of these five natural nootropic sources instead!
List of 4 Best Nootropics to Increase Dopamine
- L-Tyrosine
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Vitamin B6
1. L-Tyrosine
An amino acid called L-tyrosine aids in the synthesis of dopamine. It can also be changed into L-Dopa, which the brain transforms into dopamine. Consequently, consuming L-Tyrosine will enable your body to manufacture more dopamine, enhancing focus and mental acuity.
Some people take L-tyrosine supplements for many reasons, such as to improve mood, increase energy, and enhance cognitive function
It is commonly taken during the morning because it helps people improve their focus and alertness. Other people use it later in the day because it helps with boosting the mood and can promote relaxation.
L-Tyrosine dosages for adults are in the range of 500 to 2.000 mg a day. It is beneficial to take this into divided doses throughout the day.
2. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid that plays a role in the production of dopamine. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating motivation, pleasure, and reward - which means it’s important for focus and concentration.
The way ALCAR works is by helping to increase dopamine levels in the brain. It also helps prevent dopamine from breaking down too quickly, keeping it active longer. This can help improve your mood as well as your ability to concentrate on tasks at hand.
People usually take this during the morning or early in the afternoon when they need a boost of focus and alertness, but other people find it very helpful to take it later in the day since it can also promote relaxation before bedtime.
ALCAR dosages for adults are in the range of 500 to 2.000 mg a day. It is always recommended to start with small dosages and work your way up and remember to always consult with your healthcare before ingesting larger doses. It is important to note that ALC can interact with certain medications and may not be the best option for everyone looking to take this nootropic.
3. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) which is an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. This helps to keep dopamine levels in the brain higher for longer periods of time.
Rhodiola rosea increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which promote mood stability and calmness.
Rhodiola Rosea dosages for adults are in the range of 200 to 600 mg a day. People usually take this during the morning or early in the afternoon when they need a boost of focus and alertness, but other people find it very helpful to take it later in the day since it can also promote relaxation before bedtime.
The potential benefits of this nootropics are listed here:
- Increasing cognitive function: Rhodiola rosea may aid in increasing focus and memory while lowering stress and weariness.
- Enhancing physical performance: Rhodiola rosea might be able to boost your energy and lessen your exhaustion, which will help you perform better.
- Reducing signs of anxiety and depression: Rhodiola rosea may help elevate mood and lessen signs of anxiety and despair.
- Rhodiola rosea may aid in lowering stress levels and enhancing the quality of sleep.
- Immune system improvement: Rhodiola rosea may aid in boosting immunity and lowering the risk of infections.
Remember to always start with low doses and then work your way up.
4. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. It’s also necessary for the conversion of tryptophan into niacin, which helps with serotonin production.
Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is a necessary nutrient that is crucial to a number of critical bodily processes. It is required for the metabolism of proteins, carbs, and fats as well as the creation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
B6 can be found in many foods, including fish, chicken, potatoes and fortified cereals. You can always take it as a dietary supplement too. Many people are starting to take it as part of nootropic stacks acting like a cognitive-enhancing.
- Supporting brain function: The synthesis of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for brain function, is facilitated by vitamin B6. It might aid in enhancing memory and cognitive function as well as easing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
- Nutrient metabolism: Vitamin B6 is required for breaking down proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Both the production of red blood cells and the transformation of food into energy benefit from it.
- Maintaining cardiovascular health: Vitamin B6 may assist to lower homocysteine levels, a kind of amino acid linked to an elevated risk of heart disease, hence lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Immune system support: Vitamin B6 is essential for the healthy operation of the immune system. It might lessen the chance of infections while aiding the body's defense mechanisms.
- Promoting healthy skin: By promoting the metabolism of amino acids involved in the creation of collagen and keratin, two proteins that are crucial for good skin, vitamin B6 may assist to maintain healthy skin.
Other benefits of vitamin B6 include:
- Helps in the formation of red blood cells
- Supports hormone production in women
- Helps with digestion, nerve function and muscle movement
Depending on age and sex, different daily vitamin B6 intakes are advised. The following is the adult daily consumption recommendation:
- Men: 1.3 to 1.7 mg daily
- Women: 1.3 to 2 mg daily
Here is a table with the recommended dosage of L-tyrosine, acetyl-L-carnitine, Rhodiola rosea, and vitamin B6 for adults:
Ingredient |
Recommended Dosage (per day) |
Best Time to Take |
L-tyrosine |
500-2,000 mg |
morning or early afternoon for cognitive enhancement; evening or bedtime for relaxation and sleep |
Acetyl-L-carnitine |
500-2,000 mg |
morning or early afternoon for cognitive enhancement; evening or bedtime for relaxation and sleep |
Rhodiola rosea |
200-600 mg |
morning or early afternoon for cognitive enhancement; evening or bedtime for relaxation and sleep |
Vitamin B6 |
1.3-1.7 mg (men); 1.3-1.5 mg (women) |
any time of day, as directed by a healthcare professional |
Conclusion
If you have made a decision to start taking nootropics, then these 4 can help you get the most out of your dopamine production. But if you are not sure which one is right for you, then there is always the option of trying them all and see which one you like the most.
If you have any questions or comments, then feel free to leave them below.
Sources
Focus, Memory, and Alertness
Boosts short-term memory
Working memory reloaded: tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task - PubMed (nih.gov)
Improves the brain's adaptability
In favor of using rational thought [ 237–246.]
Allows for the processing of mathematical information t [ 237–246.]
Supports behavioral response inhibition — a cognitive control function -
Precursor of Neurotransmitters
Catecholamine precursors include dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline
Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain - PubMed (nih.gov)
Facilitates dopamine synthesis and release in response to neuronal activity
PsycNET Record Display - PsycNET (apa.org)
Elevation of plasma tyrosine after a single oral dose of L-tyrosine - ScienceDirect
Supports the production and release of norepinephrine during neuronal activation
Maintains neurotransmitter (DA, NE) concentrations with increasing brain activity -
Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on the dopaminergic system in aging brain - PubMed (nih.gov)