Octopamine
OTHER NAME(S): 1-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-aminoethanol, 4-(2-Amino-1-hydroxyethyl)phenol, Alpha-(Aminoethyl)-4-hydroxybenzenemethanol, Alpha-(Aminoethyl)-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Alpha-Aminoethyl-4-hydroxybenzylalkohol, Analet, Benzenemethanol, Alpha-(aminomethyl)-4-hydroxy-, Beta-Hydroxytyramine, Demethylsynephrine, Demethylated Synephrine, Norden, Norfen, Norphen, Norsympathol, Norsympatol, Norsynephrine, Octapamine, Octopamine Hydrochloride, Octopaminum, P-Hydroxyphenylethanolamine, P-Norsynephrin, P-Octopamine, Para-Hydroxyphenylethanolamine, Para-Octopamine, Paraoxyphenyl Aminoethanol, WV 562-Isooctyl amine, Octopamina
Overview
Octopamine is a chemical that is found in bitter orange and other plants, and in the human body in small amounts. It is also made in the lab. Octopamine is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use during competitive sports. Octopamine is found in some dietary supplements. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against its use and is investigating whether octopamine should be allowed in dietary supplements.
Octopamine is commonly used for weight loss and athletic performance, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Octopamine is a chemical in the body that helps the brain and nervous system function normally. There isn't enough reliable information to know how octopamine supplements might work.
Octopamine is a chemical in the body that helps the brain and nervous system function normally. There isn't enough reliable information to know how octopamine supplements might work.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking octopamine does not help active men to exercise longer or feel less tired.
- Weight loss.
- As a stimulant.
- Other uses.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of octopamine for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Octopamine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Octopamine is very similar to another stimulant called synephrine, which might increase blood pressure and cause heart problems. Until more is known, do not take products with octopamine on the label.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Octopamine is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Octopamine is very similar to another stimulant called synephrine, which might increase blood pressure and cause heart problems. Until more is known, do not take products with octopamine on the label.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if octopamine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
High blood pressure: Octopamine might increase blood pressure. In theory, taking octopamine might make high blood pressure worse.
Surgery: Octopamine might increase blood pressure. In theory, taking octopamine might interfere with surgery by increasing blood pressure. Stop taking octopamine at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with OctopamineOctopamine might cause high blood pressure. But the body naturally breaks down octopamine to get rid of it. Some medications used for depression can stop the body from breaking down octopamine. Taking octopamine with these medications might increase levels of octopamine and increase the risk for serious side effects. Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with OctopamineOctopamine might increase or decrease blood pressure. Taking octopamine along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low or reduce the effects of these medications. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
- Stimulant drugs interacts with OctopamineStimulant drugs speed up the nervous system and can cause a jittery feeling and a rapid heartbeat. Octopamine might also speed up the nervous system. Taking octopamine along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including high blood pressure. Some stimulant drugs include diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of octopamine depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for octopamine. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
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- Health Canada. Synephrine, Octopamine and Caffeine Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Report. Approved May 16, 2011. Accessed November 6, 2019. Available at: https://www.nutratechinc.com/advz/Studies2011/Safety/S1%20Health%20Canada%200511.pdf.
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- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Dietary supplement ingredient advisory list. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/dietary-supplement-ingredient-advisory-list. Accessed September 19, 2019.