Posted by 16# on August 8, 2001, at 1:39:58
In reply to Re: phenyalanine-DA precursor » MB, posted by Mitch on August 7, 2001, at 23:53:08
> > > > > Hi All,
> > > > >
> > > > > Does anyone know how caffiene affects the brain? Sometimes a Diet Coke is the only thing that makes me feel better. No, I'm not addicted, but I used to be.
> > > > >
> > > > > Sherry
> > > >
> > > > Sometimes caffeine is the only thing that makes *me* feel better also. Sometimes, however, it sends me into a panic attack. I think I'd be better without it but the depression of withdrawal is too severe. Laugh if you want, but I've considered going to inpatient rehab to get off of it.
> > > >
> > > > Another thing, NutraSweet has l-phenylalanine (an amino acid) in it, which is a precursor to norepinephrine and dopamine. Some argue that amino acid supplements can't increase catecholamine levels, but others are firm believers that l-phenylalanine supplements can boost these neurotransmitters and assuage depression.
> > >
> > > MB,
> > >
> > > Thanks for that info. I wonder why right after I get to work I am down at the pop machine getting a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi within an hour of getting there. I've noticed that I really don't care for non-diet sodas, interestingly.
> > >
> > > Mitch
> >
> >
> > I'm right there with ya. If I'm not going to drink coffee, I always go for diet coke...don't really care for diet pepsi. I've taken l-phenylalanine supplements (as well as l-tyrosine, which is what l-phenylalanine is converted to before it converts to dopamine or norepinephrine). I found both supplements very stimulating. I think l-phenylalanine can also be converted to various chemicals called phenethylamines which are stimulating. Whatever the mechanism, it seems that l-phenylalanine has mild stimulating properties. Could that be why we like diet and not regular????
>
> MB,
>
> Wow, did you just use a "mental" nail-gun there? Phenylethylamines, well now isn't that the chocolate high thing? And come to mention it, venlafaxine (Effexor) is "related to the phenylethylyamines" (which can make me hypomanic). So *tyrosine* is a more immediate precursor then??? Well, well, I do crave aged cheese sauces (alfredos-cheddars), smoked/aged meats, and soy sauce! Gobble-gobble, yum-yum! (can't help that phrase I stole it from Kurt Vonnegut, JR.). I tried some 5-HTP and Omega3 stuf and it didn't seem to do any good. Perhaps what I ought to investigate is some l-tyrosine supplements instead. Interesting that these sorts of things are contraindicated with MAOI use....
>
> Thanks for that info. That might help my ADHD and seasonal depressions without worsening cycling or causing hypomania.
>
> Mitch
Can anyone explain this chemistry biz to me in a layman's nutshell (or at least the mechanism of the word "precursor" in this context)? I am clueless but very interested.Thanks.
poster:16#
thread:73549
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74088.html