Posted by kaleidoscope on March 30, 2007, at 14:44:24
In reply to Dopamine Agonists, posted by Quintal on March 30, 2007, at 10:34:01
Hi Q
>Can dopamine agonists produce euphoria?
Generally not, although there may be exceptions.
>If so, why aren't they scheduled and controlled like similar drugs that simulate dopamine release?
Direct-acting dopamine agonists do not stimulate dopamine release, nor do they inhibit its reuptake. Pramipexole inhibits dopamine synthesis. Dopamine agonists activate certain dopamine receptors.....but not others.
>What is so different about the action of dopamine agonists compared to say, a transport blocker like Ritalin that would make them less likely to induce euphoria?
The relationship between direct-acting dopamine agonists and CNS stimulants (eg. Adderall, Ritalin) is no closer than the relationship between SSRIs and MDMA ie. very distant! Although they act on some of the same neurotransmitter systems, they affect the function of these systems in very different ways.
>Dependence, addiction, tolerance and withdrawal syndrome
The 'recreational value' of dopamine agonists is very low. As is the case with all CNS drugs, there might be a risk of withdrawal symptoms, but this issue has not received any real study.
Ed
poster:kaleidoscope
thread:745429
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070327/msgs/745483.html