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.

How does it 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.
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 & Effectiveness ?

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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 OCTOPAMINE

    Octopamine 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 OCTOPAMINE

    Octopamine 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 OCTOPAMINE

    Stimulant 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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.