Dopamine PAK Details

The excitatory neurotransmitters that are the primary focus of the Power Recovery Plan are called catecholamines. The catecholamines are natural, all purpose, go-for-the-gusto excitatory neurotransmitters. Dopamine and norepinephrine, the two primary catecholamines produced in the brain, handle separate parts of this energizing function. Dopamine regulates short-term activities, such as bursts of intense concentration, feelings of euphoria, and behavior that must shift rapidly to accommodate changing circumstances. Norepenephrine, (?Dr. Gant – this word is spelled differently in the book on page 54 – once it is with "pine" in the middle and once it is with "pene." Are they different words? If not, which is correct?) on the other hand, causes generalized, sustained alertness helping us to maintain a baseline level of awareness and vigilance.

Stressful situations cause our brains to over-release catecholamines. When we're in the midst of a stressful period in a relationship, for instance, or when the stress of our jobs is great, or when we're suffering from stress to our immune systems, we need more of the catecholamines to retain our focus and keep going. The resulting increase in the need to produce these substances can deplete our bodies of reserves of key nutrients. This in turn can limit our ability to produce them in adequate amounts, even after the period of stress has passed, causing us to feel tired and unmotivated, have difficulty concentrating, and have trouble experiencing pleasure.

Many people turn to stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines, to help them cope with stressful situations that require increased catecholamine production. Each of these drugs disrupts the dopamine cycle in a different way. Amphetamines occupy dopamine receptors directly, mimicking the effects in the receiving neuron of dopamine itself. On the other hand, cocaine and cocaine-like substances such as Ritalin hinder the recycling of dopamine and cause dopamine to build up to abnormally high levels in our brains.