[smart (OP)]

I would like to experimentally increase my dopamine levels which may have been downregulated by the unwarranted use of dopamine antagonists for 5+ years. The primary side-effect I experiment from this forced treatment is the suppression of dopamined-mediated REM sleep. The hypothesis I would like to propose is that prolonged dopamine inhibition may disturb the sleep-wake cycle. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18201777

What do you think?

tk

[exothermic]

I would like to experimentally increase my dopamine levels which may have been downregulated by the unwarranted use of dopamine antagonists for 5+ years. The primary side-effect I experiment from this forced treatment is the suppression of dopamined-mediated REM sleep.

I'll preface this with a cautionary note:

Tread lightly when altering dopamine synthesis. You just might end up making the problem worse.

Chronic dopamine precursor-administration ultimately depletes dopamine levels. When the dopamine levels drop low enough, the precursor then becomes ineffective and the side effects of dopamine depletion arise.
 
Exogenously-induced dopamine-depletion can occur when one chronically administered precursor [e.g. 5-HTP] dominates the synthesis of dopamine through competitive inhibition. This will ultimately alter the dopaminergic control of sleep-wake parameters - thus suppressing the SWS & REM stages of sleep.

Nontheless, Mucuna pruriens is extremely effective as it contains high concentrations of levodopa [which is a direct precursor of dopamine] however with prolonged use, I would suggest adding 5-HTP to counteract tyrosine-mediated serotonin-depletion, but it might be a better idea to just keep the experiment short & sweet.

Additionally, I would suggest adding epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as it will inhibit the peripheral clearance of dopamine by Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), which in turn increases levodopa's entry into the brain and subsequent conversion to dopamine.

~

[smart (OP)]

What do you think about taking L-tyrosine supplements?

It is a dopamine precursor and probably safer than 5-HTP.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosine#Precursor_to_neurotransmitters_and_hormones

[exothermic]

What do you think about taking L-tyrosine supplements?

It is a dopamine precursor and probably safer than 5-HTP

Avoid prolonged-administration of 5-HTP, levodopa, and/or tyrosine as standalone supplements.

Prolonged 5-HTP-administration depletes dopamine concentrations.

Prolonged levodopa-administration depletes serotonin concentrations.

Prolonged tyrosine-administration depletes serotonin concentrations.

Like I said.... tread lightly.... keep it short & sweet, and see how it goes.

~

[smart (OP)]

Prolonged tyrosine-administration depletes serotonin concentrations.

If you're referring to MDMA-induced serotonin depletion, I will safely ignore your warning, because I'm not taking this drug. The only thing I'm using right now besides a ACE inhibitor is vitamin D, which is a precursor to serotonin synthesis.

See:  http://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/1/290.short

[exothermic]

If you're referring to MDMA-induced serotonin depletion, I will safely ignore your warning

No.... I'm not.

I am referring to precisely what I stated --> prolonged tyrosine-administration depletes serotonin concentrations.

Numerous studies published since 2009 document the need to administer serotonin amino acid precursors simultaneously in proper balance with dopamine precursors in order to prevent depletion (Figures 1 and ​and22).2-15

Specific examples of a dominant monoamine depleting a nondominant monoamine and/or amino acid precursor are listed here and illustrated in Figure 2.

• 5-HTP may deplete dopamine.33-37

• l-tryptophan may deplete dopamine.35

• l-dopa may deplete serotonin.2-15,38-42

• l-dopa may deplete l-tryptophan.42

• l-dopa may deplete l-tyrosine.42

• l-dopa may deplete sulfur amino acids.4,6,43-45

• l-tyrosine may deplete serotonin.46,47

• l-tyrosine may deplete 5-HTP.47

• l-tyrosine may deplete sulfur amino acids.4,6,43-45

• Sulfur amino acids may deplete dopamine.48

• Sulfur amino acids may deplete serotonin.49