Posted by Mitch on August 7, 2001, at 23:53:08
In reply to Re: phenyalanine-DA precursor » Mitch, posted by MB on August 7, 2001, at 19:29:04
> > > > 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
poster:Mitch
thread:73549
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74081.html