Dopamine supplementation to relieve abdominal pain

[Broken Doll]

My Integrative Gastroenterologist prescribed a dopamine supplement (Dopaboost) to relieve the chronic abdominal pain I’ve suffered with for years. She believes my system is overstimulated because I take a drug for orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure).

Has anybody any experience with taking dopamine supplementation? Can it really override a broken central nervous system to regulate the body?
I found a few articles suggesting dopamine regulated musculoskeletal control and could be a solution for Parkinson’s patients. Another, suggested that taking drugs like Midodrine/Dexedrine over an extended period of time will lower your body’s dopamine level.

I’m very sensitive to drugs and supplements. After taking only one capsule of the Dopaboost, I was miserable for almost 3 days with gas, bloating, blurry eyes, and a general feeling of yuckiness. I would gladly give it a try if it meant my body would be more regulated and to eliminate my blood pressure stimulant medication, but not if the dopamine supplement is going to be ineffective. Passing out and dizziness is too miserable.

And, is there enough of a connection to establish a relief in abdominal pain associated with diversion colitis and trapped gas. If there was benefit to dopamine supplementation, I will give it a try. However, I’m not confident it applies to spinal cord injury.

If you have some anecdotal stories on Dopamine, I would like to hear them.

[C1Jeff]

I'd also be interested because I have dealt with severe abdominal pain for years using opioid pain medication.

[Broken Doll]

You think the opioids cause your pain? Are you taking opioids now for pain or is the pain associated with past use? I had a big surgery awhile back and had opioid meds then.

[SCI-Nurse]

My Integrative Gastroenterologist prescribed a dopamine supplement (Dopaboost) to relieve the chronic abdominal pain I’ve suffered with for years. She believes my system is overstimulated because I take a drug for orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure).

Has anybody any experience with taking dopamine supplementation? Can it really override a broken central nervous system to regulate the body?
I found a few articles suggesting dopamine regulated musculoskeletal control and could be a solution for Parkinson’s patients. Another, suggested that taking drugs like Midodrine/Dexedrine over an extended period of time will lower your body’s dopamine level.

I’m very sensitive to drugs and supplements. After taking only one capsule of the Dopaboost, I was miserable for almost 3 days with gas, bloating, blurry eyes, and a general feeling of yuckiness. I would gladly give it a try if it meant my body would be more regulated and to eliminate my blood pressure stimulant medication, but not if the dopamine supplement is going to be ineffective. Passing out and dizziness is too miserable.

And, is there enough of a connection to establish a relief in abdominal pain associated with diversion colitis and trapped gas. If there was benefit to dopamine supplementation, I will give it a try. However, I’m not confident it applies to spinal cord injury.

If you have some anecdotal stories on Dopamine, I would like to hear them.

Call the physician back and ask to be put on a lower dose at first. Your body may have to get used to this sudden increase in dopamine. I have never seen this used before, but I've been retired 6 years now so things may have changed. (KLD)

[Broken Doll]

Thank you. I have a visit scheduled next week and an upcoming colonoscopy Haven’t had onc since my colostomy surgery in 2019. Hope to find relief from the diversion colitis because I feel that’s my source of pain.

[baldfatdad]

have you been checked for a low grade/level infection in you gut?

[Broken Doll]

No I’ve never even heard of a gut infection before. However, my GI also prescribed flucuzone (Diflucan) anti fungal with the dopamine. I haven’t picked it up yet because I didn’t think I had a yeast infection and wasn’t sure why she wanted me ro take it.

[SCI-Nurse]

You need to call the doctor now and get specific instructions on which med to start first. Everyone has yeast in their intestinal tract but too much can be a problem. Also I never recommend starting 2 meds at the same time. Side effects and effectiveness are difficult to determine which caused symptoms-Good or bad. If she wanted to wait for colonoscopy to start something, she would have waited. Medications such as Midodrine can cause problems. Support hose and abdominal advisor still the best choice , especially after 1 year post injury. I know difficult to put on but only take when these don’t work. Not TED hose but support hose (while out of bed) those with 30 -40 mm/hg pressure. Especially for those that also have AD. CWO

[baldfatdad]

i had a low grade infection that for years was diagnosed as all kinds of other things. when it finally was found (by a med student, i played basketball with) it cured my incontinence problem.

[SCI-Nurse]

I wonder what the new studies are regarding this treatment?

dopamine is for tremors or restless leg syndrome - yes mostly with parkinson's dz - very potent medication

Another thought - You could use other measures instead midodrine to manage your hypotension? I would work with your PCP on this (compression stockings, abdominal binder etc) then wean off the midodrine, monitor your BP and see if abd pain symptoms subside.

SCI-Nursepbr