Background

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.

Safety Safety definitions

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 & Warnings:

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for depression (MAOIs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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.

Stimulant drugs

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Octopamine might decrease blood pressure. Using it with other herbs and supplements that also have this effect might lower blood pressure too much. Some of these herbs and supplements include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, and others.
Herbs and supplements with stimulant properties: Stimulant herbs and supplements 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 herbs and supplements might cause serious problems including high blood pressure. Herbs and supplements with stimulant properties include ephedra, caffeine, and caffeine-containing supplements such as coffee, cola nut, guarana, and mate.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

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.