I keep reading all these recreational drugs increase dopamine – the ‘feel good’ drug in the brain. So why is just injecting dopamine itself not a thing?

Question

I keep reading all these recreational drugs increase dopamine – the ‘feel good’ drug in the brain. So why is just injecting dopamine itself not a thing?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Injecting dopamine will not work as dopamine will not cross the blood-brain-barrier. L-Dopa which is a precursor of dopamine is injected into the body as it can cross the blood-brain-barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is commonly used in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.