Published : 2026-10-19

Dopamine: hormone of happiness or source of disease?

Oguzhan Koçer

İmran Uysal

Musa Türkmen

Şevket Sümer

İrem Oğuz-Uysal

Abdullah Ozan Polat

Emre Sevindik

Ali Erdem Şabik

Hasan Akgül

Mustafa Sevindik

Abstract

Dopamine, a critical neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, plays a vital role in regulating physiological and psychological processes, including reward mechanisms, motivation, motor control, and cognitive functions. Imbalances in dopamine levels are associated with various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review comprehensively examines dopamine's biosynthesis, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, and its impact on hormonal regulation and health. Dopamine's synthesis from tyrosine involves key enzymes, and its effects are mediated through dopamine receptors (D1-like [D1, D5] and D2-like [D2, D3, D4]), as well as adrenergic receptors, depending on the dosage. Low doses induce renal and mesenteric vasodilation, while higher doses stimulate cardiac contractility and systemic vasoconstriction. However, dopamine's pharmacokinetics exhibit significant interindividual variability, influenced by factors such as renal and hepatic function, complicating its clinical use. Dopamine also modulates hormonal release, including prolactin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, and plays a role in conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. During pregnancy, dopamine regulates placental function, fetal development, and maternal hemodynamics, though its use requires caution due to potential fetal risks. This review highlights the need for personalized dosing strategies and further research to optimize dopamine's therapeutic applications while minimizing adverse effects. In addition, a clear distinction is made between physiological dopamine signaling and therapeutic dopamine administration, particularly in terms of pharmacokinetics and dosing considerations. This study is designed as a narrative review based on peer-reviewed literature indexed in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on dopamine. Advances in receptor-selective therapeutic strategies, along with ongoing challenges related to optimal dosing and safety profiles, highlight the need for more precise and individualized approaches in dopamine-based treatments across neurological, psychiatric, and critical care settings.

Keywords:

Dopamine, Neurotransmitter, Central nervous system, Pregnancy, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic applications


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Koçer, O., Uysal, İmran, Türkmen, M., Sümer, Şevket, Oğuz-Uysal, İrem, Polat, A. O., … Sevindik, M. (2026). Dopamine: hormone of happiness or source of disease?. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 24(4), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.928

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Editorial Team
Stefana Banacha 1
02-097 Warsaw, Poland
biuletynfarmacji@wum.edu.pl
Publisher:
Medical University of Warsaw
ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61
02-091 Warszawa

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