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What is Octopamine?

L. Roux
L. Roux

Octopamine is a biogenic amine that is mostly use to support fat loss. It is derived from tyramine, a natural amino acid that may also be found in various foods such as tomatoes and liver. It was discovered in 1948 and is also known as β, 4-dihydroxyphenethylamine or norsynephrine.

It is believed that octopamine helps to break down fat cells in the body, and it has thus been used in many fat-loss products. Another benefit of this ingredient is that it is less likely to lose its effectiveness over longer periods of time. This is significant, because most stimulants used in fat burner products may lose their effectiveness within the first few weeks. Research is still being conducted to support these claims.

Octopamine may facilitate fat loss.
Octopamine may facilitate fat loss.

Octopamine has also been known to increase the body's metabolism, resulting in the burning of calories. It also supports the insulin secretion and sensitivity. This may also cause a reduction in the symptoms of diabetes patients. It may be able to reduce appetite as well, although researchers have not been able to provide supporting evidence for this.

Medical researchers are studying the use of octopamine as a weight-loss supplement.
Medical researchers are studying the use of octopamine as a weight-loss supplement.

It is also used as a sympathomimetic drug to help treat low blood pressure and heart disease. It may help to stimulate the release of catecholamines, which are hormones like adrenaline that help the body to deal with stress. These hormones form part of the sympathetic nervous system of the body.

It is suggested that octopamine may prevent the breakdown of protein for energy. This may be an important factor for bodybuilders and fitness athletes that want to prevent muscle loss while dieting. This may lead to successful fat loss without compromising muscle tissue.

Octopamine may help treat low blood pressure.
Octopamine may help treat low blood pressure.

Octopamine is also a beta3 adrenergic agonist. This means that it can successfully activate the body's beta3 receptors; these receptors are involved in almost all metabolic processes and may also cause fat loss. Octopamine is different than most other components, as it only activates these beta3 receptors—all of the other receptors remain unaffected, which significantly increases the body's ability to burn fat.

The primary side effect of octopamine is an increase in blood pressure, so patients taking the drug should monitor their vital statistics closely.
The primary side effect of octopamine is an increase in blood pressure, so patients taking the drug should monitor their vital statistics closely.

The only significant side effect that might occur as a result of using octopamine is an increase in blood pressure. This, however, has only been reported in a small amount of individuals. In general, octopamine is believed to be very safe. The recommended daily dosage for octopamine may vary between products, and it is best for individuals to follow the instructions that are provided with the supplement for best results.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

I took octopamine for a while when I was bodybuilding. It didn't seem to make much of a difference first, but I started with a low dose (200mg) and increased it over time to almost 1000mg. It might be too much for some people, but it worked well for me.

As the dose went up, I started seeing more and more difference with my body. I know it was the octopamine because I didn't take any other supplements or change my training/diet in any way in that time frame. It helped me get rid of my excess fat and build up more muscle. My body was the leanest it has ever been. I stopped taking it because it was getting way too expensive.

bear78

@ddljohn-- Of course, you should always check with your doctor about taking any new supplements, especially since you have several health issues you are dealing with.

I'm not a doctor but my brother is a pharmacist and I've asked him about octopamine before. If I remember correctly, he told me that it doesn't accumulate in the body. The excess is thrown out by urine. He also showed me several weight loss supplements that contained octopamine and it was only one of multiple ingredients.

So depending on which brand it is, the amount of octopamine in weight loss supplements will not be very much. I think this is a safe amount for most people who don't have any health conditions and risks. But for someone who is already on various medications and supplements, there is no guarantee about how it would interact with those medicines.

When it comes to any supplement, it's best to treat it as medicine and be extra cautious with it. I do think that octopamine is safer than many other weight loss/body building supplements because it is derived from natural compounds. Still, you should check with your doctor.

ddljohn

I'm trying to lose weight and I was very excited to hear about octopamine because I have type 2 diabetes. My body produces enough insulin but my cells are not sensitive enough to them. I read on many weight loss forums that this is a really beneficial supplement to take and aids weight loss. So I thought that I could not only lose weight but also improve my blood sugar levels with it.

But after reading here that it increases blood pressure, I don't think it would be safe for me. I have high blood pressure and take medication regularly for it.

Even if it doesn't increase my blood pressure a lot, I think that octopamine accumulates in the body. So this means that even if I quit taking octopamine after a few days, it will continue to affect my body and my blood pressure, right?

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    • Octopamine may facilitate fat loss.
      By: jedi-master
      Octopamine may facilitate fat loss.
    • Medical researchers are studying the use of octopamine as a weight-loss supplement.
      By: Lovrencg
      Medical researchers are studying the use of octopamine as a weight-loss supplement.
    • Octopamine may help treat low blood pressure.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Octopamine may help treat low blood pressure.
    • The primary side effect of octopamine is an increase in blood pressure, so patients taking the drug should monitor their vital statistics closely.
      By: Wellford Tiller
      The primary side effect of octopamine is an increase in blood pressure, so patients taking the drug should monitor their vital statistics closely.