Good article. The only caution I'd give you is that DL-phenylalanine raises your blood pressure so be sure and keep an eye on it if you decide to try it. It and L-tyrosine are both stimulating so be sure and take them early enough in the day so they don't impact your sleep. DL-phenylalanine is used in pain clinics as dopamine helps block pain. L-tyrosine stimulates the thyroid and helps control anxiety.

Thanks for your knowledgeable comments. i knew I could count on you!

Since my bp is always low normal, I will keep an eye on it, but not worry unduly. Of course, all in due time. I can't afford to keep buying stuff! ack

Have you ever checked out vitacost.com? Their housebrand NSI is very reasonably priced and we've done very well on it. I think their DL-phenylalanine is only about $20 for a bottle of 300 500mg capsules. They also sell most major brands at a substanial discount.

Thanks! I have compared them to my own favorite site, Lucky Vitamin and their prices are comparable, however, Vitacost's house brand comes in far cheaper. I'll remember that when I am able to make an order!

I like Lucky Vitamin because they carry the "women's hygiene" product brand I use. :-)

I just came across these posts. Thank you both. As soon as I can I will try both the DL-phenylalanine, and the L-tyrosine. I need to look into prices myself. So it may take me some time before I can get it started. Thank you Nancy for starting the post. And thank you Hayley for the info on each of the supplements. Wish me luck in the hopes that this works. If you are reading this for the first time as well, I hope it works for you too.
Blessings and hugs
Cathy

P.S. I like you Nancy have low to normal B.P. But I will keep my eyes on that. As should anyone trying this out.

Interesting article. I like that it lists food sources. Thanks for the info.

I've kinda been on the same quest. Did you know singing increases dopamine? So does gambling and shopping...

I am not a DOC - DUH obviously - BUT- I wanted to mention a supplement that some may want to research for themselves OR comment on if you have tried it.

Its called "Dopabean." If you are interested in the "Dopamine" aspect ... this may be something to look into...

The others that have been mentioned already - I agree - they are all worth looking into... for sure.

* DopaBEAN* like the bean.

"Mucuna pruriens, commonly known as Velvet Bean, has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic system in India for thousands of years."

I got DOPA Mucuna from Swansonsvitamins.com

We'll see.

I just started it too. and of course, at the minimal recommended dose. So.. hard to say. lladyfairhair, do you use it? Any comments?

Is this any different than what was dicussed in the earlier posts. Because this says for mood when you go to the web site. When Hayley was talking about the DL-phenylalanine supplement, she said it is used in pain clinics for pain. I'm sorry, I know mood is important, but my biggest problem is the pain that I'm in. I'm am in constant pain, and I need to get something to help that aspect of my fibro. We all want better moods, but I don't seem to have that big of a problem with that. Not like I do with the pain. So I want to know is this good for that? Thanks
Cathy

from Dr. Wood's research paper, available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17610577
"The disrupted dopaminergic reactivity in fibromyalgia patients could be a critical factor underlying the widespread pain and discomfort in fibromyalgia and suggests that the therapeutic effects of dopaminergic treatments for this intractable disorder should be explored."

I'm def not taking it for mood. It's supposed to help modulate pain. With decreased levels of dopamine, there is no "filter" on your senses, hence more pain. Theory, but well~founded.

Thank you for posting this.I am in luck.I happen to like all the food on the list.This will be a piece of cake(pun intended)..........Cheryl

Hey Cheryl maybe that's the answer.........eat my way into wellness. LOL Love your pun. :-)
Cathy

Thanks for the post! Hmmm....What with epilepsy and meds, I wonder how messed up my brain neurochemistry already is... Something else to ask the neuro. Cheers!
Leo