How is dopamine deactivated in the brain?

Greg Nigh is basically correct, with an interesting angle on estrogen that I was not aware of. I will add some further details highlighting why dopamine is a Jekyll-and-Hyde neurotransmitter, being both essential for cognition and emotion but also toxic when things go wrong. read more

Not all dopamine is destroyed after release at the synapse, it can also be recycled, first by the dopamine transporter (DAT) and then by uptake into vesicles, a process catalysed by vesicular monoaminergic transporter-2 (VMAT-2). read more

Eventually, dopamine levels are so low that the brain becomes completely dependent on the drug or activity of choice to stimulate the effects of dopamine – addicted. Since serotonin is suppressed, then one will also experience symptoms of low serotonin like compulsive overeating and depression. read more

Dopamine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it cannot be injected. L-DOPA does cross the barrier so it can be used. As a medication, dopamine increases the heart rate and blood pressure, so is used with caution. read more