Octopamine

Octopamine is an organic chemical closely related to norepinephrine and structurally similar to synephrine and tyramine. It is a member of the phenylethanolamines and tyramines. In invertebrates, octopamine functions as a major neurotransmitter involved in learning and behavior. In mammals (including humans), it acts as a trace amine found endogenously in the brain where it interacts with catecholaminergic signaling pathways. Octopamine exerts adrenergic effects primarily by acting as an agonist at beta-3 adrenergic receptor in adipocytes (fat cells), stimulating lipolysis; it has much lower affinity for mammalian alpha- or beta-adrenergic receptors compared to norepinephrine[5][7]. It has been studied experimentally as a sympathomimetic agent for hypotension but is not widely used clinically due to limited efficacy data[4][5]. Octopamine has also been promoted as a nootropic and weight loss aid; however, there is no strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for these uses[4]. All enantiomers of octopamine are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to their stimulant properties[1][3][4].

Brand names

EpirenorNordenNorfen

Other names

octopaminep-octopaminepara-octopaminenorsynephrine