Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Can caffeine damage dopamine neurons in the same way that cocaine does?

ive recently read a study that was done that people who abuse cocaine have decreased levels of the protein vmat2 in their bloods suggesting damaged or impaired dopamine neuronal functioning. this means that cocaine users are less able to experience pleasure from activities other than cocaine and are more prone to depression. weather this was reversible was uncertain. since there are several similarities between caffeine and cocaine such as both being psychostimulants is it possible that caffeine may have the similar damaging effects on dopamine neurons? i am wondering because i am a heavy coffee drinker(around 250-300 mg daily).

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