People are using dopamine patches to combat low mood, but do they even work? A deep dive
I hate to be a Debbie downer but this one is just common sense
You’ve heard of nicotine patches and contraception patches – well apparently dopamine patches are a thing now.
People are sticking yellow patches on themselves hoping for “better mood and energy” in the newest wellness trend taking over TikTok. I’d never seen them before and I can’t help think they’re a new fad trying to cure low mood when most people just need a cup of tea and a long walk.
@kindpatches_us Not high cortisol, but low dopamine. Get our Dopamine patches for better mood and energy. #kindpatches #dopamine #supplement #kindpatches
The patches seem to work by “supporting dopamine and serotonin production” and you just stick them on your skin like a sticker. The four ingredients contain lion’s mane extract, mucuna purines extract, rhodiola extract, and 5 HTP, which is claimed to be good for the creation of serotonin.
You’re meant to wear the patches for eight hours, but some users have doubts on how well the patches work.
A pharmacist, Ethan, also gave his two pence on the matter, claiming that any changes in mood since using the sticker are likely just a placebo.
@millennialrx Pharmacist reacts: dopamine patches for mood 😳 No clinical proof they work + stopping your meds for them can be dangerous 🚫 #dopaminepatches #pharmacist #mentalhealth #medicationsafety #healthfacts #dopamine #millennialrx
Ethan debunked the common perception that these patches will change your life, saying: “That is not going to help with your mood. If anything, it is just a placebo.
“It’s crazy how many wellness influencers push this stuff that does not work and it’s just a scam. It has zero clinical evidence about it. No patch is gonna deliver that much serotonin or dopamine that is available over the counter as a ‘natural supplement.'”
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Whether they do actually work for some people or if they’re just a placebo, I think I’ll stick to my hot girl walk and emotional support Dairy Milk thanks.
Kind Patches was approached for comment.
Featured image via TikTok @katietts_ @creativehajra
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