DLPA, also known as D,L-phenylalanine, apparently a pain reliever with two forms of the amino acid phenylalanine.

Now, I've searched the net. Searched here on totse, Blue Light, Erowid, Opiophile, medical journals, etc. and all I'm getting is very basic anecdotal information. There is very little contradicting info though, so that seems to be a good sign.

The reason I'm so interested in this is because I have chronic back pain, and I may be losing my insurance at the end of the year. I'm currently prescribed Hydrocodone 10mg/500mg TID (three time a day) for my chronic back pain caused by an accident that broke several bones in my lower back (coccyx, sacrum, a common extra lumbar bone mutation I have, etc).

Anyhow, I'm going back to college next semester, and there is no way I can do this without adequate pain relief. My original plan (if I lost my insurance) was to purchase poppy pods and have a cup of poppy pod tea a day, and then use the seeds to plant my own, but that would get expensive very quick, and it would take too long for the pods to mature (Besides, I'm not very experienced with growing papaver somniferum). Personally I would rather have poppy tea than Hydrocodone (It may not give me the same "buzz" but it helps the pain better and it lasts a lot longer.)

Back on topic. I recently heard of DLPA, and yesterday I bought some at my local health food store. Basically, from what I've read, DLPA acts in a similar way that L-Dopa acts on Dopamine (a precursor) and SSRI's or SNRI's act on Serotonin and Noreprenephrine. As far as I can understand (I only know so much about pharmalogical matters) it acts as both a precursor to endorphins and also retards the enzymes that break down the endorphins and Noreprenephrine, slowling their reuptake.

I am currently taking 750 mg DLPA twice a day, however, most information I've read says it takes at least a week before you can notice any noticeable results. So basically I'm asking if anyone has had any experience with DLPA, or has a better understanding on how this amino acid works (if it does at all).

Thanks again all.

I take 1000mg once a day for a depression I sunk into after coming off opes. For pain relief you'll probably want to take it twice a day, so keep on keeping on.

I recommend taking at least 1000mg twice a day. You *MUST* take it on an empty stomach. MUST!

Never take more than 3g in 24 hours, taking upwards of 4g can cause permanent brain damage.

Also, it is EXTREMELY hydrophobic, so the pills won't work so well. I get Solgar gelcaps, and I empty the powder from the caps into my mouth, swirl it around until it is kind of colloidal, and swallow. One time I took the capsules whole, and around 3 hours later burped out a gigantic white cloud that smelled like phenyalanine. After that I started dissolving in my mouth hehe.

Also, if you get a good cardio workout going on for like 30 minutes, and then chill out, you'll get a really nice buzz. Like runners high on crack. Dead serious.

Even though I don't take it for pain, I have noticed my back pain has gone away since taking it. (although it wasn't nearly as severe as yours was)

However, in the case that this doesn't completely take care of your pain, it does a GREAT job at potentiating opiate analgesia. I usually don't notice much analgesia when I take oxy to get high, but shit, last time I took it with 1000mg DLPA my hands were fucking numb!

And yeah, it works pretty much the way you said it does.

Thanks for the info and advice NoWarning.

My one problem is the only form of dlpa the local health store carries is in tablet form. So what can I do to make it more effective? Crush the pills and try the colloidal route you mentioned?

Interesting you brought up the workout thing, as I am currently on an exercise regimen to not only boost my cardio, but to try to build up the muscles in my lower back (it seems to help stabilize my fucked up bones, lol) and will hopefully eventually relive some of the pain. So I will definitely have to try that. Do you take the DLPA before or after the cardio workout?

I'm also glad to hear that DLPA can potentiate opiates; because I just found out I can refill my script tomorrow (after some Insurance Company wrangling, which took foooorever).

Also, one more thing. Does it really take a week or so to take full effect? I've taken three 750mg tabs over the past 30 hours or so, I don't think I've noticed too much pain relief, but I do feel less "down". Is this as good as it gets at this dosage, or does it have to build up a bit first?

Thanks again man.

I am glad someone made this thread because I have been trying to do my own research on DPLA. (recently quit taking opes) But have been unsuccessful at finding anyone's personal experience with the drug.

I would crush them, yeah.

I like to take them in the morning, about an hour before breakfast, maybe with a small glass of fruit juice. I'll work out like a half hour after taking them, and then eat a nice big breakfast.

So yeah, take them on an empty stomach at least 45 minutes or so before you workout.

And it does take time to build up. You should be feeling full effects after about a week.

If you're on opiates for chronic pain, you will DEFINITELY want to be getting more dietary magnesium. My recommendation is 500-750mgs daily (three a day, spread out), you'll find them at the store for like $4/100pills. Just look up "NMDA antagonists and opiate analgesia" and you'll find that they prevent tolerance, something that you will find out fairly quickly. Magnesium is the body's natural NMDA antagonist, and is probably the cheapest one you can get.

Also, if you're taking that much acetaminophen a day, go to your local GNC and buy some stuff called NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine). It's a little pricier ($14/60pills), but it'll save your liver a lot of trouble. Or you could just CWE the pill to get the acetaminophen out to begin with.

As for long term/better solutions, pods are a great source of ...stuff... for the money you pay, if you know what you're doing. Why they're still legal-ish as opposed to outright banned is beyond me, but I'm thankful for this every day. Anywho, if you do an extraction on the pods and make a concentrated solution, you could keep it as a spray that you could inhale (like an athsma inhaler, but pump-spray based, not aerosol), if you're opposed to smoking it.

But, yea, I don't have anything to contribute about DLPA's painkilling properties, but I do know that I love it for a nice stim buzz. Just figured I'd add the above opiate tips.

N0 W4RN1NG,
Thanks again for your advice. I just crushed up a 750 mg DLPA tablet. I'll take your regimen advice with the working out as well. Hopefully in about 4 days I'll feel the full effects. Of course by that time I'll have my normal painkillers back, so hopefully I'll have such good analgesia, I'll be able to live a semblance of my once normal life. You have been a valuable source of info to me regarding this matter, and I greatly appreciate it.

Horselover Fat,
I'm glad this post has helped you in some way. Since we are in somewhat the same boat, I propose we "collaborate", share methods, see what works, doesn't work, that sort of thing. Let me know if you are interested.

hydroponichronic,
Hmmm, I've only heard of Proglumide as a substance that slows or halts opiate tolerance. I will have to try Magnesium though (My dad is a health freak; we have almost every herb, vitamin, mineral, amino acid supplement, etc. known to man). We currently have both liquid magnesium and Magnesium in tablet form, which form would you recommend? And would you take it before, or during opiate intake? Full stomach or empty? Sorry for all the questions, but you have intrigued me with this.

I'll also look into this N-Acetyl Cysteine, I have never heard of it, but I'll definitely read up on it.

And yeah, I have no idea how such a large loophole exists for opium poppy pods either, but I'm not complaining :D. Like I said earlier in the post, I'd much rather drink poppy tea than take pills. I plan to learn as much as I can about growing papaver somniferum, as I plan to buy as many pods as I can once I get enough discretionary income. I don't know much about extracting straight morphine, codeine, or thebaine from the pods, I'm not much of a chemist. Hell, I'd rather dry the pods out and make them into tea than slice the opium out of them and smoke it. Maybe that’s just me. But if you could describe your extraction method in layman’s terms to me, that'd be cool, lol.

And yes, I know the way I'm typing, it sorta sounds narcish, but the users who have known me since 2004 know I'm on the level. I'm just in a situation now where I'm requesting advice rather than giving it (it's usually the other way around), so I'm a bit out of my element (the mild withdrawals don't help much either).

Thanks to everyone for their advice and information, I appreciate it immensely.

hydroponichronic,
Hmmm, I've only heard of Proglumide as a substance that slows or halts opiate tolerance. I will have to try Magnesium though (My dad is a health freak; we have almost every herb, vitamin, mineral, amino acid supplement, etc. known to man). We currently have both liquid magnesium and Magnesium in tablet form, which form would you recommend? And would you take it before, or during opiate intake? Full stomach or empty? Sorry for all the questions, but you have intrigued me with this.
I use liquid, just because I find it to be cheaper, but if it's on someone else's dime, then just go with the pills (more accurate dose), they're only a few bucks more than the liquid (and in the stomach, they both become the same form of magnesium). As for full or empty, that's a question I don't know the answer to. I've been wondering that myself lately. Since magnesium is just an ion, unlike vitamins, it shouldn't matter when it's taken, but this is just me theorizing. As for when, I'd say take it with the ope because it should basify your stomach, possible aiding ingestion. Three a day opiates, three a day magnesium.
I'll also look into this N-Acetyl Cysteine, I have never heard of it, but I'll definitely read up on it.
The main thing to wonder if it's worth buying some (and this is why I said talk to your doctor) is how long are you going to be on the script opiates with acetaminophen, and if that dosage for that amount of time will cause any problems. Now that I think about it, it's only 1.5g of acet a day, so it might not be an issue, but ask anyway because I wouldn't know. Oh, and if you didn't already know, you can't drink while taking acetaminophen, because alc + acet = liver damage, so if you're hellbent on drinking during this time, you should definitely get some NAC.
And yeah, I have no idea how such a large loophole exists for opium poppy pods either, but I'm not complaining :D. Like I said earlier in the post, I'd much rather drink poppy tea than take pills. I plan to learn as much as I can about growing papaver somniferum, as I plan to buy as many pods as I can once I get enough discretionary income. I don't know much about extracting straight morphine, codeine, or thebaine from the pods, I'm not much of a chemist. Hell, I'd rather dry the pods out and make them into tea than slice the opium out of them and smoke it. Maybe that’s just me. But if you could describe your extraction method in layman’s terms to me, that'd be cool, lol.
I have no extraction method as of yet, but I've done considerable research and am planning on writing one. Give me some time to write it (a few days) and I'll post back here. BTW, the poppy loop hole ends when you start doing an extraction/plan to do an extraction, so ye best be careful.
And yes, I know the way I'm typing, it sorta sounds narcish, but the users who have known me since 2004 know I'm on the level. I'm just in a situation now where I'm requesting advice rather than giving it (it's usually the other way around), so I'm a bit out of my element (the mild withdrawals don't help much either).
Did I mention I don't condone or advise any activity, legal or illegal, whatsoever? 'Cause I don't...

In a study that compared four forms of magnesium preparations, results suggested lower bioavailability of magnesium oxide, with significantly higher and equal absorption and bioavailability of magnesium chloride and magnesium lactate

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp

Probably because Magnesium oxide was virtually insoluble in water and only 43% soluble in simulated peak acid secretion (http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/9/1/48).

A general rule: The less basic (and more soluble) your counterion, the more bioavailable the stuff is.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp

Probably because Magnesium oxide was virtually insoluble in water and only 43% soluble in simulated peak acid secretion (http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/9/1/48).

A general rule: The less basic (and more soluble) your counterion, the more bioavailable the stuff is.
I always thought the MgO +H2O--> Mg(OH)2 + gastric acid--> MgCl2 ? I know that Mg(OH)2 has shit for solubility, but I always figured it was converted due to continuing acid secretion. Oh well. Pill are still the best for ease of dosing. Another thing I have taken a liking to is mixing Milk of Magnesia in a 3:2 molar ratio with citric acid. (Ghettofide magnesium citrate). All the BA at a fraction of the price.

I always thought the MgO +H2O--> Mg(OH)2 + gastric acid--> MgCl2 ? I know that Mg(OH)2 has shit for solubility, but I always figured it was converted due to continuing acid secretion. Oh well. Pill are still the best for ease of dosing. Another thing I have taken a liking to is mixing Milk of Magnesia in a 3:2 molar ratio with citric acid. (Ghettofide magnesium citrate). All the BA at a fraction of the price.

Group 2 sulfates, oxides, and carbonates are not soluble, along with a variety of other compounds that I can't remember from gen chem. Ever try dissolving MgO in water? It doesn't work. Good thinking on the ghetto magnesium citrate; does the stuff dissolve easily?

Good thinking on the ghetto magnesium citrate; does the stuff dissolve easily?

Yup. Although, its supersaturation dynamics are some of the strangest I've ever seen in an ionic compound. When a solution is boiled, driving off a large quantity of water, then cooled, it has a consistency much like that of dried tree sap, or maybe almost like rubber cement. From some certain concentration, until it's anhydrous, it's a very bizarre, sticky, solid mess. Once dry, it has to be powdered, and produces very light fluffy crystals. In this state, it dissolves readily in water. Another interesting property of the stuff, is that it has little to no flavor. I expected it to taste strongly of nastiness, but I found it surprisingly palatable.