The present invention encompasses methods for inhibiting TNF-alpha expression with N-substituted dopamine derivatives. In this method a cell is administered a pharmaceutically effective amount of N-acetyl dopamine derivatives or N-alkyldopamine derivatives and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for treating a cell, preferably in an animal or human suffering from overexpression or abundant TNF-alpha. The N-acetyldopamine derivative or N-alkyldopamine derivatives may be administered alone or in combination with N-acetylserotonin (NAS) or other compound to inhibit TNF-alpha expression. Also disclosed is a method of treating a TNF-alpha related disease and/or disorder using such a compound.