Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (pronounced as nor-ep-i-nef-rin doh-puh-meen ree-up-take in-hib-it-ors), often abbreviated as NDRIs, are a class of Pharmacological drugs that act upon the Central nervous system to increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine by inhibiting their reuptake into cells.

Etymology

The term "Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors" is derived from the names of the two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, whose reuptake into cells they inhibit. The term "reuptake inhibitor" refers to the mechanism of action of these drugs.

Mechanism of Action

NDRIs work by blocking the action of proteins called Transporter proteins, specifically the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and the dopamine transporter (DAT). These proteins normally remove norepinephrine and dopamine from the synaptic cleft between neurons, returning them to the neuron that released them, in a process called reuptake. By inhibiting this process, NDRIs increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine available to bind to receptors on other neurons. This is thought to result in increased neuronal activity, which can have various effects depending on the specific areas of the brain where these neurotransmitters are active.

Uses

NDRIs are used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Depression, and Narcolepsy. They are also used off-label for a variety of other conditions, such as Chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Examples

Examples of NDRIs include Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), and Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).

Side Effects

Like all drugs, NDRIs can have side effects. These can include insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, and increased heart rate. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects such as seizures.

See Also

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

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