Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Norephinephrine?What Does Norepinephrine Do?Related ConditionsSNRIs for Mood DisordersCommon Side EffectsTypes of SNRIsHow to Increase Norephinephrine Levels

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Norephinephrine?

What Does Norepinephrine Do?

Related Conditions

SNRIs for Mood Disorders

Common Side Effects

Types of SNRIs

How to Increase Norephinephrine Levels

Close

Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is both a hormone and a brain neurotransmitter or chemical. Research suggests that norepinephrine Norepinephrine plays a role in mood, attention, and stress. Research also suggests that low norepinephrine levels in the brain can play a role in causing depression and other mood problems.

At a GlanceNorepinephrine plays an important part in how your body responds to stress, but it can also have a significant effect on your mood. When levels of this chemical are too low, you may experience symptoms of depression or other mood problems. Keep reading to look more about the effects of norepinephrine and how serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help relieve mood symptoms associated with low norepinephrine levels.

At a Glance

Norepinephrine plays an important part in how your body responds to stress, but it can also have a significant effect on your mood. When levels of this chemical are too low, you may experience symptoms of depression or other mood problems. Keep reading to look more about the effects of norepinephrine and how serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can help relieve mood symptoms associated with low norepinephrine levels.

Norepinephrine is mainly stored in the neurons (nerve cells) of thesympathetic nervous systemwith small amounts also stored in adrenal tissue, which lay on top of your kidneys.

Norepinephrine plays a role in attention and the body’sfight or flight response. When faced with a stressful situation, the chemicals are released, and the body enters a heightened state of readiness.

Hormones, including noradrenaline,cortisol, and adrenaline, are released, setting off a chain reaction in the body that prepares the individual to either flee or face the threat. Heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration increase.

In addition to its role in the fight-or-flight response, norepinephrine also has a crucial role in regulating mood and arousal levels.

Low levels of this chemical have been linked to symptoms such as reduced mood, decreased motivation, poor concentration, and low energy levels. Because of this, medications that help increase norepinephrine levels in the brain are often used to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

The Chemistry of Depression

Norephinephrine has been linked to several health conditions. The impact can vary depending on whether the levels are too high or too low.

Low levels of norepinephrine are associated with conditions such as:

On the other hand, high levels of norepinephrine may lead to problems such as anxiety, manic episodes in bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and nervousness.

Medications that inhibit thereuptakeof norepinephrine andserotonin(which is another neurotransmitter) are calledserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs). By inhibiting the reuptake of these two neurotransmitters, SNRIs essentially increase the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin helps regulate mood, anxiety, and other functions and norepinephrine helps mobilize the brain for action and can improve energy and attentiveness.

SNRIs have been found to be effective in treating mood disorders like depression, aspects of bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.SNRIs are also sometimes prescribed for chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

The SNRIs approved for use in major depression includeCymbalta(duloxetine),Effexor(venlafaxine), Fetzima (levomilnacipran), andPristiq(desvenlafaxine), but there are others approved for other illnesses as well.

Other medications that are used to modify norepinephrine activity include norepinephrine antagonists, beta-blockers, and amphetamines.

SNRIs may increase a person’s blood pressure, particularly at higher doses, so your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure if he prescribes one.

Side effects of SNRIs often go away after a couple of weeks, but if they don’t or they are particularly bothersome, be sure to contact your doctor. Some common side effects of SNRIs include:

Types of Norepinephrine Medications

Each of these SNRIs is a little bit chemically different from the others.

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

How Long Does Effexor Withdrawal Last?

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

In 2004, Cymbalta was the second SNRI to be approved in the United States. Because of the way it works, it has the highest number of FDA-approvals to treat illnesses, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, depression,generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and nerve pain.Like Effexor, Cymbalta also favors inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin over norepinephrine, but to a lesser degree.

Pristiq and Khedezla (Desvenlafaxine)

Pristiq, the third SNRI to be approved, has only been approved to treat major depression so far. Khedezla is an extended-release tablet.Chemically, they work very similarly to Cymbalta.

Savella (Milnacipran)

Fetzima (Levomilnacipran)

Norepinephrine is a major part of the body’s natural response to stress. Effective stress management helps keep norepinephrine levels in balance.

If you have a mild case of low norepinephrine levels, there are lifestyle changes you can make that may help increase the amount of this brain chemical in your body. Strategies that can help include:

If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or other problems, it is important to talk to your doctor. Medications can help rebalance your norepinephrine levels and improve your symptoms.

Keep in Mind

Depression can have many causes, but things like chronic stress and trauma can play a part in causing hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances. Taking steps to address these problems on your own can help, but medications that increase chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin can also help. Talk to your doctor about which treatments might be the most helpful for you.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How Reuptake Inhibitor Drugs Work

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mcintyre CK, Mcgaugh JL, Williams CL.Interacting brain systems modulate memory consolidation.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2012;36(7):1750-1762. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.11.001Gordan R, Gwathmey JK, Xie LH.Autonomic and endocrine control of cardiovascular function.World J Cardiol.2015;7(4):204-14. doi:10.4330/wjc.v7.i4.204Hussain L, Maani C. National Center For Biotechnology Information.Physiology, noradrenergic synapse.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, Clemenza K, Levine A.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057–1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al.Treatment for bipolar disorder in adults: a systematic review(Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;2018. doi:10.23970/AHRQEPCCER208U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Depression medicines.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Effexor[prescribing label].Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: A pharmacological comparison.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37–42.College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, National Alliance on Medical Illness.Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mcintyre CK, Mcgaugh JL, Williams CL.Interacting brain systems modulate memory consolidation.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2012;36(7):1750-1762. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.11.001Gordan R, Gwathmey JK, Xie LH.Autonomic and endocrine control of cardiovascular function.World J Cardiol.2015;7(4):204-14. doi:10.4330/wjc.v7.i4.204Hussain L, Maani C. National Center For Biotechnology Information.Physiology, noradrenergic synapse.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, Clemenza K, Levine A.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057–1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al.Treatment for bipolar disorder in adults: a systematic review(Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;2018. doi:10.23970/AHRQEPCCER208U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Depression medicines.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Effexor[prescribing label].Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: A pharmacological comparison.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37–42.College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, National Alliance on Medical Illness.Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mcintyre CK, Mcgaugh JL, Williams CL.Interacting brain systems modulate memory consolidation.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2012;36(7):1750-1762. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.11.001Gordan R, Gwathmey JK, Xie LH.Autonomic and endocrine control of cardiovascular function.World J Cardiol.2015;7(4):204-14. doi:10.4330/wjc.v7.i4.204Hussain L, Maani C. National Center For Biotechnology Information.Physiology, noradrenergic synapse.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, Clemenza K, Levine A.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057–1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al.Treatment for bipolar disorder in adults: a systematic review(Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;2018. doi:10.23970/AHRQEPCCER208U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Depression medicines.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Effexor[prescribing label].Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: A pharmacological comparison.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37–42.College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, National Alliance on Medical Illness.Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

Mcintyre CK, Mcgaugh JL, Williams CL.Interacting brain systems modulate memory consolidation.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2012;36(7):1750-1762. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.11.001

Gordan R, Gwathmey JK, Xie LH.Autonomic and endocrine control of cardiovascular function.World J Cardiol.2015;7(4):204-14. doi:10.4330/wjc.v7.i4.204

Hussain L, Maani C. National Center For Biotechnology Information.Physiology, noradrenergic synapse.

Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, Clemenza K, Levine A.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057–1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966

Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al.Treatment for bipolar disorder in adults: a systematic review(Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality;2018. doi:10.23970/AHRQEPCCER208

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Depression medicines.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Effexor[prescribing label].

Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: A pharmacological comparison.Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014;11(3-4):37–42.

College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, National Alliance on Medical Illness.Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

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