Norepinephedrine

Certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are associated with depression, including the neurotransmitters serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin) and norepinephrine (nor-ep-ih-NEF-rin). Research suggests that abnormalities in neurotransmitter activity can affect mood and behavior.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication that increases the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reabsorption into cells. Although the precise mechanism of action isn't clear, it's thought that these increased levels enhance neurotransmission - the sending of nerve impulses - and thereby improve and elevate mood. Medications in this group are sometimes known as dual reuptake inhibitors.

Here are the SNRIs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat depression, with their generic names followed by available brand names in parentheses:

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)

As with certain other antidepressants, venlafaxine is available in an immediate-release form that requires two or three doses a day and in an extended release (XR) form that allows you to take it just once a day. This can help reduce nausea.

However, Side effects of SNRIs may be:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Abnormal dreams
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Yawning
• Tremor
• Gas
• Anxiety or agitation
• Abnormal vision, such as blurred vision or double vision
• Headache

Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)

Depression can occur if some of the neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages between nerve cells) in the brain are not functioning effectively. Released by one part of nerve cells, the neurotransmitters float across the synapse (the space between nerve cells) to stick on specific places known as receptors on other cells. Occupying the receptors activates the second nerve cell to release additional neurotransmitters that keep the message going along the nervous system. Once they have delivered their messages, neurotransmitters are either broken down by enzymes or taken back into the nerves in a process known as reuptake.

The three main neurotransmitters involved in depression are dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (also known as 5-HT). In Canada, Europe, and other areas of the world, norepinephrine is known as noradrenaline. When brain levels of one or more neurotransmitter are low or unbalanced, depression and other conditions can result. Generally, antidepressant drugs work by increasing the production or decreasing the breakdown of one or more neurotransmitter.

One of the newest classes of antidepressants, the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) affect both norepinephrine and serotonin. While low levels of both neurotransmitters are associated with depression, norepinephrine is thought to be involved more with alertness and energy, while serotonin influences mood. By increasing levels of both, SNRIs work on different aspects of depression. Just see good natural serotonin-pills.