Dopamine reuptake inhibitors

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DRIs) are a class of drugs that act on the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are primarily used in the treatment of disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and Parkinson's disease.

Mechanism of Action

DRIs work by blocking the action of the dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein that pumps dopamine out of the synaptic cleft and back into neurons. This increases the amount of dopamine available in the brain, which can help to alleviate symptoms of disorders associated with low dopamine levels.

Types of Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

There are several types of DRIs, including:

• Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (SDRIs), which specifically target the dopamine transporter.
• Non-selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors, which also block the reuptake of other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin.
• Dual dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), which block the reuptake of both dopamine and norepinephrine.

Uses

DRIs are used in the treatment of several disorders, including:

• ADHD: DRIs such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are commonly used to treat ADHD.
• Narcolepsy: DRIs can help to alleviate the excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.
• Parkinson's disease: By increasing dopamine levels, DRIs can help to alleviate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, DRIs can have side effects. These can include insomnia, anxiety, nausea, and increased heart rate. In rare cases, they can also cause psychosis or dependence.

See Also

• Dopamine
• Neurotransmitter
• Dopamine transporter
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Narcolepsy
• Parkinson's disease