Monoamine reuptake inhibitor

Monoamine reuptake inhibitor (MRI) is a type of drug that acts on the neurotransmitter system in the brain. These drugs inhibit the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, which include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This results in an increase in the extracellular concentrations of these neurotransmitters and therefore an increase in neurotransmission.

Mechanism of action

Monoamine reuptake inhibitors work by binding to the transporter proteins that monoamines use to re-enter the neuron after they have been released into the synaptic cleft. By inhibiting this reuptake, they increase the amount of neurotransmitter available in the synaptic cleft, which can lead to increased neurotransmission.

Types of MRIs

There are several types of monoamine reuptake inhibitors, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which primarily affect serotonin reuptake.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which affect the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), which affect the reuptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which affect the reuptake of multiple neurotransmitters.

Uses

Monoamine reuptake inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can also be used in the treatment of chronic pain and certain neurological disorders.

Side effects

Like all drugs, monoamine reuptake inhibitors can have side effects. These can include nausea, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. In rare cases, they can also lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

See also

• Monoamine neurotransmitter
• Neurotransmitter transporter
• Neurotransmission

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