Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are a type of drug that act upon the central nervous system (CNS) to increase the amount of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons.

Mechanism of Action

NRIs work by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter (NET), a protein that removes norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft between neurons. This increases the amount of norepinephrine available to bind to norepinephrine receptors, which can lead to increased neuronal activity.

Uses

NRIs are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety disorders. They can also be used to treat chronic pain and certain types of urinary incontinence.

Side Effects

Common side effects of NRIs include insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, and increased heart rate. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects such as hypertension or cardiac arrhythmia.

Examples

Examples of NRIs include atomoxetine, reboxetine, and viloxazine. These drugs are all classified as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRI), meaning they primarily affect the reuptake of norepinephrine rather than other neurotransmitters.

See Also

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
• Dopamine reuptake inhibitor