Norepinephrine and Depression
Low levels of norepinephrine have been associated with low mood.
People with major depressive disorder — a serious medical condition that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts —may be prescribed a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which keep norepinephrine and serotonin from being reabsorbed and stored in nerve endings, per Mental Health America.
According to Mayo Clinic, commonly prescribed SNRIs include:
The most common side effects of SNRIs are nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and excessive sweating, per the Mayo Clinic. Other possible side effects include fatigue, constipation, insomnia, changes in sexual function, and loss of appetite. Sometimes children, teenagers, and young adults under age 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants.
SNRIs may increase your bleeding risk, particularly when you're taking other medications that also increase the risk of bleeding, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), aspirin, and blood thinners.
In rare cases, certain antidepressants can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. This typically occurs when two medications that raise serotonin are taken at the same time, such as other antidepressants, certain pain or headache medications, or St. John's wort.
Another group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants may also be prescribed to increase norepinephrine.
But these older drugs often cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain, notes Mental Health America.
