Strattera (Atomoxetine) is a relatively well-known NRI (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) that is commonly used for the treatment of ADHD. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, thereby increasing extracellular levels. This tends to result in a stimulating effect, which boosts overall cortical activity and helps improve cognitive function among those …
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is a drug that was approved for the treatment of major depression in 2007. It functions as an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and increases extracellular levels of two neurotransmitters. In addition to treating depression, it is also being investigated as a non-hormonal approach to treating menopause. This drug is considered very similar to …
Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs) are drugs that function by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. This leads to increased neural concentrations of these activating neurotransmitters, resulting in increased stimulation of the central nervous system. Certain NDRIs inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine to a greater extent than dopamine (and vice versa). Others may have …
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (NRIs) are drugs that function primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and/or epinephrine (adrenaline). Inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine tends to elicit stimulating effects, thereby increasing both cortical arousal and energy levels. The NRI drugs are typically prescribed to individuals that may benefit from increased arousal such as …
Brain zaps are commonly reported electrical shock sensations that are often experienced during discontinuation of antidepressant medications. Other common names for brain zaps include: brain shivers, electrical shocks, and brain shocks. People often describe them as feeling electrical current uncontrollably zapping their brains, which can be extremely frightening and uncomfortable. A person experiencing these zaps …
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) were developed in the 1950s as a way to treat depression with chemical compounds. These drugs are known for their specific chemical structure consisting of three rings of atoms, hence being referred to as “tri”-cyclic. Tricyclics were developed after researchers began exploring derivatives of the first typical antipsychotic medication Thorazine. Experimentation with derivatives …
There is a newer class of antidepressant drugs called Triple Reuptake Inhibitors (TRI’s or SNDRI drugs) being developed that target all major neurotransmitters involved in depression: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The thought process behind the creation of this new class of triple reuptake inhibitors is that they will target all three major neurotransmitters that are thought …