This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Article

Norepinephrine Involvement in Antidepressant Action

Alan Frazer, PhD

Published: August 30, 2000

Article Abstract

Because of the introduction and popularity of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants,much attention was centered on the indolealkylamine 5-hydroxytryptamine, or serotonin. Tosome extent, this focus on serotonin occurred at the expense of the catecholamine neurotransmitter norepinephrine.Nevertheless, it has been apparent for almost 40 years that selective blockers of norepinephrinereuptake may be antidepressants (e.g., desipramine). This brief review covers the acute pharmacologiceffects that may be responsible for the efficacy of currently marketed antidepressants as well as thatof reboxetine, a newly developed selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Also discussed is the factthat the acute pharmacologic profile of selective reuptake inhibitors often predicts effects they producewhen given long term. For example, the long-term administration of SSRIs produces certain effects onserotonergic systems, but not noradrenergic ones. By contrast, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,when given long term, modify certain noradrenergic parameters, but not serotonergic indices. Finally,it is speculated how drugs that enhance central noradrenergic transmission might ameliorate thesymptoms of depression.


Some JCP and PCC articles are available in PDF format only. Please click the PDF link at the top of this page to access the full text.

Related Articles

Volume: 61

Quick Links: Depression (MDD)