Question 1

what happenes when the brain is exosed to too much norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine (ne) is a sympathomimetic catecholamine that is synthesized in the adrenal medulla, in sympathetic neuron terminals, and in the brainstem and pons.  Along with serotonin and dopamine, norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the brain.  "too much" could lead to activation &anxiety.  It may enhance some types of aggression in animals, plus impulsivity and episodic violence in humans.

Question 2

what is norepinephrine ?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine (ne) is a sympathomimetic catecholamine that is synthesized in the adrenal medulla, in sympathetic neuron terminals, and in nuclei in the brainstem and pons. One of the largest of these is in the locus coeruleus.   Along with serotonin and dopamine, norepinephrine serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain.  Antidepressants effect these in various ways, providing different results.

Question 3

how does  norepinephrine work?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter: Norepinephrine (ne) is a molecule used to carry signals to organs in the body. Ne is present throughout the body including the heart, blood vesssels and brain. Ne work with certain adrenergic receptors. Outside of the brain, ne primarily cause blood pressure to increase. Ne can be given intravenously to support blood pressure. In the brain, it is thought to effect attention and emotion.

Question 4

can you get norepinephrine levels checked? if so how?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Generally checked in blood &/or urine; byproducts of nor-epi are generally checked & 24 hour test may be needed.  The levels in blood and urine don't necessary reflect levels in the brain.  Checking levels in the brain would call for a spinal tap and not performed in routine practice.  Unless looking to diagnose pheochromocytoma, no other medical reasons are indicated for checking nor-epi levels.

Question 5

what is the appropriate dosage range for levophed (norepinephrine)?

Accepted Answer

See below: Levophed’s dosing is variable, depends on the condition treated, and may itself change depending the reference or guideline you consult). A common treatment is for low blood pressure/shock, 0.1-0.5 mcg/kg/minute, adjusted to desired pressure response. An older approach some still use is flat dosing (without regard to patient weight) of 8-12mcg/minute to start and a maintenance dose of 2-4mcg/min.

Question 6

why norepinephrines cause sexual side effects?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine and some other neurotransmitter can have side effects because of their inherent pharmocokinetics...Or how they work.  If you have side effect, discuss other options with your physician.

Question 7

what are the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine ?

Accepted Answer

Catecholamines: Behavior is much more complex than neurotransmitter levels alone.  But norepinephrine (ne) acts mainly in an area of your brainstem called the locus coeruleus. When released, ne triggers the stress response. Ne is also involved in pain, cognition, mood, emotions, movement and blood pressure. Dopamine is involved in regulating mood, pleasure, delusions, psychosis and drug abuse -- and more.

Question 8

what anti-depressants out there contain norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

None: Nothing marketed as an antidepressant contains norepinephrine.  This would dissipate almost immediately when taken into the body ; have no effect on depression.  However, a number of antidepressants increase the amount or effect of existing norepinephrine at nerve synapses.  These include tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, Effexor (venlafaxine), Remeron (mirtazapine) (mirtazepine),  Cymbalta (duloxetine), ; others.

Question 9

why should norepinephrine be given only by central line?

Accepted Answer

To avoid necrosis: of the skin and subcutaneous tissues in the event of accidental extravasation, i.e. injection of medicine outside of the vein due to very potent vasoconstrictive effect of the drug that can lead to a prolonged spasm of the blood vessels.

Question 10

is there difference between norepinephrine vs. dopamine?

Accepted Answer

Catecholamines: These are both catecholamines, synthesized from the Amino Acid tyrosine.   Norepinephrine (ne) acts mainly in an area of your brainstem called the locus coeruleus -- triggering the stress response. Ne is also involved in pain, cognition, mood, emotions, movement and blood pressure. Dopamine is involved in regulating mood, pleasure, delusions, psychosis and drug abuse -- and more.

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Too much norepinephrine

A member asked:

What happenes when the brain is exosed to too much norepinephrine?

A member asked:

What is norepinephrine ?

A member asked:

How does norepinephrine work?

A member asked:

Can you get norepinephrine levels checked? if so how?

A member asked:

What is the appropriate dosage range for levophed (norepinephrine)?

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Why norepinephrines cause sexual side effects?

A member asked:

What are the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine ?

A member asked:

What anti-depressants out there contain norepinephrine?

A member asked:

Why should norepinephrine be given only by central line?

A member asked:

Is there difference between norepinephrine vs. dopamine?

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