Norepinephrine, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain and also works to constrict blood vessels. Doctors inject it to help regulate blood conditions or use medication to increase levels of the neurotransmitter to alter brain chemistry and improve moods for patients with mental disorders.
Depressive Moods
Certain antidepressant medications, called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in patients suffering from depression, according to MayoClinic.com. The brain normally absorbs serotonin and norepinephrine after the chemicals perform a function. The drugs interfere with the process to leave more serotonin and norepinephrine available, improving moods and behaviors for depression patients. Doctors often prescribe the reuptake inhibitors as a first treatment for people with moderate to severe depression. Drugs include venlafaxine and duloxetine. Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, or NDRIs, also improve moods and behavior for patients with depression. Bupropion, an NDRI, works for depression and as an anti-smoking medication. Antidepressants that strengthen norepinephrine action reduce depression symptoms but may not necessarily cure depression. Patients usually undergo therapy while taking the medication.
Anxiety
Increasing norepinephrine levels helps patients with anxiety disorder, particularly people with generalized anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. The mental illness causes people to worry excessively most days even about minor issues. They may become overly concerned about financial, health or job situations. The anxiety disorder can interfere with their family life, personal responsibilities and social activities. SNRIs help improve norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the body to help relieve anxiety. Doctors use the drugs venlafaxine and duloxetine. Anxiety patients also have help from therapy while taking the medication. Some patients may take the medication before seeing a therapist to have their conditions under control, so they can then focus on therapeutic ways to overcome their anxiety. The medication may take several weeks before full effects of the drugs take place for anxiety and depression patients.
Blood Pressure
Because norepinephrine is similar to adrenaline, it works to narrow the blood vessels to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, Drugs.com notes. People with certain medical conditions or who have undergone surgery may develop life-threatening low blood pressure. Norepinephrine injections help normalize blood pressure. Patients take the medication until their conditions improve, which may be for several days. Emergency personnel may use norepinephrine during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, when treating patients.
