What are NDRIs?

What are NDRIs?

• A. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain.
• B. Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors used for depression and smoking cessation.
• C. Nicotinic receptor antagonists.
• D. N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists.

Answer: (B)

NDRIs are medications that block the reuptake of two neurotransmitters—norepinephrine and dopamine—into neurons. By inhibiting the NET and DAT transporters, they raise the levels of NE and dopamine in the brain, which helps improve mood and energy in depression and can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. The best-known example is bupropion, used for depression and as a smoking-cessation aid. Because they boost NE and dopamine rather than serotonin, NDRIs tend to have a different side-effect profile (often less sexual dysfunction than SSRIs) but can cause insomnia or activation and carry a seizure risk at higher doses, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. They are not anti-inflammatory drugs, nicotinic receptor antagonists, or NMDA receptor antagonists, which are different mechanisms of action.

NDRIs are medications that block the reuptake of two neurotransmitters—norepinephrine and dopamine—into neurons. By inhibiting the NET and DAT transporters, they raise the levels of NE and dopamine in the brain, which helps improve mood and energy in depression and can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. The best-known example is bupropion, used for depression and as a smoking-cessation aid. Because they boost NE and dopamine rather than serotonin, NDRIs tend to have a different side-effect profile (often less sexual dysfunction than SSRIs) but can cause insomnia or activation and carry a seizure risk at higher doses, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. They are not anti-inflammatory drugs, nicotinic receptor antagonists, or NMDA receptor antagonists, which are different mechanisms of action.