It regulates numerous internal functions that keep your brain and body running efficiently.
This article explains the many important functions of norepinephrine, or NE.
This is your body’s main processing hub, so to speakwhere external and internal information gets interpreted.
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The CNS is able to communicate with your body because of nerve cells called neurons.
They communicate via chemical messengers orneurotransmitters.
Specialized neurons located within your brainstem and spinal cord, calledpostganglionicneurons, are among them.
These are the neurons that release norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is also produced in the inner part of youradrenal glandscalled the adrenal medulla.
When the body senses stress, your SNS signals your adrenal glands to release norepinephrine.
Other times, you may have no idea it’s even there.
Here’s a look at what norepinephrine does for you.
Low amounts of norepinephrine are always circulating in your system to keep these cycles stable.
Take being exposed to extreme cold, for example.
Your body knows that most of its heat is lost through your skin.
To keep you well, you better conserve whatever warmth you have.
To do that, your nerves release norepinephrine, which then binds to cell receptors in your skin.
Other types of threats trigger a different response.
This triggers your adrenal glands to pump norepinephrine.
As part of this response, norepinephrine increases:
Digestionand theimmune systemare treated as non-essential functions during this period.
NE shuts them down so that more energy can go to the functions needed to keep you safe.
Norepinephrine-Related Conditions
Healthcare providers don’t typically test norepinephrine levels during routine check-ups.
The normal norepinephrine range for a blood test is between 70 and 1700 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL).
The cause of the change in your NE levels may not be immediately clear to your healthcare provider.
In that case, they will need to investigate further by performing more tests based on your symptoms.
That said, they also have several symptoms in common, many of which point to low norepinephrine.
Many recreational drugs get people “high” by increasing levels of norepinephrine and another neurotransmitter,dopamine.
Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication that affects norepinephrine activity.
Norepinephrine Antagonists
Norepinephrine antagonists are drugs thatlower blood pressureand heart rate by suppressing norepinephrine activity.
In doing so, they relax your heart and lower your blood pressure.
Beta-blockers have traditionally been used used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
SNRIs increase norepinephrine activity by preventing NE from being reabsorbed into nerve cells.
These drugs are considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD, because they increase concentration and reduce impulsivity.
This makes it easier for people with ADHD to complete tasks and meet goals.
Norepinephrine antagonists and beta-blockers reduce norepinephrine activity and are helpful for treating depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.
SNRIs and amphetamines increase norepinephrine activity and are helpful for improving mood, energy, and focus.
Speak to your healthcare provider.
Levophed is often given when a patient goes intocardiac arrestto restore blood flow.
Levophed is given through an IV into your vein.
If treatment is needed, it will be focused on the related condition.
Prescription medications that balance norepinephrine may help improve your symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Trauma and chronic stress can cause your hormones and neurotransmitters to become imbalanced.
Ultimately, this can have a serious impact on your health and overall wellbeing.
It’s every bit as important to protect your mental health as it is to protect your physical health.
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