Norepinephrine Syndrome

Norepinephrine syndrome is a term used to describe a condition in which an individual has abnormally low levels of circulating norepinephrine in the body. As both an essential hormone and neurotransmitter, improper levels of norepinephrine are closely linked to a number of medical conditions and disorders. Norepinephrine syndrome can be treated in a variety of medical and natural ways.

Norepinephrine

• Norepinephrine is produced in two parts of the nervous system: the adrenal gland, located in the brain, and noradrenergic neurons located throughout the nervous system. Both make norepinephrine from the neurotransmitter, dopamine, though they synthesize them for different uses. The norepinephrine synthesized by the adrenal gland functions as a stress hormone and plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. The norepinephrine produced by the noradrenergic neurons acts as a neurotransmitter and facilitates mental functions as well as affecting moods.

Norepinephrine Syndrome

• Norepinephrine syndrome is characterized by low levels of norepinephrine, resulting in a variety of characteristic symptoms. These include a drop in attention span and alertness, difficulty with short-term memory, a decrease in sexual interest and drive, and unexplained depression.

Causes

• While the exact cause of norepinephrine syndrome is unknown, several factors seem to contribute to the problem. Individuals who report living with high levels of stress, fear and anxiety have lower levels of circulating norepinephrine, however it has not been conclusively determined whether these feelings cause the drop in norepinephrine or are a direct result of its lack. Medical conditions that affect the norepinephrine-producing portions of the nervous system--such as a tumor in the adrenal gland--can also directly cause a decrease in the amount of norepinephrine produced.

Medical Treatment

• There are a number of medications available that increase the amount of circulating norepinephrine available to affect the brain and nervous system. One category of these, known as SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors) work by preventing neurons from reabsorbing the norepinephrine they produce, thus allowing the compound to be available longer to affect the brain. Some common SNRIs include Effexor and Pristig. Other medications, such as Adderall, are amphetamines and are thought to increase the amounts of norepinephrine in the brain.

Natural Treatment

• A number of foods and behaviors are thought to increase norepinephrine levels naturally. Diets high in poultry, dairy products, fish, beans and fruits such as bananas, apples and watermelon are thought to keep norephinephrine amounts in the brain high. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep also seem to be connected to higher norepinephrine levels.