How do dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants work?
Dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are medications prescribed to treat depression. Dopamine reuptake inhibitors increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine, also known as the “happy hormone,” is a chemical (neurotransmitter) involved in many functions such as pleasure sensation, memory, and learning.
Dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants improve the mood by raising the levels and activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter, by preventing their reabsorption (reuptake), a natural process in the brain.
Dopamine also stimulates certain nerve cells (neurons) known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which results in reduced appetite and increased metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
Dopamine reuptake inhibitors are also combined with another medication naltrexone, which is an opioid antagonist. Naltrexone binds to proteins known as opioid receptors on the POMC neurons and enhances their activity. The combination regulates the dopamine reward system in the brain and reduces food cravings.
How are dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants used?
Dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are oral tablets approved by the FDA for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation
- Obesity
Off-label uses include:
What are side effects of dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants?
Side effects of dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may include the following:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Hematochezia (bright red blood in stool)
- Gastric reflux
- Eructation (belching)
- Hernia
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Nervousness
- Decreased memory
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Aggression
- Disturbance in attention
- Memory impairment, amnesia
- Mental impairment
- Abnormal dreams
- Delirium
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Dissociation
- Tension
- Mood swings
- Manic reaction
- Paranoia
- Suicidal tendency
- Neuralgia (nerve pain)
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Ataxia (impaired coordination)
- Arthritis
- Paresthesia (prickling sensation)
- Muscle twitch
- Akinesia (difficulty in movement)
- Exacerbation of tardive dyskinesia (a neurological disorder that causes involuntary repetitive movements)
- Aphasia (difficulty with language and communication)
- Dysarthria (speech disorder)
- Extrapyramidal syndrome (movement disorders)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
- Tinnitus
- Dysgeusia (taste disorders)
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Presyncope (feeling faint)
- Loss of consciousness
- Fever
- Influenza
- Pneumonia
- Staphylococcal infection
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx)
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Palpitation
- Chest pain
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- EEG abnormality
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Asthenia (weakness)
- Intervertebral disc protrusion
- Jaw pain
- Migraine
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Hot flash
- Thirst
- Dehydration
- Vertigo
- Motion sickness
- Malaise
- Lip swelling
- Rash
- Erythema (redness of the skin)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Weight gain
- Decreased hematocrit
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney infection
- Increased creatinine clearance in the urine
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Vaginal hemorrhage
- Irregular menstruation
- Vulvovaginal dryness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased libido
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (drop or rise in the blood glucose levels)
- Hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood)
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH, a disorder which causes water retention)
Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
What are names of some dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs?
Generic and brand names of dopamine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drugs include:
- Aplenzin
- bupropion
- bupropion/naltrexone
- Contrave
- Forfivo XL
- Wellbutrin SR
- Wellbutrin XL
