Norepinephrine releasing agent (NRA)

Norepinephrine releasing agents (NRAs) are a class of drugs that induce the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from pre-synaptic neurons into the synapse. This mechanism increases the extracellular concentrations of these neurotransmitters, enhancing adrenergic neurotransmission throughout the body. NRAs vary in their selectivity, with some also affecting dopamine release to different degrees. Selective NRAs include ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and levomethamphetamine, though none are highly selective. These agents are used therapeutically for treating ADHD, obesity, narcolepsy, and as nasal decongestants. A related class of drugs is norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agents (NDRAs), which affect both norepinephrine and dopamine release more equally. NRAs are distinguished from norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), which block the reuptake of norepinephrine rather than stimulating its release.

Other names

Adrenergic releasing agentNoradrenergic releasing agent

Induces release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from pre-synaptic neurons; Increases extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine; Enhances adrenergic neurotransmission; Some NRAs also release dopamine to varying degrees; Acts on norepinephrine transporters to reverse their normal function