Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor - Pharmacotherapeutic Uses

Pharmacotherapeutic Uses

Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibition is used as an antidepressant in the form of bupropion, the only norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Dopamine supplementation is also utilized as a means to counter act depression. Though no supplement exists that contains dopamine, certain supplements contain nutrients known to aid in dopamine production such as tyrosine, ginkgo biloba, and certain B-vitamins.

DRIs have been explored as potential pharmacotherapeutics because of their ability to replace rewards received from other drugs. DRIs have been successfully used to serve as nicotine replacements in cases of smoking addictions well as methadone replacements in the case of heroin addiction. DRIs have been explored as potential substitutes for cocaine addiction, and have been shown to alleviate cravings and self-administration.

Monoamine reuptake inhibitors, including DRIs, have also been shown to be effective as therapy for food intake and appetite control for obese subjects. Most marketed drugs for this purpose have been withdrawn due to adverse side effects such as increase in blood pressure and high abuse potential.