SNRI's

[jealibeanz]

Are there any drugs that just affect norepinephrine reuptake? I'm not sure I resond well to serotonin.

[karen82252]

Effexor does.

[December716]

Effexor actually affects serotonin first, then at a higher dose norepinephrine (and serotonin at the same time), and then at an even higher dose, dopamine (along with the others).

Strattera is a prescription in the US that is a pure norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It works ONLY on norepinephrine. It's used to treat ADHD, but has off label use for depression.

You could also try Cymbalta, if you want to give serotonin and norepinephrine another chance. Unlike Effexor, the medicine works on the norepinephrine at lowest dose. I've had much success on this new medicine and I've tried many antidepressants.

[jealibeanz]

How common is it to use Straterra for depression? I'd ask my doc about it, but he may think I'm really grasping there. It does make sense though. I'm also wondering whether I'd have a chance because I do have some general anxiety, but oddly enough caffeine calms a relaxes me, so maybe this would too. I'm not longer deeply depressed, but have had dysthimia my whole life. I suffer from lack of motivation and apathy during periods when I'm not terribly depressed. Would norepinephrine inhibition help?

[December716]

It is used to treat depression, especially in people with bipolar (who respond really well to norepinephrine), but I think a psychiatrist would be more likely to prescribe it. Insurances won't pay for it for the treatment of depression, since it is off label, and I'm sure most regular doctors won't prescribe it as such without a really valid reason why. It depends on your reason for not wanting to attempt Serotonin. Why not try Wellbutrin? It's a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.