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Norepinephrine

By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com

Updated: January 26, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Norepinephrine is a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a hormone, it's secreted by the adrenal gland and works with epinephrine (adrenaline) to give you sudden bursts of energy in response to stress (the "fight or flight" mechanism.) As a neurotransmitter, it sends signals between nerves.

Studies show that norepinephrine levels are low in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Medications that inhibit the reuptake (reabsorption) of norepinephrine and serotonin (SNRIs) are effective at treating symptoms in many people with the conditions.

Also see:

Pronunciation: NOR-EP-ih-NEF-rin
Also Known As: Noradrenaline

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