NRAs, frequently as
norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agents (NDRAs) rather than as
selective NRAs, are used for a variety of clinical indications including the following: • For the treatment of
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — e.g.,
amphetamine,
dextroamphetamine,
levoamphetamine,
lisdexamfetamine,
methamphetamine • As
anorectics in the treatment of
obesity and
binge-eating disorder — e.g., amphetamine,
lisdexamfetamine,
phentermine,
benzphetamine,
phenmetrazine,
aminorex • As
wakefulness-promoting agents in the treatment of
narcolepsy — e.g., amphetamine, methamphetamine • As
nasal decongestants and
bronchodilators — e.g.,
levomethamphetamine,
propylhexedrine,
ephedrine,
pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine • Miscellaneous – e.g.,
amantadine They are also used as
recreational drugs, though this is typically reserved only for those that also induce the release of
dopamine and/or
serotonin, for instance amphetamine, methamphetamine,
MDMA,
mephedrone,
4-methylaminorex, and
MDAI, among others.
Cathine and
cathinone are NRAs found
naturally in
Catha edulis. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are also found naturally in
Ephedra sinica. Both of these plants are used medicinally (and recreationally as well regarding the former). These drugs also release dopamine to a much lesser extent however (e.g., ~10- to 20-fold less
potently). Among the most selective known NRAs is ephedrine, which had about 19-fold higher potency for inducing norepinephrine release over dopamine release in one study. Levomethamphetamine has shown about 15-fold higher potency in inducing norepinephrine release over dopamine release. ==Mechanism of action==