How to Increase Norepinephrine

Medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH

Last Updated: July 23, 2022 References

Norepinephrine is an important chemical produced by your brain. It’s a stress hormone that is similar to adrenaline, and if you’re not producing enough it can cause depression and anxiety. Low norepinephrine levels might also be linked to having trouble losing weight. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if medication is right for you. You can also ask them about ways to use supplements and lifestyle changes to increase norepinephrine.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking Doctor-Approved Medications

1
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing prolonged periods of sadness, irritability, or anxiety, you might have depression or an anxiety disorder. Set up an appointment with your doctor and let them know what’s been going on. Be specific about what you’re experiencing and how long you've been feeling like that. It is possible that your body is not producing enough norepinephrine. Your doctor can help you achieve the right balance of chemicals.^{[2]
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- Work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. This might include medications.
- If you don’t want to work with your primary care physician, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.
2
Ask your doctor which medication is right for you. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a type of anti-depressant that increases both the serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. These medications might also ease chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about your medical history, family history, and other medications you are taking so that they can determine which SNRI to prescribe. Some of the options include:^{[3]
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- Desvenlafaxine
- Duloxetine
- Levomilnacipran
- Venlafaxine
- Duloxetine has been approved by the FDA while the other SNRIs have not, but they will treat your symptoms similarly.
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3
Discuss possible side effects. SNRIs can help to regulate your mood and ease chronic pain, but they might also come with side effects. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of each medication. You can decide if you can deal with issues such as:^{[4]
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- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Constipation
4
Work with your doctor if you want to stop taking the drug. Even though these medications are not addictive, you might suffer withdrawal-like symptoms, such as brain zaps, if you decide to abruptly stop taking them. Talk to your doctor about how to safely and gradually decrease your dose. If you become pregnant or have other medical changes, ask your doctor if you should stop taking your SNRI.^{[5]
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- Always follow the dosage instructions for your medication.
- Each antidepressant is different. It might take some time to find the one that works for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Supplements for Weight Loss

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Take yohimbine to stimulate norepinephrine. Yohimbine is an alkaloid that comes from botanical sources. It has been shown to increase norepinephrine in the blood, which can stimulate weight loss. Look for a weight loss supplement that includes this as one of the main ingredients.^{[6]
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- Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you. You should also ask them before taking any supplements.
- These supplements typically come in the form of pills. You can find them at a health food or nutrition store. Always follow the dosage instructions. Typically, you will take 10 mg 3 times a day, but the amount may vary.
- Little research has been done on yohimbe, but it has been associated with heart attacks, seizures, stomach problems, elevated heart rate, and anxiety.
- Yohimbe is not FDA-approved.
2
Consume synephrine to suppress your appetite. Many doctors believe that synephrine is an effective weight loss supplement, partially because it might increase norepinephrine. Other names for synephrine are Bitter Orange, Sour Orange, and Seville Orange. Keep in mind that you won't be consuming the fruit but rather its extract.^{[7]
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- Work with your doctor to create a healthy weight loss plan and always check with them before taking supplements.
- You can purchase supplements with synephrine online or at stores that carry supplements. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package. This will typically mean taking 1 capsule twice daily.
- This supplement can have serious side effects, such as heart problems. Make sure to speak to your doctor before taking this.
3
Consume a supplement containing caffeine for weight loss. Caffeine works as a stimulant and can increase the amount of norepinephrine in your blood. Instead of upping your coffee intake, look for a weight loss supplement that has caffeine as one of the main ingredients. With a supplement, you can more easily track how much caffeine you are consuming.^{[8]
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- Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Always follow the dosage instructions. A typical dose is 200 mg once daily, which is equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee.
- Caffeine can cause palpitations and insomnia.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Natural Methods

1
Eat more protein to increase norepinephrine. In order to produce enough norepinephrine, your body needs the amino acids found in proteins. Try eating a good source of protein at each meal. Women should aim for at least 46 grams of protein per day, while men should try for 56 grams a day. Great choices include:^{[9]
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- Eggs
- Cheese
- Lean meats
- Fish
- Nuts
2
Add strength training to your workout routine. All exercise is good for you, but research shows that strength training can have added benefits. Incorporating strength training can improve your metabolism and increase your norepinephrine levels. You should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Aim to make 2-4 of your workouts strength-based.^{[10]
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- You can work out with free weights or weight machines at home or the gym.
- You can also do bodyweight exercises like push-ups, planks, and squats.
3
Take a cold shower for a quick boost. A blast of cold water can cause your brain to release more norepinephrine, which can help reduce stress. If you’re feeling anxious, hop in the shower to cool down and feel more relaxed.
4
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Being well-rested has many health benefits, so it’s not surprising that increased norepinephrine is one of them. To help regulate your mood, make it a point to get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours each night. Shut off electronics at least an hour before bed to allow your brain to relax. This includes your phone! Keep your room dark and cool to promote good sleep.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help your body get used to the routine.