Urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine levels are also elevated in patients with abdominal obesity (Landsberg et al., 1991), anxiety and depression (Hughes et al., 2004), bipolar disorder (Koslow et al., 1983), hyperglycemia (Troisi et al., 1991), hyper-insulinemia (Troisi et al., 1991), obstructive sleep apnea (Kheirandish-Gozal et al., 2013), post-traumatic stress disorder (Yehuda et al., 1992), and stress (Holzman et al., 2009 Fujiwara et al., 2004). However, if these neurotransmitters are too high, symptoms associated with depression, irritability, high blood pressure, increased sweating and sleep difficulties may arise. Stimulant medications commonly used in ADHD increase norepinephrine and epinephrine levels. In ADHD, these systems may be dysregulated and likely to contribute to inappropriate modulation of attention, impulse control and anxiety (Hunt, 2006). The brain and body norepinephrine and epinephrine systems function in direct and interactive ways (Pliszka, et. In the absence of immediate threat, this neurotransmitter increases alertness, focus attention, sustain thought, fine-tune vigilance and facilitate many cognitive functions. 2007).Įpinephrine produced by the adrenal medulla, regulates the 'fight or flight' response in reacting to stress. Research shows that patients with ADHD and concomitant anxiety (self-reported) excrete higher norepinephrine and epinephrine levels than controls (Pliszka, et. In different types of adrenal tumors, other hormones are over-produced, including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. This over-secretion of epinephrine can lead to a dangerous and severe elevation in blood pressure. In the case of pheochromocytoma, the hormones produced are epinephrine and noradrenaline. Adrenal tumors, some called pheochromocytoma, can cause too much adrenal hormones to be produced. Addison's disease is a severe or total deficiency of the hormones made by the adrenal glands, including epinephrine, cortisol, and aldosterone.

The following health conditions are linked to epinephrine levels: The above responses help to prepare your body for a 'fight or flight' reaction, making you ready for rapid, strenuous activity. When the hormone enters the bloodstream, the following will increase: This reaction, known as the “Flight or Fight Response” prepares the body for strenuous activity. Strong emotions such as fear or anger cause epinephrine to be released into the bloodstream, which causes an increase in heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure, and sugar metabolism. The hormone is also necessary for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system - it makes the heart beat more strongly, and diverts blood to tissues during times of stress. Your body naturally produces it during times of stress. Epinephrine is commonly known as adrenaline.

Too much epinephrine symptoms