Which type of medication affects both norepinephrine and dopamine?

The medication that specifically affects both norepinephrine and dopamine is the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, commonly referred to as NDRIs. These medications work by blocking the reuptake of both norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases the availability of these neurotransmitters. This dual action is particularly beneficial in treating conditions such as depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where both norepinephrine and dopamine are thought to play significant roles in mood and attention regulation.

Other types of medications mentioned have more targeted actions. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors primarily focus on serotonin reuptake, thereby enhancing serotonin levels specifically, while tricyclic antidepressants, although they may affect multiple neurotransmitters, do not primarily act on dopamine in the same way as NDRIs. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors work by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down monoamines (including norepinephrine and dopamine), but their mechanism is different, as they increase the level of all monoamines rather than directly facilitating their reuptake like NDRIs do.