SDRIs

SDRIs, or serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, refer to a proposed pharmacological class of psychotropic agents that inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and dopamine. The term is used in some pharmacology and research contexts to describe compounds that simultaneously increase extracellular levels of serotonin (via SERT inhibition) and dopamine (via DAT inhibition), with possible contributions from other transporters depending on the drug.

Mechanism and pharmacology

SDRIs function by blocking the transporters that remove serotonin and dopamine from the synaptic cleft. By reducing reuptake, these drugs elevate synaptic concentrations of both neurotransmitters, which can influence mood, motivation, reward processing, and cognitive function. The exact transporter affinity and selectivity vary among molecules described as SDRIs, and many agents with SDRI activity also affect other targets, such as norepinephrine transporters, receptors, or enzymes. Because of their dual action, SDRIs may produce a distinct therapeutic profile compared with selective or single-target antidepressants, but this profile also carries a risk of combined serotonergic and dopaminergic side effects.

Clinical status

There is no universally adopted FDA-approved drug class officially titled SDRIs. While some existing antidepressants and research compounds exhibit serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibition in vitro or to a limited degree in vivo, SDRIs are not widely established as a separate, marketed category. Research has explored potential benefits in treatment-resistant depression, anhedonia, and certain impulse-control or motivational disorders, but results are varied and not conclusive. Safety concerns include the risk of serotonin syndrome, insomnia, agitation, tachycardia, and potential for misuse or abuse due to dopaminergic effects.

See also

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Dopamine reuptake inhibitors, SNRI, NDRI.