We explain what functions this neurotransmitter performs, and why it is used as a drug.
When we experience strong or highly pleasurableemotions, we release a hormone called adrenaline (or epinephrine).
This hormone, which also acts as a neurotransmitter, is also released when we feel intense fear or when we are in danger.
Adrenaline prepares the body to act and defend itself, producing a series of effects on it. In addition, it can also be administered through medications. In this article we will know what adrenaline is, how it acts, when it is released, functions, indications, side effects and what happens when we become addicted to it.
Thus, we differentiate two sections in this article: adrenaline as a natural substance and adrenaline as a medicine.
- Recommended article: “The 10 most important types of neurotransmitters (and their functions)”
Adrenaline: what is it?
Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is a brain neurotransmitter and hormone. This substance is synthesized by the body, specifically by the adrenal or adrenal glands (located above the kidneys). At the chemical level, it is a catecholamine.
Adrenaline remains stored in the body unless the body needs it, which is usually in situations of stress, intense fear, danger, alertness or excitement. In addition, we also release adrenaline naturally in situations such as sports, when we experience strong emotions or high-risk activities.
On the other hand, adrenaline can also be manufactured artificially in laboratories (we find it in various medications). In the latter case, that of medications, adrenaline is usually administered in patients who have severe reactions, either asthmatic or allergic (for anaphylactic shocks, cardiac arrests …).
When do we release adrenaline?
As we anticipated, in addition to the release of adrenaline in alarm situations that require the preparation of the body, adrenaline is also released when we feel strong or very pleasant emotions, whether produced by situations of danger or maximum activation (high-risk sport, for example).
Large doses of this substance are also released when we watch horror movies, for example, when we get on a roller coaster or when we drive quickly. On the other hand, in our day to day we also secrete (discharge) doses of adrenaline, although these are lower and do not usually produce effects.
Functions
Adrenalinehas the main function of preparing the body for action in situations of risk or danger, in addition to allowing us to be on alert. Thus, it also prepares us to defend ourselves. It is a survival mechanism.
But how exactly does it act? Producing a series of effects on the body, which are as follows.
Effects
The release of adrenaline produces an activation effect and high well-being in the body, as well as an intense sensation of pleasure, known as “high”. That is why many people seek these sensations through different practices and activities.
At the level of blood circulation, adrenaline expands the blood vessels that connect to vital organs, which allows improving their performance in critical or alarm situations. On the other hand, it widens the thinner peripheral vessels preventing them from rupturing, which causesblood pressure to increase.
In addition, it also increases the heartbeat and produces a dilation of the bronchi. This dilation of the bronchi is instantaneous, and increases our respiratory capacity, allowing more air to enter our lungs. On the other hand, breathing is accelerated, allowing the blood to mobilize more oxygen and discard more carbon dioxide.
Another effect produced by adrenaline is the dilation of the pupils, which allows us to receive more light, perceiving the stimuli of the environment more quickly, and ultimately, enhancing our visual capacity. These effects on the organism allow the human body to prepare for defense, in order to react and act in dangerous situations.
Relationship with depression
Another function of adrenaline isto relieve the symptoms of depression. This is possible since its release stimulates the synthesis ofdopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in well-being and euphoria. Thus, it is known that depressed people have lower levels of dopamine.
Adrenaline as a medicine: indications
As we mentioned earlier, adrenaline can alsobe used as a medicine. It is indicated in cases of shock caused by an asthmatic or allergic reaction; This is explained because the increase in tension produced by the substance benefits the body in case of a drop in blood pressure (in anaphylactic shock).
Specifically, anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to an allergy-causing substance. In the case of asthma, the bronchodilator effect produced by adrenaline is also beneficial. Finally, adrenaline also helps in cases of cardiac arrest.
How does it act?
Adrenaline, once administered externally (through medication), acts very quickly (almost instantaneously). On the other hand, the effects have a very short duration, which means that sometimes the administration of the dose must be repeated (for example, every 15-20 minutes).
How is it administered?
The usual route of administration of adrenaline is the subcutaneous route or the intramuscular route (the latter is better, due to its level of depth and speed); therefore, this substance is applied through injections. When it is intramuscularly, it is usually outside the hospital context.
Occasionally, however, adrenaline is also administered intravenously or by other routes, although usually only in hospitals.
Side effects
Adrenaline, when used as a medication, can cause a number of side effects. The main one is tachycardia, which leads to an increased heart rate and palpitations.
In people with heart problems this can be serious; On the other hand, in people who do not present problems of this type, it does not have to cause important damage. Later we will see the precautions that should be taken with this medicine.
Other side effects of adrenaline are: agitation, muscle tremors and nervousness.
precautions
Thus, in people with heart disease, and also in people with hypertension, the use of adrenaline must be very controlled and a doctor should always be consulted first.
On the other hand, adrenaline can also increase glucose levels ; This means that diabetics should also take special precautions.
In all of these types of patients, epinephrine can usually be used (since the benefits often outweigh the risks); however, we emphasize that a specialist professional (family doctor and pharmacist) should always be consulted in advance.
Excess adrenaline
On the other hand, when an excess of adrenaline is produced in the body, either “naturally” or through medications (especially naturally), a series of symptoms may appear, such as: headaches, sleep difficulties (insomnia), anxiety, vision problems, nausea, dizziness, irritability, heart problems (especially if the adrenaline level is elevated for a long time), etc.
Pontius syndrome
In addition, when adrenaline is released naturally, in situations of excitement or strong emotions, and we become addicted to this, the so-called “Pontius Syndrome” can appear.
Pontius Syndrome is an alteration that implies that we become addicted to the highs generated by adrenaline. It also causes an alteration in the perception of danger, causing us to see high-risk situations (even dangerous to physical integrity or life) as normal and “safe” situations.
References
- Netter, F. (1989). Nervous system. Anatomy and physiology. Barcelona: Salvat.
- Rubio, C., Lasa, E., Arroabarren, E., Garrido, S., Garcia, BE, Tabar, AI (2003). Anaphylaxis. Anales Sis San Navarra, 26 (suppl.2): 103-110.
- Stahl, S.M. (2002). Essential psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.