Anxiolytics noradrenergic

In terms of the noradrenergic system, this chapter has described the locus co-eruleus as that part of the brain containing the noradrenergic neurons that mediate some of the symptoms of anxiety through alpha 2 and beta adrenergic receptors. Our discussion has also extended to the role of serotonin in anxiety, which appears to be key, yet quite complex and incompletely understood. One current theory developed in this chapter is the notion that anxiolytic drugs act as partial agonists at serotonin 1A receptors. 

Buspirone is an anxiolytic with dopaminergic, noradrenergic and antiserotonergic properties, Anxiolytic properties are attributed to effects on serotonin transmission (probably inhibiting transmission via 5-HTLA autoregulation). It may have postsynaptic 5-HTIA agonist activity and thus facilitate serotonin neurotransmission. 

Furthermore, evidence from animal studies shows that MAOIs/TCAs, like benzodiazepines, decrease the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons - a phenomenon that may explain their anxiolytic capacity. 

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