Tag: Fight or flight

Comprising a group of powerful hormones and neurotransmitters, catecholamines are integral to the body's stress response and neurological functions. This guide explores what are the most common catecholamines, detailing the roles of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in health and disease.

During a 'fight or flight' response, catecholamine hormones are released into the body in response to physical or emotional stress [1.5.3]. This essential function raises the core question for understanding their impact: what class of chemicals are catecholamines?

In one study, only 16% of severe anaphylactic reactions in the emergency room were initially treated with epinephrine, despite it being the first-line, life-saving treatment. So, what does epinephrine do that makes it so critical? This medication, also known as adrenaline, rapidly reverses the symptoms of severe allergic reactions.

As the primary 'fight or flight' hormone, epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is released in response to stress and has rapid, widespread effects across the body. Clinically, understanding precisely how does epinephrine work is vital, especially when it is used as a life-saving medication for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and cardiac arrest.