Noradrenergic and selective serotonergic antidepressants (abbreviated: NaSSAs) are a relatively new class of antidepressants.¹ They are thought to work by blocking presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that normally inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and serotonin. This results in increases in both noradrenergic and specific serotonergic transmission.

Examples of NaSSAs include:

• Mirtazapine (Remeron, Zispin, Avanza, Norset, Remergil, Axit)

NaSSAs are said to have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) while being equally effective. In particular, it is said that the sexual dysfunction that is a relatively common side effect of SSRIs occurs significantly less often during treatment with Mirtazapine.²

See also

• Clinical depression

References

1. ^ Kent J (2000). "SNaRIs, NaSSAs, and NaRIs: new agents for the treatment of depression". Lancet 355 (9207): 911–8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)11381-3. PMID 10752718. 
2. ^ Fawcett J, Barkin R (1998). "Review of the results from clinical studies on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of patients with major depression". J Affect Disord 51 (3): 267–85. doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(98)00224-9. PMID 10333982.  link

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