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Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (abbreviated: NaSSAs) are a relatively new class of antidepressants. They are thought to work by blocking presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that normally inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and serotonin. By releasing them from inhibitory control, NaSSAs act as agonists for these neurotransmitters. NaSSAs are said to be specific serotonergic antidepressants since they have affinity for only certain serotonin receptors. Mirtazapine, for instance, has high affinity for the 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors, but no significant affinity for the 5-HT1A or 5-HT1B receptors.

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.

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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