Chemical structure of the prototypical NaSSA mirtazapine (original brand name Remeron).<unk> s (NaSSAs) are a class of psychiatric drugs used primarily as antidepressants. They act by antagonizing the α2-adrenergic receptor and certain serotonin receptors such as 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, but also 5-HT3, 5-HT6, and/or 5-HT7 in some cases. By blocking α2-adrenergic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, NaSSAs enhance adrenergic and<unk>  neurotransmission in the brain involved in mood regulation, notably 5-HT1A-mediated transmission. In addition, due to their blockade of certain serotonin receptors,<unk>  neurotransmission is not facilitated in unwanted areas, which prevents the incidence of many side effects often associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants; hence, in part, the<unk><unk> " label of NaSSAs.
Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant
Amphetamine type stimulant
Typical antipsychotic
Second-generation antidepressant
Atypical antidepressant
Tetracyclic antidepressant
Tricyclic antidepressant
Heterocyclic antidepressant