right|thumb|185px|class=skin-invert-image|Chemical structure of the prototypical NaSSA [[mirtazapine (original brand name Remeron)]]
Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs) are a class of psychiatric drugs used primarily as antidepressants. They act by antagonizing the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptor and certain serotonin receptors such as 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> and 5-HT<sub>2C</sub>, In addition, due to their blockade of certain serotonin receptors, serotonergic 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 "specific serotonergic" label of NaSSAs.
- Mirtazapine (Norset, Remeron, Avanza, Zispin) It has completed preliminary preclinical research and may go on to undergo clinical trials.
See also
- Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)
- Serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS)
- Norepinephrine-dopamine disinhibitor (NDDI)
- Tetracyclic antidepressant
- Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor
- Atypical antidepressant