tcsc2398 Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is a potent tetracyclic antidepressant.

Target: 5-HT Receptor

Mirtazapine, the novel antidepressant, has a dual mode of action. It is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) that acts by antagonizing the adrenergic alpha2-autoreceptors and alpha2-heteroreceptors as well as by blocking 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors [1].Mirtazapine appears to have a substantial ameliorating effect on hot flushes and perspiration bouts. It is postulated that the 5-HT(2A) blocking properties of mirtazapine is accounted in the symptomatic relief of hot flushes [2]. After 4-24 weeks of treatment, mirtazapine induced downregulation of platelet alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors (up to 34%) and Galphai proteins (up to 28%), and the upregulation of GRK 2 (up to 30%). Treatment with mirtazapine reversed this abnormality and induced downregulation of alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor/Galphai complex [3].