Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine (brand names: Avanza, Axit, Calixta, Mirtaz, Mirtazon, Remeron, Zispin) is an atypical antidepressant with noradrenergic and specific serotonergic activity. It works by blocking the α₂ adrenergic auto- and heteroreceptors (enhancing serotonin release), and selectively antagonizing the 5-HT₂ and 5-HT₃ serotonin receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. It also enhances serotonin neurotransmission at the 5-HT₁ receptor and blocks the histaminergic (H₁) and muscarinic receptors. Mirtazapine is not a serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor but may increase serotonin and norepinephrine by other mechanism of action.