The pharmacologic profile of mirtazapine.

Mirtazapine increases noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission.

• Mirtazapine has prominent properties that block alpha 2-adrenergic receptors without affecting monoamine reuptake.
• Increased firing of noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons has been observed with mirtazapine treatment.
• Mirtazapine shows low affinity for 5-HT1A receptors but exhibits effects similar to activating these receptors in certain tests.
• Both 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors are specifically blocked by mirtazapine.
• The enhancement of noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission is likely related to mirtazapine's therapeutic effects.
• Blocking 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors may help reduce side effects linked to nonselective serotonin activation.

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