NaSSA
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NaSSA stands for Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant, a drug class abbreviation.
Classification for mirtazapine (Remeron), which blocks alpha-2 and certain serotonin receptors to increase norepinephrine and serotonin release. It is used for depression, especially with insomnia or poor appetite.
Example: NaSSA mirtazapine 15 mg at bedtime; weight and sleep improved at 4 weeks.
Usage notes
Mirtazapine is paradoxically more sedating at low doses (7.5 to 15 mg), where its antihistamine effect dominates. Increased appetite and weight gain make it useful in older adults losing weight but unwelcome for others. It causes little sexual dysfunction. Orally disintegrating tablets are available.
Related abbreviations
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.