Alpha-2 blocker

Alpha-2 blockers (or α₂ blockers) are a subset of the

Uses

The tetracyclic antidepressants mianserin and mirtazapine are α₂ blockers, although their efficacy as antidepressants may come from their activity at other receptor sites.^{[citation needed]}

Mechanistically, α₂ blockers increase adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitters and induce insulin secretion, decreasing blood sugar levels.^{[citation needed]}

Withdrawal from α₂ blockers can be difficult or dangerous as the global downregulation of neurotransmitters may cause symptoms of depression and other neurological problems, and increased blood sugar levels together with decreased insulin sensitivity can cause diabetes.^{[citation needed]} Moreover, reduced microcirculation together with adrenaline supersensitivity in organs such as liver can occur.^{[citation needed]}

Examples

Examples include atipamezole,^[2] efaroxan, idazoxan,^[3] yohimbine, and rauwolscine, phentolamine.

References