Mirtazapine

Summary

Mirtazapine is a medication used to treat depression.

It works primarily by increasing the release of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Mirtazapine can cause drowsiness. Compared to other antidepressants, mirtazapine causes less sexual dysfunction. However, it may cause weight gain.

Key Points

• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • Mechanism
    • Increases release of serotonin and norepinephrine
      • Allows more of these neurotransmitters to be present in the synaptic cleft
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats Depression
      • Mirtazapine is classified as an atypical antidepressant
  • Side Effects
    • Drowsiness
      • Take at night to avoid daytime drowsiness
      • May be administered as a sleep aid
    • Weight Gain
      • Encourage healthy diet and regular physical activity
    • Less sexual dysfunction than other antidepressants
      • Other antidepressants, especially SSRIs, may cause sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine may be prescribed to patients who aren’t tolerating SSRIs well due to their sexual side effects