Jump to content

Mirtazapine: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
consistent citation formatting
Line 25: Line 25:


<!--Pharmacokinetic data-->
<!--Pharmacokinetic data-->
| bioavailability = 50%<ref name="pmid10885584">{{cite journal | author = Timmer, CJ; Sitsen, JM; Delbressine, LP | title = Clinical pharmacokinetics of mirtazapine | journal = Clinical Pharmacokinetics | volume = 38 | issue = 6 | pages = 461–74 |date=June 2000 | pmid = 10885584 | doi = 10.2165/00003088-200038060-00001| url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=0312-5963&volume=38&issue=6&spage=461}}</ref><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| bioavailability = 50%<ref name="pmid10885584">{{cite journal | vauthors = Timmer CJ, Sitsen JM, Delbressine LP | title = Clinical pharmacokinetics of mirtazapine | journal = Clinical Pharmacokinetics | volume = 38 | issue = 6 | pages = 461–74 | date = Jun 2000 | pmid = 10885584 | doi = 10.2165/00003088-200038060-00001 | url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=0312-5963&volume=38&issue=6&spage=461 }}</ref><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| protein_bound = 85%<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| protein_bound = 85%<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| metabolism = [[Liver]] ([[CYP1A2]], [[CYP2D6]] and [[CYP3A4]])<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/><ref name="pmid11607047">{{cite journal | author = Anttila, SA; Leinonen, EV | title = A review of the pharmacological and clinical profile of mirtazapine | journal = CNS Drug Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 249–64 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11607047 | doi = 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00198.x| url = }}</ref>
| metabolism = [[Liver]] ([[CYP1A2]], [[CYP2D6]] and [[CYP3A4]])<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/><ref name="pmid11607047">{{cite journal | vauthors = Anttila SA, Leinonen EV | title = A review of the pharmacological and clinical profile of mirtazapine | journal = CNS Drug Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 249–64 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11607047 | doi = 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00198.x }}</ref>
| elimination_half-life = 20–40 hours<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| elimination_half-life = 20–40 hours<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| excretion = Urine (75%)<ref name="pmid10885584" /><br />Faeces (15%)<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
| excretion = Urine (75%)<ref name="pmid10885584" /><br />Faeces (15%)<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT/><ref name = EMC/>
Line 73: Line 73:
Its patent expired in 2004, so generic versions are available.<ref>{{cite book|author=Schatzberg, AF; Cole, JO; DeBattista, C|title=Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology|edition=7th|publisher=American Psychiatric Publishing|location=Arlington, VA|ISBN=978-1-58562-377-8|chapter=3}}</ref>
Its patent expired in 2004, so generic versions are available.<ref>{{cite book|author=Schatzberg, AF; Cole, JO; DeBattista, C|title=Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology|edition=7th|publisher=American Psychiatric Publishing|location=Arlington, VA|ISBN=978-1-58562-377-8|chapter=3}}</ref>


==Medical uses==
== Medical uses ==


===Approved and off-label===
=== Approved and off-label ===

Mirtazapine's primary use is the [[therapy|treatment]] of [[major depressive disorder]] and other [[mood disorder]]s.<ref name="pmid10446735">{{cite journal | author = Gorman, JM | title = Mirtazapine: clinical overview | journal = J Clin Psychiatry | volume = 60 Suppl 17 | issue = | pages = 9–13; discussion 46–8 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10446735 | doi = }}</ref><ref name="pmid21644844">{{cite journal | author = Benjamin, S; Doraiswamy, PM | title = Review of the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of depression | journal = Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | volume = 12 | issue = 10 | pages = 1623–32 |date=July 2011 | pmid = 21644844 | doi = 10.1517/14656566.2011.585459 | url = http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656566.2011.585459}}</ref>
Mirtazapine's primary use is the [[therapy|treatment]] of [[major depressive disorder]] and other [[mood disorder]]s.<ref name="pmid10446735">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gorman JM | title = Mirtazapine: clinical overview | journal = The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 60 Suppl 17 | issue = | pages = 9–13; discussion 46-8 | year = 1999 | pmid = 10446735 | doi = }}</ref><ref name="pmid21644844">{{cite journal | vauthors = Benjamin S, Doraiswamy PM | title = Review of the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of depression | journal = Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy | volume = 12 | issue = 10 | pages = 1623–32 | date = Jul 2011 | pmid = 21644844 | doi = 10.1517/14656566.2011.585459 | url = http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656566.2011.585459 }}</ref>


However, it has also been found useful in alleviating the following conditions and may be prescribed off-label for their treatment:
However, it has also been found useful in alleviating the following conditions and may be prescribed off-label for their treatment:
{{colbegin|2}}
{{colbegin|2}}
* [[Generalized anxiety disorder]]<ref name="pmid11607047" /><ref name="pmid10453798">{{cite journal | author = Goodnick, PJ; Puig, A; DeVane, CL; Freund, BV | title = Mirtazapine in major depression with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder | journal = J Clin Psychiatry | volume = 60 | issue = 7 | pages = 446–8 |date=July 1999 | pmid = 10453798 | doi = 10.4088/JCP.v60n0705 }}</ref>
* [[Generalized anxiety disorder]]<ref name="pmid11607047" /><ref name="pmid10453798">{{cite journal | vauthors = Goodnick PJ, Puig A, DeVane CL, Freund BV | title = Mirtazapine in major depression with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder | journal = The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 60 | issue = 7 | pages = 446–8 | date = Jul 1999 | pmid = 10453798 | doi = 10.4088/JCP.v60n0705 }}</ref>
* [[Social anxiety disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203">{{cite journal | author = Croom, KF; Perry, CM; Plosker, GL | title = Mirtazapine: a review of its use in major depression and other psychiatric disorders | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 23 | issue = 5 | pages = 427–52 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19453203 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200923050-00006 | url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=23&issue=5&spage=427}}</ref><ref name="pmid16282842">{{cite journal | author = Muehlbacher, M; Nickel, MK; Nickel, C| title = Mirtazapine treatment of social phobia in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 25 | issue = 6 | pages = 580–3 |date=December 2005 | pmid = 16282842 | doi = 10.1097/01.jcp.0000186871.04984.8d| url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0271-0749&volume=25&issue=6&spage=580|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
* [[Social anxiety disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203">{{cite journal | vauthors = Croom KF, Perry CM, Plosker GL | title = Mirtazapine: a review of its use in major depression and other psychiatric disorders | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 23 | issue = 5 | pages = 427–52 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19453203 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200923050-00006 | url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=23&issue=5&spage=427 }}</ref><ref name="pmid16282842">{{cite journal | vauthors = Muehlbacher M, Nickel MK, Nickel C, Kettler C, Lahmann C, Pedrosa Gil F, Leiberich PK, Rother N, Bachler E, Fartacek R, Kaplan P, Tritt K, Mitterlehner F, Anvar J, Rother WK, Loew TH, Egger C | title = Mirtazapine treatment of social phobia in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 25 | issue = 6 | pages = 580–3 | date = Dec 2005 | pmid = 16282842 | doi = 10.1097/01.jcp.0000186871.04984.8d | url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0271-0749&volume=25&issue=6&spage=580 }}</ref>
* [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" /><ref name="pmid11593084">{{cite journal | author = Koran, LM; Quirk, T; Lorberbaum, JP; Elliott, M | title = Mirtazapine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder | journal = J Clin Psychopharmacol | volume = 21 | issue = 5 | pages = 537–9 |date=October 2001 | pmid = 11593084 | doi = 10.1097/00004714-200110000-00016 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
* [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" /><ref name="pmid11593084">{{cite journal | vauthors = Koran LM, Quirk T, Lorberbaum JP, Elliott M | title = Mirtazapine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 21 | issue = 5 | pages = 537–9 | date = Oct 2001 | pmid = 11593084 | doi = 10.1097/00004714-200110000-00016 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
* [[Panic disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" /><ref name="pmid10440525">{{cite journal | author = Carpenter, LL; Leon, Z; Yasmin, S; Price, LH | title = Clinical experience with mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder | journal = Ann Clin Psychiatry | volume = 11 | issue = 2 | pages = 81–6 |date=June 1999 | pmid = 10440525 | doi = 10.3109/10401239909147053 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12090820">{{cite journal | author = Carli, V; Sarchiapone, M; Camardese, G; Romano, L; DeRisio, S | title = Mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder | journal = Arch. Gen. Psychiatry | volume = 59 | issue = 7 | pages = 661–2 |date=July 2002 | pmid = 12090820 | doi = 10.1001/archpsyc.59.7.661 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
* [[Panic disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" /><ref name="pmid10440525">{{cite journal | vauthors = Carpenter LL, Leon Z, Yasmin S, Price LH | title = Clinical experience with mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder | journal = Annals of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 11 | issue = 2 | pages = 81–6 | date = Jun 1999 | pmid = 10440525 | doi = 10.3109/10401239909147053 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12090820">{{cite journal | vauthors = Carli V, Sarchiapone M, Camardese G, Romano L, DeRisio S | title = Mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder | journal = Archives of General Psychiatry | volume = 59 | issue = 7 | pages = 661–2 | date = Jul 2002 | pmid = 12090820 | doi = 10.1001/archpsyc.59.7.661 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
* [[Post-traumatic stress disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" />
* [[Post-traumatic stress disorder]]<ref name="pmid19453203" />
* [[Loss of appetite|Low appetite]]/[[underweight]]<ref name="pmid12647431">{{cite journal | author = Landowski, J | title = [Mirtazapine--an antidepressant] | language = Polish | journal = Psychiatria Polska | volume = 36 | issue = 6 Suppl | pages = 125–30 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12647431 | doi = | url = }}</ref><ref name="pmid18001374">{{cite journal | author = Chinuck, RS; Fortnum, H; Baldwin, DR | title = Appetite stimulants in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics : the Official Journal of the British Dietetic Association | volume = 20 | issue = 6 | pages = 526–37 |date=December 2007 | pmid = 18001374 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-277X.2007.00824.x | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2007.00824.x}}</ref><ref name="pmid12647979">{{cite journal | author = Davis, MP; Khawam, E; Pozuelo, L; Lagman, R | title = Management of symptoms associated with advanced cancer: olanzapine and mirtazapine. A World Health Organization project | journal = Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy | volume = 2 | issue = 4 | pages = 365–76 |date=August 2002 | pmid = 12647979 | doi = 10.1586/14737140.2.4.365 | url = http://www.future-drugs.com/doi/abs/10.1586/14737140.2.4.365?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed}}</ref>
* [[Loss of appetite|Low appetite]]/[[underweight]]<ref name="pmid12647431">{{cite journal | vauthors = Landowski J | title = [Mirtazapine--an antidepressant] | language = Polish | journal = Psychiatria Polska | volume = 36 | issue = 6 Suppl | pages = 125–30 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12647431 | doi = }}</ref><ref name="pmid18001374">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chinuck RS, Fortnum H, Baldwin DR | title = Appetite stimulants in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics | volume = 20 | issue = 6 | pages = 526–37 | date = Dec 2007 | pmid = 18001374 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-277X.2007.00824.x | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2007.00824.x }}</ref><ref name="pmid12647979">{{cite journal | vauthors = Davis MP, Khawam E, Pozuelo L, Lagman R | title = Management of symptoms associated with advanced cancer: olanzapine and mirtazapine. A World Health Organization project | journal = Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy | volume = 2 | issue = 4 | pages = 365–76 | date = Aug 2002 | pmid = 12647979 | doi = 10.1586/14737140.2.4.365 | url = http://www.future-drugs.com/doi/abs/10.1586/14737140.2.4.365?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed }}</ref>
* [[Insomnia]]<ref name="pmid9917581">{{cite journal | author = Hartmann, PM | title = Mirtazapine: a newer antidepressant | journal = Am Fam Physician | volume = 59 | issue = 1 | pages = 159–61 |date=January 1999 | pmid = 9917581 | doi = }}</ref><ref name="pmid19374460">{{cite journal | author = Jindal, RD | title = Insomnia in patients with depression: some pathophysiological and treatment considerations | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 23 | issue = 4 | pages = 309–29 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19374460 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200923040-00004| url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=23&issue=4&spage=309}}</ref>
* [[Insomnia]]<ref name="pmid9917581">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hartmann PM | title = Mirtazapine: a newer antidepressant | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 59 | issue = 1 | pages = 159–61 | date = Jan 1999 | pmid = 9917581 | doi = }}</ref><ref name="pmid19374460">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jindal RD | title = Insomnia in patients with depression: some pathophysiological and treatment considerations | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 23 | issue = 4 | pages = 309–29 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19374460 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200923040-00004 | url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=23&issue=4&spage=309 }}</ref>
* [[Nausea]]/[[vomiting]]<ref name="pmid12404669">{{cite journal | author = Nutt, DJ | title = Tolerability and safety aspects of mirtazapine | journal = Human Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = S37–41 |date=June 2002 | pmid = 12404669 | doi = 10.1002/hup.388 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.388}}</ref><ref name="pmid21602639">{{cite journal | author = Li, TC; Shiah, IS; Sun, CJ; Tzang, RF; Huang, KC; Lee, WK | title = Mirtazapine relieves post-electroconvulsive therapy headaches and nausea: a case series and review of the literature | journal = The Journal of ECT | volume = 27 | issue = 2 | pages = 165–7 |date=June 2011 | pmid = 21602639 | doi = 10.1097/YCT.0b013e3181e63346 | url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=1095-0680&volume=27&issue=2&spage=165}}</ref><ref name="pmid17587360">{{cite journal | author = Kast, RE; Foley, KF | title = Cancer chemotherapy and cachexia: mirtazapine and olanzapine are 5-HT3 antagonists with good antinausea effects | journal = Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) | volume = 16 | issue = 4 | pages = 351–4 |date=July 2007 | pmid = 17587360 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00760.x }}</ref>
* [[Nausea]]/[[vomiting]]<ref name="pmid12404669">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nutt DJ | title = Tolerability and safety aspects of mirtazapine | journal = Human Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = S37-41 | date = Jun 2002 | pmid = 12404669 | doi = 10.1002/hup.388 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.388 }}</ref><ref name="pmid21602639">{{cite journal | vauthors = Li TC, Shiah IS, Sun CJ, Tzang RF, Huang KC, Lee WK | title = Mirtazapine relieves post-electroconvulsive therapy headaches and nausea: a case series and review of the literature | journal = The Journal of ECT | volume = 27 | issue = 2 | pages = 165–7 | date = Jun 2011 | pmid = 21602639 | doi = 10.1097/YCT.0b013e3181e63346 | url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=1095-0680&volume=27&issue=2&spage=165 }}</ref><ref name="pmid17587360">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kast RE, Foley KF | title = Cancer chemotherapy and cachexia: mirtazapine and olanzapine are 5-HT3 antagonists with good antinausea effects | journal = European Journal of Cancer Care | volume = 16 | issue = 4 | pages = 351–4 | date = Jul 2007 | pmid = 17587360 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00760.x }}</ref>
* [[Itching]]<ref name="pmid12509645">{{cite journal | author = Twycross, R; Greaves, MW; Handwerker, H| title = Itch: scratching more than the surface | journal = QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians | volume = 96 | issue = 1 | pages = 7–26 |date=January 2003 | pmid = 12509645 | doi = 10.1093/qjmed/hcg002| url = http://qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12509645|display-authors=etal}}</ref><ref name="pmid16297004">{{cite journal | author = Greaves, MW | title = Itch in systemic disease: therapeutic options | journal = Dermatologic Therapy | volume = 18 | issue = 4 | pages = 323–7 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16297004 | doi = 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.00036.x | url = http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1396-0296&date=2005&volume=18&issue=4&spage=323}}</ref>
* [[Itching]]<ref name="pmid12509645">{{cite journal | vauthors = Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, Jones EA, Libretto SE, Szepietowski JC, Zylicz Z | title = Itch: scratching more than the surface | journal = Qjm | volume = 96 | issue = 1 | pages = 7–26 | date = Jan 2003 | pmid = 12509645 | doi = 10.1093/qjmed/hcg002 | url = http://qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12509645 }}</ref><ref name="pmid16297004">{{cite journal | vauthors = Greaves MW | title = Itch in systemic disease: therapeutic options | journal = Dermatologic Therapy | volume = 18 | issue = 4 | pages = 323–7 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16297004 | doi = 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.00036.x | url = http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1396-0296&date=2005&volume=18&issue=4&spage=323 }}</ref>
* [[Headache]]s and [[migraine]]<ref name="pmid21602639" /><ref name="pmid15549531">{{cite journal | author = Colombo, B; Annovazzi, PO; Comi, G | title = Therapy of primary headaches: the role of antidepressants | journal = Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology | volume = 25 Suppl 3 | issue = | pages = S171–5 |date=October 2004 | pmid = 15549531 | doi = 10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x}}</ref><ref name="pmid17073214">{{cite journal | author = Tajti, J; Almási, J | title = [Effects of mirtazapine in patients with chronic tension-type headache. Literature review] | language = Hungarian | journal = Neuropsychopharmacologia Hungarica : a Magyar Pszichofarmakológiai Egyesület Lapja = Official Journal of the Hungarian Association of Psychopharmacology | volume = 8 | issue = 2 | pages = 67–72 |date=June 2006 | pmid = 17073214 | doi = | url = }}</ref>
* [[Headache]]s and [[migraine]]<ref name="pmid21602639" /><ref name="pmid15549531">{{cite journal | vauthors = Colombo B, Annovazzi PO, Comi G | title = Therapy of primary headaches: the role of antidepressants | journal = Neurological Sciences | volume = 25 Suppl 3 | issue = | pages = S171-5 | date = Oct 2004 | pmid = 15549531 | doi = 10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x }}</ref><ref name="pmid17073214">{{cite journal | vauthors = Tajti J, Almási J | title = [Effects of mirtazapine in patients with chronic tension-type headache. Literature review] | language = Hungarian | journal = Neuropsychopharmacologia Hungarica | volume = 8 | issue = 2 | pages = 67–72 | date = Jun 2006 | pmid = 17073214 | doi = }}</ref>
{{colend}}
{{colend}}


===Investigational===
=== Investigational ===

Mirtazapine has had literature published on its efficacy in the experimental treatment of these conditions:
Mirtazapine has had literature published on its efficacy in the experimental treatment of these conditions:
* [[Sleep apnoea]]/[[hypopnoea]]<ref name="pmid19388881">{{cite journal | author = Kohler, M; Bloch, KE; Stradling, JR | title = Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea | journal = Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs | volume = 18 | issue = 5 | pages = 647–56 |date=May 2009 | pmid = 19388881 | doi = 10.1517/13543780902877674 | url = http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/13543780902877674%20}}</ref><ref name="pmid18548827">{{cite journal | author = Marshall, NS; Yee, BJ; Desai, AV; Buchanan, PR; Wong, KK; Crompton, R; Melehan, KL; Zack, N; Rao, SG; Gendreau, RM; Kranzler, J; Grunstein, RR | title = Two randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea | journal = Sleep | volume = 31 | issue = 6 | pages = 824–31 |date=June 2008 | pmid = 18548827 | pmc = 2442407 | doi = }}</ref>
* [[Sleep apnoea]]/[[hypopnoea]]<ref name="pmid19388881">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kohler M, Bloch KE, Stradling JR | title = Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea | journal = Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs | volume = 18 | issue = 5 | pages = 647–56 | date = May 2009 | pmid = 19388881 | doi = 10.1517/13543780902877674 | url = http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/13543780902877674%20 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18548827">{{cite journal | vauthors = Marshall NS, Yee BJ, Desai AV, Buchanan PR, Wong KK, Crompton R, Melehan KL, Zack N, Rao SG, Gendreau RM, Kranzler J, Grunstein RR | title = Two randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea | journal = Sleep | volume = 31 | issue = 6 | pages = 824–31 | date = Jun 2008 | pmid = 18548827 | pmc = 2442407 | doi = }}</ref>
* Inappropriate sexual behaviour and other secondary symptoms of [[autistic spectrum|autistic spectrum condition]]s and other [[pervasive developmental disorder]]s<ref name="pmid15584771">{{cite journal | author = Masi, G | title = Pharmacotherapy of pervasive developmental disorders in children and adolescents | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 18 | issue = 14 | pages = 1031–52 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15584771 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200418140-00006| url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=18&issue=14&spage=1031}}</ref><ref name="pmid12589395">{{cite journal | author = Marek, GJ; Carpenter, LL; McDougle, CJ; Price, LH | title = Synergistic action of 5-HT2A antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in neuropsychiatric disorders | journal = Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | pages = 402–12 |date=February 2003 | pmid = 12589395 | doi = 10.1038/sj.npp.1300057 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300057}}</ref><ref name="pmid11642476">{{cite journal | author = Posey, DJ; Guenin, KD; Kohn, AE; Swiezy, NB; McDougle, CJ | title = A naturalistic open-label study of mirtazapine in autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders | journal = J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol | volume = 11 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–77 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11642476 | doi = 10.1089/10445460152595586 }}</ref><ref name="pmid19364298">{{cite journal | author = Coskun, M; Karakoc, S; Kircelli, F; Mukaddes, NM | title = Effectiveness of mirtazapine in the treatment of inappropriate sexual behaviors in individuals with autistic disorder | journal = J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol | volume = 19 | issue = 2 | pages = 203–6 |date=April 2009 | pmid = 19364298 | doi = 10.1089/cap.2008.020 }}</ref>
* Inappropriate sexual behaviour and other secondary symptoms of [[autistic spectrum|autistic spectrum condition]]s and other [[pervasive developmental disorder]]s<ref name="pmid15584771">{{cite journal | vauthors = Masi G | title = Pharmacotherapy of pervasive developmental disorders in children and adolescents | journal = CNS Drugs | volume = 18 | issue = 14 | pages = 1031–52 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15584771 | doi = 10.2165/00023210-200418140-00006 | url = http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl?issn=1172-7047&volume=18&issue=14&spage=1031 }}</ref><ref name="pmid12589395">{{cite journal | vauthors = Marek GJ, Carpenter LL, McDougle CJ, Price LH | title = Synergistic action of 5-HT2A antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in neuropsychiatric disorders | journal = Neuropsychopharmacology | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | pages = 402–12 | date = Feb 2003 | pmid = 12589395 | doi = 10.1038/sj.npp.1300057 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1300057 }}</ref><ref name="pmid11642476">{{cite journal | vauthors = Posey DJ, Guenin KD, Kohn AE, Swiezy NB, McDougle CJ | title = A naturalistic open-label study of mirtazapine in autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders | journal = Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology | volume = 11 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–77 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11642476 | doi = 10.1089/10445460152595586 }}</ref><ref name="pmid19364298">{{cite journal | vauthors = Coskun M, Karakoc S, Kircelli F, Mukaddes NM | title = Effectiveness of mirtazapine in the treatment of inappropriate sexual behaviors in individuals with autistic disorder | journal = Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology | volume = 19 | issue = 2 | pages = 203–6 | date = Apr 2009 | pmid = 19364298 | doi = 10.1089/cap.2008.020 }}</ref>
* [[Antipsychotic]]-induced [[akathisia]]<ref name="pmid19378382">{{cite journal | author = Kumar, R; Sachdev, PS | title = Akathisia and second-generation antipsychotic drugs | journal = Current Opinion in Psychiatry | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 293–99 |date=May 2009 | pmid = 19378382 | doi = 10.1097/YCO.0b013e32832a16da| url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0951-7367&volume=22&issue=3&spage=293}}</ref><ref name="pmid18460588">{{cite journal | author = Hieber, R; Dellenbaugh, T; Nelson, LA | title = Role of mirtazapine in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia | journal = Annals of Pharmacotherapy | volume = 42 | issue = 6 | pages = 841–6 |date=June 2008 | pmid = 18460588 | doi = 10.1345/aph.1K672 }}</ref>
* [[Antipsychotic]]-induced [[akathisia]]<ref name="pmid19378382">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kumar R, Sachdev PS | title = Akathisia and second-generation antipsychotic drugs | journal = Current Opinion in Psychiatry | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 293–99 | date = May 2009 | pmid = 19378382 | doi = 10.1097/YCO.0b013e32832a16da | url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0951-7367&volume=22&issue=3&spage=293 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18460588">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hieber R, Dellenbaugh T, Nelson LA | title = Role of mirtazapine in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia | journal = The Annals of Pharmacotherapy | volume = 42 | issue = 6 | pages = 841–6 | date = Jun 2008 | pmid = 18460588 | doi = 10.1345/aph.1K672 }}</ref>
* [[Drug withdrawal]], [[drug dependence|dependence]] and [[drug detoxification|detoxification]]<ref>{{cite journal|title=Mirtazapine, and mirtazapine-like compounds as possible pharmacotherapy for substance abuse disorders: evidence from the bench and the bedside|journal=Pharmacology & Therapeutics|author=Graves, SM; Rafeyan, R; Watts, J; Napier, TC|date=December 2012|volume=136|issue=3|pages=343–353|doi=10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.013|pmid=22960395|pmc=3483434}}</ref>
* [[Drug withdrawal]], [[drug dependence|dependence]] and [[drug detoxification|detoxification]]<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Graves SM, Rafeyan R, Watts J, Napier TC | title = Mirtazapine, and mirtazapine-like compounds as possible pharmacotherapy for substance abuse disorders: evidence from the bench and the bedside | journal = Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 136 | issue = 3 | pages = 343–53 | date = Dec 2012 | pmid = 22960395 | pmc = 3483434 | doi = 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.013 }}</ref>
* Negative, depressive and cognitive symptoms of [[schizophrenia]] (as an adjunct)<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 9789400758056 | title = Polypharmacy in Psychiatry Practice, Volume I | author = Ritsner, MS | year = 2013 | publisher = Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht | url = http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-007-5805-6/ | pages = }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Mirtazapine as an Adjunctive Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia|journal=Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses|publisher=Walsh Medical Media|issn=1935-1232|doi=10.3371/CSRP.VIRE.030813|date=March 2013|pages=1–24|pmid=23491969|author=Vidal, C; Reese, C; Fischer, BA; Chiapelli, J; Himelhoch, S|volume=1}}</ref>
* Negative, depressive and cognitive symptoms of [[schizophrenia]] (as an adjunct)<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 9789400758056 | title = Polypharmacy in Psychiatry Practice, Volume I | author = Ritsner, MS | year = 2013 | publisher = Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht | url = http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-007-5805-6/ | pages = }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Vidal C, Reese C, Fischer BA, Chiapelli J, Himelhoch S | title = Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Mirtazapine as an Adjunctive Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia | journal = Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses | volume = 9 | issue = 2 | pages = 88–95 | date = Jul 2015 | pmid = 23491969 | doi = 10.3371/CSRP.VIRE.030813 | publisher = Walsh Medical Media }}</ref>
* A case report has been published in which mirtazapine reduced visual hallucinations in a patient with [[Parkinson's disease]] psychosis (PDP).<ref>{{cite journal|title=Mirtazapine improves visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: a case report|journal=Psychogeriatrics|year=June 2013|volume=13|issue=2|pages=103–107|doi=10.1111/j.1479-8301.2012.00432.x|pmid=23909968|author=Tagai, K; Nagata, T; Shinagawa, S; Tsuno, N; Ozone, M; Nakayama, K}}</ref> This is in alignment with recent findings that [[inverse agonist]]s at the [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors]] are efficacious in attenuating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease psychosis. As is supported by the common practice of prescribing low-dose [[quetiapine]] and [[clozapine]] for PDP—doses too low to antagonise the [[Dopamine D2 receptor|D<sub>2</sub> receptor]], but sufficiently high doses to inversely agonise the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors.<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-470-97948-8 | title = The Maudsley prescribing guidelines in psychiatry | last1 = Taylor | first1 = D |author2=Paton, C; Shitij, K | year = 2012 | publisher = Wiley-Blackwell | location = West Sussex | pages = }}</ref>
* A case report has been published in which mirtazapine reduced visual hallucinations in a patient with [[Parkinson's disease]] psychosis (PDP).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tagai K, Nagata T, Shinagawa S, Tsuno N, Ozone M, Nakayama K | title = Mirtazapine improves visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: a case report | journal = Psychogeriatrics | volume = 13 | issue = 2 | pages = 103–7 | date = Jun 2013 | pmid = 23909968 | doi = 10.1111/j.1479-8301.2012.00432.x }}</ref> This is in alignment with recent findings that [[inverse agonist]]s at the [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors]] are efficacious in attenuating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease psychosis. As is supported by the common practice of prescribing low-dose [[quetiapine]] and [[clozapine]] for PDP—doses too low to antagonise the [[Dopamine D2 receptor|D<sub>2</sub> receptor]], but sufficiently high doses to inversely agonise the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors.<ref>{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-470-97948-8 | title = The Maudsley prescribing guidelines in psychiatry | last1 = Taylor | first1 = D |author2=Paton, C; Shitij, K | year = 2012 | publisher = Wiley-Blackwell | location = West Sussex | pages = }}</ref>
{{colend}}
{{colend}}


===Feline and canine===
=== Feline and canine ===

Mirtazapine is sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant for [[cat]]s or [[dog]]s experiencing anorexia due to medical conditions such as [[chronic kidney disease]]. It is especially useful for treating combined poor appetite and nausea in cats and dogs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Remeron for Cats|url=http://www.vetinfo.com/remeron-for-cats.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mirtazapine (Remeron)|url=http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2552}}</ref>
Mirtazapine is sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant for [[cat]]s or [[dog]]s experiencing anorexia due to medical conditions such as [[chronic kidney disease]]. It is especially useful for treating combined poor appetite and nausea in cats and dogs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Remeron for Cats|url=http://www.vetinfo.com/remeron-for-cats.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mirtazapine (Remeron)|url=http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2552}}</ref>


===Efficacy and tolerability===
=== Efficacy and tolerability ===

In clinical studies, mirtazapine has been found to be an effective antidepressant with a generally tolerable [[adverse effect|side-effect]] profile relative to other antidepressants.<ref name="Cipriani_2009">{{cite journal | author = Cipriani, A; Furukawa, TA; Salanti, G; Geddes, JR; Higgins, JP; Churchill, R; Watanabe, N; Nakagawa, A; Omori, IM; McGuire, H; Tansella, M; Barbui, C | title = Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 12 new-generation antidepressants: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis | journal = Lancet | volume = 373 | issue = 9665 | pages = 746–58 |date=February 2009 | pmid = 19185342 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60046-5 }}</ref>
In clinical studies, mirtazapine has been found to be an effective antidepressant with a generally tolerable [[adverse effect|side-effect]] profile relative to other antidepressants.<ref name="Cipriani_2009">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Geddes JR, Higgins JP, Churchill R, Watanabe N, Nakagawa A, Omori IM, McGuire H, Tansella M, Barbui C | title = Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 12 new-generation antidepressants: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis | journal = Lancet | volume = 373 | issue = 9665 | pages = 746–58 | date = Feb 2009 | pmid = 19185342 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60046-5 }}</ref>


In a major meta-analysis published in 2009 that compared the efficacy and tolerability of 12 second-generation antidepressants, mirtazapine was found to be superior to all of the included [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRIs), [[serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor]]s (SNRIs), [[reboxetine]] and [[bupropion]] in terms of antidepressant efficacy, while it was average in regard to tolerability.<ref name="Cipriani_2009" /> However, its superior efficacy over the other medications in the top four ([[escitalopram]], [[sertraline]] and [[venlafaxine]]) did not reach [[statistical significance]].<ref name = "Cipriani_2009" />
In a major meta-analysis published in 2009 that compared the efficacy and tolerability of 12 second-generation antidepressants, mirtazapine was found to be superior to all of the included [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s (SSRIs), [[serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor]]s (SNRIs), [[reboxetine]] and [[bupropion]] in terms of antidepressant efficacy, while it was average in regard to tolerability.<ref name="Cipriani_2009" /> However, its superior efficacy over the other medications in the top four ([[escitalopram]], [[sertraline]] and [[venlafaxine]]) did not reach [[statistical significance]].<ref name = "Cipriani_2009" />


Compared to earlier antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to be significantly superior to [[trazodone]],<ref name="pmid7622801">{{cite journal | author = van Moffaert, M; de Wilde, J; Vereecken, A; Dierick, M; Evrard, JL; Wilmotte, J; Mendlewicz, J | title = Mirtazapine is more effective than trazodone: a double-blind controlled study in hospitalised patients with major depression | journal = Int Clin Psychopharmacol | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–9 |date=March 1995 | pmid = 7622801 | doi = 10.1097/00004850-199503000-00001 }}</ref> while it has been shown to be approximately equivalent in efficacy to several of the [[tricyclic antidepressant]]s <!-- (TCAs) --> including [[amitriptyline]], [[doxepin]] and [[clomipramine]], though with a much improved tolerability profile.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/> However, two other studies found mirtazapine to be significantly inferior to [[imipramine]], another TCA.<ref name="pmid8912401">{{cite journal | author = Bruijn, JA; Moleman, P; Mulder, PG; van den Broek, WW; van Hulst, AM; van der Mast, RC; van de Wetering, BJ | title = A double-blind, fixed blood-level study comparing mirtazapine with imipramine in depressed in-patients | journal = Psychopharmacology (Berl.) | volume = 127 | issue = 3 | pages = 231–7 |date=October 1996 | pmid = 8912401 | doi = 10.1007/BF02246131 }}</ref><ref name="pmid10463374">{{cite journal | author = Bruijn, JA; Moleman, P; Mulder, PG; van den Broek, WW | title = Depressed in-patients respond differently to imipramine and mirtazapine | journal = Pharmacopsychiatry | volume = 32 | issue = 3 | pages = 87–92 |date=May 1999 | pmid = 10463374 | doi = 10.1055/s-2007-979200 }}</ref> One study compared the combination of venlafaxine and mirtazapine to the [[monoamine oxidase inhibitor]] (MAOI) [[tranylcypromine]] alone and found them to be similarly effective, though [[tranylcypromine]] was much less tolerable in regard to [[adverse effect|side effect]]s and [[drug interaction]]s.<ref name="pmid16946177"/>
Compared to earlier antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to be significantly superior to [[trazodone]],<ref name="pmid7622801">{{cite journal | vauthors = van Moffaert M, de Wilde J, Vereecken A, Dierick M, Evrard JL, Wilmotte J, Mendlewicz J | title = Mirtazapine is more effective than trazodone: a double-blind controlled study in hospitalized patients with major depression | journal = International Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 3–9 | date = Mar 1995 | pmid = 7622801 | doi = 10.1097/00004850-199503000-00001 }}</ref> while it has been shown to be approximately equivalent in efficacy to several of the [[tricyclic antidepressant]]s <!-- (TCAs) --> including [[amitriptyline]], [[doxepin]] and [[clomipramine]], though with a much improved tolerability profile.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/> However, two other studies found mirtazapine to be significantly inferior to [[imipramine]], another TCA.<ref name="pmid8912401">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bruijn JA, Moleman P, Mulder PG, van den Broek WW, van Hulst AM, van der Mast RC, van de Wetering BJ | title = A double-blind, fixed blood-level study comparing mirtazapine with imipramine in depressed in-patients | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 127 | issue = 3 | pages = 231–7 | date = Oct 1996 | pmid = 8912401 | doi = 10.1007/BF02246131 }}</ref><ref name="pmid10463374">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bruijn JA, Moleman P, Mulder PG, van den Broek WW | title = Depressed in-patients respond differently to imipramine and mirtazapine | journal = Pharmacopsychiatry | volume = 32 | issue = 3 | pages = 87–92 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10463374 | doi = 10.1055/s-2007-979200 }}</ref> One study compared the combination of venlafaxine and mirtazapine to the [[monoamine oxidase inhibitor]] (MAOI) [[tranylcypromine]] alone and found them to be similarly effective, though [[tranylcypromine]] was much less tolerable in regard to [[adverse effect|side effect]]s and [[drug interaction]]s.<ref name="pmid16946177"/>


In general, all antidepressants, including mirtazapine, require at least a week for their therapeutic benefits on depressive and anxious symptoms to become apparent.<ref name="pmid12404667">{{cite journal | author = Thompson, C | title = Onset of action of antidepressants: results of different analyses | journal = Human Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = S27–32 |date=June 2002 | pmid = 12404667 | doi = 10.1002/hup.386 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.386}}</ref><ref name="Maudsley">{{cite book
In general, all antidepressants, including mirtazapine, require at least a week for their therapeutic benefits on depressive and anxious symptoms to become apparent.<ref name="pmid12404667">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thompson C | title = Onset of action of antidepressants: results of different analyses | journal = Human Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = S27-32 | date = Jun 2002 | pmid = 12404667 | doi = 10.1002/hup.386 | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.386 }}</ref><ref name="Maudsley">{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-47-097948-8 | title = Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry | edition = 11th | author = Taylor, D; Paton, C; Shitij, K | date = 2012 | publisher = Wiley-Blackwell | location = West Sussex }}
</ref> Mirtazapine has a faster onset of antidepressant action when compared to SSRIs, with an initial reduction in affective symptoms being seen within the first week of treatment, and the maximal change in improvement occurring over the course of the first two weeks, however ingesting small doses sporadically can cause some of the same short term side effects as opiates such as minor pain relief as well as constricting of the pupils.<ref name="pmid12404667" /><ref name="pmid18568129">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lavergne F, Berlin I, Gamma A, Stassen H, Angst J | title = Onset of improvement and response to mirtazapine in depression: a multicenter naturalistic study of 4771 patients | journal = Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 59–68 | date = Mar 2005 | pmid = 18568129 | pmc = 2426820 | doi = 10.2147/nedt.1.1.59.52296 }}</ref>
| isbn = 978-0-47-097948-8

| title = Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry
== Adverse reactions ==
| edition = 11th
| author = Taylor, D; Paton, C; Shitij, K
| date = 2012
| publisher = Wiley-Blackwell
| location = West Sussex
}}
</ref> Mirtazapine has a faster onset of antidepressant action when compared to SSRIs, with an initial reduction in affective symptoms being seen within the first week of treatment, and the maximal change in improvement occurring over the course of the first two weeks, however ingesting small doses sporadically can cause some of the same short term side effects as opiates such as minor pain relief as well as constricting of the pupils.<ref name="pmid12404667" /><ref name="pmid18568129">{{cite journal | author = Lavergne, F; Berlin, I; Gamma, A; Stassen, H; Angst, J | title = Onset of improvement and response to mirtazapine in depression: a multicenter naturalistic study of 4771 patients | journal = Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment | volume = 1 | issue = 1 | pages = 59–68 |date=March 2005 | pmid = 18568129 | pmc = 2426820 | doi =10.2147/nedt.1.1.59.52296 }}</ref>


==Adverse reactions==
[[File:Mirtazapine-sandoz.jpg|thumb|right|A box of Mirtazapine-Sandoz]]
[[File:Mirtazapine-sandoz.jpg|thumb|right|A box of Mirtazapine-Sandoz]]


===Side effects===
=== Side effects ===

Information sources:<ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT>{{cite web|title=Axit Mirtazapine PRODUCT INFORMATION|url=https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-PI-05345-3|work=TGA eBusiness Services|publisher=alphapharm|accessdate=15 October 2013|date=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref name = EMC>{{cite web|title=Mirtazapine 30 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics|date=20 March 2013|accessdate=24 October 2013|format=PDF|url=http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25201/SPC/Mirtazapine+30+mg+Tablets/|work=electronic Medicines Compendium|publisher=Sandoz Limited}}</ref><ref name = MS>{{cite web|title=mirtazapine (Rx) - Remeron, Remeron SolTab|work=Medscape|publisher=WebMD|accessdate=24 October 2013|url=http://reference.medscape.com/drug/remeron-soltab-mirtazapine-342966}}</ref><ref name = "AMH">{{cite web | title = Australian Medicines Handbook | url = http://www.amh.net.au | year = 2013 | publisher = Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd }}</ref><ref name = "BNF">{{cite book | title = British National Formulary (BNF) | edition = 65th | publisher = Pharmaceutical Press | pages = 1120 | isbn = 978-0857110848 }}</ref>
Information sources:<ref name = DM/><ref name = AXIT>{{cite web|title=Axit Mirtazapine PRODUCT INFORMATION|url=https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-PI-05345-3|work=TGA eBusiness Services|publisher=alphapharm|accessdate=15 October 2013|date=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref name = EMC>{{cite web|title=Mirtazapine 30 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics|date=20 March 2013|accessdate=24 October 2013|format=PDF|url=http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25201/SPC/Mirtazapine+30+mg+Tablets/|work=electronic Medicines Compendium|publisher=Sandoz Limited}}</ref><ref name = MS>{{cite web|title=mirtazapine (Rx) - Remeron, Remeron SolTab|work=Medscape|publisher=WebMD|accessdate=24 October 2013|url=http://reference.medscape.com/drug/remeron-soltab-mirtazapine-342966}}</ref><ref name = "AMH">{{cite web | title = Australian Medicines Handbook | url = http://www.amh.net.au | year = 2013 | publisher = Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd }}</ref><ref name = "BNF">{{cite book | title = British National Formulary (BNF) | edition = 65th | publisher = Pharmaceutical Press | pages = 1120 | isbn = 978-0857110848 }}</ref>


Line 209: Line 207:
Mirtazapine is not considered to have a risk of many of the side effects often associated with other antidepressants like the SSRIs, and may actually improve certain ones when taken in conjunction with them.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/> These adverse effects include [[anorexia (symptom)|decreased appetite]], [[weight loss]], [[insomnia]], [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[diarrhoea]], [[urinary retention]], increased [[body temperature]], [[diaphoresis|excessive sweating]], [[mydriasis|pupil dilation]] and [[sexual dysfunction]].<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/>
Mirtazapine is not considered to have a risk of many of the side effects often associated with other antidepressants like the SSRIs, and may actually improve certain ones when taken in conjunction with them.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/> These adverse effects include [[anorexia (symptom)|decreased appetite]], [[weight loss]], [[insomnia]], [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[diarrhoea]], [[urinary retention]], increased [[body temperature]], [[diaphoresis|excessive sweating]], [[mydriasis|pupil dilation]] and [[sexual dysfunction]].<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982"/>


In general, some antidepressants, especially SSRIs, can paradoxically exacerbate some peoples' depression or anxiety or cause [[suicidal ideation]].<ref name="pmid17143567">{{cite journal | author = Möller, HJ | title = Is there evidence for negative effects of antidepressants on suicidality in depressive patients? A systematic review | journal = European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | volume = 256 | issue = 8 | pages = 476–96 |date=December 2006 | pmid = 17143567 | doi = 10.1007/s00406-006-0689-8 }}</ref> Despite its sedating action, mirtazapine is also believed to be capable of this, so in the United States and certain other countries, it carries a [[boxed warning|black box]] label warning of these potential effects.
In general, some antidepressants, especially SSRIs, can paradoxically exacerbate some peoples' depression or anxiety or cause [[suicidal ideation]].<ref name="pmid17143567">{{cite journal | vauthors = Möller HJ | title = Is there evidence for negative effects of antidepressants on suicidality in depressive patients? A systematic review | journal = European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | volume = 256 | issue = 8 | pages = 476–96 | date = Dec 2006 | pmid = 17143567 | doi = 10.1007/s00406-006-0689-8 }}</ref> Despite its sedating action, mirtazapine is also believed to be capable of this, so in the United States and certain other countries, it carries a [[boxed warning|black box]] label warning of these potential effects.


===Discontinuation===
=== Discontinuation ===
Mirtazapine and other antidepressants may cause a [[SSRI discontinuation syndrome|withdrawal syndrome]] upon discontinuation.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid9653542">{{cite journal | author = Benazzi, F | title = Mirtazapine withdrawal symptoms | journal = Can J Psychiatry | volume = 43 | issue = 5 | page = 525 |date=June 1998 | pmid = 9653542 | doi = }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid11444761">{{cite journal | author = Blier, P | title = Pharmacology of rapid-onset antidepressant treatment strategies | journal = J Clin Psychiatry | volume = 62 Suppl 15 | issue = | pages = 12–7 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11444761 | doi = }}</ref> A gradual and slow reduction in dose is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms.<ref name="pmid15819135">{{cite journal | author = Vlaminck, JJ; van Vliet, IM; Zitman, FG | title = [Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants] | language = Dutch, Flemish | journal = Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd | volume = 149 | issue = 13 | pages = 698–701 |date=March 2005 | pmid = 15819135 | doi = }}</ref> Effects of sudden cessation of treatment with mirtazapine may include depression, [[anxiety]], [[panic attack]]s, [[vertigo (medical)|vertigo]], [[psychomotor agitation|restlessness]], [[irritability]], [[anorexia (symptom)|decreased appetite]], [[insomnia]], [[diarrhoea]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[flu]]-like symptoms such as [[allergies]] and [[pruritus]], [[headache]]s and sometimes [[hypomania]] or [[mania]].<ref name="pmid9653542"/><ref name="pmid15014614">{{cite journal | author = Berigan, TR | title = Mirtazapine-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms: A Case Report | journal = Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry | volume = 3 | issue = 3 | page = 143 |date=June 2001 | pmid = 15014614 | pmc = 181176 | doi =10.4088/PCC.v03n0307a }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid10986577">{{cite journal | author = Klesmer, J; Sarcevic, A; Fomari, V | title = Panic attacks during discontinuation of mirtazepine | journal = Can J Psychiatry | volume = 45 | issue = 6 | pages = 570–1 |date=August 2000 | pmid = 10986577 | doi = }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid10789310">{{cite journal | author = MacCall, C; Callender, J | title = Mirtazapine withdrawal causing hypomania | journal = Br J Psychiatry | volume = 175 | issue = 4| page = 390 |date=October 1999 | pmid = 10789310 | doi = 10.1192/bjp.175.4.390a}}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12776393">{{cite journal | author = Ali, S; Milev, R | title = Switch to mania upon discontinuation of antidepressants in patients with mood disorders: a review of the literature | journal = Can J Psychiatry | volume = 48 | issue = 4 | pages = 258–64 |date=May 2003 | pmid = 12776393 | doi = }}</ref>


Mirtazapine and other antidepressants may cause a [[SSRI discontinuation syndrome|withdrawal syndrome]] upon discontinuation.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid9653542">{{cite journal | vauthors = Benazzi F | title = Mirtazapine withdrawal symptoms | journal = Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie | volume = 43 | issue = 5 | pages = 525 | page = 525 | date = Jun 1998 | pmid = 9653542 | doi = }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid11444761">{{cite journal | vauthors = Blier P | title = Pharmacology of rapid-onset antidepressant treatment strategies | journal = The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 62 Suppl 15 | issue = | pages = 12–7 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11444761 | doi = }}</ref> A gradual and slow reduction in dose is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms.<ref name="pmid15819135">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vlaminck JJ, van Vliet IM, Zitman FG | title = [Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants] | language = Dutch, Flemish | journal = Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde | volume = 149 | issue = 13 | pages = 698–701 | date = Mar 2005 | pmid = 15819135 | doi = }}</ref> Effects of sudden cessation of treatment with mirtazapine may include depression, [[anxiety]], [[panic attack]]s, [[vertigo (medical)|vertigo]], [[psychomotor agitation|restlessness]], [[irritability]], [[anorexia (symptom)|decreased appetite]], [[insomnia]], [[diarrhoea]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[flu]]-like symptoms such as [[allergies]] and [[pruritus]], [[headache]]s and sometimes [[hypomania]] or [[mania]].<ref name="pmid9653542"/><ref name="pmid15014614">{{cite journal | vauthors = Berigan TR | title = Mirtazapine-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms: A Case Report | journal = Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 3 | issue = 3 | pages = 143 | page = 143 | date = Jun 2001 | pmid = 15014614 | pmc = 181176 | doi = 10.4088/PCC.v03n0307a }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid10986577">{{cite journal | vauthors = Klesmer J, Sarcevic A, Fomari V | title = Panic attacks during discontinuation of mirtazepine | journal = Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie | volume = 45 | issue = 6 | pages = 570–1 | date = Aug 2000 | pmid = 10986577 | doi = }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid10789310">{{cite journal | vauthors = MacCall C, Callender J | title = Mirtazapine withdrawal causing hypomania | journal = The British Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 175 | issue = 4 | pages = 390 | page = 390 | date = Oct 1999 | pmid = 10789310 | doi = 10.1192/bjp.175.4.390a }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12776393">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ali S, Milev R | title = Switch to mania upon discontinuation of antidepressants in patients with mood disorders: a review of the literature | journal = Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie | volume = 48 | issue = 4 | pages = 258–64 | date = May 2003 | pmid = 12776393 | doi = }}</ref>
===Overdose===
Mirtazapine is considered to be relatively safe in the event of an [[overdose]],<ref name="Maudsley"/> although it is considered slightly more toxic in overdose than most of the SSRIs (except [[citalopram]]).<ref>{{cite journal|last=White|first=N|author2=Litovitz, T |author3=Clancy, C |title=Suicidal antidepressant overdoses: a comparative analysis by antidepressant type.|journal=Journal of Medical Toxicology|date=December 2008|volume=4|issue=4|pages=238–50|pmid=19031375|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550116/pdf/13181_2009_Article_BF03161207.pdf|format=PDF|pmc=3550116|doi=10.1007/bf03161207}}</ref> Unlike the TCAs, mirtazapine showed no significant [[cardiovascular]] [[adverse reaction|adverse effect]]s at 7 to 22 times the maximum recommended dose.<ref name="pmid10333982"/> Case reports of overdose with as much as 30 to 50 times the standard dose described the drug as relatively nontoxic, compared to TCAs.<ref name="pmid9807651">{{cite journal | author = Holzbach R, Jahn H, Pajonk FG, Mähne C | title = Suicide attempts with mirtazapine overdose without complications | journal = Biol. Psychiatry | volume = 44 | issue = 9 | pages = 925–6 |date=November 1998 | pmid = 9807651 | doi = 10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00081-X }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid9861579">{{cite journal | author = Retz W, Maier S, Maris F, Rösler M | title = Non-fatal mirtazapine overdose | journal = Int Clin Psychopharmacol | volume = 13 | issue = 6 | pages = 277–9 |date=November 1998 | pmid = 9861579 | doi = 10.1097/00004850-199811000-00007 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>


=== Overdose ===
Twelve reported fatalities have been attributed to mirtazapine overdose.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Nikolaou, P; Dona, A; Papoutsis, I; Spiliopoulou, C; Maravelias, C | title = Death Due to Mirtazapine Overdose}} in {{cite journal |doi=10.1080/15563650902952273 |title=Abstracts of the XXIX International Congress of the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, May 12–15, 2009, Stockholm, Sweden | year = 2009 | journal = Clinical Toxicology | volume = 47 | issue = 5 | pages = 436–510 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = Baselt, RC | title = Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man | edition = 8th | publisher = Biomedical Publications | location = Foster City, CA | year = 2008 | pages = 1045–7 | isbn = 978-0-9626523-7-0 }}</ref> The fatal toxicity index (deaths per million prescriptions) for mirtazapine is 3.1 (95% CI: 0.1 to 17.2). This is similar to that observed with SSRIs.<ref name="bmj325">{{cite journal | author = Buckley, NA; McManus, PR | title = Fatal toxicity of serotoninergic and other antidepressant drugs: analysis of United Kingdom mortality data | journal = BMJ | volume = 325 | issue = 7376 | pages = 1332–3 |date=December 2002 | pmid = 12468481 | pmc = 137809 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.325.7376.1332 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>


Mirtazapine is considered to be relatively safe in the event of an [[overdose]],<ref name="Maudsley"/> although it is considered slightly more toxic in overdose than most of the SSRIs (except [[citalopram]]).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = White N, Litovitz T, Clancy C | title = Suicidal antidepressant overdoses: a comparative analysis by antidepressant type | journal = Journal of Medical Toxicology | volume = 4 | issue = 4 | pages = 238–50 | date = Dec 2008 | pmid = 19031375 | pmc = 3550116 | doi = 10.1007/bf03161207 | url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550116/pdf/13181_2009_Article_BF03161207.pdf | format = PDF }}</ref> Unlike the TCAs, mirtazapine showed no significant [[cardiovascular]] [[adverse reaction|adverse effect]]s at 7 to 22 times the maximum recommended dose.<ref name="pmid10333982"/> Case reports of overdose with as much as 30 to 50 times the standard dose described the drug as relatively nontoxic, compared to TCAs.<ref name="pmid9807651">{{cite journal | vauthors = Holzbach R, Jahn H, Pajonk FG, Mähne C | title = Suicide attempts with mirtazapine overdose without complications | journal = Biological Psychiatry | volume = 44 | issue = 9 | pages = 925–6 | date = Nov 1998 | pmid = 9807651 | doi = 10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00081-X }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid9861579">{{cite journal | vauthors = Retz W, Maier S, Maris F, Rösler M | title = Non-fatal mirtazapine overdose | journal = International Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 13 | issue = 6 | pages = 277–9 | date = Nov 1998 | pmid = 9861579 | doi = 10.1097/00004850-199811000-00007 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
==Pharmacology==


Twelve reported fatalities have been attributed to mirtazapine overdose.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Nikolaou, P; Dona, A; Papoutsis, I; Spiliopoulou, C; Maravelias, C | title = Death Due to Mirtazapine Overdose}} in {{cite journal |doi=10.1080/15563650902952273 |title=Abstracts of the XXIX International Congress of the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, May 12–15, 2009, Stockholm, Sweden | year = 2009 | journal = Clinical Toxicology | volume = 47 | issue = 5 | pages = 436–510 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author = Baselt, RC | title = Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man | edition = 8th | publisher = Biomedical Publications | location = Foster City, CA | year = 2008 | pages = 1045–7 | isbn = 978-0-9626523-7-0 }}</ref> The fatal toxicity index (deaths per million prescriptions) for mirtazapine is 3.1 (95% CI: 0.1 to 17.2). This is similar to that observed with SSRIs.<ref name="bmj325">{{cite journal | vauthors = Buckley NA, McManus PR | title = Fatal toxicity of serotoninergic and other antidepressant drugs: analysis of United Kingdom mortality data | journal = Bmj | volume = 325 | issue = 7376 | pages = 1332–3 | date = Dec 2002 | pmid = 12468481 | pmc = 137809 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.325.7376.1332 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
===Binding profile===

Mirtazapine is an [[receptor antagonist|antagonist]]/[[inverse agonist]] at the following [[receptor (biochemistry)|receptor]]s:<ref name="pmid15771415">{{cite journal | author = Fernández, J; Alonso, JM; Andrés, JI; Cid, JM; Díaz, A; Iturrino, L; Gil, P; Megens, A; Sipido, VK; Trabanco, AA | title = Discovery of new tetracyclic tetrahydrofuran derivatives as potential broad-spectrum psychotropic agents | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 48 | issue = 6 | pages = 1709–12 |date=March 2005 | pmid = 15771415 | doi = 10.1021/jm049632c }}</ref><ref name="pmid3419539">{{cite journal | author = de Boer, TH; Maura, G; Raiteri, M; de Vos, CJ; Wieringa, J; Pinder, RM | title = Neurochemical and autonomic pharmacological profiles of the 6-aza-analogue of mianserin, Org 3770 and its enantiomers | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 27 | issue = 4 | pages = 399–408 |date=April 1988 | pmid = 3419539 | doi = 10.1016/0028-3908(88)90149-9 }}</ref>
== Pharmacology ==

=== Binding profile ===

Mirtazapine is an [[receptor antagonist|antagonist]]/[[inverse agonist]] at the following [[receptor (biochemistry)|receptor]]s:<ref name="pmid15771415">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fernández J, Alonso JM, Andrés JI, Cid JM, Díaz A, Iturrino L, Gil P, Megens A, Sipido VK, Trabanco AA | title = Discovery of new tetracyclic tetrahydrofuran derivatives as potential broad-spectrum psychotropic agents | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 48 | issue = 6 | pages = 1709–12 | date = Mar 2005 | pmid = 15771415 | doi = 10.1021/jm049632c }}</ref><ref name="pmid3419539">{{cite journal | vauthors = de Boer TH, Maura G, Raiteri M, de Vos CJ, Wieringa J, Pinder RM | title = Neurochemical and autonomic pharmacological profiles of the 6-aza-analogue of mianserin, Org 3770 and its enantiomers | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 27 | issue = 4 | pages = 399–408 | date = Apr 1988 | pmid = 3419539 | doi = 10.1016/0028-3908(88)90149-9 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 231: Line 232:
| [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor]] || 69 || The (''S'')-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this antagonism.<ref name = MD/>
| [[5-HT2A receptor|5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor]] || 69 || The (''S'')-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this antagonism.<ref name = MD/>
|-
|-
| [[5-HT2B receptor|5-HT<sub>2B</sub> receptor]] || ? || ~20-fold lower than for 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>/5-HT<sub>2C</sub><ref name="pmid8636062">{{cite journal | author = de Boer, T | title = The pharmacologic profile of mirtazapine | journal = J Clin Psychiatry | volume = 57 Suppl 4 | issue = | pages = 19–25 | year = 1996 | pmid = 8636062 | doi = }}</ref>
| [[5-HT2B receptor|5-HT<sub>2B</sub> receptor]] || ? || ~20-fold lower than for 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>/5-HT<sub>2C</sub><ref name="pmid8636062">{{cite journal | vauthors = de Boer T | title = The pharmacologic profile of mirtazapine | journal = The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 57 Suppl 4 | issue = | pages = 19–25 | year = 1996 | pmid = 8636062 | doi = }}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[5-HT2C receptor|5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor]] || 39 || Inverse agonist<ref name="Graves_2012">{{cite journal|last1=Graves|first1=Steven M|last2=Napier|first2=T|title=SB 206553, a putative 5-HT2C inverse agonist, attenuates methamphetamine-seeking in rats|journal=BMC Neuroscience|date=2012|volume=13|issue=1|pages=65|doi=10.1186/1471-2202-13-65}}</ref> The (''S'')-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this action.<ref name = MD/>
| [[5-HT2C receptor|5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor]] || 39 || Inverse agonist<ref name="Graves_2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Graves SM, Napier TC | title = SB 206553, a putative 5-HT2C inverse agonist, attenuates methamphetamine-seeking in rats | journal = BMC Neuroscience | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 65 | date = 2012 | pmid = 22697313 | doi = 10.1186/1471-2202-13-65 }}</ref> The (''S'')-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this action.<ref name = MD/>
|-
|-
| [[5-HT3 receptor|5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor]] || ? || Similar to 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>/5-HT<sub>2C</sub> (mouse neuroblastoma cell)<ref name="pmid7984289">{{cite journal | author = Kooyman, AR; Zwart, R; Vanderheijden, PM; Van Hooft, JA; Vijverberg, HP | title = Interaction between enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 at 5-HT3 receptors in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 33 | issue = 3–4 | pages = 501–7 | year = 1994 | pmid = 7984289 | doi = 10.1016/0028-3908(94)90081-7 }}</ref> ''R''-(–) enantiomer antagonises the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor.<ref name = MD>{{cite book|editor=Brayfield, A|title=Mirtazapine|work=Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference|publisher=The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain|accessdate=3 November 2013|date=30 January 2013|url=http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/martindale/current/11022-r.htm}}</ref>
| [[5-HT3 receptor|5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor]] || ? || Similar to 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>/5-HT<sub>2C</sub> (mouse neuroblastoma cell)<ref name="pmid7984289">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kooyman AR, Zwart R, Vanderheijden PM, Van Hooft JA, Vijverberg HP | title = Interaction between enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 at 5-HT3 receptors in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 33 | issue = 3-4 | pages = 501–7 | year = 1994 | pmid = 7984289 | doi = 10.1016/0028-3908(94)90081-7 }}</ref> ''R''-(–) enantiomer antagonises the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor.<ref name = MD>{{cite book|editor=Brayfield, A|title=Mirtazapine|work=Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference|publisher=The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain|accessdate=3 November 2013|date=30 January 2013|url=http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/martindale/current/11022-r.htm}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[5-HT7 receptor|5-HT<sub>7</sub> receptor]] || 265 ||
| [[5-HT7 receptor|5-HT<sub>7</sub> receptor]] || 265 ||
Line 251: Line 252:
| [[Dopamine D3 receptor|D<sub>3</sub> receptor]] || 5723 ||
| [[Dopamine D3 receptor|D<sub>3</sub> receptor]] || 5723 ||
|-
|-
| [[Histamine H1 receptor|H<sub>1</sub> receptor]] || 1.6 || <ref name="pmid12109911">{{cite journal | author = Wikström, HV; Mensonides-Harsema, MM; Cremers, TI; Moltzen, EK; Arnt, J | title = Synthesis and pharmacological testing of 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-6-methoxy-2-methyldibenzo[c,f]pyrazino[1,2-a]azepin and its enantiomers in comparison with the two antidepressants mianserin and mirtazapine | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 45 | issue = 15 | pages = 3280–5 |date=July 2002 | pmid = 12109911 | doi = 10.1021/jm010566d }}</ref>
| [[Histamine H1 receptor|H<sub>1</sub> receptor]] || 1.6 || <ref name="pmid12109911">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wikström HV, Mensonides-Harsema MM, Cremers TI, Moltzen EK, Arnt J | title = Synthesis and pharmacological testing of 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-6-methoxy-2-methyldibenzo[c,f]pyrazino[1,2-a]azepin and its enantiomers in comparison with the two antidepressants mianserin and mirtazapine | journal = Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 45 | issue = 15 | pages = 3280–5 | date = Jul 2002 | pmid = 12109911 | doi = 10.1021/jm010566d }}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor|mACh receptors]] || 670 || <ref name="GG">{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-07-162442-8 | title = [[Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics]] | edition = 12th | author = Brunton, L; Chabner, B; Knollman, B | year = 2010 | publisher = McGraw-Hill Professional | location = New York }}</ref>
| [[Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor|mACh receptors]] || 670 || <ref name="GG">{{cite book | isbn = 978-0-07-162442-8 | title = [[Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics]] | edition = 12th | author = Brunton, L; Chabner, B; Knollman, B | year = 2010 | publisher = McGraw-Hill Professional | location = New York }}</ref>
Line 258: Line 259:
All [[affinity (pharmacology)|affinities]] listed were assayed using human materials except those for α<sub>1</sub>-adrenergic and mACh that are for [[rat]] tissues, due to human values being unavailable.<ref name="pmid15771415"/><ref name="pmid3419539"/>
All [[affinity (pharmacology)|affinities]] listed were assayed using human materials except those for α<sub>1</sub>-adrenergic and mACh that are for [[rat]] tissues, due to human values being unavailable.<ref name="pmid15771415"/><ref name="pmid3419539"/>


Mirtazapine has recently been found to act as a weak ([[EC50|EC<sub>50</sub>]] 7.2 μM) [[κ-opioid receptor]] [[partial agonist]].<ref name="pmid22708686">{{cite journal | author = Olianas MC, Dedoni S, Onali P | title = The atypical antidepressant mianserin exhibits agonist activity at κ-opioid receptors | journal = Br. J. Pharmacol. | volume = 167 | issue = 6 | pages = 1329–41 |date=November 2012 | pmid = 22708686 | doi = 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02078.x }}</ref>
Mirtazapine has recently been found to act as a weak ([[EC50|EC<sub>50</sub>]] 7.2 μM) [[κ-opioid receptor]] [[partial agonist]].<ref name="pmid22708686">{{cite journal | vauthors = Olianas MC, Dedoni S, Onali P | title = The atypical antidepressant mianserin exhibits agonist activity at κ-opioid receptors | journal = British Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 167 | issue = 6 | pages = 1329–41 | date = Nov 2012 | pmid = 22708686 | doi = 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02078.x }}</ref>


===Correspondence to clinical effects===
=== Correspondence to clinical effects ===
Antagonization of the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptors, which function largely as [[autoreceptor]]s and [[heteroreceptor]]s enhances [[adrenergic]] and [[serotonergic]] [[neurotransmission]], the notable ones being [[Central nervous system|central]] [[5-HT1A receptor|5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor]]-mediated transmission in the [[dorsal raphe nucleus]] and [[hippocampus]]; hence, mirtazapine's classification as a NaSSA. Indirect α<sub>1</sub>-adrenoceptor-mediated enhancement of 5-HT cell firing and direct blockade of inhibitory α<sub>2</sub>-heteroreceptors located on 5-HT terminals are held responsible for the increase in extracellular 5-HT.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10446735"/><ref name="pmid7912194">{{cite journal | author = De Boer, T; Nefkens, F; Van Helvoirt, A | title = The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist Org 3770 enhances serotonin transmission in vivo | journal = Eur. J. Pharmacol. | volume = 253 | issue = 1–2 | pages = R5–6 |date=February 1994 | pmid = 7912194 | doi = 10.1016/0014-2999(94)90778-1 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid9361334">{{cite journal | author = Berendsen, HH; Broekkamp, CL | title = Indirect in vivo 5-HT1A-agonistic effects of the new antidepressant mirtazapine | journal = Psychopharmacology (Berl.) | volume = 133 | issue = 3 | pages = 275–82 |date=October 1997 | pmid = 9361334 | doi = 10.1007/s002130050402 }}</ref><ref name="pmid15145142">{{cite journal | author = Nakayama, K; Sakurai, T; Katsu, H | title = Mirtazapine increases dopamine release in prefrontal cortex by 5-HT1A receptor activation | journal = Brain Res. Bull. | volume = 63 | issue = 3 | pages = 237–41 |date=April 2004 | pmid = 15145142 | doi = 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2004.02.007 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Because of this, mirtazapine has been said to be a functional "[[indirect agonist]]" of the 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor.<ref name="pmid9361334"/> Increased activation of the central 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor is thought to be a major mediator of efficacy of most antidepressant drugs.<ref name="pmid11212592">{{cite journal | author = Blier, P; Abbott, FV | title = Putative mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs in affective and anxiety disorders and pain | journal = J Psychiatry Neurosci | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 37–43 |date=January 2001 | pmid = 11212592 | pmc = 1408043 | doi = | url = http://www.cma.ca/multimedia/staticContent/HTML/N0/l2/jpn/vol-26/issue-1/pdf/pg37.pdf }}</ref> Unlike most conventional antidepressants, however, at clinically used doses mirtazapine has no appreciable affinity for the [[Serotonin transporter|serotonin]], [[Norepinephrine transporter|norepinephrine]], or [[dopamine transporter]]s and thus lacks any significant effects as a [[reuptake inhibitor]] of these [[neurotransmitter]]s,<ref name="pmid9537821">{{cite journal | author = Tatsumi, M; Groshan, K; Blakely, RD; Richelson, E | title = Pharmacological profile of antidepressants and related compounds at human monoamine transporters | journal = European Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 340 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 249–58 |date=December 1997 | pmid = 9537821 | doi = 10.1016/S0014-2999(97)01393-9| url = http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0014-2999(97)01393-9}}</ref> nor does it have any significant inhibitory effects on [[monoamine oxidase]].<ref name="pmid21200377">{{cite journal | author = Fisar, Z; Hroudová, J; Raboch, J | title = Inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by antidepressants and mood stabilizers | journal = Neuro Endocrinology Letters | volume = 31 | issue = 5 | pages = 645–56 | year = 2010 | pmid = 21200377 | doi = | url = }}</ref>


Antagonization of the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptors, which function largely as [[autoreceptor]]s and [[heteroreceptor]]s enhances [[adrenergic]] and [[serotonergic]] [[neurotransmission]], the notable ones being [[Central nervous system|central]] [[5-HT1A receptor|5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor]]-mediated transmission in the [[dorsal raphe nucleus]] and [[hippocampus]]; hence, mirtazapine's classification as a NaSSA. Indirect α<sub>1</sub>-adrenoceptor-mediated enhancement of 5-HT cell firing and direct blockade of inhibitory α<sub>2</sub>-heteroreceptors located on 5-HT terminals are held responsible for the increase in extracellular 5-HT.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10446735"/><ref name="pmid7912194">{{cite journal | vauthors = De Boer T, Nefkens F, Van Helvoirt A | title = The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist Org 3770 enhances serotonin transmission in vivo | journal = European Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 253 | issue = 1-2 | pages = R5-6 | date = Feb 1994 | pmid = 7912194 | doi = 10.1016/0014-2999(94)90778-1 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid9361334">{{cite journal | vauthors = Berendsen HH, Broekkamp CL | title = Indirect in vivo 5-HT1A-agonistic effects of the new antidepressant mirtazapine | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 133 | issue = 3 | pages = 275–82 | date = Oct 1997 | pmid = 9361334 | doi = 10.1007/s002130050402 }}</ref><ref name="pmid15145142">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nakayama K, Sakurai T, Katsu H | title = Mirtazapine increases dopamine release in prefrontal cortex by 5-HT1A receptor activation | journal = Brain Research Bulletin | volume = 63 | issue = 3 | pages = 237–41 | date = Apr 2004 | pmid = 15145142 | doi = 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2004.02.007 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Because of this, mirtazapine has been said to be a functional "[[indirect agonist]]" of the 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor.<ref name="pmid9361334"/> Increased activation of the central 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor is thought to be a major mediator of efficacy of most antidepressant drugs.<ref name="pmid11212592">{{cite journal | vauthors = Blier P, Abbott FV | title = Putative mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs in affective and anxiety disorders and pain | journal = Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 37–43 | date = Jan 2001 | pmid = 11212592 | pmc = 1408043 | doi = | url = http://www.cma.ca/multimedia/staticContent/HTML/N0/l2/jpn/vol-26/issue-1/pdf/pg37.pdf }}</ref> Unlike most conventional antidepressants, however, at clinically used doses mirtazapine has no appreciable affinity for the [[Serotonin transporter|serotonin]], [[Norepinephrine transporter|norepinephrine]], or [[dopamine transporter]]s and thus lacks any significant effects as a [[reuptake inhibitor]] of these [[neurotransmitter]]s,<ref name="pmid9537821">{{cite journal | vauthors = Tatsumi M, Groshan K, Blakely RD, Richelson E | title = Pharmacological profile of antidepressants and related compounds at human monoamine transporters | journal = European Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 340 | issue = 2-3 | pages = 249–58 | date = Dec 1997 | pmid = 9537821 | doi = 10.1016/S0014-2999(97)01393-9 | url = http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0014-2999(97)01393-9 }}</ref> nor does it have any significant inhibitory effects on [[monoamine oxidase]].<ref name="pmid21200377">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fisar Z, Hroudová J, Raboch J | title = Inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by antidepressants and mood stabilizers | journal = Neuro Endocrinology Letters | volume = 31 | issue = 5 | pages = 645–56 | year = 2010 | pmid = 21200377 | doi = }}</ref>
Antagonism of the 5-HT<sub>2</sub> subfamily of receptors and inverse agonism of the 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor appears to be in part responsible for mirtazapine's efficacy in the treatment of depressive states.<ref name="pmid16433010">{{cite journal | author = Millan, MJ | title = Serotonin 5-HT2C receptors as a target for the treatment of depressive and anxious states: focus on novel therapeutic strategies | journal = Therapie | volume = 60 | issue = 5 | pages = 441–60 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16433010 | doi = 10.2515/therapie:2005065 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18709360">{{cite journal | author = Dekeyne, A; Millan, MJ | title = Discriminative stimulus properties of the atypical antidepressant, mirtazapine, in rats: a pharmacological characterization | journal = Psychopharmacology (Berl.) | volume = 203 | issue = 2 | pages = 329–41 |date=April 2009 | pmid = 18709360 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-008-1259-8 }}</ref> The 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor is known to inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]] in various parts of the brains of rodents, notably in [[pleasure center|reward pathways]] such as the [[ventral tegmental area]].<ref name="pmid15056702">{{cite journal | author = De Deurwaerdère, P; Navailles, S; Berg, KA; Clarke, WP; Spampinato, U | title = Constitutive activity of the serotonin2C receptor inhibits in vivo dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens | journal = J. Neurosci. | volume = 24 | issue = 13 | pages = 3235–41 |date=March 2004 | pmid = 15056702 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0112-04.2004 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid17367945">{{cite journal | author = Bubar, MJ; Cunningham, KA | title = Distribution of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral tegmental area | journal = Neuroscience | volume = 146 | issue = 1 | pages = 286–97 |date=April 2007 | pmid = 17367945 | pmc = 1939890 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.071 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Accordingly, it was shown that by blocking the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptors and 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptors mirtazapine disinhibited dopamine and norepinephrine activity in these areas in rats.<ref name="pmid10762339">{{cite journal | author = Millan, MJ; Gobert, A; Rivet, JM; Adhumeau-Auclair, A; Cussac, D; Newman-Tancredi, A; Dekeyne, A; Nicolas, JP; Lejeune, F | title = Mirtazapine enhances frontocortical dopaminergic and corticolimbic adrenergic, but not serotonergic, transmission by blockade of α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic and serotonin<sub>2C</sub> receptors: a comparison with citalopram | journal = Eur. J. Neurosci. | volume = 12 | issue = 3 | pages = 1079–95 |date=March 2000 | pmid = 10762339 | doi = 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2000.00982.x }}</ref> In addition, mirtazapine's antagonism of 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors has beneficial effects on [[anxiety]], [[sleep]] and [[appetite]], as well as sexual function regarding the latter receptor.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982">{{cite journal | author = Fawcett, J; Barkin, RL | title = Review of the results from clinical studies on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of patients with major depression | journal = J Affect Disord | volume = 51 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–85 |date=December 1998 | pmid = 10333982 | doi = 10.1016/S0165-0327(98)00224-9 }}</ref> The newest research however has shown that mirtazapine is actually an inverse agonist of the 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor. 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonists have been shown to inhibit mesoaccumbens dopamine outflow<ref name="pmid19702657">{{cite journal | author = Leggio, GM; Cathala, A; Neny, M; Rouge-Pont, F; Drago, F; Piazza, PV; Spampinato, U | title = In vivo evidence that constitutive activity of serotonin2C receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex participates in the control of dopamine release in the rat nucleus accumbens: differential effects of inverse agonist versus antagonist | journal = J. Neurochem. | volume = 111 | issue = 2 | pages = 614–23 |date=October 2009 | pmid = 19702657 | doi = 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06356.x }}</ref> attenuating the rewarding properties of various substances like morphine. This inhibition of dopamine may be stronger than thought as substances with 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonist properties may have more activity to regulate dopamine neurotransmission than ones with competitive antagonism.<ref name="pmid18772038">{{cite journal | author = Berg, KA; Harvey, JA; Spampinato, U; Clarke, WP | title = Physiological and therapeutic relevance of constitutive activity of 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors for the treatment of depression | journal = Prog. Brain Res. | volume = 172 | issue = | pages = 287–305 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18772038 | doi = 10.1016/S0079-6123(08)00914-X+= }}</ref> With its newly understood properties of 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonism, it is being investigated and shown to lower drug seeking behaviour, [[conditioned place preference]] and the rewarding effects of substances such as methamphetamine in various human and animal studies.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid22065532">{{cite journal | author = Colfax, GN; Santos, GM; Das, M; Santos, DM; Matheson, T; Gasper, J; Shoptaw, S; Vittinghoff, E | title = Mirtazapine to reduce methamphetamine use: a randomized controlled trial | journal = Arch. Gen. Psychiatry | volume = 68 | issue = 11 | pages = 1168–75 |date=November 2011 | pmid = 22065532 | pmc = 3437988 | doi = 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.124 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18945553">{{cite journal | author = Herrold, AA; Shen, F; Graham, MP; Harper, LK; Specio, SE; Tedford, CE; Napier, TC | title = Mirtazapine treatment after conditioning with methamphetamine alters subsequent expression of place preference | journal = Drug Alcohol Depend | volume = 99 | issue = 1–3 | pages = 231–9 |date=January 2009 | pmid = 18945553 | doi = 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.005 }}</ref> It is also being investigated to help in substance abuse disorders with withdrawal effects and remission rates.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid18633741">{{cite journal | author = Rose, ME; Grant, JE | title = Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a review of the pathophysiology of methamphetamine addiction and the theoretical basis and efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic interventions | journal = Ann Clin Psychiatry | volume = 20 | issue = 3 | pages = 145–55 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18633741 | doi = 10.1080/10401230802177656 }}</ref> but some studies have shown mixed benefit.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid22095579">{{cite journal | author = Brackins, T; Brahm, NC; Kissack, JC | title = Treatments for methamphetamine abuse: a literature review for the clinician | journal = J Pharm Pract | volume = 24 | issue = 6 | pages = 541–50 |date=December 2011 | pmid = 22095579 | doi = 10.1177/0897190011426557 }}</ref><ref name="pmid23617468">{{cite journal | author = Brensilver, M; Heinzerling, KG; Shoptaw, S | title = Pharmacotherapy of amphetamine-type stimulant dependence: An update | journal = Drug Alcohol Rev | volume = 32 | issue = 5 | pages = 449–60 |date=September 2013 | pmid = 23617468 | doi = 10.1111/dar.12048 }}</ref>


Antagonism of the 5-HT<sub>2</sub> subfamily of receptors and inverse agonism of the 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor appears to be in part responsible for mirtazapine's efficacy in the treatment of depressive states.<ref name="pmid16433010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Millan MJ | title = Serotonin 5-HT2C receptors as a target for the treatment of depressive and anxious states: focus on novel therapeutic strategies | journal = Thérapie | volume = 60 | issue = 5 | pages = 441–60 | year = 2005 | pmid = 16433010 | doi = 10.2515/therapie:2005065 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18709360">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dekeyne A, Millan MJ | title = Discriminative stimulus properties of the atypical antidepressant, mirtazapine, in rats: a pharmacological characterization | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 203 | issue = 2 | pages = 329–41 | date = Apr 2009 | pmid = 18709360 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-008-1259-8 }}</ref> The 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor is known to inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]] in various parts of the brains of rodents, notably in [[pleasure center|reward pathways]] such as the [[ventral tegmental area]].<ref name="pmid15056702">{{cite journal | vauthors = De Deurwaerdère P, Navailles S, Berg KA, Clarke WP, Spampinato U | title = Constitutive activity of the serotonin2C receptor inhibits in vivo dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 24 | issue = 13 | pages = 3235–41 | date = Mar 2004 | pmid = 15056702 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0112-04.2004 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid17367945">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bubar MJ, Cunningham KA | title = Distribution of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral tegmental area | journal = Neuroscience | volume = 146 | issue = 1 | pages = 286–97 | date = Apr 2007 | pmid = 17367945 | pmc = 1939890 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.071 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Accordingly, it was shown that by blocking the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic receptors and 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptors mirtazapine disinhibited dopamine and norepinephrine activity in these areas in rats.<ref name="pmid10762339">{{cite journal | vauthors = Millan MJ, Gobert A, Rivet JM, Adhumeau-Auclair A, Cussac D, Newman-Tancredi A, Dekeyne A, Nicolas JP, Lejeune F | title = Mirtazapine enhances frontocortical dopaminergic and corticolimbic adrenergic, but not serotonergic, transmission by blockade of alpha2-adrenergic and serotonin2C receptors: a comparison with citalopram | journal = The European Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 12 | issue = 3 | pages = 1079–95 | date = Mar 2000 | pmid = 10762339 | doi = 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2000.00982.x }}</ref> In addition, mirtazapine's antagonism of 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptors has beneficial effects on [[anxiety]], [[sleep]] and [[appetite]], as well as sexual function regarding the latter receptor.<ref name="pmid11607047"/><ref name="pmid10333982">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fawcett J, Barkin RL | title = Review of the results from clinical studies on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of patients with major depression | journal = Journal of Affective Disorders | volume = 51 | issue = 3 | pages = 267–85 | date = Dec 1998 | pmid = 10333982 | doi = 10.1016/S0165-0327(98)00224-9 }}</ref> The newest research however has shown that mirtazapine is actually an inverse agonist of the 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> receptor. 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonists have been shown to inhibit mesoaccumbens dopamine outflow<ref name="pmid19702657">{{cite journal | vauthors = Leggio GM, Cathala A, Neny M, Rouge-Pont F, Drago F, Piazza PV, Spampinato U | title = In vivo evidence that constitutive activity of serotonin2C receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex participates in the control of dopamine release in the rat nucleus accumbens: differential effects of inverse agonist versus antagonist | journal = Journal of Neurochemistry | volume = 111 | issue = 2 | pages = 614–23 | date = Oct 2009 | pmid = 19702657 | doi = 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06356.x }}</ref> attenuating the rewarding properties of various substances like morphine. This inhibition of dopamine may be stronger than thought as substances with 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonist properties may have more activity to regulate dopamine neurotransmission than ones with competitive antagonism.<ref name="pmid18772038">{{cite journal | vauthors = Berg KA, Harvey JA, Spampinato U, Clarke WP | title = Physiological and therapeutic relevance of constitutive activity of 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors for the treatment of depression | journal = Progress in Brain Research | volume = 172 | issue = | pages = 287–305 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18772038 | doi = 10.1016/S0079-6123(08)00914-X+= }}</ref> With its newly understood properties of 5-HT<sub>2C</sub> inverse agonism, it is being investigated and shown to lower drug seeking behaviour, [[conditioned place preference]] and the rewarding effects of substances such as methamphetamine in various human and animal studies.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid22065532">{{cite journal | vauthors = Colfax GN, Santos GM, Das M, Santos DM, Matheson T, Gasper J, Shoptaw S, Vittinghoff E | title = Mirtazapine to reduce methamphetamine use: a randomized controlled trial | journal = Archives of General Psychiatry | volume = 68 | issue = 11 | pages = 1168–75 | date = Nov 2011 | pmid = 22065532 | pmc = 3437988 | doi = 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.124 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18945553">{{cite journal | vauthors = Herrold AA, Shen F, Graham MP, Harper LK, Specio SE, Tedford CE, Napier TC | title = Mirtazapine treatment after conditioning with methamphetamine alters subsequent expression of place preference | journal = Drug and Alcohol Dependence | volume = 99 | issue = 1-3 | pages = 231–9 | date = Jan 2009 | pmid = 18945553 | doi = 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.005 }}</ref> It is also being investigated to help in substance abuse disorders with withdrawal effects and remission rates.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid18633741">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rose ME, Grant JE | title = Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a review of the pathophysiology of methamphetamine addiction and the theoretical basis and efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic interventions | journal = Annals of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 20 | issue = 3 | pages = 145–55 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18633741 | doi = 10.1080/10401230802177656 }}</ref> but some studies have shown mixed benefit.<ref name="Graves_2012"/><ref name="pmid22095579">{{cite journal | vauthors = Brackins T, Brahm NC, Kissack JC | title = Treatments for methamphetamine abuse: a literature review for the clinician | journal = Journal of Pharmacy Practice | volume = 24 | issue = 6 | pages = 541–50 | date = Dec 2011 | pmid = 22095579 | doi = 10.1177/0897190011426557 }}</ref><ref name="pmid23617468">{{cite journal | vauthors = Brensilver M, Heinzerling KG, Shoptaw S | title = Pharmacotherapy of amphetamine-type stimulant dependence: an update | journal = Drug and Alcohol Review | volume = 32 | issue = 5 | pages = 449–60 | date = Sep 2013 | pmid = 23617468 | doi = 10.1111/dar.12048 }}</ref>
Antagonism of the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor, an action mirtazapine shares with the approved antiemetic [[ondansetron]], significantly improves pre-existing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and [[irritable bowel syndrome]] in afflicted individuals.<ref name="pmid11585276">{{cite journal | author = Kast, RE | title = Mirtazapine may be useful in treating nausea and insomnia of cancer chemotherapy | journal = Support Care Cancer | volume = 9 | issue = 6 | pages = 469–70 |date=September 2001 | pmid = 11585276 | doi = 10.1007/s005200000215 }}</ref> Mirtazapine may be used as an inexpensive antiemetic alternative to ondansetron.<ref name="pmid17587360"/> Blockade of the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptors has also shown to improve anxiety and to be effective in the treatment of [[drug addiction]] in several studies.<ref name="urlThe psychopharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/0163-7258(90)90086-H | title = The psychopharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors | year = 1990 | author = Costall, B; Naylor, RJ; Tyers, MB | journal = Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 47 | issue = 2 | pages = 181–202 }}</ref> In conjunction with [[drug rehabilitation|substance abuse counseling]], mirtazapine has been investigated for the purpose of reducing [[methamphetamine]] use in dependent individuals with success.<ref name="pmid22065532" /> In contrast to mirtazapine, the SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and some TCAs increase the general activity of the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>, 5-HT<sub>2C</sub>, and 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptors leading to a host of negative changes and side-effects, the most prominent of which including anorexia, insomnia, sexual dysfunction (loss of [[libido]] and [[anorgasmia]]), nausea, and diarrhoea, among others. As a result, it is often combined with these drugs to reduce their side-effect profile and to produce a stronger antidepressant effect.<ref name="pmid10333982"/><ref name="pmid16946177">{{cite journal | author = McGrath, PJ; Stewart, JW; Fava, M; Trivedi, MH; Wisniewski, SR; Nierenberg, AA; Thase, ME; Davis, L; Biggs, MM; Shores-Wilson, K; Luther, JF; Niederehe, G; Warden, D; Rush, AJ | title = Tranylcypromine versus venlafaxine plus mirtazapine following three failed antidepressant medication trials for depression: a STAR*D report | journal = Am J Psychiatry | volume = 163 | issue = 9 | pages = 1531–41; quiz 1666 |date=September 2006 | pmid = 16946177 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.9.1531 }}</ref><ref name="pmid12590402">{{cite journal | author = Sennef, C; Timmer, CJ; Sitsen, JM | title = Mirtazapine in combination with amitriptyline: a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjects | journal = Hum Psychopharmacol | volume = 18 | issue = 2 | pages = 91–101 |date=March 2003 | pmid = 12590402 | doi = 10.1002/hup.441 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12028939">{{cite journal | author = Gándara Martín Jde, L; Agüera Ortiz, L; Ferre Navarrete, F; Rojo Rodés, E; Ros Montalbán, S | title = [Tolerability and efficacy of combined antidepressant therapy] | language = Spanish| journal = Actas Esp Psiquiatr | volume = 30 | issue = 2 | pages = 75–84 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12028939 | doi = | url = http://www.psiquiatria.com/articulos/atprimaria_y_sm/15413/ }}</ref><ref name="pmid18204355">{{cite journal | author = Ravindran, LN; Eisfeld, BS; Kennedy, SH | title = Combining mirtazapine and duloxetine in treatment-resistant depression improves outcomes and sexual function | journal = J Clin Psychopharmacol | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 107–8 |date=February 2008 | pmid = 18204355 | doi = 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318160d609 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid15560319">{{cite journal | author = Caldis, EV; Gair, RD | title = Mirtazapine for treatment of nausea induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors | journal = Can J Psychiatry | volume = 49 | issue = 10 | page = 707 |date=October 2004 | pmid = 15560319 | doi = }}</ref>


Antagonism of the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptor, an action mirtazapine shares with the approved antiemetic [[ondansetron]], significantly improves pre-existing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and [[irritable bowel syndrome]] in afflicted individuals.<ref name="pmid11585276">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kast RE | title = Mirtazapine may be useful in treating nausea and insomnia of cancer chemotherapy | journal = Supportive Care in Cancer | volume = 9 | issue = 6 | pages = 469–70 | date = Sep 2001 | pmid = 11585276 | doi = 10.1007/s005200000215 }}</ref> Mirtazapine may be used as an inexpensive antiemetic alternative to ondansetron.<ref name="pmid17587360"/> Blockade of the 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptors has also shown to improve anxiety and to be effective in the treatment of [[drug addiction]] in several studies.<ref name="urlThe psychopharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/0163-7258(90)90086-H | title = The psychopharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors | year = 1990 | author = Costall, B; Naylor, RJ; Tyers, MB | journal = Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 47 | issue = 2 | pages = 181–202 }}</ref> In conjunction with [[drug rehabilitation|substance abuse counseling]], mirtazapine has been investigated for the purpose of reducing [[methamphetamine]] use in dependent individuals with success.<ref name="pmid22065532" /> In contrast to mirtazapine, the SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and some TCAs increase the general activity of the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub>, 5-HT<sub>2C</sub>, and 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptors leading to a host of negative changes and side-effects, the most prominent of which including anorexia, insomnia, sexual dysfunction (loss of [[libido]] and [[anorgasmia]]), nausea, and diarrhoea, among others. As a result, it is often combined with these drugs to reduce their side-effect profile and to produce a stronger antidepressant effect.<ref name="pmid10333982"/><ref name="pmid16946177">{{cite journal | vauthors = McGrath PJ, Stewart JW, Fava M, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, Nierenberg AA, Thase ME, Davis L, Biggs MM, Shores-Wilson K, Luther JF, Niederehe G, Warden D, Rush AJ | title = Tranylcypromine versus venlafaxine plus mirtazapine following three failed antidepressant medication trials for depression: a STAR*D report | journal = The American Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 163 | issue = 9 | pages = 1531–41; quiz 1666 | date = Sep 2006 | pmid = 16946177 | doi = 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.9.1531 }}</ref><ref name="pmid12590402">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sennef C, Timmer CJ, Sitsen JM | title = Mirtazapine in combination with amitriptyline: a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjects | journal = Human Psychopharmacology | volume = 18 | issue = 2 | pages = 91–101 | date = Mar 2003 | pmid = 12590402 | doi = 10.1002/hup.441 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid12028939">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gándara Martín Jde L, Agüera Ortiz L, Ferre Navarrete F, Rojo Rodés E, Ros Montalbán S | title = [Tolerability and efficacy of combined antidepressant therapy] | language = Spanish | journal = Actas Españolas De PsiquiatríA | volume = 30 | issue = 2 | pages = 75–84 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12028939 | doi = | url = http://www.psiquiatria.com/articulos/atprimaria_y_sm/15413/ }}</ref><ref name="pmid18204355">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ravindran LN, Eisfeld BS, Kennedy SH | title = Combining mirtazapine and duloxetine in treatment-resistant depression improves outcomes and sexual function | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 28 | issue = 1 | pages = 107–8 | date = Feb 2008 | pmid = 18204355 | doi = 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318160d609 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref><ref name="pmid15560319">{{cite journal | vauthors = Caldis EV, Gair RD | title = Mirtazapine for treatment of nausea induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors | journal = Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie | volume = 49 | issue = 10 | pages = 707 | page = 707 | date = Oct 2004 | pmid = 15560319 | doi = }}</ref>
Mirtazapine is a very strong H<sub>1</sub> receptor inverse agonist and, as a result, it can cause powerful [[sedative]] and [[hypnotic]] effects.<ref name="pmid11607047" /> After a short period of chronic treatment, however, the H<sub>1</sub> receptor tends to [[Downregulation and upregulation|desensitize]] and the antihistamine effects become more tolerable. Many patients may also dose at night to avoid the effects, and this appears to be an effective strategy for combating them. Blockade of the H<sub>1</sub> receptor may improve pre-existing [[allergy|allergies]], [[pruritus]], nausea, and insomnia in afflicted individuals. It may also contribute to weight gain, however.<ref name="pmid21304130">{{cite journal | author = Chiu, HW; Li, TC | title = Rapid weight gain during mirtazapine treatment | journal = The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences | volume = 23 | issue = 1 | pages = E7 | year = 2011 | pmid = 21304130 | doi = 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.23.1.E7 | url = http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?volume=23&page=E7}}</ref> In contrast to the H<sub>1</sub> receptor, mirtazapine has very low affinity for the [[muscarinic acetylcholine receptor|mACh receptor]]s, although anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and mydriasis are still commonly seen in clinical practise.<ref name="pmid9090576">{{cite journal | author = Burrows, GD; Kremer, CM | title = Mirtazapine: clinical advantages in the treatment of depression | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = 34S–39S |date=April 1997 | pmid = 9090576 | doi = 10.1097/00004714-199704001-00005| url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0271-0749&volume=17&issue=&spage=34S}}</ref>


Mirtazapine is a very strong H<sub>1</sub> receptor inverse agonist and, as a result, it can cause powerful [[sedative]] and [[hypnotic]] effects.<ref name="pmid11607047" /> After a short period of chronic treatment, however, the H<sub>1</sub> receptor tends to [[Downregulation and upregulation|desensitize]] and the antihistamine effects become more tolerable. Many patients may also dose at night to avoid the effects, and this appears to be an effective strategy for combating them. Blockade of the H<sub>1</sub> receptor may improve pre-existing [[allergy|allergies]], [[pruritus]], nausea, and insomnia in afflicted individuals. It may also contribute to weight gain, however.<ref name="pmid21304130">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chiu HW, Li TC | title = Rapid weight gain during mirtazapine treatment | journal = The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences | volume = 23 | issue = 1 | pages = E7 | year = 2011 | pmid = 21304130 | doi = 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.23.1.E7 | url = http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?volume=23&page=E7 }}</ref> In contrast to the H<sub>1</sub> receptor, mirtazapine has very low affinity for the [[muscarinic acetylcholine receptor|mACh receptor]]s, although anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and mydriasis are still commonly seen in clinical practise.<ref name="pmid9090576">{{cite journal | vauthors = Burrows GD, Kremer CM | title = Mirtazapine: clinical advantages in the treatment of depression | journal = Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology | volume = 17 Suppl 1 | issue = | pages = 34S-39S | date = Apr 1997 | pmid = 9090576 | doi = 10.1097/00004714-199704001-00005 | url = http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0271-0749&volume=17&issue=&spage=34S }}</ref>
Like many other antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to have [[antinociceptive]] properties in mice.<ref name="pmid11931344">{{cite journal | author = Schreiber, S; Bleich, A; Pick, CG | title = Venlafaxine and mirtazapine: different mechanisms of antidepressant action, common opioid-mediated antinociceptive effects--a possible opioid involvement in severe depression? | journal = J. Mol. Neurosci. | volume = 18 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 143–9 | year = 2002 | pmid = 11931344 | doi = 10.1385/JMN:18:1-2:143 }}</ref> However, unlike most other antidepressants, though similarly to venlafaxine, these effects are mostly mediated through downstream modulation of the endogenous [[opioid]] system, of which in the case of mirtazapine the [[mu-opioid receptor|μ-opioid]] and [[kappa-opioid receptor|κ<sub>3</sub>-opioid receptor]]s are mainly involved.<ref name="pmid11931344" /> Interestingly, while virtually all antidepressants differ little in their maximal effectiveness in the treatment of major depression, mirtazapine and venlafaxine have demonstrated superior efficacy in treating severe types of depression such as [[psychotic depression]] and [[treatment-resistant depression]].<ref name="pmid11931344" /> This may be due to their unique influence on the opioid system, which is a property that may give them an advantage over other antidepressants in cases of severe depressive symptomatology.<ref name="pmid11931344" />

Like many other antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to have [[antinociceptive]] properties in mice.<ref name="pmid11931344">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schreiber S, Bleich A, Pick CG | title = Venlafaxine and mirtazapine: different mechanisms of antidepressant action, common opioid-mediated antinociceptive effects--a possible opioid involvement in severe depression? | journal = Journal of Molecular Neuroscience | volume = 18 | issue = 1-2 | pages = 143–9 | year = 2002 | pmid = 11931344 | doi = 10.1385/JMN:18:1-2:143 }}</ref> However, unlike most other antidepressants, though similarly to venlafaxine, these effects are mostly mediated through downstream modulation of the endogenous [[opioid]] system, of which in the case of mirtazapine the [[mu-opioid receptor|μ-opioid]] and [[kappa-opioid receptor|κ<sub>3</sub>-opioid receptor]]s are mainly involved.<ref name="pmid11931344" /> Interestingly, while virtually all antidepressants differ little in their maximal effectiveness in the treatment of major depression, mirtazapine and venlafaxine have demonstrated superior efficacy in treating severe types of depression such as [[psychotic depression]] and [[treatment-resistant depression]].<ref name="pmid11931344" /> This may be due to their unique influence on the opioid system, which is a property that may give them an advantage over other antidepressants in cases of severe depressive symptomatology.<ref name="pmid11931344" />

== Pharmacokinetics ==


==Pharmacokinetics==
The (''S'')-(+)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 9.9±3 hours and the (''R'')-(–)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 18±2.5 hours.<ref name="pmid10885584"/> The overall elimination half-life is 20–40 hours.
The (''S'')-(+)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 9.9±3 hours and the (''R'')-(–)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 18±2.5 hours.<ref name="pmid10885584"/> The overall elimination half-life is 20–40 hours.


===Dosage===
=== Dosage ===

Mirtazapine is typically prescribed in doses for humans of 15, 30 and 45&nbsp;mg. However, clinical doses as high as 120&nbsp;mg have been reported in the medical literature.<ref name="pmid16970569">{{cite journal | author = Kristensen, JH; Ilett, KF; Rampono, J; Kohan, R; Hackett, LP | title = Transfer of the antidepressant mirtazapine into breast milk | journal = British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 63 | issue = 3 | pages = 322–7 |date=March 2007 | pmid = 16970569 | pmc = 2000733 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02773.x }}</ref>
Mirtazapine is typically prescribed in doses for humans of 15, 30 and 45&nbsp;mg. However, clinical doses as high as 120&nbsp;mg have been reported in the medical literature.<ref name="pmid16970569">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kristensen JH, Ilett KF, Rampono J, Kohan R, Hackett LP | title = Transfer of the antidepressant mirtazapine into breast milk | journal = British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | volume = 63 | issue = 3 | pages = 322–7 | date = Mar 2007 | pmid = 16970569 | pmc = 2000733 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02773.x }}</ref>

=== Interactions ===


===Interactions===
Concurrent use with inhibitors or inducers of the [[cytochrome P450|cytochrome (CYP) P450]] [[isoenzyme]]s [[CYP1A2]], [[CYP2D6]], and/or [[CYP3A4]] can result in altered concentrations of mirtazapine, as these are the main [[enzyme]]s responsible for its metabolism.<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name="pmid11607047" /> As examples, [[fluoxetine]] and [[paroxetine]], inhibitors of these enzymes, are known to modestly increase mirtazapine levels, while [[carbamazepine]], an inducer, considerably decreases them.<ref name="pmid10885584" />
Concurrent use with inhibitors or inducers of the [[cytochrome P450|cytochrome (CYP) P450]] [[isoenzyme]]s [[CYP1A2]], [[CYP2D6]], and/or [[CYP3A4]] can result in altered concentrations of mirtazapine, as these are the main [[enzyme]]s responsible for its metabolism.<ref name="pmid10885584" /><ref name="pmid11607047" /> As examples, [[fluoxetine]] and [[paroxetine]], inhibitors of these enzymes, are known to modestly increase mirtazapine levels, while [[carbamazepine]], an inducer, considerably decreases them.<ref name="pmid10885584" />


According to information from the manufacturers, mirtazapine should not be started within two weeks of any MAOI usage; likewise, MAOIs should not be administered within two weeks of discontinuing mirtazapine.<ref>[http://www.drugs.com/monograph/mirtazapine.html Mirtazapine monograph]</ref> However, a single study regarding the combination reported it does not result in any incidence of serotonin-related toxicity.<ref name="pmid16460699">{{cite journal | author = Gillman, PK | title = A review of serotonin toxicity data: implications for the mechanisms of antidepressant drug action | journal = Biol. Psychiatry | volume = 59 | issue = 11 | pages = 1046–51 |date=June 2006 | pmid = 16460699 | doi = 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.11.016 }}</ref> In addition, a case report claimed that mirtazapine can actually be used to treat serotonin syndrome.<ref name="pmid8741027">{{cite journal | author = Hoes, MJ; Zeijpveld, JH | title = Mirtazapine as treatment for serotonin syndrome | journal = Pharmacopsychiatry | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | page = 81 |date=March 1996 | pmid = 8741027 | doi = 10.1055/s-2007-979550 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Mirtazapine in combination with an SSRI, SNRI, or TCA as an [[Augmentation (psychiatry)|augmentation]] strategy is considered to be relatively safe and is often employed therapeutically,<ref name="pmid10333982"/><ref name="pmid16946177"/><ref name="pmid12590402"/><ref name="pmid12028939"/><ref name="pmid18204355"/> with a combination of [[venlafaxine]] and mirtazapine sometimes referred to as “[[California rocket fuel]]”.<ref name="isbn0-521-74609-4">{{cite book | author = Stahl, SM | title = Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology Online: Print and Online | publisher = Cambridge University Press | location = Cambridge, UK | year = 2008 | pages = | isbn = 0-521-74609-4 | url = http://stahlonline.cambridge.org/prescribers_drug.jsf?page=0521683505c57_p325-330.html.therapeutics&name=Mirtazapine&title=Therapeutics }}</ref>
According to information from the manufacturers, mirtazapine should not be started within two weeks of any MAOI usage; likewise, MAOIs should not be administered within two weeks of discontinuing mirtazapine.<ref>[http://www.drugs.com/monograph/mirtazapine.html Mirtazapine monograph]</ref> However, a single study regarding the combination reported it does not result in any incidence of serotonin-related toxicity.<ref name="pmid16460699">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gillman PK | title = A review of serotonin toxicity data: implications for the mechanisms of antidepressant drug action | journal = Biological Psychiatry | volume = 59 | issue = 11 | pages = 1046–51 | date = Jun 2006 | pmid = 16460699 | doi = 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.11.016 }}</ref> In addition, a case report claimed that mirtazapine can actually be used to treat serotonin syndrome.<ref name="pmid8741027">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hoes MJ, Zeijpveld JH | title = Mirtazapine as treatment for serotonin syndrome | journal = Pharmacopsychiatry | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 81 | page = 81 | date = Mar 1996 | pmid = 8741027 | doi = 10.1055/s-2007-979550 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref> Mirtazapine in combination with an SSRI, SNRI, or TCA as an [[Augmentation (psychiatry)|augmentation]] strategy is considered to be relatively safe and is often employed therapeutically,<ref name="pmid10333982"/><ref name="pmid16946177"/><ref name="pmid12590402"/><ref name="pmid12028939"/><ref name="pmid18204355"/> with a combination of [[venlafaxine]] and mirtazapine sometimes referred to as “[[California rocket fuel]]”.<ref name="isbn0-521-74609-4">{{cite book | author = Stahl, SM | title = Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology Online: Print and Online | publisher = Cambridge University Press | location = Cambridge, UK | year = 2008 | pages = | isbn = 0-521-74609-4 | url = http://stahlonline.cambridge.org/prescribers_drug.jsf?page=0521683505c57_p325-330.html.therapeutics&name=Mirtazapine&title=Therapeutics }}</ref>


Another case report described mirtazapine as inducing [[hypertension]] in a [[clonidine]]-treated patient, likely due to occupancy of α<sub>2</sub>-autoreceptors by mirtazapine limiting the efficacy of concurrent clonidine therapy.<ref name="pmid10772378">{{cite journal | author = Abo-Zena, RA; Bobek, MB; Dweik, RA | title = Hypertensive urgency induced by an interaction of mirtazapine and clonidine | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 20 | issue = 4 | pages = 476–8 |date=April 2000 | pmid = 10772378 | doi = 10.1592/phco.20.5.476.35061 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>
Another case report described mirtazapine as inducing [[hypertension]] in a [[clonidine]]-treated patient, likely due to occupancy of α<sub>2</sub>-autoreceptors by mirtazapine limiting the efficacy of concurrent clonidine therapy.<ref name="pmid10772378">{{cite journal | vauthors = Abo-Zena RA, Bobek MB, Dweik RA | title = Hypertensive urgency induced by an interaction of mirtazapine and clonidine | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 20 | issue = 4 | pages = 476–8 | date = Apr 2000 | pmid = 10772378 | doi = 10.1592/phco.20.5.476.35061 }}{{Unreliable medical source|date=October 2011}}</ref>


[[Liver failure|Liver]] and moderate [[renal failure|renal impairment]] have been reported to decrease the oral clearance of mirtazapine by about 30%; severe renal impairment decreases it by 50%.<ref name="pmid10885584" />
[[Liver failure|Liver]] and moderate [[renal failure|renal impairment]] have been reported to decrease the oral clearance of mirtazapine by about 30%; severe renal impairment decreases it by 50%.<ref name="pmid10885584" />


==Chemistry==
== Chemistry ==

Mirtazapine is a [[racemate|racemic mixture]] of [[enantiomer]]s. The (''S'')-(+)-enantiomer is known as [[esmirtazapine]].
Mirtazapine is a [[racemate|racemic mixture]] of [[enantiomer]]s. The (''S'')-(+)-enantiomer is known as [[esmirtazapine]].


A four-step [[chemical synthesis]] of mirtazapine has been published.<ref name="Rao_2006">{{cite journal | author = Rao, DVNS; Dandala, R; Bharathi, C; Handa, VK; Sivakumaran, M; Naidub, A | title = Synthesis of potential related substances of mirtazapine | journal = Arkivoc | volume = 2006 | issue = 15 | pages = 127–32 | year = 2006 | url = http://www.arkat-usa.org/get-file/22868/ | doi = 10.3998/ark.5550190.0007.f15}}</ref><ref name="pmid123455">{{Ref patent | country = US | number = 4062848 | status = patent | title = Tetracyclic compounds | gdate = 1977-12-13 | pubdate = 1977-12-13 | pridate = 1976-03-23 | inventor = Van der Burg WJ }}</ref>
A four-step [[chemical synthesis]] of mirtazapine has been published.<ref name="Rao_2006">{{cite journal | vauthors = Rao, DVNS; Dandala, R; Bharathi, C; Handa, VK; Sivakumaran, M; Naidub, A | title = Synthesis of potential related substances of mirtazapine | journal = Arkivoc | volume = 2006 | issue = 15 | pages = 127–32 | year = 2006 | url = http://www.arkat-usa.org/get-file/22868/ | doi = 10.3998/ark.5550190.0007.f15}}</ref><ref name="pmid123455">{{Ref patent | country = US | number = 4062848 | status = patent | title = Tetracyclic compounds | gdate = 1977-12-13 | pubdate = 1977-12-13 | pridate = 1976-03-23 | inventor = Van der Burg WJ }}</ref>
{{clear}}


==See also==
== See also ==
* [[Aptazapine]]
* [[Aptazapine]]
* [[Mianserin]]
* [[Mianserin]]
* [[Setiptiline]]
* [[Setiptiline]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|33em}}


==Further reading==
== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite journal | author = Stimmel, GL; Dopheide, JA; Stahl, SM | title = Mirtazapine: an antidepressant with noradrenergic and specific serotonergic effects | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 17 | issue = 1 | pages = 10–21 | year = 1997 | pmid = 9017762 | doi = 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1997.tb03674.x}}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Stimmel GL, Dopheide JA, Stahl SM | title = Mirtazapine: an antidepressant with noradrenergic and specific serotonergic effects | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 17 | issue = 1 | pages = 10–21 | year = 1997 | pmid = 9017762 | doi = 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1997.tb03674.x }}
* {{cite journal | author = Anttila, SA; Leinonen, EV | title = A review of the pharmacological and clinical profile of mirtazapine | journal = CNS Drug Rev | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 249–64 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11607047 | doi = 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00198.x }}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Anttila SA, Leinonen EV | title = A review of the pharmacological and clinical profile of mirtazapine | journal = CNS Drug Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 249–64 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11607047 | doi = 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00198.x }}
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://www.drugs.com/cdi/mirtazapine.html Mirtazapine - Drugs.com]
* [http://www.drugs.com/cdi/mirtazapine.html Mirtazapine - Drugs.com]
* [http://www.rxlist.com/remeron-drug.htm Remeron - Rxlist.com]
* [http://www.rxlist.com/remeron-drug.htm Remeron - Rxlist.com]

Revision as of 21:58, 4 December 2015

Mirtazapine
Clinical data
Trade namesRemeron, Avanza, Axit, Mirtazon, Zispin
Other names6-Azamianserin, Org 3770
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa697009
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: B3
Routes of
administration
Oral
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability50%[2][3][4][5]
Protein binding85%[2][3][4][5]
MetabolismLiver (CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4)[2][3][4][5][6]
Elimination half-life20–40 hours[2][3][4][5]
ExcretionUrine (75%)[2]
Faeces (15%)[2][3][4][5]
Identifiers
  • (±)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydropyrazino[2,1-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benzazepine
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.080.027 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC17H19N3
Molar mass265.35 g/mol g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Density1.22 g/cm3
Melting point114 to 116 °C (237 to 241 °F)
Boiling point432 °C (810 °F)
Solubility in waterSoluble in methanol and chloroform mg/mL (20 °C)
  • n1cccc3c1N4C(c2ccccc2C3)CN(C)CC4
  • InChI=1S/C17H19N3/c1-19-9-10-20-16(12-19)15-7-3-2-5-13(15)11-14-6-4-8-18-17(14)20/h2-8,16H,9-12H2,1H3 checkY
  • Key:RONZAEMNMFQXRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
 ☒NcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

Mirtazapine (brand names: Avanza, Axit, Mirtaz, Mirtazon, Remeron, Zispin)[7] is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) introduced by Organon International in the United States in 1996,[3] and is used primarily in the treatment of depression. It is also commonly used as an anxiolytic, hypnotic, antiemetic and appetite stimulant. In structure, mirtazapine can also be classified as a tetracyclic antidepressant (TeCA) and is the 6-aza analogue of mianserin.[7] It is also racemic—occurs as a combination of both (R)- and (S)-stereoisomers, both of which are active.[7]

Its patent expired in 2004, so generic versions are available.[8]

Medical uses

Approved and off-label

Mirtazapine's primary use is the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mood disorders.[9][10]

However, it has also been found useful in alleviating the following conditions and may be prescribed off-label for their treatment:

Investigational

Mirtazapine has had literature published on its efficacy in the experimental treatment of these conditions:

Feline and canine

Mirtazapine is sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant for cats or dogs experiencing anorexia due to medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease. It is especially useful for treating combined poor appetite and nausea in cats and dogs.[42][43]

Efficacy and tolerability

In clinical studies, mirtazapine has been found to be an effective antidepressant with a generally tolerable side-effect profile relative to other antidepressants.[44]

In a major meta-analysis published in 2009 that compared the efficacy and tolerability of 12 second-generation antidepressants, mirtazapine was found to be superior to all of the included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), reboxetine and bupropion in terms of antidepressant efficacy, while it was average in regard to tolerability.[44] However, its superior efficacy over the other medications in the top four (escitalopram, sertraline and venlafaxine) did not reach statistical significance.[44]

Compared to earlier antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to be significantly superior to trazodone,[45] while it has been shown to be approximately equivalent in efficacy to several of the tricyclic antidepressants including amitriptyline, doxepin and clomipramine, though with a much improved tolerability profile.[6][46] However, two other studies found mirtazapine to be significantly inferior to imipramine, another TCA.[47][48] One study compared the combination of venlafaxine and mirtazapine to the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) tranylcypromine alone and found them to be similarly effective, though tranylcypromine was much less tolerable in regard to side effects and drug interactions.[49]

In general, all antidepressants, including mirtazapine, require at least a week for their therapeutic benefits on depressive and anxious symptoms to become apparent.[50][51] Mirtazapine has a faster onset of antidepressant action when compared to SSRIs, with an initial reduction in affective symptoms being seen within the first week of treatment, and the maximal change in improvement occurring over the course of the first two weeks, however ingesting small doses sporadically can cause some of the same short term side effects as opiates such as minor pain relief as well as constricting of the pupils.[50][52]

Adverse reactions

A box of Mirtazapine-Sandoz

Side effects

Information sources:[3][4][5][53][54][55]

Very common (≥10% incidence) adverse effects
Common (1%≤ incidence <10%) adverse effects
Uncommon (0.1%≤ incidence <1%)
Rare (incidence <0.1%)

Template:MultiCol

| class="col-break " |

| class="col-break " |

Template:EndMultiCol

Unknown frequency

Mirtazapine is not considered to have a risk of many of the side effects often associated with other antidepressants like the SSRIs, and may actually improve certain ones when taken in conjunction with them.[6][46] These adverse effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary retention, increased body temperature, excessive sweating, pupil dilation and sexual dysfunction.[6][46]

In general, some antidepressants, especially SSRIs, can paradoxically exacerbate some peoples' depression or anxiety or cause suicidal ideation.[56] Despite its sedating action, mirtazapine is also believed to be capable of this, so in the United States and certain other countries, it carries a black box label warning of these potential effects.

Discontinuation

Mirtazapine and other antidepressants may cause a withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation.[6][57][58] A gradual and slow reduction in dose is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms.[59] Effects of sudden cessation of treatment with mirtazapine may include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, vertigo, restlessness, irritability, decreased appetite, insomnia, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms such as allergies and pruritus, headaches and sometimes hypomania or mania.[57][60][61][62][63]

Overdose

Mirtazapine is considered to be relatively safe in the event of an overdose,[51] although it is considered slightly more toxic in overdose than most of the SSRIs (except citalopram).[64] Unlike the TCAs, mirtazapine showed no significant cardiovascular adverse effects at 7 to 22 times the maximum recommended dose.[46] Case reports of overdose with as much as 30 to 50 times the standard dose described the drug as relatively nontoxic, compared to TCAs.[65][66]

Twelve reported fatalities have been attributed to mirtazapine overdose.[67][68] The fatal toxicity index (deaths per million prescriptions) for mirtazapine is 3.1 (95% CI: 0.1 to 17.2). This is similar to that observed with SSRIs.[69]

Pharmacology

Binding profile

Mirtazapine is an antagonist/inverse agonist at the following receptors:[70][71]

Molecular target Binding affinity, Ki (nM)[72] Notes
5-HT2A receptor 69 The (S)-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this antagonism.[7]
5-HT2B receptor ? ~20-fold lower than for 5-HT2A/5-HT2C[73]
5-HT2C receptor 39 Inverse agonist[74] The (S)-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this action.[7]
5-HT3 receptor ? Similar to 5-HT2A/5-HT2C (mouse neuroblastoma cell)[75] R-(–) enantiomer antagonises the 5-HT3 receptor.[7]
5-HT7 receptor 265
α1-adrenergic receptor 500 [76]
α2A-adrenergic receptor 20 The S-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this antagonism at autoreceptors.[7] Heteroreceptors are blocked by both the (S)-(+) and (R)-(–) enantiomers.[4]
α2C-adrenergic receptor 18 The S-(+) enantiomer is responsible for this antagonism at autoreceptors.[7] Heteroreceptors are blocked by both the (S)-(+) and (R)-(–) enantiomers.[4]
D1 receptor 4167
D2 receptor >5454
D3 receptor 5723
H1 receptor 1.6 [77]
mACh receptors 670 [76]

All affinities listed were assayed using human materials except those for α1-adrenergic and mACh that are for rat tissues, due to human values being unavailable.[70][71]

Mirtazapine has recently been found to act as a weak (EC50 7.2 μM) κ-opioid receptor partial agonist.[78]

Correspondence to clinical effects

Antagonization of the α2-adrenergic receptors, which function largely as autoreceptors and heteroreceptors enhances adrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, the notable ones being central 5-HT1A receptor-mediated transmission in the dorsal raphe nucleus and hippocampus; hence, mirtazapine's classification as a NaSSA. Indirect α1-adrenoceptor-mediated enhancement of 5-HT cell firing and direct blockade of inhibitory α2-heteroreceptors located on 5-HT terminals are held responsible for the increase in extracellular 5-HT.[6][9][79][80][81] Because of this, mirtazapine has been said to be a functional "indirect agonist" of the 5-HT1A receptor.[80] Increased activation of the central 5-HT1A receptor is thought to be a major mediator of efficacy of most antidepressant drugs.[82] Unlike most conventional antidepressants, however, at clinically used doses mirtazapine has no appreciable affinity for the serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine transporters and thus lacks any significant effects as a reuptake inhibitor of these neurotransmitters,[83] nor does it have any significant inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase.[84]

Antagonism of the 5-HT2 subfamily of receptors and inverse agonism of the 5-HT2C receptor appears to be in part responsible for mirtazapine's efficacy in the treatment of depressive states.[85][86] The 5-HT2C receptor is known to inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in various parts of the brains of rodents, notably in reward pathways such as the ventral tegmental area.[87][88] Accordingly, it was shown that by blocking the α2-adrenergic receptors and 5-HT2C receptors mirtazapine disinhibited dopamine and norepinephrine activity in these areas in rats.[89] In addition, mirtazapine's antagonism of 5-HT2A receptors has beneficial effects on anxiety, sleep and appetite, as well as sexual function regarding the latter receptor.[6][46] The newest research however has shown that mirtazapine is actually an inverse agonist of the 5-HT2C receptor. 5-HT2C inverse agonists have been shown to inhibit mesoaccumbens dopamine outflow[90] attenuating the rewarding properties of various substances like morphine. This inhibition of dopamine may be stronger than thought as substances with 5-HT2C inverse agonist properties may have more activity to regulate dopamine neurotransmission than ones with competitive antagonism.[91] With its newly understood properties of 5-HT2C inverse agonism, it is being investigated and shown to lower drug seeking behaviour, conditioned place preference and the rewarding effects of substances such as methamphetamine in various human and animal studies.[74][92][93] It is also being investigated to help in substance abuse disorders with withdrawal effects and remission rates.[74][94] but some studies have shown mixed benefit.[74][95][96]

Antagonism of the 5-HT3 receptor, an action mirtazapine shares with the approved antiemetic ondansetron, significantly improves pre-existing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome in afflicted individuals.[97] Mirtazapine may be used as an inexpensive antiemetic alternative to ondansetron.[24] Blockade of the 5-HT3 receptors has also shown to improve anxiety and to be effective in the treatment of drug addiction in several studies.[98] In conjunction with substance abuse counseling, mirtazapine has been investigated for the purpose of reducing methamphetamine use in dependent individuals with success.[92] In contrast to mirtazapine, the SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and some TCAs increase the general activity of the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT3 receptors leading to a host of negative changes and side-effects, the most prominent of which including anorexia, insomnia, sexual dysfunction (loss of libido and anorgasmia), nausea, and diarrhoea, among others. As a result, it is often combined with these drugs to reduce their side-effect profile and to produce a stronger antidepressant effect.[46][49][99][100][101][102]

Mirtazapine is a very strong H1 receptor inverse agonist and, as a result, it can cause powerful sedative and hypnotic effects.[6] After a short period of chronic treatment, however, the H1 receptor tends to desensitize and the antihistamine effects become more tolerable. Many patients may also dose at night to avoid the effects, and this appears to be an effective strategy for combating them. Blockade of the H1 receptor may improve pre-existing allergies, pruritus, nausea, and insomnia in afflicted individuals. It may also contribute to weight gain, however.[103] In contrast to the H1 receptor, mirtazapine has very low affinity for the mACh receptors, although anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and mydriasis are still commonly seen in clinical practise.[104]

Like many other antidepressants, mirtazapine has been found to have antinociceptive properties in mice.[105] However, unlike most other antidepressants, though similarly to venlafaxine, these effects are mostly mediated through downstream modulation of the endogenous opioid system, of which in the case of mirtazapine the μ-opioid and κ3-opioid receptors are mainly involved.[105] Interestingly, while virtually all antidepressants differ little in their maximal effectiveness in the treatment of major depression, mirtazapine and venlafaxine have demonstrated superior efficacy in treating severe types of depression such as psychotic depression and treatment-resistant depression.[105] This may be due to their unique influence on the opioid system, which is a property that may give them an advantage over other antidepressants in cases of severe depressive symptomatology.[105]

Pharmacokinetics

The (S)-(+)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 9.9±3 hours and the (R)-(–)-enantiomer has a plasma half-life of 18±2.5 hours.[2] The overall elimination half-life is 20–40 hours.

Dosage

Mirtazapine is typically prescribed in doses for humans of 15, 30 and 45 mg. However, clinical doses as high as 120 mg have been reported in the medical literature.[106]

Interactions

Concurrent use with inhibitors or inducers of the cytochrome (CYP) P450 isoenzymes CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and/or CYP3A4 can result in altered concentrations of mirtazapine, as these are the main enzymes responsible for its metabolism.[2][6] As examples, fluoxetine and paroxetine, inhibitors of these enzymes, are known to modestly increase mirtazapine levels, while carbamazepine, an inducer, considerably decreases them.[2]

According to information from the manufacturers, mirtazapine should not be started within two weeks of any MAOI usage; likewise, MAOIs should not be administered within two weeks of discontinuing mirtazapine.[107] However, a single study regarding the combination reported it does not result in any incidence of serotonin-related toxicity.[108] In addition, a case report claimed that mirtazapine can actually be used to treat serotonin syndrome.[109] Mirtazapine in combination with an SSRI, SNRI, or TCA as an augmentation strategy is considered to be relatively safe and is often employed therapeutically,[46][49][99][100][101] with a combination of venlafaxine and mirtazapine sometimes referred to as “California rocket fuel”.[110]

Another case report described mirtazapine as inducing hypertension in a clonidine-treated patient, likely due to occupancy of α2-autoreceptors by mirtazapine limiting the efficacy of concurrent clonidine therapy.[111]

Liver and moderate renal impairment have been reported to decrease the oral clearance of mirtazapine by about 30%; severe renal impairment decreases it by 50%.[2]

Chemistry

Mirtazapine is a racemic mixture of enantiomers. The (S)-(+)-enantiomer is known as esmirtazapine.

A four-step chemical synthesis of mirtazapine has been published.[112][113]

See also

References

  1. ^ "FDA-sourced list of all drugs with black box warnings (Use Download Full Results and View Query links.)". nctr-crs.fda.gov. FDA. Retrieved 22 Oct 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Timmer CJ, Sitsen JM, Delbressine LP (Jun 2000). "Clinical pharmacokinetics of mirtazapine". Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 38 (6): 461–74. doi:10.2165/00003088-200038060-00001. PMID 10885584.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "REMERON (mirtazapine) tablet, film coated [Organon Pharmaceuticals USA]". DailyMed. Organon Pharmaceuticals USA. October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Axit Mirtazapine PRODUCT INFORMATION". TGA eBusiness Services. alphapharm. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Mirtazapine 30 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics" (PDF). electronic Medicines Compendium. Sandoz Limited. 20 March 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Anttila SA, Leinonen EV (2001). "A review of the pharmacological and clinical profile of mirtazapine". CNS Drug Reviews. 7 (3): 249–64. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00198.x. PMID 11607047.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Brayfield, A, ed. (30 January 2013). Mirtazapine. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Retrieved 3 November 2013. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Schatzberg, AF; Cole, JO; DeBattista, C. "3". Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology (7th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. ISBN 978-1-58562-377-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Gorman JM (1999). "Mirtazapine: clinical overview". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 60 Suppl 17: 9–13, discussion 46-8. PMID 10446735.
  10. ^ Benjamin S, Doraiswamy PM (Jul 2011). "Review of the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of depression". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 12 (10): 1623–32. doi:10.1517/14656566.2011.585459. PMID 21644844.
  11. ^ Goodnick PJ, Puig A, DeVane CL, Freund BV (Jul 1999). "Mirtazapine in major depression with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 60 (7): 446–8. doi:10.4088/JCP.v60n0705. PMID 10453798.
  12. ^ a b c d Croom KF, Perry CM, Plosker GL (2009). "Mirtazapine: a review of its use in major depression and other psychiatric disorders". CNS Drugs. 23 (5): 427–52. doi:10.2165/00023210-200923050-00006. PMID 19453203.
  13. ^ Muehlbacher M, Nickel MK, Nickel C, Kettler C, Lahmann C, Pedrosa Gil F, Leiberich PK, Rother N, Bachler E, Fartacek R, Kaplan P, Tritt K, Mitterlehner F, Anvar J, Rother WK, Loew TH, Egger C (Dec 2005). "Mirtazapine treatment of social phobia in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 25 (6): 580–3. doi:10.1097/01.jcp.0000186871.04984.8d. PMID 16282842.
  14. ^ Koran LM, Quirk T, Lorberbaum JP, Elliott M (Oct 2001). "Mirtazapine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 21 (5): 537–9. doi:10.1097/00004714-200110000-00016. PMID 11593084.[unreliable medical source?]
  15. ^ Carpenter LL, Leon Z, Yasmin S, Price LH (Jun 1999). "Clinical experience with mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder". Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. 11 (2): 81–6. doi:10.3109/10401239909147053. PMID 10440525.[unreliable medical source?]
  16. ^ Carli V, Sarchiapone M, Camardese G, Romano L, DeRisio S (Jul 2002). "Mirtazapine in the treatment of panic disorder". Archives of General Psychiatry. 59 (7): 661–2. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.59.7.661. PMID 12090820.[unreliable medical source?]
  17. ^ Landowski J (2002). "[Mirtazapine--an antidepressant]". Psychiatria Polska (in Polish). 36 (6 Suppl): 125–30. PMID 12647431.
  18. ^ Chinuck RS, Fortnum H, Baldwin DR (Dec 2007). "Appetite stimulants in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review". Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 20 (6): 526–37. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2007.00824.x. PMID 18001374.
  19. ^ Davis MP, Khawam E, Pozuelo L, Lagman R (Aug 2002). "Management of symptoms associated with advanced cancer: olanzapine and mirtazapine. A World Health Organization project". Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. 2 (4): 365–76. doi:10.1586/14737140.2.4.365. PMID 12647979.
  20. ^ Hartmann PM (Jan 1999). "Mirtazapine: a newer antidepressant". American Family Physician. 59 (1): 159–61. PMID 9917581.
  21. ^ Jindal RD (2009). "Insomnia in patients with depression: some pathophysiological and treatment considerations". CNS Drugs. 23 (4): 309–29. doi:10.2165/00023210-200923040-00004. PMID 19374460.
  22. ^ Nutt DJ (Jun 2002). "Tolerability and safety aspects of mirtazapine". Human Psychopharmacology. 17 Suppl 1: S37-41. doi:10.1002/hup.388. PMID 12404669.
  23. ^ a b Li TC, Shiah IS, Sun CJ, Tzang RF, Huang KC, Lee WK (Jun 2011). "Mirtazapine relieves post-electroconvulsive therapy headaches and nausea: a case series and review of the literature". The Journal of ECT. 27 (2): 165–7. doi:10.1097/YCT.0b013e3181e63346. PMID 21602639.
  24. ^ a b Kast RE, Foley KF (Jul 2007). "Cancer chemotherapy and cachexia: mirtazapine and olanzapine are 5-HT3 antagonists with good antinausea effects". European Journal of Cancer Care. 16 (4): 351–4. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00760.x. PMID 17587360.
  25. ^ Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, Jones EA, Libretto SE, Szepietowski JC, Zylicz Z (Jan 2003). "Itch: scratching more than the surface". Qjm. 96 (1): 7–26. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcg002. PMID 12509645.
  26. ^ Greaves MW (2005). "Itch in systemic disease: therapeutic options". Dermatologic Therapy. 18 (4): 323–7. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.00036.x. PMID 16297004.
  27. ^ Colombo B, Annovazzi PO, Comi G (Oct 2004). "Therapy of primary headaches: the role of antidepressants". Neurological Sciences. 25 Suppl 3: S171-5. doi:10.1007/s10072-004-0280-x. PMID 15549531.
  28. ^ Tajti J, Almási J (Jun 2006). "[Effects of mirtazapine in patients with chronic tension-type headache. Literature review]". Neuropsychopharmacologia Hungarica (in Hungarian). 8 (2): 67–72. PMID 17073214.
  29. ^ Kohler M, Bloch KE, Stradling JR (May 2009). "Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea". Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 18 (5): 647–56. doi:10.1517/13543780902877674. PMID 19388881.
  30. ^ Marshall NS, Yee BJ, Desai AV, Buchanan PR, Wong KK, Crompton R, Melehan KL, Zack N, Rao SG, Gendreau RM, Kranzler J, Grunstein RR (Jun 2008). "Two randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea". Sleep. 31 (6): 824–31. PMC 2442407. PMID 18548827.
  31. ^ Masi G (2004). "Pharmacotherapy of pervasive developmental disorders in children and adolescents". CNS Drugs. 18 (14): 1031–52. doi:10.2165/00023210-200418140-00006. PMID 15584771.
  32. ^ Marek GJ, Carpenter LL, McDougle CJ, Price LH (Feb 2003). "Synergistic action of 5-HT2A antagonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in neuropsychiatric disorders". Neuropsychopharmacology. 28 (2): 402–12. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1300057. PMID 12589395.
  33. ^ Posey DJ, Guenin KD, Kohn AE, Swiezy NB, McDougle CJ (2001). "A naturalistic open-label study of mirtazapine in autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders". Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 11 (3): 267–77. doi:10.1089/10445460152595586. PMID 11642476.
  34. ^ Coskun M, Karakoc S, Kircelli F, Mukaddes NM (Apr 2009). "Effectiveness of mirtazapine in the treatment of inappropriate sexual behaviors in individuals with autistic disorder". Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 19 (2): 203–6. doi:10.1089/cap.2008.020. PMID 19364298.
  35. ^ Kumar R, Sachdev PS (May 2009). "Akathisia and second-generation antipsychotic drugs". Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 22 (3): 293–99. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e32832a16da. PMID 19378382.
  36. ^ Hieber R, Dellenbaugh T, Nelson LA (Jun 2008). "Role of mirtazapine in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced akathisia". The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 42 (6): 841–6. doi:10.1345/aph.1K672. PMID 18460588.
  37. ^ Graves SM, Rafeyan R, Watts J, Napier TC (Dec 2012). "Mirtazapine, and mirtazapine-like compounds as possible pharmacotherapy for substance abuse disorders: evidence from the bench and the bedside". Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 136 (3): 343–53. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.013. PMC 3483434. PMID 22960395.
  38. ^ Ritsner, MS (2013). Polypharmacy in Psychiatry Practice, Volume I. Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. ISBN 9789400758056.
  39. ^ Vidal C, Reese C, Fischer BA, Chiapelli J, Himelhoch S (Jul 2015). "Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Mirtazapine as an Adjunctive Treatment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia". Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses. 9 (2). Walsh Medical Media: 88–95. doi:10.3371/CSRP.VIRE.030813. PMID 23491969.
  40. ^ Tagai K, Nagata T, Shinagawa S, Tsuno N, Ozone M, Nakayama K (Jun 2013). "Mirtazapine improves visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: a case report". Psychogeriatrics. 13 (2): 103–7. doi:10.1111/j.1479-8301.2012.00432.x. PMID 23909968.
  41. ^ Taylor, D; Paton, C; Shitij, K (2012). The Maudsley prescribing guidelines in psychiatry. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-470-97948-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  42. ^ "Remeron for Cats".
  43. ^ "Mirtazapine (Remeron)".
  44. ^ a b c Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Geddes JR, Higgins JP, Churchill R, Watanabe N, Nakagawa A, Omori IM, McGuire H, Tansella M, Barbui C (Feb 2009). "Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 12 new-generation antidepressants: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis". Lancet. 373 (9665): 746–58. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60046-5. PMID 19185342.
  45. ^ van Moffaert M, de Wilde J, Vereecken A, Dierick M, Evrard JL, Wilmotte J, Mendlewicz J (Mar 1995). "Mirtazapine is more effective than trazodone: a double-blind controlled study in hospitalized patients with major depression". International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 10 (1): 3–9. doi:10.1097/00004850-199503000-00001. PMID 7622801.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g Fawcett J, Barkin RL (Dec 1998). "Review of the results from clinical studies on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of patients with major depression". Journal of Affective Disorders. 51 (3): 267–85. doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(98)00224-9. PMID 10333982.
  47. ^ Bruijn JA, Moleman P, Mulder PG, van den Broek WW, van Hulst AM, van der Mast RC, van de Wetering BJ (Oct 1996). "A double-blind, fixed blood-level study comparing mirtazapine with imipramine in depressed in-patients". Psychopharmacology. 127 (3): 231–7. doi:10.1007/BF02246131. PMID 8912401.
  48. ^ Bruijn JA, Moleman P, Mulder PG, van den Broek WW (May 1999). "Depressed in-patients respond differently to imipramine and mirtazapine". Pharmacopsychiatry. 32 (3): 87–92. doi:10.1055/s-2007-979200. PMID 10463374.
  49. ^ a b c McGrath PJ, Stewart JW, Fava M, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, Nierenberg AA, Thase ME, Davis L, Biggs MM, Shores-Wilson K, Luther JF, Niederehe G, Warden D, Rush AJ (Sep 2006). "Tranylcypromine versus venlafaxine plus mirtazapine following three failed antidepressant medication trials for depression: a STAR*D report". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 163 (9): 1531–41, quiz 1666. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.9.1531. PMID 16946177.
  50. ^ a b Thompson C (Jun 2002). "Onset of action of antidepressants: results of different analyses". Human Psychopharmacology. 17 Suppl 1: S27-32. doi:10.1002/hup.386. PMID 12404667.
  51. ^ a b Taylor, D; Paton, C; Shitij, K (2012). Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry (11th ed.). West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-47-097948-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ Lavergne F, Berlin I, Gamma A, Stassen H, Angst J (Mar 2005). "Onset of improvement and response to mirtazapine in depression: a multicenter naturalistic study of 4771 patients". Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 1 (1): 59–68. doi:10.2147/nedt.1.1.59.52296. PMC 2426820. PMID 18568129.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  53. ^ "mirtazapine (Rx) - Remeron, Remeron SolTab". Medscape. WebMD. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  54. ^ "Australian Medicines Handbook". Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd. 2013.
  55. ^ British National Formulary (BNF) (65th ed.). Pharmaceutical Press. p. 1120. ISBN 978-0857110848.
  56. ^ Möller HJ (Dec 2006). "Is there evidence for negative effects of antidepressants on suicidality in depressive patients? A systematic review". European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. 256 (8): 476–96. doi:10.1007/s00406-006-0689-8. PMID 17143567.
  57. ^ a b Benazzi F (Jun 1998). "Mirtazapine withdrawal symptoms". Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie. 43 (5): 525. PMID 9653542. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)[unreliable medical source?]
  58. ^ Blier P (2001). "Pharmacology of rapid-onset antidepressant treatment strategies". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 62 Suppl 15: 12–7. PMID 11444761.
  59. ^ Vlaminck JJ, van Vliet IM, Zitman FG (Mar 2005). "[Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants]". Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde (in Dutch and Flemish). 149 (13): 698–701. PMID 15819135.
  60. ^ Berigan TR (Jun 2001). "Mirtazapine-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms: A Case Report". Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 3 (3): 143. doi:10.4088/PCC.v03n0307a. PMC 181176. PMID 15014614. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)[unreliable medical source?]
  61. ^ Klesmer J, Sarcevic A, Fomari V (Aug 2000). "Panic attacks during discontinuation of mirtazepine". Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie. 45 (6): 570–1. PMID 10986577.[unreliable medical source?]
  62. ^ MacCall C, Callender J (Oct 1999). "Mirtazapine withdrawal causing hypomania". The British Journal of Psychiatry. 175 (4): 390. doi:10.1192/bjp.175.4.390a. PMID 10789310. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)[unreliable medical source?]
  63. ^ Ali S, Milev R (May 2003). "Switch to mania upon discontinuation of antidepressants in patients with mood disorders: a review of the literature". Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie. 48 (4): 258–64. PMID 12776393.
  64. ^ White N, Litovitz T, Clancy C (Dec 2008). "Suicidal antidepressant overdoses: a comparative analysis by antidepressant type" (PDF). Journal of Medical Toxicology. 4 (4): 238–50. doi:10.1007/bf03161207. PMC 3550116. PMID 19031375.
  65. ^ Holzbach R, Jahn H, Pajonk FG, Mähne C (Nov 1998). "Suicide attempts with mirtazapine overdose without complications". Biological Psychiatry. 44 (9): 925–6. doi:10.1016/S0006-3223(98)00081-X. PMID 9807651.[unreliable medical source?]
  66. ^ Retz W, Maier S, Maris F, Rösler M (Nov 1998). "Non-fatal mirtazapine overdose". International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 13 (6): 277–9. doi:10.1097/00004850-199811000-00007. PMID 9861579.[unreliable medical source?]
  67. ^ Nikolaou, P; Dona, A; Papoutsis, I; Spiliopoulou, C; Maravelias, C. "Death Due to Mirtazapine Overdose". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) in "Abstracts of the XXIX International Congress of the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, May 12–15, 2009, Stockholm, Sweden". Clinical Toxicology. 47 (5): 436–510. 2009. doi:10.1080/15563650902952273.
  68. ^ Baselt, RC (2008). Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man (8th ed.). Foster City, CA: Biomedical Publications. pp. 1045–7. ISBN 978-0-9626523-7-0.
  69. ^ Buckley NA, McManus PR (Dec 2002). "Fatal toxicity of serotoninergic and other antidepressant drugs: analysis of United Kingdom mortality data". Bmj. 325 (7376): 1332–3. doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7376.1332. PMC 137809. PMID 12468481.[unreliable medical source?]
  70. ^ a b Fernández J, Alonso JM, Andrés JI, Cid JM, Díaz A, Iturrino L, Gil P, Megens A, Sipido VK, Trabanco AA (Mar 2005). "Discovery of new tetracyclic tetrahydrofuran derivatives as potential broad-spectrum psychotropic agents". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 48 (6): 1709–12. doi:10.1021/jm049632c. PMID 15771415.
  71. ^ a b de Boer TH, Maura G, Raiteri M, de Vos CJ, Wieringa J, Pinder RM (Apr 1988). "Neurochemical and autonomic pharmacological profiles of the 6-aza-analogue of mianserin, Org 3770 and its enantiomers". Neuropharmacology. 27 (4): 399–408. doi:10.1016/0028-3908(88)90149-9. PMID 3419539.
  72. ^ Roth, BL; Driscol, J. "PDSD Ki Database". Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the United States National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved 2013-07-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  73. ^ de Boer T (1996). "The pharmacologic profile of mirtazapine". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 57 Suppl 4: 19–25. PMID 8636062.
  74. ^ a b c d Graves SM, Napier TC (2012). "SB 206553, a putative 5-HT2C inverse agonist, attenuates methamphetamine-seeking in rats". BMC Neuroscience. 13 (1): 65. doi:10.1186/1471-2202-13-65. PMID 22697313.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  75. ^ Kooyman AR, Zwart R, Vanderheijden PM, Van Hooft JA, Vijverberg HP (1994). "Interaction between enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 at 5-HT3 receptors in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells". Neuropharmacology. 33 (3–4): 501–7. doi:10.1016/0028-3908(94)90081-7. PMID 7984289.
  76. ^ a b Brunton, L; Chabner, B; Knollman, B (2010). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (12th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 978-0-07-162442-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  77. ^ Wikström HV, Mensonides-Harsema MM, Cremers TI, Moltzen EK, Arnt J (Jul 2002). "Synthesis and pharmacological testing of 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-6-methoxy-2-methyldibenzo[c,f]pyrazino[1,2-a]azepin and its enantiomers in comparison with the two antidepressants mianserin and mirtazapine". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 45 (15): 3280–5. doi:10.1021/jm010566d. PMID 12109911.
  78. ^ Olianas MC, Dedoni S, Onali P (Nov 2012). "The atypical antidepressant mianserin exhibits agonist activity at κ-opioid receptors". British Journal of Pharmacology. 167 (6): 1329–41. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02078.x. PMID 22708686.
  79. ^ De Boer T, Nefkens F, Van Helvoirt A (Feb 1994). "The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist Org 3770 enhances serotonin transmission in vivo". European Journal of Pharmacology. 253 (1–2): R5-6. doi:10.1016/0014-2999(94)90778-1. PMID 7912194.[unreliable medical source?]
  80. ^ a b Berendsen HH, Broekkamp CL (Oct 1997). "Indirect in vivo 5-HT1A-agonistic effects of the new antidepressant mirtazapine". Psychopharmacology. 133 (3): 275–82. doi:10.1007/s002130050402. PMID 9361334.
  81. ^ Nakayama K, Sakurai T, Katsu H (Apr 2004). "Mirtazapine increases dopamine release in prefrontal cortex by 5-HT1A receptor activation". Brain Research Bulletin. 63 (3): 237–41. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2004.02.007. PMID 15145142.[unreliable medical source?]
  82. ^ Blier P, Abbott FV (Jan 2001). "Putative mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs in affective and anxiety disorders and pain" (PDF). Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience. 26 (1): 37–43. PMC 1408043. PMID 11212592.
  83. ^ Tatsumi M, Groshan K, Blakely RD, Richelson E (Dec 1997). "Pharmacological profile of antidepressants and related compounds at human monoamine transporters". European Journal of Pharmacology. 340 (2–3): 249–58. doi:10.1016/S0014-2999(97)01393-9. PMID 9537821.
  84. ^ Fisar Z, Hroudová J, Raboch J (2010). "Inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by antidepressants and mood stabilizers". Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 31 (5): 645–56. PMID 21200377.
  85. ^ Millan MJ (2005). "Serotonin 5-HT2C receptors as a target for the treatment of depressive and anxious states: focus on novel therapeutic strategies". Thérapie. 60 (5): 441–60. doi:10.2515/therapie:2005065. PMID 16433010.
  86. ^ Dekeyne A, Millan MJ (Apr 2009). "Discriminative stimulus properties of the atypical antidepressant, mirtazapine, in rats: a pharmacological characterization". Psychopharmacology. 203 (2): 329–41. doi:10.1007/s00213-008-1259-8. PMID 18709360.
  87. ^ De Deurwaerdère P, Navailles S, Berg KA, Clarke WP, Spampinato U (Mar 2004). "Constitutive activity of the serotonin2C receptor inhibits in vivo dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens". The Journal of Neuroscience. 24 (13): 3235–41. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0112-04.2004. PMID 15056702.[unreliable medical source?]
  88. ^ Bubar MJ, Cunningham KA (Apr 2007). "Distribution of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral tegmental area". Neuroscience. 146 (1): 286–97. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.12.071. PMC 1939890. PMID 17367945.[unreliable medical source?]
  89. ^ Millan MJ, Gobert A, Rivet JM, Adhumeau-Auclair A, Cussac D, Newman-Tancredi A, Dekeyne A, Nicolas JP, Lejeune F (Mar 2000). "Mirtazapine enhances frontocortical dopaminergic and corticolimbic adrenergic, but not serotonergic, transmission by blockade of alpha2-adrenergic and serotonin2C receptors: a comparison with citalopram". The European Journal of Neuroscience. 12 (3): 1079–95. doi:10.1046/j.1460-9568.2000.00982.x. PMID 10762339.
  90. ^ Leggio GM, Cathala A, Neny M, Rouge-Pont F, Drago F, Piazza PV, Spampinato U (Oct 2009). "In vivo evidence that constitutive activity of serotonin2C receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex participates in the control of dopamine release in the rat nucleus accumbens: differential effects of inverse agonist versus antagonist". Journal of Neurochemistry. 111 (2): 614–23. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06356.x. PMID 19702657.
  91. ^ Berg KA, Harvey JA, Spampinato U, Clarke WP (2008). "Physiological and therapeutic relevance of constitutive activity of 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors for the treatment of depression". Progress in Brain Research. 172: 287–305. doi:10.1016/S0079-6123(08)00914-X+=. PMID 18772038.
  92. ^ a b Colfax GN, Santos GM, Das M, Santos DM, Matheson T, Gasper J, Shoptaw S, Vittinghoff E (Nov 2011). "Mirtazapine to reduce methamphetamine use: a randomized controlled trial". Archives of General Psychiatry. 68 (11): 1168–75. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.124. PMC 3437988. PMID 22065532.
  93. ^ Herrold AA, Shen F, Graham MP, Harper LK, Specio SE, Tedford CE, Napier TC (Jan 2009). "Mirtazapine treatment after conditioning with methamphetamine alters subsequent expression of place preference". Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 99 (1–3): 231–9. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.005. PMID 18945553.
  94. ^ Rose ME, Grant JE (2008). "Pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a review of the pathophysiology of methamphetamine addiction and the theoretical basis and efficacy of pharmacotherapeutic interventions". Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. 20 (3): 145–55. doi:10.1080/10401230802177656. PMID 18633741.
  95. ^ Brackins T, Brahm NC, Kissack JC (Dec 2011). "Treatments for methamphetamine abuse: a literature review for the clinician". Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 24 (6): 541–50. doi:10.1177/0897190011426557. PMID 22095579.
  96. ^ Brensilver M, Heinzerling KG, Shoptaw S (Sep 2013). "Pharmacotherapy of amphetamine-type stimulant dependence: an update". Drug and Alcohol Review. 32 (5): 449–60. doi:10.1111/dar.12048. PMID 23617468.
  97. ^ Kast RE (Sep 2001). "Mirtazapine may be useful in treating nausea and insomnia of cancer chemotherapy". Supportive Care in Cancer. 9 (6): 469–70. doi:10.1007/s005200000215. PMID 11585276.
  98. ^ Costall, B; Naylor, RJ; Tyers, MB (1990). "The psychopharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors". Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 47 (2): 181–202. doi:10.1016/0163-7258(90)90086-H.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  99. ^ a b Sennef C, Timmer CJ, Sitsen JM (Mar 2003). "Mirtazapine in combination with amitriptyline: a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjects". Human Psychopharmacology. 18 (2): 91–101. doi:10.1002/hup.441. PMID 12590402.[unreliable medical source?]
  100. ^ a b Gándara Martín Jde L, Agüera Ortiz L, Ferre Navarrete F, Rojo Rodés E, Ros Montalbán S (2002). "[Tolerability and efficacy of combined antidepressant therapy]". Actas Españolas De PsiquiatríA (in Spanish). 30 (2): 75–84. PMID 12028939.
  101. ^ a b Ravindran LN, Eisfeld BS, Kennedy SH (Feb 2008). "Combining mirtazapine and duloxetine in treatment-resistant depression improves outcomes and sexual function". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 28 (1): 107–8. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e318160d609. PMID 18204355.[unreliable medical source?]
  102. ^ Caldis EV, Gair RD (Oct 2004). "Mirtazapine for treatment of nausea induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors". Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie. 49 (10): 707. PMID 15560319. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)
  103. ^ Chiu HW, Li TC (2011). "Rapid weight gain during mirtazapine treatment". The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 23 (1): E7. doi:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.23.1.E7. PMID 21304130.
  104. ^ Burrows GD, Kremer CM (Apr 1997). "Mirtazapine: clinical advantages in the treatment of depression". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 17 Suppl 1: 34S–39S. doi:10.1097/00004714-199704001-00005. PMID 9090576.
  105. ^ a b c d Schreiber S, Bleich A, Pick CG (2002). "Venlafaxine and mirtazapine: different mechanisms of antidepressant action, common opioid-mediated antinociceptive effects--a possible opioid involvement in severe depression?". Journal of Molecular Neuroscience. 18 (1–2): 143–9. doi:10.1385/JMN:18:1-2:143. PMID 11931344.
  106. ^ Kristensen JH, Ilett KF, Rampono J, Kohan R, Hackett LP (Mar 2007). "Transfer of the antidepressant mirtazapine into breast milk". British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 63 (3): 322–7. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02773.x. PMC 2000733. PMID 16970569.
  107. ^ Mirtazapine monograph
  108. ^ Gillman PK (Jun 2006). "A review of serotonin toxicity data: implications for the mechanisms of antidepressant drug action". Biological Psychiatry. 59 (11): 1046–51. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.11.016. PMID 16460699.
  109. ^ Hoes MJ, Zeijpveld JH (Mar 1996). "Mirtazapine as treatment for serotonin syndrome". Pharmacopsychiatry. 29 (2): 81. doi:10.1055/s-2007-979550. PMID 8741027. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)[unreliable medical source?]
  110. ^ Stahl, SM (2008). Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology Online: Print and Online. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-74609-4.
  111. ^ Abo-Zena RA, Bobek MB, Dweik RA (Apr 2000). "Hypertensive urgency induced by an interaction of mirtazapine and clonidine". Pharmacotherapy. 20 (4): 476–8. doi:10.1592/phco.20.5.476.35061. PMID 10772378.[unreliable medical source?]
  112. ^ Rao, DVNS; Dandala, R; Bharathi, C; Handa, VK; Sivakumaran, M; Naidub, A (2006). "Synthesis of potential related substances of mirtazapine". Arkivoc. 2006 (15): 127–32. doi:10.3998/ark.5550190.0007.f15. {{cite journal}}: Vancouver style error: punctuation in name 2 (help)
  113. ^ US patent 4062848, Van der Burg WJ, "Tetracyclic compounds", published 1977-12-13, issued 1977-12-13 

Further reading