Mirtazapine is a NaSSA, tetracyclic antidepressant used primarily in the treatment of major depression and severe mood disorders, although prescribed off-label for sleep, and is commonly also indicated as an anxiolytic, hypnotic, antiemetic and appetite stimulant. It is also a 5-HT2A antagonist. It should not be taken with tryptophan or any MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), as this can cause adverse effects. Common side effects include decreased or ncreased movement, mood or mental changes including anxiety and apathy, shortness of breath, and skin rash, and although these side effects are common they also are usually temporary, leaving once the body stabilizes on the medication.
Introduction to Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant used primarily in the treatment of depression. Mirtazapine is one of the few noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs). It has been demonstrated to have far fewer side effects than most other typical anti-depressants on the market.
Mirtazapine is unusual for an anti depressant as it has effects that are apparent instantly. The instant effects are sedating, which can help people with sleep, whereas the long term anti depressant/anxiety effects will not become apparent until amounts in the body have built up to a sufficient level over months of use. It takes 5 days for a given dosage to build in the bloodstream to stable levels.
Using Mirtazapine
The usual starting dose of mirtazapine is 15 mg, given at bed-time. This can be increased to 45mg over time, but close doctor supervision is indicated for an increase above that amount.Ways of Administration
Mirtazapine is normally supplied in oral tablets.Effects of Mirtazapine
Combinations with Mirtazapine
Different Uses for Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine can also be prescribed for secondary symptoms of Autistic spectrum disorders, and for disorders such as anorexia when an anti-depressant is also appropriate.
Pharmacology of Mirtazapine
Receptor Affinity pA2 or pKi
á2-Adrenergic autoreceptor 7.7
á2-Adrenergic heteroreceptor 8.0
Postsynaptic á2-adrenoceptor 7.3
Presynaptic á2-adrenoceptor 6.8
á1-Adrenoceptor 6.5
Serotonin 5-HT1A 5.3
Serotonin 5-HT1B 4.9
Serotonin 5-HT1D 5.3
Serotonin 5-HT2A 8.2
Serotonin 5-HT2B 6.7
Serotonin 5-HT2C 7.9
Serotonin 5-HT3 8.1
Histamine H1 9.3
Muscarinic 6.2
Dopamine D1 5.8
Dopamine D2 5.6
Chemistry of Mirtazapine
[1]
Column 1 Column 2 Systematic(IUPAC) name: 1,2,3,4,10,14b-Hexahydro-2-methylpyrazino[2,1-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benzazepine Synonyms: 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydrobenzo[c]pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrido[3,2-f]-azepine, 6-azamianserin, Org-3770, mepirzepine, Remeron, Zispin Molecular Formula: C17H19N3 Molar mass: 265.36 g/mol. CAS Registry Number: 61337-67-5 Melting Point: 114-116°C Boiling Point: no data Flash Point: no data Solubility: Freely soluble in methanol, toluene; soluble in ethyl ether, chloroform; sparingly soluble in n-hexane; practically insoluble in water. Additionnal data: none Notes: Aspect : white crystals; crystallyzed from petroleum ether
The Dangers of Mirtazapine
Physical Health Risks
Physical Problem 1
Physical Problem 2
Overdose
Reported Deaths
When Robin Williams Committed suicide on August 11, 2014, the coronor's autopsy report found that he had taken Mirtazapine shortly before hanging himself. Mirtazapine was never found to be a causal factor in his death however.Mental Health Risks
Mental Health Risk 1
Mental Health Risk 2
Side Effects
Some side effects of Mirtazapine include increased appetite, weight gain, and drowsiness. In extremely high doses it can cause hallucinations as a deliriant anti-histamine.Addiction
Physical Addiction
Mental Addiction
Legal Status of Mirtazapine
United Nations
USA
Mirtazapine is a schedule IV (4) drug in the U.S. as of March 2015.EU
Australia
Mirtazapine is a schedule 4 drug in Australia. It is available by prescription only.UK
Mirtazapine is a prescription only drug in the United KingdomOther Countries