by D. Vogt

Created on: July 19, 2010

Mirtazapine is a tricyclic antidepressant medication which can, in some cases, also be prescribed to treat allergies (as an antihistamine), reduce nausea or motion sickness, increase appetite, and to treat insomnia or anxiety disorders. It is taken in tablet form.

Note that mirtazapine is the generic drug name for a compound which was initially released by Organon as an antidepressant and which is traded under several different brand names, including Reflex, Avenza, Zispin, and Remeron.

If your doctor is considering prescribing mirtazapine, he or she should be made aware if you have previously suffered an allergic reaction to this drug, or if you have any other specific concerns about taking this medication. There are several drugs which may cause problems when taken alongside mirtazapine, including Valium (diazepam) and MAO inhibitors (also prescribed for depression). People suffering from the rare condition phenylketonuria also may not be prescribed mirtazapine, because the tablet contains phenylalanine. In general, however, mirtazapine is a relatively safe drug, both in terms of a low risk of dangerous interactions with other drugs and in terms of the generally mild nature of most side effects.

There are a number of relatively mild and common side effects of mirtazapine. These include dry mouth, digestive difficulties (nausea and constipation), increased appetite which may lead to an increase in weight, or dizziness. As with all medications that can cause drowsiness, you should not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery if you may come under the effects of mirtazapine while doing so. In other cases, you need only discuss these potential side effects of mirtazapine with your doctor if they are particularly serious or persistent.

In addition, however, there are a number of side effects of mirtazapine which indicate a more serious reaction to the drug. These include extreme agitation, a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction, seizures, chest pain or a rapid hearbeat (tachycardia) and suicidal thoughts. The National Institutes of Health warn that you should "call your doctor immediately" upon noticing any of these potential side effects of mirtazapine. You should always seek out urgent medical attention if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are experiencing chest pain.

The above information is based on research into publicly available sources. However, when it comes to prescription medication, there is no substitute for professional medical guidance from your doctor and your pharmacist, which should always be followed precisely.

- Sources and More Information -

B.C. Children's Hospital. "Using Mirtazapine in Children and Adolescents."

National Institutes of Health. "Mirtazapine: MedlinePlus Drug Information."

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