Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant that works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily norepinephrine and serotonin. It is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder.
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Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA).
It can cause sedation, making it useful for patients with depression who also have insomnia.
Common side effects include weight gain and increased appetite.
It has a unique mechanism of action compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, targeting both alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and serotonin receptors.
Mirtazapine may take several weeks to show its full therapeutic effects.
Review Questions
What class of antidepressant does Mirtazapine belong to?
Name two common side effects of Mirtazapine.
How does Mirtazapine differ in its mechanism of action from SSRIs?
Related terms
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor): A class of drugs typically used as antidepressants that work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor): A class of antidepressants that increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake.