Mirtazapine is in a class of medications called antidepressants. It also has been used as an antianxiety medication, antiemetic, and appetite stiumulant. It works by enhancing adrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Mirtazapine is also an antagonist of 5-HT3 and histamine receptors. Mirtazapine is available as a tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet. As with other antidepressants, patients may need to take mirtazapine for several weeks to experience the full benefits and it may cause withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation. Mirtazapine has been evaluated for anorexia, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, depression, sleep-wake disturbances, and hot flashes.
Kim, S., Shin, I., Kim, J., Kim, Y., Kim, K., Kim, K., … Yoon, J. (2008). Effectiveness of mirtazapine for nausea and insomnia in cancer patients with depression. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 62, 75-83.
To evaluate the effectiveness of mirtazapine for nausea and insomnia in patients with cancer with depression
Assessments were conducted at baseline and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 by trained psychiatrists in an outpatient clinic. In addition, side effects were assessed with each visit. This was a four-week study.
Participants were recruited from a university cancer center in Korea.
This was a prospective, open-label study.
The following measurement tools were used.
Mirtazapine rapidly improved nausea, sleep disturbance, pain, depression, and quality of life for patients with cancer.