What is "mirtazapine"

n. (context medicine English) A tetracyclic antidepressant drug.

Mirtazapine (brand names: Avanza, Axit, Calixta, Mirtaz, Mirtazon, Remeron, Zispin) is an atypical antidepressant with noradrenergic and specific serotonergic activity. It blocks the α adrenergic auto- and heteroreceptors (enhancing serotonin release), and selectively antagonizes the 5-HT serotonin receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. It also enhances serotonin neurotransmission at the 5-HT receptor and blocks the histaminergic ( H) and muscarinic receptors. Mirtazapine is not a serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor but may increase serotonin and norepinephrine by other mechanisms of action.

Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) introduced by Organon International in the United States in 1996, 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. It is also racemic—occurs as a combination of both (R)-(−)- and (S)-(+)- stereoisomers, both of which are active.

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