What is the drug mirtazapine used for?

Mirtazapine is a medication used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. It is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA), which works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine.

Mirtazapine is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Mirtazapine can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall quality of life for those with depression.

Aside from depression, mirtazapine may also be used to treat other conditions, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used off-label for other conditions, such as insomnia and appetite stimulation.

Mirtazapine is typically taken once daily, usually at bedtime, and can take several weeks to start working. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking the medication and to not stop taking it without first talking to them. Like any medication, mirtazapine can come with potential side effects, and it’s important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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