A pilot study of mirtazapine in post-traumatic stress disorder.
Recently, studies of pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been focused on serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), despite a number of treatment-limiting side-effects. Mirtazapine, a novel drug with both noradrenergic and serotonergic properties, may be effective in individuals who demonstrate intolerance to side-effects of and a limited response to SSRIs. Six outpatients with severe, chronic PTSD were treated with mirtazapine, up to 45 mg/day for 8 weeks. Efficacy assessments and side-effect monitoring were performed at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Fifty percent of the sample demonstrated improvement of 50% or more from baseline using a global rating. In addition, improvements were noted on both interviewer-administered and self-rated scales of PTSD and of depression. The drug was well tolerated with few significant side-effects. Mirtazapine was associated with clinical improvement in 50% of subjects with severe, chronic PTSD, suggesting a need for further investigation in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
Connor
K M
KM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. kmctjl@mc.duke.edu
Davidson
J R
JR
Weisler
R H
RH
Ahearn
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008803:Mianserin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine