title: Tolerability and safety aspects of mirtazapine.
abstract: The tolerability and safety profile of the noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) mirtazapine reflects its unique pharmacological profile. The 5-HT(2) blocking effect contributes towards its anxiolytic effects and benefits on sleep, as well as preventing the sexual dysfunction that may occur with non-specific stimulation of the serotonin system by drugs such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In addition, 5-HT(3) blockade by mirtazapine helps to prevent nausea and vomiting. Weight gain is the most commonly reported side-effect of mirtazapine, although there is evidence to suggest that this is not a significant problem during long-term treatment. In conclusion, mirtazapine has a good tolerability and safety profile that demonstrates several benefits over other antidepressants.
authors.affiliation: University of Bristol, Psychopharmacology Unit, Bristol, UK. david.j.nutt@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nutt
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008803:Mianserin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine