title: Mirtazapine for reducing nocturnal itch in patients with chronic pruritus: a pilot study.
abstract: Nocturnal pruritus is a significant problem for patients with inflammatory skin diseases and many systemic diseases. The oral therapies currently available have a limited effect. We present an open, uncontrolled pilot study of 3 patients with inflammatory skin diseases and severe nocturnal pruritus who underwent treatment with mirtazapine (Remeron), a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. Mirtazapine is a safe medication without serious side effects and may be an effective alternative for the treatment of nocturnal pruritus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hundley
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yosipovitch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008803:Mianserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine