Mirtazapine for reducing nocturnal itch in patients with chronic pruritus: a pilot study.
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.
Hundley
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
Yosipovitch
Gil
G
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*
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine