Mirtazapine (Remeron)

What the word means

Mirtazapine is the drug. Remeron is the brand.

It’s an atypical antidepressant, meaning it doesn’t fit the SSRI or SNRI mold. Its two most famous effects are the reason it gets chosen: it’s sedating, and it tends to increase appetite. For someone whose depression has stripped away sleep and eating, those aren’t side effects so much as the point. For someone already struggling with weight, they’re a real drawback, and that honesty matters when the choice is being made.

It’s usually taken at night, and it’s one of the antidepressants least likely to cause sexual side effects.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary handles the word.

Read the full mirtazapine guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, side effects, and how it compares with trazodone.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Atypical antidepressant
• Trazodone
• Insomnia
• Antidepressant

When to seek professional care

If sedation is heavy enough to interfere with your day, or weight gain is becoming a problem, tell your prescriber rather than stopping on your own, since dose and timing can often be adjusted. Tell your prescriber about new agitation, worsening mood, or thoughts of self-harm after starting or changing the dose. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Mirtazapine (Remeron):</strong> Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant, sold as Remeron, often chosen when depression comes with poor sleep and lost appetite. It tends to be sedating and to increase appetite.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/mirtazapine/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>