Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic & specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) used primarily for treating major depressive disorder, particularly in patients with insomnia or poor appetite. It is known for its rapid onset of action & ability to improve sleep & stimulate appetite.
Evidence last reviewed: 05 Apr 2026
Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.
Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.
Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.
Mirtazapine has strong evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing depression symptoms compared to placebo. However, it is associated with weight gain and higher discontinuation rates in treatment-resistant cases, indicating potential drawbacks.
Depression symptom reductionAdults with major depressive disorder · Systematic reviewHigh
Mirtazapine was found to be more efficacious than placebo in treating major depressive disorder.
Treatment-resistant depressionAdults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder · Systematic reviewModerate
Mirtazapine showed higher discontinuation rates compared to placebo in treatment-resistant depression.
Weight gainAdults with major depressive disorder · Systematic reviewModerate
Mirtazapine is associated with weight gain in patients.