Zispin (R)
Last reviewed 07/2021
- an example of this class of drug is mirtazapine
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a pre-synaptic alpha-2 receptor blocker which is used to treat depression. It also has a useful anti-anxiety action
Mirtazapine probably acts by increasing the release of noradrenaline from presynaptic nerve terminals.
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drug interactions include:
- alcohol and benzodiazepine potentiation
- side effects include increased appetite, dry mouth and drowsiness. Side effects are significantly less than tricyclics. Reversible blood dyscrasias have been reported.
- mirtazapine should be viewed as one more alternative for patients unable to tolerate established first-line therapies, but more studies are needed to clarify its optimum place in treatment, especially in more severely ill patients