Mirtazapine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Mirtazapine is a prescription antidepressant that is used to treat depression and sometimes other symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, or loss of appetite. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and alertness.
Mirtazapine can help improve mood, but it may cause drowsiness, increased appetite, and weight gain. Take it only as prescribed, and speak with a doctor or pharmacist before changing your dose or stopping treatment.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AX11
- Generic
- Mirtazapine
- Class
- tetracyclic-antidepressant
- Brands
- Remeron
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 26
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- suicidal-ideation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15-45mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- at bedtime
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks, avoid during first trimester unless clearly needed
regular prenatal checkups, fetal ultrasound monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if benefits outweigh risks, do not discontinue abruptly
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose, consider taper near term
inform neonatal team, monitor for neonatal adaptation syndrome
fetal monitoring, neonatal assessment after birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
avoid breastfeeding if possible, if used monitor infant for sedation, feeding difficulties
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, poor feeding, developmental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose 7.5mg at bedtime
use lower starting dose, titrate slowly, increased risk of orthostatic hypotension and sedation
monitor blood pressure, cognitive function, falls risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended for patients under 18
not approved for pediatric use, increased risk of suicidal thoughts in adolescents
close monitoring for worsening depression and suicidal ideation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution in severe renal impairment, dose reduction recommended
monitor renal function, watch for increased sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50%
use with caution, reduced clearance in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests, observe for excessive sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Mirtazapine
Drug class
Classification as noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Typical starting dose
Initial adult dosing recommendation
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy