Remeron (Mirtazapine)

What is Remeron (mirtazapine)?

Remeron is a drug most often used in the treatment of depression. It is also know by its generic name as mirtazapine. It is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant which is abbreviated as NaSSA. Due to its molecular shape it also fits into the class of drugs known as tetracyclic antidepressants or TeCAs. It was created by Organon International and first distributed in the United States in 1990. Many have found it to be superior in treating depression than older antidepressant drugs from the SSRI class of drugs.

Remeron (mirtazapine) uses

What is Remeron (mirtazapine) used for? In addition to treating depression mirtazapine is used to treat a large variety of mental and other disorders. It is prescribed off label to treat generalized anxiety disorder as well as social anxiety disorder. It has also been used successfully to treat insomnia in many instances. Its anti-nausea effects have been used successfully to treat motion sickness and it has also been used as an appetite stimulant for those who are underweight. It is currently being investigated for its ability to treat withdrawal symptoms of many drugs and substances as well as its ability to treat sleep apnea. There is however no conclusive evidence on its ability to effectively be used in these manners yet. It has also been used with felines as an appetite stimulant.

Remeron for depression

Remeron's main use though is for the treatment of depression. It acts differently than the majority of antidepressants currently on the market making it a good alternative to be used when other antidepressants do not seem to be functioning properly. Its effects are also felt sooner than other antidepressant's effects. It efficacy in treating depression is linked to its unique action in the brain. Depression has been found to be linked to low levels of both serotonin and noradrenaline. Drugs that are SSRIs only effect serotonin levels. Remeron raises both serotonin and noradrenalin levels making it in many cases superior to other antidepressant drugs.

Remeron for anxiety

Due to its unique action within the brain Remeron has also been found to be effective in treating anxiety. Anxiety like depression is linked to lower than normal levels of noradrenalin and serotonin. With Remeron's ability to increase these it has been found to effectively eliminate anxiety in many patients. Remeron is preferable in many cases to the traditional treatment of anxiety which often consists of the usage of benzodiazepines. Unlike benzodiazepines mirtazapine does not have as harsh of withdrawal effects when usage is discontinued.

Remeron for sleep

The third most common usage of Remeron is for the treatment of sleep disorders. Though the causes of insomnia can vary, some cases of insomnia are linked to improper levels of serotonin in the brain. With mirtazapine's ability to regulate these levels it is often effective in treating certain kinds of insomnia. It has been found to be most effective in treating cases of insomnia that are linked to depression or anxiety. It is not commonly prescribed to those who are just suffering from insomnia that is not linked to other mental disorders.