Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is used to treat people with mental depression, especially those who are also nervous and have trouble sleeping. It is in a class of drugs called tetracyclic antidepressants.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.	Melatonin*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Melatonin
Taking mirtazapine results in enhanced secretion of melatonin at night;¹ this may explain part of the mechanism of the effects of mirtazapine. Controlled research is needed to determine whether melatonin supplementation might enhance either the beneficial or the adverse effects of mirtazapine.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking mirtazapine may enhance the effects of the drug, including impairment of thinking, judgment, and performance of difficult tasks; therefore, it should be avoided.²

References

1. Palazidou E, Papadopoulos A, Sitsen A, et al. An alpha 2 adenoceptor antagonist, Org 3770, enhances nocturnal melatonin secretion in man. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1989;97:115–7.

2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2109–11.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires July 2004.