Mirtazapine
Also known as: Zispin
What it's for
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant. It treats depression and can help with anxiety and sleep problems. It works differently from SSRIs like sertraline.
Comes as: Tablets or orodispersible tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start with 15mg at bedtime.
- Your doctor may increase this to 30mg or 45mg.
- Take at bedtime as it causes drowsiness.
- Swallow tablets with water, or let orodispersible tablets dissolve on your tongue.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling drowsy or sleepy
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop taking it suddenly
- Avoid alcohol - it increases drowsiness
- May affect your ability to drive, especially at first
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have a seizure
- You have yellowing of your skin or eyes
- You have a high temperature with confusion and muscle twitching
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.