Abstract

▼Mirtazapine (Zispin-Organon) was introduced in 1997 as "the first noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant" (or 'NaSSA'). The manufacturer claims that mirtazapine is "effective in all types of depression", with "minimal serotonergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic side-effects", "low propensity for interactions", and lower likelihood of relapse during maintenance treatment than with amitriptyline. Is mirtazapine an advance on existing drugs?