NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Mirtazapine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) approved for major depressive disorder. Known for its sedating and appetite-stimulating properties, which can be therapeutically useful in patients with insomnia and poor appetite or weight loss. At lower doses, sedation is more prominent due to stronger histamine H1 blockade; at higher doses, noradrenergic activation can offset sedation. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2015–2026
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) approved for major depressive disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 15–45 mg daily at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief2,3
  • Sleep improvement
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Low incidence of sexual side effects
  • Nausea reduction
What to watch for
  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Increased appetite
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to mirtazapine1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, sleep improvement, appetite stimulation. 10 sources indexed (2015–2026), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Antagonizes central presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, enhancing norepinephrine and serotonin release. Also blocks serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT3 receptors, directing serotonin activity toward 5-HT1A receptors. Potent histamine H1 receptor antagonist (contributing to sedation and weight gain) with minimal anticholinergic activity.

Class
Atypical Antidepressant (NaSSA)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
15–45 mg daily at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or orally disintegrating tablet

Can be taken with or without food. Typically administered at bedtime due to sedating effects. Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve on the tongue without water.3

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Moderate

Antidepressant-associated SIADH can increase renal free-water retention and dilute serum sodium, producing hyponatremia.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Often within the first 2 to 4 weeks; can occur later
Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Increased appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to mirtazapine1,2
  • Concurrent use with IV methylene blue or linezolid
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Mirtazapine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Mirtazapine?

Prescription noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) approved for major depressive disorder. Known for its sedating and appetite-stimulating properties, which can be therapeutically useful in patients with insomnia and poor appetite or weight loss. At lower doses, sedation is more prominent due to stronger histamine H1 blockade; at higher doses, noradrenergic activation can offset sedation. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Mirtazapine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Mirtazapine include: Depression symptom relief; Sleep improvement; Appetite stimulation; Low incidence of sexual side effects; Nausea reduction. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Mirtazapine?

A typical adult dose of Mirtazapine is 15–45 mg daily at bedtime (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or orally disintegrating tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Mirtazapine?

Reported side effects include sedation and drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Mirtazapine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Mirtazapine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.