Posted by sowhysosad on April 13, 2009, at 18:27:55
In reply to Re: akathisia + depression is impossible to treat, posted by Zana on April 13, 2009, at 11:38:25
> I take mirtazipine for sleep but it doesn't seem to have any AD effect at all. What's the story with it? I have no idea what it is supposed to be doing other than knocking me out at night.
>
> ZanaIt's one of the most powerful antihistamines on the planet, which is why it makes you drowsy and hungry.
It also blocks alpha-2 receptors which would normally prevent the release of norepinephrine and serotonin, thus allowing more serotonin and norepinephrine to be released.
However, there's some debate over the validity of the claims regarding serotonin release:
http://www.psychotropical.com/9_st_mirt.shtml
Another, unrelated effect of mirtazapine is blocking certain serotonin receptors which are associated with anxiety. That might explain why some people find it a good add-on for SSRI's, which can increase anxiety by over-stimulating those receptors. Plus, the night-time sedation might counteract insomnia from SSRI's too.
poster:sowhysosad
thread:890102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090408/msgs/890422.html