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
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 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 |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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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2006-09-07
