Key takeaways
Mirtazapine (Remeron) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant, while venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Mirtazapine is taken once daily, usually at night, and is known to cause sleepiness and weight gain. In contrast, venlafaxine can be taken either as an immediate-release or extended-release form, with the extended-release form being taken once daily. Venlafaxine is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and can raise blood pressure, especially at higher doses. Mirtazapine is less likely to cause nausea and sexual problems compared to venlafaxine. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people under 24 years old and should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
