Key takeaways
Mirtazapine (Remeron) and amitriptyline are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of antidepressants. Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant, while amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Mirtazapine is available as a generic and comes in oral and dissolvable tablet forms, typically taken once daily at night. Amitriptyline, also available as a generic, is usually taken in divided doses throughout the day or as a single dose at bedtime. Mirtazapine is known to cause sleepiness and weight gain, but it is less likely to cause nausea or sexual problems compared to other antidepressants. Amitriptyline also causes sleepiness and weight gain but has more interactions with other medications and can cause additional side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation. Both medications can take 1 to 2 months to show full benefits and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
