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Compare Remeron vs. Elavil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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.

  • Mirtazapine (Remeron)
    Amitriptyline
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron)
    Amitriptyline

  • Summary of Remeron vs. Elavil

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant (or more specifically, tetracyclic antidepressant). It's used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is available as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's taken once daily, typically at night. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness and dry mouth. Mirtazapine (Remeron) can also raise your appetite and put you at risk for weight gain.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Remeron vs. Elavil

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Remeron vs. Elavil

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a dissolvable tablet for those who can't swallow pills
    •Less likely to cause sexual side effects compared SSRIs
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain
    •Can cause sleepiness
    •Risk of withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older

  • Common Side Effects of Remeron vs. Elavil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (54%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Feeling more hungry (17%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain

  • Warnings of Remeron vs. Elavil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping mirtazapine (Remeron) suddenly
    •Not for bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls

  • Prices with our coupons for Remeron vs. Elavil

    Learn more about Mirtazapine
    Learn more about Amitriptyline

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