Key takeaways
Mirtazapine (Remeron) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) are both medications used to treat depression in adults, but they belong to different classes and have distinct characteristics. Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and it is available in both oral and dissolvable tablet forms. It is known to cause sleepiness and weight gain more frequently than other antidepressants. On the other hand, desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also raises serotonin and norepinephrine activity but is only available as an oral tablet. Desvenlafaxine can raise blood pressure and is less likely to cause weight gain. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and have a risk of serotonin syndrome. Mirtazapine is more likely to cause drowsiness, making it a potential option for those with insomnia, while desvenlafaxine might be a better choice for those concerned about weight gain. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.
