Key takeaways
Mirtazapine (Remeron) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant, specifically a tetracyclic antidepressant, used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Quetiapine, on the other hand, is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in both adults and children, and it can also be used as an add-on treatment for depression in adults. Quetiapine affects dopamine and serotonin levels to help control mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Mirtazapine is typically taken once daily at bedtime, while quetiapine can be taken multiple times a day depending on the form and condition being treated. Both medications can cause sleepiness and weight gain, but quetiapine has additional risks like raising blood sugar and cholesterol levels and should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Mirtazapine is available in both oral and dissolvable tablet forms, while quetiapine is available in immediate-release and extended-release tablets.
