PTCE Top 200 · #99

Mirtazapine

Remeron

Mirtazapine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Remeron. It is an antidepressant (nassa) used to treat depression (sleep/appetite gain). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Mirtazapine ranks #99 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameMirtazapine
Brand name(s)Remeron
Drug classAntidepressant (NaSSA)
Class groupCNS/Psych
Common usedepression (sleep/appetite gain)
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Mirtazapine used for?

Antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder.

What drug class is Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is an Antidepressant (NaSSA) in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Mirtazapine

Major interactions

Is Mirtazapine a controlled substance?

No. Mirtazapine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

warning Boxed warning

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS — antidepressants increase risk in pediatric and young adult patients; monitor closely.

How to remember Mirtazapine (PTCE mnemonic)

REM-eron restores REM sleep — MIRta-ZAPINE is NaSSA. 'More appetite + more Zzz' (weight gain, sedation); good for elderly/cachexic depression; agranulocytosis rare.
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PTCE exam tip

Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant known for causing sedation and increased appetite — sometimes chosen for patients who need help sleeping or gaining weight.

Mirtazapine FAQ

What is the brand name for Mirtazapine?

The brand name for Mirtazapine is Remeron.

What is Mirtazapine used for?

Mirtazapine is used to treat depression (sleep/appetite gain). Antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder.

What drug class is Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is an Antidepressant (NaSSA) (CNS/Psych group).

Is Mirtazapine a controlled substance?

No. Mirtazapine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group

Drill Mirtazapine the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).