Mirtazapine in the treatment of anxiety associated with depression

Objective:Most patients with depression have symtoms of anxiety. Aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of Mirtazapine on symptoms of anxiety in patients with depression. Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant(NaSSA).Sedation may be a useful side-effect in the treatment of depressed patients with insomnia and severe anxiety.Methods:Total of 40 patients, with diagnosis F 32.0-F 32.2 or F 33.0-F 33.2 (according to ICD-10), with a high degree of anxiety, were enrolled. Anxiety was assessed using the Inner Tension item (item 3) of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Patients received Mirtazapine 30mg/day 6 weeks, without concomitant medication. The visits were organized at the beginning of treatment, after 2,4 and 6 weeks of treatment.Gathered data were statistically processed.Results:There was a significant improvement for Mirtazapine-treated patients in the Item 3 of the MADRS at weeks 2,4 and 6 versus baseline.Conclusion:Mirtazapine showed a significant beneficial effect in reducing symptoms of anxiety in depressive patients with high degree of anxiety, with early onset of action.