Suicide attempts with mirtazapine overdose without complications

Biol Psychiatry. 1998 Nov 1;44(9):925-6. doi: 10.1016/s0006-3223(98)00081-x.

Abstract

Background: One important aim of pharmacotherapy in depressed patients is the prevention of suicide attempts. Therefore, the medication given should be efficient and safe in overdose.

Results: We saw two patients after they had overdosed with mirtazapine because of suicidal intention. Both patients had taken 30 and 50 times a normal daily dose and achieved a full recovery without any complications or harm.

Conclusions: Mirtazapine seems to be a safe compound in overdose. Therefore, it is an important therapeutic agent in depressed and suicidal patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mianserin / adverse effects
  • Mianserin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mirtazapine
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide, Attempted*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Mianserin
  • Mirtazapine