Skip to main content

Find Treatment Near You

Remeron Classification: What Is Mirtazapine Drug Class?

Medically Reviewed Sources cited Share
Brittni Edit by: BrittniDr. Norman Chazin Reviewed by: Dr. Norman ChazinSharon Levy, MD, MPH Written by: Sharon Levy, MD, MPH
Remeron Classification: What Is Mirtazapine Drug Class?

Remeron is a medication used to treat depression. Despite many being prescribed it, few know the Remeron drug class. Knowing the Remeron classification can help people better understand the medication and its risks.

Is Remeron A Controlled Substance?

Remeron medicine is a prescription medication. This can lead many people to assume that it is a controlled substance. However, that depends on how the term is being used.

The use of mirtazapine is controlled in that no one is meant to be able to access it without a valid prescription from a doctor. However, controlled substances are officially only those on the DEA Drug Schedule. This is reserved for drugs of abuse. While Remeron is used for anxiety, depression, and other similar conditions, it is not as easily abused as other medications treating the same things. As such, the mirtazapine classification does not refer to controlled substances.

Is Mirtazapine A Sleeping Pill?

One of the side effects of Remeron is sleepiness. As a result, it is sometimes prescribed to treat insomnia. However, it is not a sleeping pill.

Is Mirtazapine A Benzodiazepine?

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABAA receptor, which produces sedative and hypnotic effects. Remeron does not impact the GABAA receptor, which means the mirtazapine drug class is not a benzodiazepine. However, many people are confused about this given the “pine” ending to the medication and the fact that they can both treat anxiety.

Is Remeron An Antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are major tranquilizers used to treat severe behavior disorders. How they work will vary, but what is important is what they are designed to treat. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can be addressed with these medications. Mirtazapine, however, is only meant to treat depression and anxiety. As such, the Remeron classification is not antipsychotic.

Is Mirtazapine A Narcotic?

Narcotic is a common term, but it refers to a limited number of substances; specifically, opium, things made from opium, and synthetic versions. Since Remeron has nothing to do with opium, it is not a narcotic.

Is Mirtazapine Anticholinergic?

Anticholinergics block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at synapses. Mirtazapine does interact with the central nervous system, but it does not do so in the same manner. As a result, it cannot be said that the Remeron classification is anticholinergic.

Is Mirtazapine An Antihistamine?

Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. They function by blocking the effects of histamines in the body. Some people might wrongly assume that the Remeron class is antihistamine because they can both cause drowsiness and are used to treat sleep disorders. However, Remeron has no impact on histamine in the body. This means it is not an antihistamine.

is remeron an antidepressant

What Type Of Antidepressant Is Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant by class. However, not all antidepressants are the same. In fact, this drug class is divided into numerous categories, and users should know what the Remeron classification is within them.

Is Remeron An SSRI?

SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This means that the drugs within this class function by preventing the brain from reabsorbing serotonin at its normal rate. This leaves more in the brain, and as this is a feel-good chemical, it can alleviate symptoms of depression. Remeron does not inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. As such, the mirtazapine antidepressant drug class is not SSRI.

Is Remeron An MAOI?

MAOI antidepressants are among the oldest in use. Standing for monoamine oxidase inhibitors, they limit the function of monoamine oxidase, which breaks down feel-good chemicals. As such, there are more left in the brain, helping to reduce depressive feelings. Remeron does not act on monoamine oxidase in this manner, which means that an MAOI is not the mirtazapine classification.

what type of antidepressant medication is remeron

Is Remeron A Tricyclic Antidepressant?

Tricyclic antidepressants work in two ways. First, they increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin. Second, they block the action of acetylcholine. This increases feel-good chemical presence in the brain. While this is similar to the manner in which mirtazapine works, their chemical structure contains fewer rings, which means tricyclic antidepressant is not the Remeron drug class.

Is Mirtazapine An SNRI?

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors occupy the reuptake spots within the brain, preventing the body from absorbing the two feel-good chemicals. This means there is more of them present, which reduces the feelings of depression. Mirtazapine does not occupy these spots, which means the Remeron classification is not SNRI.

Is Remeron An Atypical Antidepressant?

Yes, the Remeron drug class is an atypical antidepressant. However, within this class, there are smaller classes. Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant. It functions by increasing activity in the serotonin and norepinephrine systems in the brain. This means that reuptake remains normal, but there are more of the chemicals overall, leading to fewer depressive symptoms.

Is Mirtazapine A Strong Antidepressant?

Remeron is an effective antidepressant that is FDA approved and widely used. However, it is not known for being stronger than the average medication in its class. For some patients, it may feel incredibly powerful, while it may not work at all for others. Patients should work with their doctor to determine if it is a good fit for them.

When Remeron Becomes Problematic

All medications can be misused. If someone is abusing Remeron, they need to seek help. Drug addiction and rehab centers offer the therapies needed to stop mirtazapine abuse and help the user stay clean. Addiction treatment in such centers often is facilitated by medical supervision and includes medications to help the patients to make the process of recovery easier.

Addiction Resource

Why Trust AddictionResource.com

Founded in 2014, Addiction Resource provides free support and guidance for addiction recovery.

Learn More ›

Start the road to recovery

Connect with an accredited treatment center by calling our admissions team directly.

Have a question? (866) 289-4139

Who Answers?

OR

Request A Call

Free Insurance Verification
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care. If you or your loved one is experiencing an addiction crisis, please seek immediate expert guidance or contact emergency services.

Hope Without Commitment

Find the best treatment options. Call our free and confidential helpline

(866) 289-4139

Most private insurances accepted

Who Answers?

Find Drug Rehabilitation Centers Near You Anywhere In the US

Addiction Resource team has compiled an extensive list of the top drug rehabilitation facilities around the country. Use our locator tool to find the best centers near you.

Published on:

Updated on: