[Efficacy of mirtazapine for appetite loss and nausea of the cancer patient--from clinical experience in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center].

Overview

Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant(NaSSA). Some studies reported that mirtazapine has a receptor-binding profile that may be suitable for use in controlling appetite loss and nausea of cancer patients. We examined its efficacy for these symptoms in 9 cases administered mirtazapine for 9 days. After administration for 4-6 days, the efficacy of nausea was shown at 15 mg of the initial dosage; it was particularly useful in a mild stage. However, its efficacy for appetite loss was not clear for these cases. This study was performed by an open trial. Because of the small number of cases and follow-up period, future study is awaited.