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Mirtazapine-induced arthralgia

Anneke Passier1, Eugène van Puijenbroek

  • 1Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, Goudsbloemvallei 7, 5327 MH 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. A.Passier@Lareb.nl

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 21, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mirtazapine use is linked to arthralgia (joint pain), supported by eight case reports. This adverse drug reaction may stem from enhanced serotonin 5HT1 neurotransmission.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Clinical Case Studies
  • Neuropharmacology

Background:

  • Mirtazapine is a widely prescribed antidepressant.
  • Arthralgia is a potential adverse drug reaction.
  • Previous data suggested a possible link between mirtazapine and arthralgia.

Observation:

  • The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb collected eight case reports of arthralgia in patients using mirtazapine.
  • Worldwide data on this association was also reviewed.

Findings:

  • The case reports provide evidence supporting a link between mirtazapine and arthralgia.
  • Mianserin and nefazodone, which share similarities with mirtazapine, are also associated with arthralgia.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest that arthralgia is a plausible adverse drug reaction associated with mirtazapine.
  • Enhanced 5HT1-mediated neurotransmission is proposed as a potential mechanism for mirtazapine-induced arthralgia.

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