Lexapro vs Mirtazapine: brand vs ingredient
Lexapro contains Escitalopram, while Mirtazapine is a different active ingredient in the Atypical antidepressant (NaSSA) class. This page compares them: when each is used, how the mechanisms and indications differ, and whether the question "Lexapro vs Mirtazapine" makes sense to ask at all.
What is the relationship?
Lexapro and Mirtazapine are different things: Lexapro is a branded medication whose active ingredient is Escitalopram (in the Antidépresseurs class), whereas Mirtazapine is in the Atypical antidepressant (NaSSA) class. They belong to different therapeutic classes and are chosen for different indications.
When Lexapro is used
Lexapro est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée et le trouble anxieux généralisé chez l'adulte, ainsi que chez l'adolescent à partir de 12 ans pour la dépression.
When Mirtazapine is used
La mirtazapine est autorisée dans la dépression caractérisée.
Mechanisms compared
Lexapro: Lexapro agit en inhibant sélectivement le transporteur de recapture de la sérotonine (SERT) au niveau de la synapse, augmentant la disponibilité de la sérotonine pour les récepteurs postsynaptiques. Mirtazapine: La mirtazapine antagonise les autorécepteurs et hétérorécepteurs α2-adrénergiques présynaptiques, ce qui augmente la libération de noradrénaline et de sérotonine.
When the comparison makes sense
Comparing Lexapro with Mirtazapine makes sense when both are in the same clinical decision: the prescriber has weighed both for different but related conditions. If the question is between two options for the same need, the prescriber decides based on prior response, comorbidities and tolerance.
Questions fréquentes
Do Lexapro and Mirtazapine treat the same thing? ▾
No — they treat different conditions because they belong to different therapeutic classes. The question of which to use is for the prescriber to answer based on the specific indication.
Can Lexapro and Mirtazapine be combined? ▾
It depends on the interaction profile of Escitalopram with Mirtazapine. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it. Self-medicating with both is not recommended without pharmacist review.
Which is better, Lexapro or Mirtazapine? ▾
"Better" doesn't apply between medications for different indications. The sensible question is which fits your specific clinical need — that is the prescriber's call.
Les informations publiées sur ce site sont fournies à titre documentaire et pédagogique. Elles ne remplacent pas l'avis d'un professionnel de santé qualifié.