Mirtazapine

Zispin soltabs contain the active
ingredient mirtazapine, which is
a type of antidepressant. (nb.
mirtazapine is also available
without a brand name, ie as the
generic medicine.)
mirtazapine works in the brain,
where it enhances the effect of
naturally occurring chemicals
called neurotransmitters. These
are chemical compounds that act
as chemical messengers between
nerve cells. Noradrenaline and
serotonin are two such
neurotransmitters and have
various functions that we know
of.
When noradrenaline and serotonin
are released from nerve cells in
the brain they act to lighten
mood. When they are bound to
nerve cells in the brain, they no
longer have an effect on mood. It
is thought that when depression
occurs, there may be a decreased
amount of noradrenaline and
serotonin released from nerve
cells in the brain.
Mirtazapine works by blocking
receptors called alpha-2
receptors that are found on nerve
cells in the brain. Noradrenaline
and serotonin would normally bind
to these receptors. By blocking
them, mirtazapine prevents
noradrenaline and serotonin from
becoming bound to the nerve
cells. This enhances the mood-
lightening effect of free
noradrenaline and serotonin that
is released from nerve cells, and
helps relieve depression.