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.