Case Report, Jan/22: Mirtazapine Was Effective for a Patient w/Benzo Dependence

The full title of this Japanese case report is "Mirtazapine Was Effective for a Patient With Benzodiazepine Dependence".

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34966042/

Abstract

Objective: Benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence has become a social problem and results in poor outcomes. Only a few evidence-based treatments for pharmacotherapy, including antidepressants, are recommended.

Methods: We reported about a 71-year-old man with onset of blindness at 50 years of age due to pigmentary degeneration of the retina developed insomnia at age 59 years, characterized by nocturnal and early morning awakenings.

Results: Mirtazapine was effective to not only treat sleep disturbance but also a craving for BZD.

Conclusions: The increases of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin signaling by mirtazapine may be related to the effectiveness in reducing BZD dependence.