• NETAG approved for the treatment of depression only following an adequate trial of at least three alternative antidepressant drugs at maximally tolerated doses (as described by NICE and as stated in the BNF).
• Prescribing and monitoring should be initiated by specialist mental health physicians. 
  • Transfer of prescribing to primary care at around 6 months / when LFT monitoring completed following dose increase

• 150mg prolonged release tablets
• Resistant depression 

30mg & 60mg gastro-resistant capsules

• For use on advice of psychiatrists as a third-line antidepressant - but only for use in patients who cannot tolerate high-dose (>150mg daily) venlafaxine, or patients with hypertension, established CHD or other cardiovascular risk factors which would make the use of high-dose venlafaxine undesirable.
• Also approved for third-line use (after drugs such as the tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin) in the treatment of neuropathic pain on the advice of pain specialists.

Do not prescribe 90mg & 120mg gastro-resistant capsules

• Orodispersible mirtazapine tablets should only be prescribed for use when other formulations are unsuitable (more expensive).

•  Not licensed in the elderly

• For patients on doses of 300mg/day or more. 

• Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance. 

90mg & 120mg gastro-resistant capsules

For preferred preparations, see main formulary entry above

300mg modified-release tablets