Defining the role of mirtazapine in the treatment of refractory pruritus.

Mirtazapine has traditionally been used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, with an added benefit in patients who have comorbid insomnia or anxiety. Recent studies describe its usefulness in treating refractory pruritus of various causes as well. Our goal is to better define the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of refractory pruritus. Through a thorough literature review of PubMed, we identified all reports of the use of mirtazapine for pruritus. Upon examination of 8 supporting articles, we found mirtazapine has quality evidence for the treatment of intra-thecal morphine-induced pruritus. Mirtazapine may also be effective in treating pruritus related to various other conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous malignancies (primary or metastatic), hematologic malignancies (lymphomas and leukemias), liver failure, renal failure, cholestasis, as well as pruritus of unknown origin. Mirtazapine plays a role in treatment for intra-thecel morphine-induced pruritis yet high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in other dermatologic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]