%0 Case Reports
%T Mirtazapine-induced neutropenic sepsis in an older person: a case report.
%A Maidwell-Smith A
%A Kirk C
%J J Med Case Rep
%V 17
%N 1
%D Apr 2023 14
%M 37055872
暂无%R 10.1186/s13256-023-03881-6
%X BACKGROUND: Mirtazapine is a frequently prescribed psychotropic drug for depression in older age. It is considered safe and has a side-effect profile uniquely favorable to an older person affected by reduced appetite, difficulty maintaining body weight, or insomnia. However, it is largely unknown that mirtazapine can cause a dangerous decline in neutrophil count.
METHODS: We present a case of mirtazapine-induced severe neutropenia in a 91-year-old white British woman requiring drug withdrawal and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor administration.
CONCLUSIONS: This case is of significance because mirtazapine is regarded as a safe, and often preferable, antidepressant in older age. However, this case demonstrates a rare, life-threatening side effect of mirtazapine and calls for greater pharmacovigilance when prescribing it. There is no previous report of mirtazapine-induced neutropenia requiring drug withdrawal and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor administration in an older person.