Two medicines, side by side
Doxepin vs mirtazapine
Doxepin and mirtazapine are both labeled for depression. Drugs@FDA records approvals of doxepin since 1969 and of mirtazapine since 1996. Pharmacies paid $0.0779 per doxepin 10 mg capsule and $0.063 per mirtazapine 15 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the doxepin FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 30, 2025); the mirtazapine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 6, 2025).
Highlights of the doxepin record
Doxepin (Sinequan) · label of December 30, 2025
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of doxepin hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
Used for
From the label: indicationsDoxepin Hydrochloride is recommended for the treatment of: Psychoneurotic patients with depression and/or anxiety. Depression and/or anxiety associated with alcoholism (not to be taken concomitantly with alcohol). Depression and/or anxiety associated with organic disease (the possibility of drug interaction should be considered if the patient is receiving other drugs concomitantly). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 23, 1969
- Generic labelers
- 49 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0779 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 2
Highlights of the mirtazapine record
Mirtazapine (Remeron) · label of August 6, 2025
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. REMERON/REMERONSolTab is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ].
Used for
From the label: indicationsREMERON/REMERONSolTab are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. REMERON/REMERONSolTab is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 14, 1996
- Generic labelers
- 36 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.063 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 5
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Doxepin label of December 30, 2025, Mirtazapine label of August 6, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do doxepin and mirtazapine differ on the record?
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: doxepin since 1986; mirtazapine since 2003 (Drugs@FDA).
| Doxepin | Mirtazapine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression, Anxiety, Eczema (atopic dermatitis), Insomnia | Depression |
| Pharmacologic class | Tricyclic Antidepressant | n/a |
| How it works (label) | n/a | The mechanism of action of mirtazapine for the treatment of major depressive disorder, is unclear. |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | Elimination Mirtazapine has a half-life of about 20 to 40 hours following oral administration of REMERON or REMERONSolTab. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | September 23, 1969 | June 14, 1996 |
| First generic approved | May 13, 1986 | January 24, 2003 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 49 labelers | 36 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0779 per capsule (Doxepin 10 mg capsule) | $0.063 per tablet (Mirtazapine 15 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -9% | -12% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 2 | 5 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 12,554 | 91,057 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Mirtazapine label, warnings and precautionsIncreased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRI, SNRI, triptans), but also when taken alone.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to doxepin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions