MIRTAZAPINE FOR WEIGHT GAIN IN WASTING DISEASES

摘要

A method for ameliorating the loss of lean body mass that accompanies wasting diseases such as cancer cachexia and anorexia, AIDS, anorexia nervosa, and wasting conditions arising from other medical treatments such as cancer chemotherapy. Mirtazapine, 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-2-methyl-pyrazino[2,1-a]pyrido[2,3-c][2]benzazepine (Org 3770), is administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt in an efficacious dosage, preferably orally, and preferably at a dosage of 7.5 to 45 mg per day. Either (R), (S), or a racemic mixture of mirtazapine enantiomers may be used. The invention provides improved quality of life for patients suffering from wasting diseases, and improves the ability of cancer patients to tolerate chemotherapy.