New Findings Show Antidepressant May Help Reduce Methamphetamine Use

New Findings Show Antidepressant May Help Reduce Methamphetamine Use

09 Apr 2026

A major study has found that adults taking mirtazapine were more likely to reduce the number of days they used the drug compared with those given a placebo.

The Tina Trial, led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, followed 339 adults with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder. Participants were randomly given either a 30 mg daily dose of mirtazapine or a placebo for 12 weeks.

When the study began, people in the trial had used methamphetamine on about 24 out of the past 28 days on average. By the end of treatment, those taking mirtazapine had cut their use by 7 days, while the placebo group reduced their use by 4.8 days.

The research showed no new safety concerns, but more people taking mirtazapine reported drowsiness and weight gain than those on placebo.

Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri, a co‑author of the study, said the results are modest but still clinically important. She noted that even small reductions in methamphetamine use can lead to better health and wellbeing. For many participants, the trial was the first time they spoke to a doctor about their drug use, creating a chance to address other health needs.

Chief Investigator Professor Rebecca McKetin said this is the first clinical trial in the world to clearly show that once‑daily mirtazapine can be used to treat methamphetamine dependence in everyday clinical care. She added the medicine isn’t a “silver bullet,” but called it an important step forward that may encourage more people struggling with methamphetamine use to seek help.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/
 

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