Study of mirtazapine for agitated behaviours in dementia (SYMBAD): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
The UK SYMBAD trial (n=204) found no benefit for mirtazapine in adults with Alzheimer's disease and agitation unresponsive to non-drug treatment (placebo-adjusted mean difference in Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory score of –1.74, 95% CI –7.17 to 3.69; p=0.53).
Source:
The Lancet
SPS commentary:
A related comment notes there were numerically more deaths in the mirtazapine group (7 vs 1 placebo, marginal significance [p=0.065]), and it was associated with higher carer burden, leading the authors to conclude that its use cannot be recommended in this setting.