[Coma after low-dose mirtazapine]

Abstract

In this case report, an 84-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department due to a decreased level of consciousness of unknown cause. Due to respiratory insufficiency, he was intubated and admitted to the ICU, where he was placed on mechanical ventilation. This corrected his hypercapnia but did not reverse the comatose condition. After extensive diagnostic testing, including urine toxicology, CT scans and a lumbar puncture, low-dose mirtazapine was revealed as the most likely cause of coma. Within 24 hours, he made a rapid and full recovery.