Results from the Tina Trial
Results from the landmark Tina Trial*, published in , show that adults who took mirtazapine were significantly more likely to reduce their methamphetamine use compared to those given placebo.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýTina Trial was led by NDARC at 91É«ÇéƬ in collaboration with universities and health services across Australia. 344 people were randomised to receive either mirtazapine (30 mg/day taken before bedtime for 12 weeks) or a matched placebo.Ìý
At the start of the trial, participants used an average of 25 days out of the past 28 days.Ìý
People who received mirtazapine reduced their methamphetamine use by 7 days (out of the past 28 days) at the end of the 12-week treatment period, which was significantly greater than the 4.8-day reduction in the placebo group.
Our study found no unexpected safety issues when using mirtazapine to treat methamphetamine dependence. The most common side effects were drowsiness and weight gain.Ìý
The press release can be found here.ÌýYou might also be interested in reading our commentary on the research in .
Mirtazapine is currently available as a treatment for depression. For mirtazapine to be routinely prescribed for methamphetamine dependence outside a clinical trial, regulators would need to approve it for this purpose. This requires research evidence, like that provided by the Tina Trial.
In the meantime, doctors can prescribe mirtazapine off label. Guidelines on the off label prescribing of medications are  from the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
*We acknowledge the contribution of people with lived and living experience to this research, particularly the trial participants who gave their time, energy and trust.
About the Tina Trial
The Tina Trial is a clinical trial designed to see whether mirtazapine, an antidepressant medication, can help people reduce their use of methamphetamine (ice, crystal meth). Two previous small trials in the USA found that mirtazapine helped people reduce their methamphetamine use and improved their mood. We aim to determine whether mirtazapine can be effectively used in routine clinical care in Australia.
The trial has been funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and is being conducted by researchers and clinicians across Australia and in the USA. For further information about the team, please visit this link.Ìý
The Tina Trial is now closed. It is anticipated that results will be available in late 2025. A short video about the study can be seen below:
Where can I get help for ice use?
A number of free and confidential support services are available for people experiencing problems with ice, as well as their family and friends. Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline ´Ç²ÔÌý1800 250 015 to be automatically directed to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory.
For emergency support, call ³¢¾±´Ú±ð±ô¾±²Ô±ðÌý´Ç²ÔÌý131 114 or dial '000' for an ambulance or police.
Want to know more?
Send us an email at tinatrial@unsw.edu.au
Phone: 0434 114 895
