Both trazodone and mirtazapine are antidepressants known for sedating side effects, sometimes chosen specifically for patients whose depression comes with significant insomnia. Mirtazapine works primarily through different receptor mechanisms (including alpha-2 and certain serotonin receptors) and is more associated with appetite increase and weight gain. Trazodone's labeling, by contrast, lists weight loss as a common effect.
Both are legitimate options a psychiatric prescriber might consider for depression with sleep disruption; the choice depends on individual factors like appetite concerns, other medications, and personal history.