The effects of mirtazapine and fluoxetine on hyperthermia induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats

► Pre- and post-treatment of mirtazapine abolishes MDMA-induced hyperthermia. ► Pre-treatment of fluoxetine, not but post-treatment, attenuates hyperthermia. ► Post-treatment fluoxetine induced rat death with MDMA administration. ► Mirtazapine inhibits hyperthermia by blocking the activation of 5-HT2A receptors. ► Mirtazapine may be a suitable antidepressant for treating MDMA-induced depression.