Mirtazapine is a medication used to treat depression. Have you heard of that medicine? Do you know its side effects? Do you have doubts about whether mirtazapine really helps you sleep or influences weight gain? In this Psychology-Online article, we are going to see What it is, what mirtazapine is for, its contraindications and side effects.
What is mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant medication. Tetracyclic antidepressants prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrineresulting in an increase in its levels in the brain and thereby relieving the symptoms of depression, that is, its action improves the individual’s mood.
How long does it take for mirtazapine to work? Studies indicate that an individual who begins treatment with mirtazapine can achieve improvement within two weeks. And a more evident improvement within four weeks. But in general, this medication will significant effect in six months use.
In this article, we talk about the .
What is mirtazapine used for?
Mirtazapine is indicated for treatment of depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
It is common for the doctor to indicate the combination of mirtazapine with another depressant medication to enhance its effect. On the other hand, although mirtazapine is an effective antidepressant, studies have also indicated that it can attack anxiety symptoms.
The actions of mirtazapine in the body are that improves sleep and increases appetite. For patients in a depressed state who present insomnia and loss of appetite, this medication may be indicated.
Due to being a medication with a sedative effect, the individual feels very drowsy during the period of use, which is why it is indicated to use this substance at night. And, because it is a medication that causes drowsiness, it is indicated to be used at night, at bedtime. Therefore, mirtazapine does work for sleep.
In the case of a woman in the gestational stage who is using mirtazapine, although no risk relationship has been established between use and pregnancy, it is indicated that the treatment be interrupted some time before delivery. Well, there are chances that the baby could show withdrawal symptoms or persistent pulmonary hypertension. In the following articles, you will find more information about the and the .
How to take mirtazapine to sleep
It is always important to mention that the combination of mirtazapine with alcohol is contraindicated, as it can increase the depressant action of alcohol on the nervous system. Here you will find information about the .
Mirtazapine is generally used once a day. It is usually prescribed a daily dose of 15 mg to 30 mg. It can be taken with or without food intake.
Contraindications of mirtazapine
Before starting treatment with that substance, it is indicated that the individual knows the restrictions and knows the risks of use. Even so, the health professional who prescribes it will be monitoring the case and will be able to assist the person during the treatment. It’s important to have on mind:
- Stimulant medications
- Opioid medications
- herbal products
- Antidepressant medications
Or if the individual suffers from:
It is important that the doctor knows about all of these conditions, because An interaction with mirtazapine may result in other health problems.
It is also important to tell the doctor if the individual has ever had:
- Low white blood cell count
- Glaucoma
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low sodium level in the blood
- a seizure
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- (manic depression) in the individual or a family member
- Heart problems or stroke
- Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
- Long QT syndrome (in the individual or a family member)
- Low blood pressure
In all these cases, mirtazapine is contraindicated.
What are the side effects of mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine may cause side effects, including:
- Drowsiness (sleep)
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Increased weight and appetite
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Lethargy
- Shaking
There are other, more serious effects, if they appear, you should contact the doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
- Flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or other signs of infection
- Chest pain
- Heart rate faster than normal
- Convulsive crisis
It is important to mention that Only a qualified health professional can prescribe that substance.well how the doctor will make the dose adjustment according to the individual and their needs.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Mirtazapine: what it is, what it is for, contraindications and side effectswe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Medline Plus. (2017). Mirtazapine. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a697009-es.html
- García, E., Licona, DG. (2018). Potential uses of mirtazapine in palliative care beyond its antidepressant effect. Magazine of the Spanish Pain Society, 25(1), 37-44. Retrieved from: https://dx.doi.org/10.20986/resed.2017.3575/2017
- Sánchez, G. (2021). Mirtazapine: What is it and what is it for? Retrieved from: https://prixz.com/salud/mirtazapina-que-es-y-para-que-sirve/