Mirtazapine for depression

About mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is a type of antidepressant used to treat depression. It works by increasing the amount of noradrenaline and serotonin available in your brain. This can help ease the symptoms of depressione.

Brain cells, called neurons, release a number of chemicals which go on to stimulate other neurons. This leads to electrical impulses which result in the many functions controlled by your brain, including mood. Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and serotonin are two chemicals released by neurons.

The most common side effects of mirtazapine are:

• Feeling sleepy, dizzy, or tired.

• Mal di testa.

• Dry mouth.

• Aumento dell'appetito e aumento di peso.

You may also experience other side effects such as:

• Nausea.

• Diarrea.

• Disturbed sleep.

• Sensazione di ansia.

• Eruzione cutanea.

• Swollen feet and ankles.

• Dolori e dolenzia.

• Feeling shaky.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. If any of these symptoms become troublesome, speak with your doctor. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking mirtazapine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.

• If you have any heart, liver or kidney problems.

• If you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• If you have ever experienced any problems passing urine.

• If you have ever had a seizure, or fit.

• If you have high levels of glucose in your blood (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have a condition which increases pressure in your eye(s) - for example, glaucoma.

• If you have had any other mental health problem, in particular psychosis or bipolar disorder.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about mirtazapine and a full list of side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take mirtazapine exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is generally prescribed as a once-daily dose, at bedtime.

  • There are several strengths and types of tablet available, so your doctor will tell you which is right for you. This information will also be on the label of the pack you have been supplied with.

• You can take mirtazapine before or after food.

• Unless you have been given a melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) tablet, in which case see below, you should swallow mirtazapine tablets whole - do not chew or crush the tablets. Take them with a drink of water.

• If you have been given an orodispersible tablet, these are made to dissolve in your mouth so that you can swallow them without needing a drink of water. Remove the tablet carefully from the wrapper (by peeling back the foil) and place it on your tongue. Make sure your hands are dry before touching the tablet.

• If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine, measure out your dose (using the oral syringe provided) into a glass and take it mixed with some water. Do not mix it with any other drink.

• If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, just remember to take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

How long does it take for mirtazapine to start working?

Mirtazapine may not work immediately. It can take 1–2 weeks to start working and 2–4 weeks to feel the full effect. Keep taking it even if you don’t notice improvement right away.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• While you are taking mirtazapine you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts may also be associated with your condition. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• This medicine may make you feel sleepy. If this happens, do not drive e do not use tools or machines.

• Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are taking mirtazapine. It increases the risk of side effects, such as feeling sleepy.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with mirtazapine.

• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side effects. If you find that mirtazapine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.

• Do not stop taking mirtazapine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually, over several weeks, if this is necessary.

• You should expect that a course of treatment will last for several months after your symptoms have eased. This is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from coming back.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.

• You can use mirtazapine liquid medicine for six weeks after first opening the bottle. After this time, make sure you have a fresh supply to use.

Does mirtazapine help ADHD?

Mirtazapine is not usually used to treat ADHD. While it might improve some related symptoms like anxiety or sleep difficulties in people with ADHD, it doesn’t treat the core attention or hyperactivity issues.

Is mirtazapine an SSRI or SNRI?

Mirtazapine is neither an SSRI or an SNRI. It belongs to a different class called noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs). It works by affecting both serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Are there any long-term side effects of mirtazapine?

Long-term side effects are uncommon for most people taking mirtazapine. However, some may notice weight gain, increased appetite, or drowsiness if they take it over a long period of time.

What will happen if I stop taking mirtazapine?

If you stop taking mirtazapine suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, or flu-like feelings. To reduce these effects, your doctor will usually recommend gradually reducing the dose.