Mirtazapine: what is it, what is it for, contraindications and side effects

Mirtazapine is a medication used to treat depression. Have you heard of that drug? 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 is mirtazapine for, its contraindications and side effects.

Index

1. What is mirtazapine?
2. What is mirtazapine used for?
3. How to take mirtazapine to sleep
4. Contraindications of mirtazapine
5. What are the side effects of mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant medication. Tetracyclic antidepressants prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, resulting in an increase in its levels in the brain and thereby alleviating the symptoms of depression, that is, its action improves the mood of the individual.

How long does mirtazapine take to work? Studies indicate that an individual who begins treatment with mirtazapine can obtain an improvement in two weeks. And a more obvious improvement within four weeks. But generally speaking, that medication will make a

In this article, we talk about Types of antidepressants.

Mirtazapine is indicated for treatment of depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety crisis, generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is common for the doctor to indicate that the combination of mirtazapine with another depressant medication to enhance its effect. On the other hand, although mirtazapine is an effective antidepressant, on the other hand studies have indicated that it can attack anxiety symptoms.

The actions of mirtazapine in the body is 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 a lot of drowsiness during the period of use, so it is recommended to use this substance at night. And, as it is a medication that causes drowsiness, it is indicated to be used at night, at bedtime. Therefore, mirtazapine does help to sleep.

In the case of a woman in the gestational stage who is using mirtazapine, although it has not been established risk relationships between use and pregnancy, it is indicated that treatment be interrupted in advance of the Birth. Well, there are chances that the baby may have withdrawal symptoms or persistent pulmonary hypertension. In the following articles, you will find more information about the sertraline in pregnancy and the diazepam in pregnancy.

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 effects of drugs on the nervous system.

The use of mirtazapine is usually done once a day. Usually a daily dose of 15 mg to 30 mg. It can be taken with or without food intake.

Before starting treatment with this 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 help 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:

• Mental illness
• Parkinson's disease
• Migraines
• Severe infections

It is important that the doctor knows about all 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 level of sodium in the blood
• A seizure
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression) in the individual or a family member
• Heart problems or stroke
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Long QT syndrome (in the individual or a family member)
• Low blood pressure

In all these cases, mirtazapine is contraindicated.

Mirtazapine may cause side effects, including:

• Drowsiness (sleep)
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Increased weight and appetite
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Headache
• Sickness
• 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
• Faster than normal heart rate
• Convulsive crisis

It is important to mention that only a licensed health professional can prescribe this substanceWell, how will the doctor be who will make the dose adjustment according to the individual and his need.

This article is merely informative, in 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 is it, what is it for, contraindications and side effects, we recommend that you enter our category of Psychopharmaceuticals.

• Medline Plus. (2017). Mirtazapine. Recovered from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a697009-es.html
• García, E., Licona, D.G.. (2018). Potential uses of mirtazapine in palliative care beyond its antidepressant effect. Journal of the Spanish Society of Pain, 25(1), 37-44. Recovered from: https://dx.doi.org/10.20986/resed.2017.3575/2017
• Sánchez, G. (2021). Mirtazapine: What is it and what is it for? Recovered from: https://prixz.com/salud/mirtazapina-que-es-y-para-que-sirve/