Mirtazapine for depression

Overview of mirtazapine

• Type of medicine - antidepressant.

• Used for - depression in adults.

• Also called - Zispin SolTab®.

• Available as - tablets, melt-in-the-mouth (orodispersible) tablets, oral liquid medicine.

What is mirtazapine used for?

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 depression.

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.

Who cannot take mirtazapine?

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:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• 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.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

How to take mirtazapine

• Before you start this treatment, 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?

You may feel that mirtazapine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting treatment before the effect begins to build up, and 2-4 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it after a week or two, feeling it is not helping.

Mirtazapine side effects

Along with their useful effects, mirtazapine can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Very common side effects

Very common side effects of mirtazapine are:

• Feeling sleepy, dizzy, or tired.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Dry mouth. Try chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking sugar-free sweets.

• Increased appetite and weight gain.

Common side effects

Common side effects of mirtazapine are:

• Sensación de malestar(náuseas).

• Diarrea.

• Disturbed sleep.

• Feeling anxious.

• Erupción.

• Swollen feet and ankles.

• Dolores y molestias.

• Feeling shaky.

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.

How to manage mirtazapine side effects

How to store mirtazapine

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• 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.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• 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 and 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.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos