Mianserin

Filed under: Anti Depressant Medication

Displayed: Mianserin 10mg

Mianserin is a white tablet and has been around for about 11 or 12 years it is most often used to treat severe depression. It helps to increase physical activity, increases appetite, restores interest in everyday activities and lifts the user from moodiness by by preventing noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. Mianserin has a sedative effect and is of great use if the depression is accompanied with anxiety and insomnia. When taken at night this medication will help to bring sleep to the sufferer, thus avoiding the need for further drugs for insomnia. Those with less sedative properties include imipramine, lofepramine, and nortriptyline. Unlike many other drugs used to treat this kind of health problem mianserin comes with low anti-cholinergic effects (blocks the action of acetylcholine. (a neurotransmitter)) and is less likely to cause blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and urinary problems as is often the case with other antidepressants. However, it is still possible to suffer serious side effects which could include reduced blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Mianserin was previously available internationally, however in most markets it has been phased out in favour of Mirtazapine.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Antidepressant danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of mianserin.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed mianserin suffer one or more of these side effects in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Dizziness, Drowsiness.
Rare: Jaundice, Joint Pain, Rash, Sweating, Tremor.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using using mianserin It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There is a risk of reduced blood cell production within the bone marrow. Possible effects on the liver. Regular blood and liver function tests may be recommended. However, serious side effects are rare.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how mianserin affects you. This drug may cause reduced alertness and drowsiness. Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of mianserin.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

The safety of mianserin in pregnancy has not been established. The drug may pass into the breast milk manufacturers advise avoid, unless it is considered essential by your doctor and the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn baby. You should discuss both these important issues with your doctor.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative preparations.

Over 60′s & Children

A reduced dose may be recommended for the over sixties. Mianserin is not recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

Take mianserin exactly as directed by your doctor. An unintentional extra dose should not cause a problem. If there’re any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose is taken it may cause dizziness, vomiting and loss of coordination. Notify your Doctor immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of mianserin. In the rare event where MAOIs monoamine oxidase inhibitors are given with mianserin high blood pressure, fever, fits and delirium may occur. These particular drugs along with mianserin would only be prescribed under close medical supervision. Mianserin taken along-side Phenytoin may alter levels of phenytoin in the blood.

Missed Dose

Take mianserin exactly as directed by your doctor. An unintentional extra dose should not cause a problem. If there’re any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose is taken notify your doctor immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking mianserin without consulting your doctor. He may concider a slow with-drawal. It is possible that the symptoms will recur if stopped suddenly.

Effect Of Medication

Adverse effects may be felt within a few days. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before any benefit is felt. Adverse effects wear off within a few days. However, the antidepressant effects could last for several weeks.

Storage and Safety

• Keep mianserin in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take mianserin if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If mianserin has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.