Mirtazapine Addiction Treatment

Living with a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety can potentially have a devastating impact on your life. However, there are certain medications that can help to relieve the symptoms; mirtazapine is one such medication. Read the following paragraphs to discover how this drug works as well as how it can help you to take back control of your life once again.

What Is Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug that is regularly used to treat major depressive disorder. It works by stabilising the chemical balance in the brain that is said to cause health problems such as depression and anxiety.

As well as being used in the treatment of depression and anxiety, mirtazapine is also sometimes utilised to treat nausea and vomiting, headaches, and migraine, or for those who are having trouble sleeping. It is also used off-label to help some people gain weight.

Brand Names

History of Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine was initially developed in 1989 by scientists at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry in Organon in the Netherlands. The drug was originally known as ORG 3770, and in 1994 it was eventually approved for use in treating major depressive disorder. In 1996, it was subsequently approved for use in the US under the brand name Remeron.

What Substance Abuse/Addictions Is Mirtazapine Used to Treat?

Is Mirtazapine Addictive?

Although mirtazapine is not considered addictive, it can result in withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms if it is suddenly stopped. Symptoms may include dizziness, sickness, anxiety and sleeping problems. It is important that mirtazapine is taken in reduced doses over a period of a few weeks to combat potential withdrawal symptoms.

What Is the Mechanism of Action?

It is thought that an imbalance of specific chemicals in the brain is responsible for certain health problems such as depression and anxiety. Medications like mirtazapine work to help restore that balance. Mirtazapine is an antagonist, meaning that it inhibits negative feedback to the presynaptic nerve. This results in the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline being enhanced. When this happens, mood subsequently improves.

Mirtazapine blocks alpha-2 receptors that would normally bind to serotonin and noradrenaline. By blocking this bind, the symptoms of depression and anxiety are relieved.

How Long Does It Take for Mirtazapine to Work?

Antidepressants like mirtazapine do not have an immediate effect. It may be a couple of weeks before the user will begin to notice an improvement in his or her condition. In the case of depression, it could be up to six weeks before the full effects are observed.

Should Any Precautions Be Taken?

Mirtazapine should not be taken in combination with tryptophan or L-tryptophan. You should also not use mirtazapine within fourteen days of taking an MAO inhibitor such as linezolid, phenelzine, methylene blue injection, selegiline, isocarboxazid or rasagiline as a dangerous interaction could potentially occur.

You should be aware that there is a chance you may experience suicidal thoughts and tendencies when first taking antidepressants. It is therefore important that both you and your family members are aware of this and that you are alert to any changes in this direction of your behaviour. If you experience any type of suicidal thoughts, you should inform your doctor immediately.

It is vital that you also tell your doctor about any medication you are taking before you start on mirtazapine. This includes any prescription medication or over-the-counter medication. You should also inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills, herbal remedies, or any type vitamin supplements.

Your doctor will need to ensure that mirtazapine is safe for you to take. As such, you should speak to him or her if you have, or have ever had, any of the following health problems:

It is not known if mirtazapine has the potential to harm an unborn child, so it is important that you tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Should you become pregnant while taking mirtazapine, inform your doctor immediately.

What Are the Side Effects of Mirtazapine?

There are a number of side effects associated with mirtazapine use. Below are a few examples of those most commonly reported:

Most side effects will eventually pass and will therefore not require any particular medical attention. However, should any symptoms persist or become severe, it is crucial to speak to your doctor. You should also seek urgent medical attention if you experience any signs of allergic reaction. These can include:

Can You Just Stop Taking Mirtazapine?

You should continue taking your medication as advised by your doctor. If you wish to stop taking mirtazapine though, you will need to seek advice about how to taper your doses gradually over the course of a number of weeks. Suddenly stopping this medication can result in withdrawal or discontinuation effects.

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