Major depressive disorder (MDD), often known as clinical depression, can be treated with the antidepressant mirtazapine, which has received FDA approval.
Mirtazapine can cause weight gain, a side effect that some patients find upsetting despite the medication’s potential to alleviate depression.
Increased hunger and weight gain are two of the most typical side effects of mirtazapine.
More information on this drug, its usage, and any drug interactions will be covered in this article.
I’ll also go over how mirtazapine may impact your appetite and metabolism as well as how to prevent weight gain while taking medication.
Mirtazapine: What is it?
FDA-approved for the treatment of MDD is a class of atypical antidepressant medicine called mirtazapine. Mirtazapine is offered as a generic drug or under the brand name Remeron.
The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, is how mirtazapine works by regulating brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and enhancing cellular communication.
Mirtazapine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been shown in studies to be just as effective as SSRIs like paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram, despite the fact that the exact mechanism of action is unknown (Celexa).
In addition to having fewer adverse effects than these SSRI drugs, mirtazapine may also function more quickly.
Uses
The antidepressant mirtazapine is used to treat the major depressive disorder as well as other forms of depression.
Other conditions for which it may be prescribed by some medical professionals include sleep difficulties or insomnia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, fibromyalgia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mirtazapine’s advantages could be noticed right away. Mirtazapine might result in benefits within 1-2 weeks, as opposed to the 2-4 weeks it takes many antidepressants to demonstrate positive results.
Compared to those on specific SSRIs, patients taking mirtazapine had a 74% higher chance of experiencing a two-week remission of their depressive symptoms.
Dosage
Both oral tablets and tablets that dissolve quickly in the mouth are forms of mirtazapine.
- The dosages are the same for both alternatives.
- 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 mg tablets are offered.
- Typically, a 15 mg once daily starting dose is used.
- usually consumed prior to bed
- either with or without meals may be consumed.
- After a couple of weeks, the dosage may be raised to assess the drug’s effectiveness.
Interactions
When one drug reacts with another, with food, a herb, or a supplement, the result is a drug interaction, which can make one drug less effective or result in greater adverse effects.
- Mirtazapine may interact with a variety of substances.
- Take mirtazapine alone, not with any of the following:
- MAOIs are a class of drugs that include phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue injection, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine.
- Drugs that alter how serotonin acts in the brain include: Lithium, triptans, or L-tryptophan are some examples.
drugs used to treat irregular heartbeats, such as amiodarone.
Other medicines with which mirtazapine may interact are possible.
Request an exhaustive list from your pharmacist.
Inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, as well as any dietary supplements, herbs, minerals, or vitamins.
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Reasons for Weight Gain
Weight changes are a common side effect of antidepressants.
In addition to being used off-label to treat anorexia or aid in weight gain, mirtazapine has a more significant risk of weight gain.
Mirtazapine caused total body weight gain, an increase in fat mass, and greater leptin concentrations in a short study that aimed to investigate how the medicine specifically affected body composition.
Leptin is a hormone that fat cells make that alerts your brain when you are satisfied.
Increases in this hormone, however, can cause leptin resistance, a disease where the brain fails to recognize when you are full.
Leptin levels that are higher are linked to weight growth.
Mirtazapine had no noticeable effects on lipid levels, insulin, or glucose metabolism. It also did not raise insulin resistance or create alterations to insulin.
Because of these reasons, mirtazapine may induce weight gain:
moreens your appetite, causing you to eat eng
has an impact on how your body stores fat
alters how your brain reacts to leptin, preventing it from sending the fullness signal to your body.
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How to Manage Weight Gain?
It might be annoying to experience weight gain as a prescription side effect.
Not everyone who takes mirtazapine will gain a lot of weight, while some individuals may be unable to avoid some weight gain.
Have a plan for controlling your weight while on mirtazapine:
- Consume a balanced diet rich in fiber, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy foods.
- Participate in regular exercise.
- Hydrate yourself.
- To help you avoid overeating if you have difficulties recognizing when you are full, measure out your food servings.
- To talk about a balanced food plan, ask your doctor to recommend a dietician.
- Take it easy. While gaining too much weight may not be good, worrying about your weight will make your mental health worse.
- Your main attention should be on the advantages of mirtazapine, and you should collaborate with your doctor to reduce any undesirable side effects in methods that are within your control.
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How Often Should I See a Doctor?
In case you are on mirtazapine and gaining weight, let your doctor know.
They can offer helpful suggestions to lessen side effects and develop healthy approaches to weight management.
Avoid stopping mirtazapine abruptly if you are currently taking medication but believe that weight gain or other adverse effects are too much for you.
Inform your healthcare professional that you wish to think about changing drugs.
You might need to gradually taper off of mirtazapine, depending on how long you’ve been taking it and what dosage you’re on.
Serious side effects or withdrawal symptoms can result from abrupt quitting.
In case of a mental health emergency, dial 911 or visit the closest emergency room. Additionally, you can reach a suicide and crisis expert for free, round-the-clock support by dialing or texting 988. Visit the Lifeline Chat to speak with a suicide and crisis expert if you’d rather do it over the internet.
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