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Mianserin is a popular drug recommended for people struggling with depression. The use of drugs based on mianserin helps to eliminate unpleasant symptoms that accompany depression, such as anxiety or sleep problems. What is the mechanism of action of mianserin and can the use of this drug cause side effects in the patient?
Mianserin – characteristics and mechanism of action
Mianserin is an organic chemical compound and a tetracyclic derivative of piperazine azepine. Mianserin is used as an antidepressant and, together with mirtazapine, belongs to the group of drugs with noradrenergic and specifically serotonergic effects. In the mechanism of action of mianserin, it acts as an antagonist of adrenergic receptors. It increases the production of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine in various parts of the brain. It also acts antagonistically at peripheral and central receptors. In its action, mianserin does not show a noticeable cholinolytic effect. Mianserin is mainly metabolized in the liver.
Mianserin – indications and contraindications
The indications for the use of drugs with mianserin are depressive symptoms of various causes, in which drug therapy is required. Mianserin has an anxiolytic effect and improves the quality of sleep, extending it and making it deeper. In addition, the use of mianserin has a calming effect, with no effect on the cardiovascular system.
Unfortunately, not all patients with depressive disorders can use drugs with mianserin. Hypersensitivity to this compound or other components of the base drug is a contraindication to the use of mianserin. Moreover, mianserin should not be taken by people with hepatic failure and diagnosed with manic syndrome. Particular care should be taken in cases of:
- cardiovascular diseases and disorders;
- taking medications for high blood pressure;
- epilepsy;
- hematological disorders;
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- prostatic hyperplasia;
- bone marrow damage;
- thoughts of suicide in you.
Mianserin – recommended dosage of the drug
Medications with mianserin should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For adults, the starting dose of mianserin is 30 mg daily. The dose of this medicine may be gradually increased depending on how the patient responds to the medicine. The maximum dose is 200 mg daily. Mianserin is a drug that should not be used in children and adolescents. In the case of the elderly, it is the doctor who decides to start the treatment and it is he who sets a specific initial and maximum dose.
Mianserin – possible side effects
Mianserin, like all drugs, can cause various side effects. Patients who took mianserin most often reported the following side effects: liver dysfunction, jaundice, gynecomastia, dizziness, joint pain and inflammation, skin changes, hypotension and edema. In some cases, the frequency of suicidal thoughts or the desire to self-harm increases. Such cases are more common at the very beginning of treatment.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.