Dealing with depression can be quite a challenge, and turning to medication is completely understandable, but if that medication has gotten on top of you and you aren’t sure where to turn reach out to us here at Ambrosia Treatment Center. We have three locations throughout Florida and one in Pennsylvania, offering a holistic and supportive approach within our nationally-recognized rehab program that focuses on each one of our client’s individual needs.
What Is Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is prescribed by doctors to help manage different mental health disorders, chiefly major depressive disorder, but also:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Low appetite/underweight
- Insomnia and headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
Because of Mirtazapine’s ability to make people feel sleepy doctors will recommend taking this fast-dissolving oral tablet drug in the evening just before going to bed at a dosage of 15mg. It can however be prescribed up to 45mg as deemed necessary by a medical professional.
Side Effects of Mirtazapine
- Drowsiness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Changes to behavior such as manic moods
- Vision changes or swelling around the eyes
- Low white blood cell count
- Confusion, muscle weakness, or fatigue, which could be a sign of hyponatremia – low sodium levels in the blood
Suicidal thoughts
Because Mirtazapine affects the serotonin levels in the central nervous system it does have the ability to cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Where there becomes a build-up of too much serotonin in the brain causing symptoms such as; fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination or muscle spasms, severe dizziness, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, fever, and agitation or restlessness. These dangerous serotonin levels are more likely to occur when a person mixes Mirtazapene with other drugs that affect serotonin in the body like Benzodiazepines. It can also happen if a person takes more than the recommended 15mg dosage, as can an overdose. If this is the case it is imperative they seek medical attention right away or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 for more instruction.
How To Tell If You Are Addicted To Mirtazapine
- Needing a larger dose to feel the drug’s effects
- Cravings for and obsessive thoughts about the drug
- Continued usage even after the physical issue is dealt with
- Continued use at the objection of friends and family
- Feelings of isolation and hiding usage from friends and family
If you decide that you would like to quit using Mirtzapine it is important to speak with your family doctor, as it is not recommended to try to stop taking it cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms when quitting Mirtazapine can be unpleasant and include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tingling, prickling sensation on the skin
- Irritability
- Nightmares
- Return of depression
5-Star Mirtazapine Addiction Treatment Center Near You
Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.