Brand names None
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Mianserin, an antidepressant drug, has been available for over 20 years. The drug is used in the treatment of severe depression, because it elevates mood, increases physical activity, improves appetite, and restores interest in day-to-day activities. Because mianserin also has a sedative effect, the drug is useful when depression is accompanied by anxiety and insomnia. Taken at night, it encourages sleep and helps to eliminate the need for additional sleeping drugs.
Unlike many older antidepressants, mianserin has only weak anticholinergic effects. It is therefore less likely to cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary difficulties. Mianserin is also less dangerous in overdose. Serious side effects, such as reduced blood cell production in the bone marrow, are rare.
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once at night or 3-4 x daily.
Adult dosage range
30-90mg daily. Higher doses may be necessary occasionally.
Onset of effect
It may take 2-4 weeks for beneficial effects to be felt. Adverse effects may be noticed within a few days.
Duration of action
Antidepressant effect may last for several weeks, but adverse effects wear off within a few days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor, who may supervise a gradual reduction in dosage. Abrupt cessation may cause a recurrence of the original problem.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and loss of coordination. Notify your doctor immediately.
Possible Adverse Effects
Serious adverse effects are rare. Fever, persistent sore throat, or inflammation in the mouth may in rare cases indicate that blood cell production has been affected. Such symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention.
Interactions
Sedatives
All drugs that have sedative effects intensify those of mianserin.
Phenytoin
Mianserin may alter levels of this drug in the blood.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
In the rare cases where these drugs are given with mianserin, dangerously high blood pressure, fever, fits, and delirium may sometimes occur.
Quick Reference
Drug group Antidepressant drug.
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart problems.
You have had epileptic fits.
You have diabetes.
You have prostate trouble.
You have had glaucoma.
You have a blood disorder.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Reduced dose may be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how mianserin affects you because the drug can reduce alertness and cause drowsiness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
Prolonged Use
There is a risk of reduced blood cell production in the bone marrow. Liver function may also be affected adversely.
Monitoring
Regular blood counts and liver function tests may be recommended.
