Mirtazapine
Also known as: Remeron, Remeron SolTab, Zispin, Mirataz
* **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. May be given with or without food. * **Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)**: If using the melting tablets, ensure your hands are completely dry before handling. Place the tablet under your pet's tongue and hold their mouth closed for a few seconds until it dissolves. Offer water immediately after. * **What to Expect**: You should see an improvement in appetite and decreased vomiting. * **Side Effects to Report**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice excessive drowsiness, severe weakness, rapid heart rate, or unusual behavior. > **Note for Cat Owners**: It is very common for cats to become unusually vocal (meowing loudly) or overly affectionate after taking this medication. This is generally harmless but let your vet know if it becomes disruptive.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an appetite stimulant and/or antiemetic
- As an appetite stimulant and/or antiemetic
- As an appetite stimulant and/or antiemetic
- Appetite stimulation
- As an appetite stimulant and/or antiemetic
- As an appetite stimulant and/or antiemetic
- Appetite stimulation / Management of social fears
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Drowsiness/sedation
- Vocalization (especially in cats)
- Increased affection (cats)
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Sedation (common and can be profound)
- Increased vocalization (especially in cats)
- Altered behavior and increased interaction with others
- Blood dyscrasias (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to mirtazapine
- Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g., selegiline) within the past 14 days
- Pre-existing haematological disease
- Use with caution in patients with known **cardiac disease** or **cerebrovascular disease** that could be exacerbated by hypotension. * Monitor patients with **renal impairment, renal failure, or hepatic disease** closely, as clearance may be reduced. * Use with caution in patients with **diabetes mellitus**, as antidepressants may indirectly affect blood glucose concentrations. * Due to weak anticholinergic activity, use vigilance in patients susceptible to these effects (e.g., **urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, acute closed-angle glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, GI obstruction, or ileus**). * May impair concentration and alertness in active animals. * Use cautiously in patients with pre-existing **hematological disease** (leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), as it has been rarely associated with blood dyscrasias in humans.
Drug interactions
- CLONIDINE: Mirtazapine may cause increases in blood pressure
- DIAZEPAM (and other benzodiazepines): Minimal effects on mirtazapine blood levels, but may cause additive impairment of motor skills
- FLUVOXAMINE: May cause increased serum concentrations of mirtazapine
- LINEZOLID: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome
- SELEGILINE, AMITRAZ: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome; MAO inhibitors considered contraindicated with mirtazapine
- TRAMADOL: Increased risk for serotonin syndrome
- Other behaviour-modifying drugs (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs): Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
Frequently asked questions
What is Mirtazapine used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Give exactly as prescribed. May be given with or without food. * **Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)**: If using the melting tablets, ensure your hands are completely dry before handling. Place the tablet under your pet's tongue and hold their mouth closed for a few seconds until it dissolves. Offer water immediately after. * **What to Expect**: You should see an improvement in appetite and decreased vomiting. * **Side Effects to Report**: Contact your veterinarian if you notice excessive drowsiness, severe weakness, rapid heart rate, or unusual behavior. > **Note for Cat Owners**: It is very common for cats to become unusually vocal (meowing loudly) or overly affectionate after taking this medication. This is generally harmless but let your vet know if it becomes disruptive.
Is Mirtazapine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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