Mianserin is used to treat depression.
Take Mianserin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food, preferably between meals. Try to take it at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew the tablet.
Mianserin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mania (feeling highly excited, being over-active and easily irritated or distracted)
- severe liver disease
as Mianserin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Mianserin if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of heart disease e.g. recent heart attack, heart block, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- current or history of fits (seizures)
- at risk of seizure e.g. head trauma or injury, brain damage, frequent drinker or consume large amount of alcohol
- diabetes
- bipolar disorder (mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
- phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland)
- disorder of the blood vessels
- hypovolaemia (low blood volume circulating in the body)
- angle-closure glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder and urinate)
- prostate enlargement
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Mianserin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Medicines for depression such as Mianserin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings, or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, electrolyte levels, sugar level, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of infection (e.g. sore throat, fever) may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Mianserin may cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, constipation, joint pain, breast tenderness, rash, and sweating.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- sore throat, fever, mouth sores, unusual bruising
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having thoughts of self-harm)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Mianserin if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- buspirone (medicines for anxiety)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diazoxide, hydralazine, nitroprusside
- medicines for cold or allergy
- atomoxetine (medicine to treat hyperactivity disorders)
- other medicines used to treat depression
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Mianserin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Mianserin.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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