Mianserin is indicated to treat symptoms of depression and insomnia. Very effective but with side effects, its intake, only on medical prescription, requires precautions.
What is mianserin?
Mianserin is a psychotropic molecule which is part of the composition of many antidepressant drugs. It is generally used to treat the symptoms of depression (sadness, melancholy, dark thoughts, lack of motivation, asthenia), as well as sleeping troubles (insomnia).
What are the indications for mianserin?
“Mianserin is used in the treatment of certain depressive episodes as well as insomnia. It has no curative effect, it only serves to relieve and alleviate symptoms. In the event of depression, treatment with mianserin should be continued over the long term (6 months on average) in order to minimize the risk of recurrence.“, explains Dr. Patrick Lemoine, psychiatrist specializing in sleep disorders. The dosage varies according to the severity of the depressive episode as well as the age of the patient. “As a general rule, the recommended dose, administered orally, varies between 30 and 90 mg mianserin daily at bedtime“, specifies Dr. Lemoine.
Is mianserin withdrawn from the market in France?
“Only the medicine Athymil has been withdrawn from the market. Other drugs are still available“, says Dr. Lemoine.
In which medicines is mianserin found?
Many antidepressant drugs are based on mianserin. THE Princeps drug marketed in France was called Athymil, but it was withdrawn from the French market. But many generic drugs based on this molecule have been marketed for several years by many laboratories: Arrow, Biogaran, Cristers, EG, Mylan, Qualimed, Ratiopharm, RPG, Sandoz, Teva, Zentiva.
“Mianserin is a antidepressant from 30 mg and up to 60 mg. She also has a tranquilizing effect immediate“, explains the psychiatrist.
Does it promote sleep?
Yes, this molecule has a immediate sedative effect. “Moreover, it is very often used in low dose (10 mg) for sleep insomniacs resistant to herbal medicine techniques, melatonin and cognitive and behavioral therapies, knowing that it is far preferable to benzodiazepines“, says our expert.
Can you drink alcohol if you take it?
He is not recommended to drink alcohol during treatment with mianserin.
What side effects?
The main side effects that can occur with taking mianserin are:
- Quite frequently: drowsiness, daytime fatigue, dry mouth, constipation,
- Less frequently: weight gain,
- Rarely : seizures, arthralgia, jaundice, myalgia, edema, hepatic dysfunction, agranulocytosis.
With regard to depressive illness, certain undesirable effects may also be observed after taking mianserin as with all antidepressants: manic episodes, delusions in psychotic patients, suicidal ideation, anxiety attacks…
Does it make you fat?
Mianserin acts on various neuromediators including histamine and can result in stimulate the appetite. Weight gain can then be felt.
What to replace it with?
“I’Norset® antidepressant is very close and can be an alternative if needed“, says Dr. Lemoine. “To sleep better, a few drops of Laroxyl. However, these treatments are not very effective in cases of mild and moderate depression and should be reserved for severe depression. In case of mild to moderate symptoms, prefer cocktails Saffron Rhodiola or St. John’s Wort Rhodiola. Finally the behavioral and cognitive therapies (CBT) have proven their effectiveness“.
What are the contraindications?
Mianserin is contraindicated in:
- ofhypersensitivity to mianserin (active substance) or to one of the excipients of the medicine
- Of alcohol consumption
- Heart rhythm disorders : as with all other antidepressants, a electrocardiogram (ECG) must be practiced before starting.
“It is strongly discouraged in children, adolescents (under 18) in whom it has not been studied, pregnant or breastfeeding women“, remarks Dr. Lemoine. Finally, inform your doctor if you are taking a treatment containing other sedatives (tranquilizers, sleeping pills) or certain cough or pain medicines containing opiates.
Can pregnant women take it?
No, this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.
Thanks to Dr. Patrick Lemoine, psychiatrist specializing in sleep disorders.