Mitraz 7.5mg

Description

“Mitraz 7.5mg” refers to a medication containing Mirtazapine 7.5mg. As discussed with “Mitraz 30mg,” Mirtazapine is an antidepressant belonging to the Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NaSSAs) class.

The lower dose of 7.5mg is often used for specific purposes, particularly when the sedative effects are desired or as an initial titration dose for antidepressant treatment.

Key Component: Mirtazapine (7.5mg)

Mirtazapine works in the brain by influencing the balance of key neurotransmitters:

• Increasing Norepinephrine and Serotonin: It enhances the release of both norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and serotonin, which are crucial for mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.
• Blocking Serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 Receptors: This contributes to its antidepressant effect and may reduce common side effects like nausea and sexual dysfunction.
• Blocking Histamine H1 Receptors: This action is particularly strong at lower doses and is responsible for its significant sedative properties and often increased appetite.

Uses and Benefits

While Mirtazapine’s primary indication is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the 7.5mg dose is frequently utilized for:

• Insomnia (especially when associated with depression): Due to its potent histamine H1 receptor blockade, even low doses like 7.5mg can induce significant sedation, making it effective for improving sleep quality and duration in individuals with sleep disturbances.
• Anxiety (especially when associated with depression): Its sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects can be beneficial for managing anxiety symptoms.
• Appetite Stimulation / Weight Gain: The H1 receptor blockade also leads to increased appetite, which can be a therapeutic benefit for depressed individuals experiencing significant weight loss or poor appetite.
• Initial Titration for Depression: Sometimes, 7.5mg is used as a starting dose for depression before gradually increasing to higher therapeutic doses (like 15mg or 30mg) to assess tolerance and minimize initial side effects.

Benefits of Mitraz 7.5mg include:

• Effective for Sleep Disturbances: Particularly useful for patients with depression who suffer from insomnia.
• Anxiety Reduction: Helps alleviate co-occurring anxiety.
• Appetite Enhancement: Can aid in weight restoration for underweight or anorexic patients with depression.
• Lower Risk of Certain Side Effects: Compared to some other antidepressants, it may have a lower risk of sexual dysfunction or gastrointestinal issues like nausea (though GI upset can still occur).

Dosage and Administration

• Always take this medicine exactly as advised by your physician. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions for dosage and duration.
• Mitraz 7.5mg is typically taken once daily, preferably in the evening or at bedtime, due to its prominent sedative effects.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush it.
• Do not stop taking Mitraz 7.5mg suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., dizziness, agitation, anxiety, abnormal dreams, nausea, headache). Your doctor will guide a gradual reduction in dose.
• While sedative effects may be felt quickly, the full antidepressant effect (if used for depression) may take 1 to 2 weeks to start and 4 to 6 weeks for full benefit.

Potential Side Effects

Even at 7.5mg, Mirtazapine can cause side effects. The sedative and appetite-stimulating effects are often more pronounced at lower doses due to the stronger relative effect on H1 receptors.

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people):

• Drowsiness/Sedation: Very prominent at this dose.
• Increased Appetite and Weight Gain: A common and significant effect.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
• Headache

Common (1 to 10 in 100 people):

• Lethargy, dizziness, tremor
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Abnormal dreams, confusion, anxiety, insomnia (paradoxically, in some)
• Swelling (edema) in ankles or feet (peripheral edema)
• Muscle aches (myalgia), joint aches (arthralgia), back pain
• Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness)

Less Common/Rare (but serious – monitoring is important):

• Agranulocytosis: A serious reduction in white blood cells, making you highly susceptible to infections. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of infection like high fever, severe sore throat, or mouth ulcers.
• Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening condition, especially if combined with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include high fever, sweating, fast heart rate, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, shivering, confusion, and agitation.
• Seizures
• Mania or hypomania (in individuals with bipolar disorder)
• Elevation of liver enzymes; rarely, liver inflammation (hepatitis)
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior (especially in young adults, particularly at the start of treatment or with dose changes).

Important Considerations and Safety Advice

• Medical Consultation is Essential: Mirtazapine requires diagnosis and ongoing supervision by a doctor.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor closely for any worsening of depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts or unusual behavioral changes, especially at the initial phase of treatment or with dose adjustments, particularly in young adults (<25 years).
• Alcohol: UNSAFE. Avoid consuming alcohol completely while on Mirtazapine, as it significantly enhances its sedative effects and increases the risk of other side effects.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Mirtazapine can cause significant drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in diabetic patients as it can affect blood sugar control.
• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure.
• Kidney/Liver Impairment: Use with caution and potential dose adjustment in patients with kidney or liver disease.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart conditions, including low blood pressure or a history of heart attack or stroke.
• Epilepsy/Seizures: Use with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy or seizures.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, especially:
  • MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): (e.g., moclobemide, tranylcypromine, selegiline) – Contraindicated. Do not use Mirtazapine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, or vice versa, due to the risk of Serotonin Syndrome.
  • Other Serotonergic Drugs: (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs; triptans; tramadol; lithium; St. John’s wort) – increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome.
  • CNS Depressants: (e.g., benzodiazepines, other sedatives, antihistamines, opioids) – significantly increased sedative effects.
  • Warfarin (blood thinner): Mirtazapine can potentially affect its metabolism and increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Carbamazepine, Phenytoin: Can reduce Mirtazapine levels.
  • Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, Cimetidine: Can increase Mirtazapine levels.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Never stop treatment abruptly.

Manufacturer and Availability in Nepal

“Mitraz 7.5mg” is a brand name for Mirtazapine. In Nepal, “Mirtaz 7.5mg Tablet” is available from manufacturers like Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India). It is widely available in pharmacies across Nepal, including online platforms like NepMeds and ePharmacy.com.np.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.