How does it work?

Mianserin is a tetracyclic antidepressant that is similar to the tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs). When depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain. When these chemicals are released from nerve cells they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood. Mianserin works by preventing the re-absorption of noradrenaline back into the nerve cells. It may also act to block certain receptors in the brain that bind released serotonin. This helps enhance and prolong the mood-lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin, thereby helping relieve depression. The full benefits of treatment with mianserin may not appear for two to four weeks.

What is it used for?

Depression

Warning!

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Your liver functioning should be monitored while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a liver problem include persistent nausea and vomiting, or the development of jaundice (a yellow colouring to the skin and the whites of the eyes). Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

This medicine may cause low blood sodium levels (hyponatraemia), which can result in drowsiness, confusion, muscle twitching or convulsions. Consult your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms while taking this medicine.

Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor the composition of your blood while you are taking this medicine. You should let your doctor know if you experience symptoms such as a fever or sore throat.

If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Closed angle glaucoma

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)

Diabetes

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

People who have recently had a heart attack

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children

Epilepsy

Mania

Severe liver disease

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The safety of this medicine during breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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