Mianserin - oral

Mianserin acts on chemicals in the brain involved in controlling mood and 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.

This medicine should be taken between meals. Try to take it at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not divide, chew or crush 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 unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could 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 severe liver disease as Mianserin may not be suitable for you.

This medicine is not recommended for children and teenagers younger than 18 years old.

Do not take Mianserin if you are currently taking a certain type of medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.

Inform your doctor if you have the following:

- heart disease or a recent heart attack
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
- an enlarged prostrate
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- blood disorders
- suicidal thoughts

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 make you drowsy or dizzy. 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: dry mouth, constipation, weakness, tiredness, and headache.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

- pain and swelling of the joints
- irregular or fast heart beat
- yellowing of the skin, eyes, pain near the stomach area
- breast enlargement in men

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Mianserin if you are currently taking a certain type of medicine to treat depressionknown as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- other medicines for treating depression
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin

This list does not include all medicines that interact with Mianserin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.