Mianserin
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.
Mianserin side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways.
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)
- Dizziness
- Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
- A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)
- A mild degree of mania (hypomania)
- Mild yellowing of the skin and eyes (mild jaundice)
- Breast pain and tenderness or male breast enlargement
- Disturbances of liver function
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.