Mirtazapine is clearly better tolerated than tricyclic agents and is appropriate for some geriatric patients. Mirtazapine may be especially helpful in those who need a sedating agent or in patients who need to gain weight. An increase in appetite was reported in 17 percent of patients taking mirtazapine.Feb 1, 2001

Mirtazapine in the elderly

• Geriatric Use. Approximately 190 elderly individuals (≥65 years of age) participated in clinical studies with Remeron (mirtazapine) Tablets. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney (75%), and the risk of decreased clearance of this drug is greater in patients with impaired renal function.

Limited evidence suggests that for certain elderly patients, mirtazapine may be preferable to sertraline for treatment of depression. It may also be more cost-effective in patients who have dementia. The choice is highly dependent upon individual co-morbidities and subsequent polypharmacy.Author:
Jonathon Holland, Madhavi BhogleCited by:
Publish Year:
2013

Is mirtazapine safe for the elderly?

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the newer antidepressants buproprion, mirtazapine , moclobemide, and venlafaxine (a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or SNRI) are all relatively safe in the elderly .

Which antidepressant should be avoided in the elderly?

Tricyclic antidepressants , especially amitriptyline and dothiepin ,¹⁶ are known to pose a high risk of death in overdosage. These drugs should therefore be avoided in older people whose medication is not supervised and who are at risk of taking an overdose.

Can mirtazapine be used for dementia?

Antidepressants such as sertraline, citalopram, mirtazapine and trazodone are widely prescribed for people with dementia who develop depression. Some recent trials have shown that common antidepressants do not work well in this group, but they may still be tried.

What is Remeron used for in elderly?

Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that for certain elderly patients, mirtazapine may be preferable to sertraline for treatment of depression. It may also be more cost-effective in patients who have dementia.

Is mirtazapine hard on kidneys?

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. This may increase the amount of mirtazapine in your body and cause more side effects.

What are the adverse effects of mirtazapine?

Dizziness , drowsiness , lightheadedness, increased appetite, weight gain , dry mouth , or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What is the best anti anxiety medication for the elderly?

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety drug that has been shown to be effective for older adults. Benzodiazepines , another anti-anxiety drug, are effective but should be prescribed carefully to older adults because of risk of memory impairment, unsteadiness, and falls.

What is the best antidepressant for dementia patients?

Antidepressants. Antidepressants such as sertraline , citalopram , mirtazapine and trazodone are widely prescribed for people with dementia who develop depression .

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

What should you not say to someone with dementia?

“The development of this list has sometimes been taken the wrong way by family care partners. Don’t say ‘but you don’t look or sound like you have dementia ‘. Don’t tell us ‘ we are wrong’. Don’t argue with us or correct trivial things. Don’t say ‘remember when…’.

What stage of dementia does Sundowning start?

Sundowning is a distressing symptom that affects people in mid- to late-stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Also known by the term ‘late-day confusion ‘, it refers to the agitation and confusion often experienced by those with dementia towards the end of the day – hence the term ‘sundowning’. for your family.

What are signs of end stage dementia?

Experts suggest that signs of the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease include some of the following: Being unable to move around on one’s own. Being unable to speak or make oneself understood. Needing help with most, if not all, daily activities, such as eating and self-care. Eating problems such as difficulty swallowing . 6 дней назад

What is the best antidepressant for seniors?

When it comes to antidepressants for seniors, most experts recommend SSRIs or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which help increase the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs tend to have fewer serious side effects and drug interactions than older antidepressants on the market.

Can mirtazapine cause anger?

It can also cause agitation, aggression and forgetfulness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only small amounts and see how you feel. Do not stop taking your medication. If you have a fever, sore throat or sore mouth while taking mirtazapine , let your doctor know immediately.

Does mirtazapine calm you down?

Mirtazapine ( Remeron ) has a much more sedating effect, generally reducing its potential to aggravate initial anxiety.