Mirtazapine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Mirtazapine during a consultation by Dr Noor. Mirtazapine for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Mirtazapine is a type of medicine used for mood in people (a tetracyclic antidepressant). For pets, it is supplied as tablets that are swallowed, and also as tablets that melt in the mouth.
Other common names
- Remeron
Uses
Mirtazapine tablets are not specifically approved for animals, but they are approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to prescribe it for animals (this is called extra-label use). It may be used for:
- Helping dogs and cats eat more (appetite stimulation)
- Helping prevent vomiting or helping treat vomiting in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Before your pet starts this medicine, talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your pet is currently receiving. This medicine can react with many other drugs.
- Any medical problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- What the risks may be if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not give this medicine to animals:
- That have had an allergic reaction to it
- That are wearing an amitraz flea collar, or that are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). One example of an MAOI is selegiline. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, flea collars, and dips used within the 2 weeks before starting this medicine.
Use extra care in animals that have:
- Kidney, heart, or liver problems
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- A blockage in the gut (gastrointestinal tract) or in the urinary tract
- Low blood cell counts, such as low platelets (cells that help with clotting) or low white blood cells (cells that help fight infection)
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication? Mirtazapine for pets
Mirtazapine is given to help increase appetite and to help prevent or treat vomiting.
It can be given with food or on an empty stomach.
If you are using tablets that melt in the mouth:
- Your hands must be dry before you touch the tablet.
- Once the tablet is taken out of the blister pack, use it right away.
- Put the tablet under your pet’s tongue. Then gently keep your pet’s mouth closed for a few seconds so the tablet can melt. After it has melted, offer your pet water.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
Side effects
Unwanted effects are seen more often in cats than in dogs.
Common side effects — call your veterinarian if these are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- More meowing/crying or other increased vocal sounds
- More saliva than usual or drooling
- Vomiting
- Small tremors or shaking
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Acting upset, uneasy, or unable to settle
Severe side effects — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Very high activity level or extreme excitability
- Trouble controlling movement or walking normally (loss of coordination)
How will I know it's working?
You should see your pet start to eat better, or vomit less often, within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s symptoms get worse or if they do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the medicine should wear off within 1 to 2 days.
The effects may continue longer if your pet’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Missed dose
In most situations, if a dose is missed:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember. Then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light and dampness.
- For tablets that melt in the mouth, leave them sealed in the blister pack until just before you give a dose.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet or pour it into a sink drain. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use, and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”