Can Mirtazapine cause breathlessness?

In this article, we will discuss whether Mirtazapine can cause breathlessness as a side effect. We will also talk about some other factors that may trigger breathlessness and discuss what one should do if it occurs.

Can Mirtazapine cause breathlessness?

No, Mirtazapine doesn’t typically cause breathlessness as a common side effect. It’s not among the usual side effects like nausea or dizziness that tend to go away as your body adjusts to the medication (1,2). 

While some people might feel a bit uneasy during the first days of taking Mirtazapine, breathlessness is not considered a normal reaction, and it could signal an allergic response to the medication.

What does research suggest?

Research studies have indicated that Mirtazapine does not cause breathlessness in people who are not allergic to this medication. In fact, some studies have indicated that Mirtazapine may help some people suffering from chronic breathlessness.

In a research study, six cases of advanced lung disease were studied in which Mirtazapine was used to treat chronic breathlessness. The treatment started with a 15 mg dose and was supervised by primary care physicians (3).

After taking Mirtazapine for varying durations (2 weeks to 5 months), all patients reported reduced breathlessness, improved control over their breathing, and increased ability to recover from breathlessness episodes (3). 

Some also experienced positive effects on anxiety, panic, appetite, and sleep. No negative effects were reported. To confirm Mirtazapine’s effectiveness in managing chronic breathlessness, further blinded randomised trials are needed (3).

Another research study indicated that antidepressants like Mirtazapine have been considered as potential options to treat chronic breathlessness due to their impact on brain processes (4).

The study explored how Mirtazapine, which is well-tolerated, affordable, and widely available, might help improve chronic breathlessness and quality of life in advanced disease patients (4). However, there’s not enough evidence to recommend antidepressants routinely for this condition. 

How to know you are allergic to Mirtazapine?

Recognizing an allergic reaction to Mirtazapine involves paying attention to various signs and symptoms. Breathlessness can be one of these signs. However, allergies typically come with a cluster of symptoms, including (1,2):

• Skin reactions – Look for rashes, itchiness, hives (raised, itchy welts), or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Respiratory symptoms – Besides breathlessness, be alert to other breathing difficulties like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
• Chest tightness – You might feel tightness or discomfort in your chest, which can be a concerning sign.
• Swelling – Check for any unusual swelling, especially in your face, lips, or tongue.
• Digestive issues – Allergic reactions can sometimes lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach pain.
• Dizziness or fainting – Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting can also be associated with allergies.

If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Mirtazapine, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions can vary in severity, so don’t ignore even mild symptoms. 

Your doctor can determine if it’s an allergy and recommend alternative treatments if needed. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to potential allergic reactions.

What to do if you constantly find yourself breathless while taking Mirtazapine?

If you constantly find yourself breathless while taking Mirtazapine, without any other sign or symptom, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. Breathlessness, especially if it’s persistent and not related to a specific cause, should not be considered a normal side effect.

Breathlessness might indicate that Mirtazapine isn’t the most suitable medication for you, especially if you have anxiety or panic disorder alongside depression. In such cases, there are alternative medications that may be more effective and better tolerated. 

Your doctor can assess your overall condition, including the comorbidities you’re dealing with, and suggest appropriate alternatives. Remember, it’s crucial not to make any changes to your prescription without consulting your doctor first. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed that Mirtazapine does not typically cause breathlessness as a side effect, and it could be a sign of an allergic reaction. We have also discussed some research studies and talked about the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Mirtazapine.

References