Can you take Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss the concomitant use of Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together. We will discuss the potential benefits and risks of this combination and some important points to ensure the safe and effective use of such medications when prescribed together.
Can you take Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together?
It is generally not recommended to take Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Both Mirtazapine and Clonazepam are prescription medications that should not be used in combination unless your doctor believes that it has a positive risk-benefit ratio (1,2). Mirtazapine is an antidepressant approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression (3).
Clonazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine which is a controlled drug that should not be taken for a long period unless advised otherwise by your doctor (4). Both of these meds can increase the risk of certain side effects, making their concomitant use unsuitable in some cases.
What are the potential benefits of taking Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together?
There may be some potential benefits of taking Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together when it comes to managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Clonazepam is known for its effectiveness in treating anxiety, offering a sense of calm and reducing anxiety symptoms (1). Mirtazapine, on the other hand, is more recognized for its role in managing depression by increasing certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain (2).
Recent research suggests that Clonazepam can be a valuable addition to the treatment of depression, especially in cases where traditional antidepressants like Mirtazapine alone may not be fully effective (5).
This combination, when adjusted in terms of doses or timing under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can potentially provide relief for both anxiety and depression symptoms. However, it’s crucial to approach this combination with caution.
Clonazepam has the potential for dependence and tolerance, and its use should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. Adjusting the doses or timing should only be done under their guidance to ensure the safest and most effective treatment for an individual’s unique condition.
What are the potential risks of taking Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together?
The combination of Mirtazapine and Clonazepam is associated with some potential health risks. Both of these medications have sedative properties, and combining them can increase the risk of additive side effects.
Some individuals may experience central nervous system (CNS) depression, leading to symptoms like dizziness, excessive drowsiness, and cognitive impairment (6,7).
The elderly population may be more susceptible to the sedative effects, increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
Furthermore, individuals with specific health conditions, like severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, should avoid Clonazepam – as benzodiazepines can potentially lead to respiratory depression which can worsen these conditions (8).
The decision to use this combination should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional. A doctor will consider an individual’s complete medical history, other prescription medications they may be taking, and any underlying health conditions that could be affected negatively by this combination.
It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s directions closely and never adjust the doses or timing without their supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness in managing anxiety and depression symptoms.
How to ensure the safe and effective use of Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together?
Some basic points to ensure the safe and effective use of Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together include (3,4):
- Always take these medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never change the dose or timing without their approval.
- Maintain a regular schedule for taking these medications. Consistency helps maximise their effectiveness.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking Mirtazapine and Clonazepam. Alcohol can interact with these medications and increase their sedative effects.
- Keep open communication with your healthcare provider. Discuss any concerns, side effects, or changes in your condition promptly. They can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
- Attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your doctor.
Remember, safe and effective use of medications is the key to achieving your desired therapeutic response.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the concomitant use of Mirtazapine and Clonazepam together. We have also discussed the potential benefits and risks of this combination and some important points to ensure the safe and effective use of such medications when prescribed together.
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References
1.-
Jilani TN, Gibbons JR, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A. Mirtazapine. 2022 Sep 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085601. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519059
2.-
Basit H, Kahwaji CI. Clonazepam. 2023 May 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32310470. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010
3.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Remeron (Mirtazapine) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020415s035lbl.pdf
4.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Klonopin (clonazepam) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/017533s053,020813s009lbl.pdf
5.-
Morishita S. Clonazepam as a therapeutic adjunct to improve the management of depression: a brief review. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2009 Apr;24(3):191-8. doi: 10.1002/hup.1015. PMID: 19330803. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19330803/
6.-
National Library of Medicine. Mirtazapine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697009.html
7.-
National Library of Medicine. Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682279.html
8.-
Vozoris NT. Do benzodiazepines contribute to respiratory problems? Expert Rev Respir Med. 2014 Dec;8(6):661-3. doi: 10.1586/17476348.2014.957186. Epub 2014 Sep 5. PMID: 25193249. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25193249/
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