Does Mirtazapine cause dizziness?

In this article, we will discuss dizziness associated with Mirtazapine. We will also talk about how Mirtazapine can cause dizziness and what you should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Mirtazapine cause dizziness?

Yes, Mirtazapine does cause dizziness. It is one of the most commonly reported early side effects of Mirtazapine and other antidepressants (1,2). 

Some people may experience mild dizziness when they first start taking the medication, which is considered normal and is not something to be worried about. 

However, some people may experience severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased appetite, and other issues (3). Such individuals should report the side effects to their healthcare provider. Generally, these side effects don’t last that long and start to get better as the body adjusts to the antidepressant. 

What is the incidence of Mirtazapine-induced dizziness?

Mirtazapine-induced dizziness is relatively common, affecting approximately 20% to 30% of individuals who take this medication (4). 

It’s important to note that this dizziness often occurs as an early side effect of treatment when your body is adjusting to the medication.

For some people, it’s not something to worry about. Mirtazapine is taken at night mostly, as it induces sleep and can help people with insomnia. However, some people may experience dizziness during the daytime which can affect their daily activities. 

So, it’s important to discuss this side effect with your doctor and learn some ways to manage it.

Why does Mirtazapine cause dizziness?

The exact reason why Mirtazapine causes dizziness is unclear. One possible explanation is related to how Mirtazapine works. When you take Mirtazapine, it affects certain chemicals in your brain (5). 

One of these chemicals is called serotonin, which plays an important role in mood and balance – and this chemical is closely related to depression and other affective disorders. Mirtazapine increases the levels of serotonin, and this can sometimes lead to dizziness (5).

However, not everyone experiences dizziness while taking Mirtazapine. People are different and they can respond differently to medications. 

It’s important to remember that if you do experience dizziness or any side effects from Mirtazapine, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the best way to manage these side effects and make sure the medication is working safely for you.

What to do if Mirtazapine causes dizziness?

There are a few things you can do when Mirtazapine causes dizziness, including:

Talk to your doctor

It’s important to discuss dizziness with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can give appropriate solutions that can help you with this side effect. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for dizziness. 

Some OTC medications like Meclizine may help alleviate dizziness (6). However, always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, even OTC ones, to ensure they won’t interact negatively with Mirtazapine.

Your doctor may also consider dose adjustment. If you’ve recently started Mirtazapine or had a dose increase, your doctor might consider decreasing your dosage. Sometimes, lower doses can minimise side effects like dizziness.

Exercise caution

After taking Mirtazapine, especially if you’re experiencing dizziness, be cautious when engaging in activities that require full mental attention, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. This is crucial to avoid accidents.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is important as dehydration can worsen Mirtazapine-induced dizziness and it can also lower your blood pressure because of reduced blood volume. Hydration can also help your body recover more quickly.

Eat nutritious foods

Good nutrition is vital. Eating balanced, healthy meals can contribute to your overall well-being and possibly reduce the severity of side effects.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed Mirtazapine-induced dizziness and how common this side effect is. We have also talked about the important steps one should take if this side effect occurs.

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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30085601/ 

2. 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 

3. 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

4. Davis R, Wilde MI. Mirtazapine: A Review of its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential in the Management of Major Depression. CNS Drugs. 1996 May;5(5):389-402. doi: 10.2165/00023210-199605050-00007. PMID: 26071050. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26071050/ 

5. PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 4205, Mirtazapine; [cited 2023 Sept. 6]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Mirtazapine 

6. Houston BT, Chowdhury YS. Meclizine. 2023 Apr 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32809480. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560645