Mirtazapine success stories: What people have experienced so far?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
This article will share some Mirtazapine success stories. We will also discuss the overall success rate of this antidepressant and the conditions it is approved to manage and treat.
What is the success rate of Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine has a success rate of about 50-60% in the management and treatment of symptoms associated with depression (1). However, the success rate can vary from person to person, and it’s important to note that what works for one may not work as effectively for another.
Genetic differences play a significant role in this variation, affecting how our bodies process and react to medications. The user experience with Mirtazapine also varies.
Some individuals report significant mood improvement and a reduction in depression symptoms, while others may not experience the same level of positive effects (2). It’s essential to discuss these points with a healthcare provider for ensuring a safe and effective therapeutic outcome.
The FDA has approved Mirtazapine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (3). It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding dosage and duration.
What have people experienced so far?
Many people have come forward and shared their Mirtazapine success stories. A 34-year-old Martha stated:
“Just 2 years ago I was struggling with intense sadness and low energy, barely getting through the day. Like the stubborn person that I am, I ignored it and blamed nature for giving me a tough life, but soon that changed into my worst nightmare when I started having suicidal thoughts.”
She continued:
“I visited my doc who then put me on Mirtazapine. Within a few weeks, I started feeling a gradual lift in my mood, as if a dark cloud had lifted and I could finally see the sun again. It wasn’t a magic fix, but it’s been a game-changer for me.”
Another Mirtazapine user, 37-year-old Kristine shared her story:
“Mirtazapine has been a lifeline for my depression. I used to feel so overwhelmed by daily stressors, and my mind seemed to race all the time. My doctor suggested trying Mirtazapine, and it’s been like a calm breeze washing over me.”
She continued:
“I still face challenges, but I can handle them without the constant depression weighing me down. I’m sleeping better, too, which has made a huge difference. I’m back to being me, just a much more relaxed and confident version.”
It is indeed a success story and it’s amazing how she knows that her life hasn’t magically changed, as nothing can really do that – but she can now deal with her problems in a constructive way.
Jonathan, a 29-year-old Mirtazpine user also shared his story and revealed how it wasn’t easy for him, but he did make it through:
“My journey with Mirtazapine has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for the relief it has provided. When I started, it took a bit of time to notice significant changes, and I did experience some initial side effects.”
He continued:
“I got worried and discussed stopping the drug with my doc, who advised me to give some time to my body to adjust, and I’m so glad I did. Within a few weeks of my treatment, the side effects faded away, and I began feeling more stable. This experience taught me that patience is key when it comes to finding the right medication, and I’m glad I stuck with it.”
We couldn’t agree more with Jonathan! Patience is indeed an important key when it comes to the treatment of mood disorders, like depression and anxiety. You need to hang in there and give your body enough time to accept the change caused by the medication.
Eventually, as your body adjusts to this change, it gets easier for you. Just remember, following your prescription properly is essential if you wish to achieve a safe and effective therapeutic response.
If you are experiencing side effects or they are getting intolerable for you, please talk to your doctor. Mirtazapine may not be the best choice of antidepressant for every single individual out there.
There are plenty of other antidepressants which can be used in place of Mirtazapine. Just trust your provider with the right choice of antidepressant and stick to your prescription.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed some success stories following the use of Mirtazapine. We have also talked about the primary therapeutic uses of this antidepressant and its overall success rate.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Alam A, Voronovich Z, Carley JA. A review of therapeutic uses of mirtazapine in psychiatric and medical conditions. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(5):PCC.13r01525. doi: 10.4088/PCC.13r01525. Epub 2013 Oct 10. PMID: 24511451; PMCID: PMC3907331. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907331/
2.-
Fava M, Dunner DL, Greist JH, Preskorn SH, Trivedi MH, Zajecka J, Cohen M. Efficacy and safety of mirtazapine in major depressive disorder patients after SSRI treatment failure: an open-label trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001 Jun;62(6):413-20. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v62n0603. PMID: 11465517. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11465517/
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/2020/020415s029,%20021208s019lbl.pdf
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