Mianserin, Mirtazapine |
Issues for Surgery |
Risk of withdrawal symptoms if omitted (see Further Information). Risk of serotonin syndrome if continued (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents and Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period). Risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression if continued (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents and Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period). For mianserin – potential potentiation of vasopressors if continued (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents). For mirtazapine – theoretical risk of QT-interval prolongation if continued (see Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period). |
Advice in the Perioperative period |
Elective and Emergency Surgery Continue – check sodium levels pre-operatively (see Further Information). Inform anaesthetist patient is taking mianserin1 – presumably due to potential interactions with vasopressor drugs (see Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents). Post-operative Advice If a long nil by mouth (NBM) period is anticipated, or if there are concerns with enteral absorption, advice on alternative preparations / routes should be sought from a Psychiatrist. Monitor electrolytes, particularly sodium, if risk factors for hyponatraemia (see Further Information). Monitor full blood count if any signs of bone marrow depression (see Further Information). |
Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents |
Vasopressors Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to potentiate the effects of vasopressors (see Tricyclic Antidepressants monograph), whereas the evidence of an interaction between mianserin and vasopressors is sparse. The pressor response to noradrenaline was largely unchanged in 5 patients taking mianserin; however, a 71 year old women taking mianserin was noted to develop hypotension following spinal and general anaesthesia, which was refractory to multiple boluses of ephedrine but an excessive vasopressor response was observed following a small dose of adrenaline2. Mianserin, unlike TCAs, does not prevent peripheral uptake of noradrenaline; however, in view of the above report some caution with mianserin and concurrent vasopressors is advised2. CNS Excitation (Serotonin Syndrome) Some opioids act as weak serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and can precipitate serotonin syndrome in conjunction with other serotonergic medication. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome have been reported in patients taking mirtazapine with tramadol2 but may occur if concomitant use of mianserin or mirtazapine and the following3: -
Patients should be monitored closely and the possibility of serotonin toxicity considered if altered mental state, autonomic dysfunction or neuromuscular adverse effects are observed with concomitant treatment3. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression (also see under Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period) Mianserin and mirtazapine have CNS depressant effects which may be additive with other medicines that also have CNS depressant effects such as2, 3:-
(Consult British National Formulary for available drugs in each class) QT-Interval Prolongation (see also Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period) Cases of QT-interval prolongation have been reported during post-marketing use of mirtazapine4. Desflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane have a high risk of QT-interval prolongation, and thiopental possibly has a risk of QT-interval prolongation2 therefore theoretically there could be an additive effect on QT-interval prolongation with concomitant administration. It may be prudent to monitor ECG with concurrent use if risk factors for QT-interval prolongation also present (increasing age, female sex, cardiac disease, and some metabolic disturbances e.g. hypokalaemia). |
Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period |
CNS Excitation (Serotonin Syndrome) (also see under Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents) Tramadol Methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue) Other Medications
Monitor patients for symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as fever, tremors, diarrhoea, and agitation. Concurrent treatment should be stopped if serotonin syndrome occurs2, 3. CNS Depression (also see under Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents for information on opioids) Mianserin and mirtazapine have CNS depressant effects which may be additive with antiemetics that also have CNS depressant effects such as cyclizine, droperidol and prochlorperazine2, 3. QT-Interval Prolongation Cases of QT-interval prolongation have been reported during post-marketing use of mirtazapine4. Co-administration with other medicines known to prolong the QT-interval must be based on a careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits for each patient since the risk of torsade de pointes may increase 2. Medicines that may be used in the perioperative period that are known to prolong the QT-interval include2: -
The possibility of QT-interval prolongation with concomitant administration of mirtazapine and the above listed medications is only theoretical; however, it may be prudent to monitor ECG with concurrent use if risk factors for QT-interval prolongation also present (increasing age, female sex, cardiac disease, and some metabolic disturbances e.g. hypokalaemia). Clarithromycin Clarithromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to mirtazapine through inhibition of CYP3A42. Whilst single surgical prophylactic doses should not pose a problem, monitor for side effects and consider reducing mirtazapine dose if a prolonged course is required2, 3,4. |
Further Information |
Withdrawal Abrupt withdrawal of mianserin or mirtazapine is not recommended, particularly after long-term administration as withdrawal symptoms may occur. The majority of withdrawal reactions are mild and self-limiting with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, agitation, anxiety and headache3, 4. Hyponatraemia Hyponatraemia, possibly as a result of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) has been reported rarely with mianserin and mirtazapine. Caution is required in patients at increased risk of hyponatraemia, such as elderly, or volume depleted/dehydrated patients or patients treated with diuretics1, 4. Blood Dyscrasia Mianserin and mirtazapine can cause bone marrow depression. If fever, sore throat, stomatitis or other signs of infection develop during treatment, a full blood count should be checked. If blood dyscrasia is suspected the mianserin or mirtazapine should be stopped (monitor for signs of withdrawal – see above)1, 3, 4. |
References |
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