Mirtazapine

The vet has prescribed this for Cedric to help get him to eat. What do you know about this stimulant or what has been your experience with it? Looks like they gave it to him this am and he did eat.

 

Veterinary Partner site on mirtazapine

Under Side Effects:
"Serotonin syndrome is a potential side effect should brain levels of serotonin get too high but this syndrome generally requires a combination of serotonin-increasing medications. Elevated heart rate, tremors/shivering, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, elevated body temperature, or high blood pressure can all be signs of serotonin syndrome. Animals with serotonin syndrome sometimes demonstrate general hyperactivity. If there is any question that serotonin syndrome is occurring, cyproheptadine can be used as an antidote."

 

I've used both Mirtazapine and Cypro and much prefer Cypro. Mirtz seemed to make mine antsy and very vocal. But it comes down to whatever works ..... ECID

 

I've used Mirtazapine with both Ruby and Midgie (our civvie). I avoid it unless there's no other option.
Midgie yammers her head off and will chase you down to get you to pet her, which is far outside her normal personality. Ruby gets really territorial and a bit aggressive. She'll claim the bed as hers and will try to keep you out of it.

 

How much did you give? The recommended dose is 3.75 mg ( 1/2 of 7.5 mg tab or 1/4 of 15 mg tab) every three days. However, it can make the cat vocal and some reduce the dose.

 

he gets 1/8 of a tablet every other day (today was a day, 2nd day I think). The tablets are 15mg (pre-cut).