Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Mirtazapine And Citalopram Be Taken Together?
Question: Hello, I am looking for advice. Don't want to depress anyone with my story but 18 months a ago I was diagnosed with GCA and PMR, a month later I collapsed and had a brain haemorraghe, fractured skull and then told I have epilepsy. Have been following the consultants and taking 26 tablets a day. Have lost 3 Aunts in the last 8 months and my Mum is in palliative care. Hence have told my GP and she has given me Mirtazapine to help me cope. Do u think this is a good idea? I have to be there for my Mum. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Mirtazapine and citalopram combination is tricky
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what you have been going through over the past 18 months.
You seem to have several concomitant conditions but I understand that you are asking advice about the use of mirtazapine for your possible mood issues related also to your situation.
Now mirtazapine is an antidepressant and it is a widely used medication for depression, anxiety or insomnia. So if indeed you have been complaining of low mood or anxiety it would be a valid option. However among the medication you are already under you mention also citalopram which is another antidepressant with similar indications to Mirtazapine and is an even more common first choice drug for mood disorders. Apart from having similar action there is also the issue of dangerous side effects which might arise from using both drugs at the same time.
So I am not that convinced about introducing mirtazapine while you're under citalopram. It may be done under special circumstances, but only after careful evaluation from an experienced psychiatrist about the need for treatment, the risks and benefits and not by the GP who no matter how able and confident he/she is, lacks the experience and should be careful with such a delicate combination.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Mirtazapine and citalopram combination is tricky
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what you have been going through over the past 18 months.
You seem to have several concomitant conditions but I understand that you are asking advice about the use of mirtazapine for your possible mood issues related also to your situation.
Now mirtazapine is an antidepressant and it is a widely used medication for depression, anxiety or insomnia. So if indeed you have been complaining of low mood or anxiety it would be a valid option. However among the medication you are already under you mention also citalopram which is another antidepressant with similar indications to Mirtazapine and is an even more common first choice drug for mood disorders. Apart from having similar action there is also the issue of dangerous side effects which might arise from using both drugs at the same time.
So I am not that convinced about introducing mirtazapine while you're under citalopram. It may be done under special circumstances, but only after careful evaluation from an experienced psychiatrist about the need for treatment, the risks and benefits and not by the GP who no matter how able and confident he/she is, lacks the experience and should be careful with such a delicate combination.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I appreciate what you have said but maybe being cynical I realise that this is down to money. You are obviously able to dismiss me but I am struggling with being the last one left in my childhood family, I have nursed my Father and Sister through brain tumours and have been a Mum to my Mother for 20 years. I have driven 20 miles at 1 o clock in the morning just to cuddle her to sleep. I have tried to look after myself in my home for two years until my health told me I had to give in. She is hitting me and swearing at me now (I know this is down to her illness) but please, if you can't give me any advice please don't ask me to contact you again. Regards
By the way, at the moment I don't have any mood disorders
By the way, at the moment I don't have any mood disorders
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am a little taken aback by your reaction. I am not sure what I did to deserve it. Since you do not give much details about you complaints I had to judge based on what your GP had prescribed, mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine as I said is a drug used for depression. Depression is a mood disorder that is why I mentioned mood. I already advised you not to take it. If you feel you are not depressed or anxious then it is one more reason not to take it, it is not given without a proper motive. That is what you asked advice for and I gave advice on that regard.
I hope you go back to my answer and realize that I did my best with the information offered by you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I am a little taken aback by your reaction. I am not sure what I did to deserve it. Since you do not give much details about you complaints I had to judge based on what your GP had prescribed, mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine as I said is a drug used for depression. Depression is a mood disorder that is why I mentioned mood. I already advised you not to take it. If you feel you are not depressed or anxious then it is one more reason not to take it, it is not given without a proper motive. That is what you asked advice for and I gave advice on that regard.
I hope you go back to my answer and realize that I did my best with the information offered by you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
