Zispin

What is it?

An antidepressant preparation which is a noradrenergic/serotenergic enhancer, available as scored, oval brown-red tablets containing 30mg of mirtazapine, marked Organon and TZ/5.

Medical Uses

Depression.

Dosage

Adults, 30mg taken as single nightly dose to start, then adjust according to response to usual daily dose in order of 15 to 45mg, taken either as one dose at night or divided into 2 equal night and morning doses. When symptoms have been absent for 4 to 6 months, gradually stop drug.

Special Care

Enlarged prostate gland, organic brain syndrome, impaired liver or kidney function, disturbances of heart conduction, angina, diabetes, recent heart attack, epilepsy, glaucoma, low blood pressure.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Depressants of CNS, MAOIs, alcohol.

Known Side Effects

Fluid retention, mania, low blood pressure, gain in weight, orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, rise in liver enzymes; agranulocytosis (serious reduction in some blood cells producing severe symptoms) - patients should be warned to look out for signs of infection. Drug should be stopped if jaundice occurs.