A review of the use of Mirtazapine in cancer patients
Cancer patients often have concurrent physical and psychological symptoms. These problems may become barriers towards the healing process. Antidepressants seem to be beneficial for the purpose of palliative care in this type of patients. One of the useful medications is mirtazapine, which is kno...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Malaysian Psychiatric Association
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/95647/1/95647_A%20review%20of%20the%20use%20of%20Mirtazapine.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/95647/ https://www.mjpsychiatry.org/index.php/mjp/article/view/413/305 |
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| Summary: | Cancer patients often have concurrent physical and
psychological symptoms. These problems may become barriers towards the
healing process. Antidepressants seem to be beneficial for the purpose of
palliative care in this type of patients. One of the useful medications is
mirtazapine, which is known as noradrenergic and specific serotonergic
antidepressant (NaSSA). This paper examines the use of mirtazapine in
physical and psychological symptoms of cancer patients. Methods: Literature
search was done on PubMed (from inception to January 2017) by matching
the key terms: ‘noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants’ or
‘NaSSA’ ‘mirtazapine’ AND ‘cancer’ or ‘oncol*’ or ‘malignancy’ or
‘carcinoma’. Eligible papers were screened at the title and abstract level.
Various types of study included in this review, according to certain criteria.
Additional papers were also identified by screening of reference lists. Results:
A total of twelve papers were reviewed and summarized. Positive findings
obtained for the use of mirtazapine in cancer patients associated with various
symptoms, including depression, anxiety, cachexia, nausea, hot flashes, and
pruritus. Some rare side effects are reported, including constipation, myalgia
sedation, dry mouth, stimulation of appetite and weight gain. Conclusion:
Mirtazapine has the potential to be beneficial for cancer patients suffering
from these physical and psychological symptoms. However, more research
studies with sufficient power are warranted to validate the findings. |
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