Citation

Kethini T, Alderman CP, Doecke CJ. J. Pharm. Pract. Res. 2004; 34(4): 308-309.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia)

DOI

10.1002/jppr2004344308

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mirtazapine-associated weight gain is widely documented. However, data demonstrating changes in physical activity associated with mirtazapine have not been published.

AIM: To describe a case of rapid weight gain and decreased physical activity associated with mirtazapine. Clinical features: A 55-year-old Caucasian man was admitted after attempting suicide and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He was treated with mirtazapine 30 mg daily and zopiclone 15 mg at night during 5 weeks of hospitalisation and discharged on the same therapy. As a part of a research protocol, the patient was followed closely for 17 weeks after first observation, and his body weight, physical activity and biochemical parameters were recorded. Outcomes: The patient's weight increased by 10 kg within 2 weeks of starting mirtazapine, and at the end of the 17-week follow-up period the total weight gain was 17.5 kg. The fasting blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations had also increased. At the conclusion of the follow-up period, physical activity levels had decreased by 40% relative to baseline. An objective causality assessment revealed that the relationship between mirtazapine and weight gain could be regarded as possible.

CONCLUSION: Patients on mirtazapine should be monitored for changes in weight and offered information about diet and exercise to assist in weight management.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; male; case report; exercise; depression; physical activity; suicide attempt; suicidal behavior; hospitalization; posttraumatic stress disorder; article; disease association; mirtazapine; patient monitoring; appetite disorder; follow up; serotonin receptor; hospital discharge; weight gain; drug effect; zopiclone; glucose blood level; lipid blood level; Caucasian; body weight; body weight disorder; dietary intake; dopamine receptor blocking agent; dose time effect relation; histamine receptor