Most people have probably heard of the Atkins diet. Popularized in the 1970s, the diet recommends consuming as much food as possible, while avoiding carbs. Carbs, which are generally considered to be “good” components of a healthy diet, are then replaced with caffeine and cigarettes to keep the patient awake and alert.
While there is no denying that the Atkins diet works for some people, there are others for whom it can be harmful. One of the side effects of the Atkins diet is a possible increased risk of weight gain due to increased appetite. A similar drug-induced side effect threatens those who use mirtazapine to treat depression. Mirtazapine is a medication that is referred to as a “serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor” (SNRI), which can have pronounced effects on appetite regulation. Individuals who use mirtazapine to lose weight, therefore, either have to be very careful about how much they consume in terms of food and drink or they risk dramatically increasing their waistline.
What Is Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is a medication that is registered for use in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. It is manufactured by Roche, AstraZeneca, and others.
Mirtazapine has been shown in studies to have an effect on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. This drug is generally accepted as an antidepressant drug but, as mentioned above, it can also increase appetite. In moderate doses, mirtazapine has been shown to cause a mild decrease in body weight in obese individuals. The medication is, however, associated with a number of dangerous side effects, including dry mouth, sedation, blurred vision, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Individuals who are taking or have taken this drug must be very careful about their diet and must also monitor their weight closely.
Should You Try Mirtazapine For Weight Loss?
The short answer to this question is no. Mirtazapine is not recommended for use as a weight loss medication and, for that matter, it is not recommended for use in the first place as a treatment for depression or anxiety disorders. In most situations, it is best to seek alternative treatments for these conditions. There are, however, some individuals who may benefit from the use of mirtazapine for obesity-related issues. It is essential, for these people, that they are correctly diagnosed with clinical depression or anxiety disorders before they are administered this drug. In these cases, mirtazapine may be an option but, otherwise, it is not.
Mirtazapine For Obesity-Related Issues
It is a commonly held belief that all antidepressants increase appetite. While it is true that most of them do, mirtazapine is different. In fact, quite the opposite may be true. Those who are obese or overweight and who are taking or have taken mirtazapine describe it as “exceptionally effective” at keeping them motivated to lose weight and as having “marked effects” on appetite suppression. Based on these findings, it is clear that mirtazapine is not just an antidepressant drug but that it may also have some beneficial properties for people who are trying to lose weight.
Overcoming Appetite With Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine can be an effective tool for those who are trying to lose weight but it is important to understand how this drug works. In a rat study, scientists found that rats who were being treated with mirtazapine exhibited a marked decrease in their “hunger score”. They also reported that mirtazapine caused a significant reduction in the amount of food that the rats ate compared to before they were treated with the drug. This effect was most prominent in severely obese rats but even those who were only moderately obese experienced greater appetite suppression while on this medication. Based on this research, it is clear that mirtazapine can help reduce appetite in humans. This may explain why some people who are taking this medication report less craving for food and enjoy meals more. It is also important to note that mirtazapine can help reduce the craving for both sweet and salty snacks. This helps to improve the overall quality of life for individuals who are taking this medication. In addition, people who are taking mirtazapine for weight loss have reported that it has improved their sleep quality and duration. Many have also noted that it has increased their energy levels which has helped them to stay active more often. In summary, mirtazapine may help to reduce the desire for food in those who are trying to lose weight but, due to its several side effects, it is not a good choice for everyone.