What is mirtazapine 15 mg used for in cats?

As pet owners, we never want to see our furry friends suffer from any illness or condition. It breaks our hearts when they aren’t feeling well and it can be challenging and stressful to get them the help they need. If your cat is experiencing a loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, you may have heard about mirtazapine 15mg as a potential solution.

In this humorous article on what mirtazapine 15 mg is used for in cats, we’ll explore everything you should know about this miracle drug that will turn your grumpy Garfield into the happy-go-lucky feline friend you love oh-so-much!

What is Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine belongs to the category of drugs called tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs). Now don’t let those big words intimidate you! Essentially teCAs work by increasing the level of some neurotransmitters such as Norepinephrine en Serotonin in specific areas of the brain.

It’s mostly prescribed in humans with major depressive disorder (don’t worry Cat Dads – it’s very unlikely that Midlife crisis and existential depression are relevant here) anxiety disorders like PTSD), OCD, social anxiety disorder,… But mirtazapine has also been found quite useful when treating certain conditions commonly seen affecting cats.

How does Mirtazapine work?

First things first – let’s talk science!

  • When ingested by your cat/patient/majesty#1 its half-life merges with their #2 endocannabinoid receptors
    Basically-Now There are molecules floating around inside your majesties’ body which look like puzzle pieces; closing receptor gates or opening prances & jiggles.
  • Through complex metabolic pathways #3 serotonin/norepinephrine is released
    Serotonin&norepinephrine affect appetite and mood.
    When these levels increase, it improves their overall sense of wellbeing which then entices them to eat. Magic!

In layman’s terms (like who even knows what endocannabinoid means??) basically they get happier, hungrier and are more likely to enjoy Temptations treats!

What is Mirtazapine Prescribed For in Cats?

Mirtazapine 15mg can be prescribed as an off label medication for cats with several different medical conditions:

Lack of Appetite

One of the most common reasons a vet will prescribe Miratazapine 15mg cat for your furry bestie (beside to increase iPad time – #sorrynotsorry) has been identified as due loss of appetite or reduction in food intake caused by various underlying problems like:

  • Infections
  • Aging
  • Cancer treatments (Like oh god – We did not survive chemotherapy only to have our majestic fatality plagued by some hairless creature AGAIN)
    =
    The medicine helps stimulate her/his appetite so that they’ll start eating again. This may take anywhere from a few hours for it to kick-in up-to approximately one day.

If you’re having trouble getting your cat/patient/POSBcoughbaby#1/posh anxiety ball-cus let’s face it all meds/supplements come with the word “anxiety” these days- to eat anything at all, chances are high – It’s HoppyFlop-Catnip-Champagne-on-a-platter before you know it! 😉

Nausea and Vomiting

Mirtazapine may also be used as an Antiemitic treatment (#4). Imagine feeling nauseous every hour of the day; Not exactly pretty picture right? Well if your fur-baby friend struggles with nausea & vomiting due various accompanying elements seen during their lifetime like medications (or I had/have to take pills?! Better you catgo straight into IV then), illnesses or toxicities…Mirtazapine can help improve the situation.

By blocking certain serotonin receptors, Mirtazapine helps control nausea and vomiting. And this means a happy kitty – in my book at least!

Anxiety Disorders

Doctors may prescribe Mirtazapine for cats with anxiety disorders. For instance, say your favorite fluffy is experiencing separation anxiety when separated from his/her BFF human friend who just went back to working in the office full-time…

Good news! Feline depression and anxiety are things of the past as mirtazapine 15mg will keep your Buddha cool&collected all day long!

How is Mirtazapine Administered to Cats?

Mirtazapine varies from other drugs used inside animal medicine since it was initially created for humans. Thus, formulations meant specifically for felines do not exist yet …so they kinda have to make-do getting our medicine per human batches hence pretty customizable strength.

It can come under different amounts reliant on each majesty’s individual needs but generally speaking:
There’s typically two forms to get meds inta cuddly princes or princesses bellies:

Oral Tablets

Administering oral medication might sound challenging…but it doesn’t have to be!

Mattress? MediPillows? Temptation treats because pizza cubes must taste simply awful?? As caretakers pill-giving techniques vary one thing remains key: preparation.

Here’s some advice:

  • NEVER attempt medicating a foreign creature without having someone around who could help hold them still #donttrythisathome
  • Using e.g standard size syringe minus needle; open mouth slightly by collapsing cheeks (thumb etc) gently insert syringe between last molars/securing – squirt and swallow.
  • Pill pockets (Slogan “The 1 thing cats can’t resist!” – is damn lying #4) might genuinely function though cheese may guarantee better results.

Transdermal Gel

Trans-what-now?!
No trouble, through this particular method, mirtazapine gel could rather simply be utilized with the ease of applying revolution flea treatment to their furry coat.

It’s a relatively novel and handy approach – The medicine gets absorbed by skin & circulated in body. #5 Unlike oral consumption where due some majesty’s sensitivity stomach protection supplements needed; transdermal forms half-life merges pretty seamlessly into bloodstream hence no side effects like vomiting or diarrhea should occur.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Thankfully (or regrettably depending who you are speaking to!) Mirtazapine is generally considered safe when administered appropriately – However all medications come with risks in certain doses so watch out for:

Hyperactivity: Your cat may experience bouts of hyperactivity after taking mirtazapine.; Almost as if they just inhaled an entire box full of sugar cubes not that we’ve ever tried that ourselves…

Low Blood Pressure: If your cat has low blood pressure (#6), it increases chances risk mirtazapine causes more severe hypotension which could lead to dizziness or even fainting episodes.

Increased Appetite: This isn’t necessarily a negative consequence but yet another reason why caregivers love Miratazapine: increased appetite leads to weight gain! And let’s face it – chubby cats have been conquering hearts since forever!

If done properly, these consequences shouldn’t last long & subsequently outweighed by benefits gained from medicating.

Now go make sure your little lions are happy and plump!

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