The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) warns about the inappropriate intake of mianserin. More and more patients are taking this antidepressant to relieve their insomnia, which is not recommended.
If you have trouble falling asleep, be careful not to take unsuitable medications. This Thursday, September 14, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) wanted to alert people about taking mianserin. “In recent years, reports of non-compliant use of mianserin, in the management of sleep disorders, in patients without associated depressionhave been reported to laboratories, particularly in patients aged over 65 years.indicates the agency in a press release.
However, mianserin “is indicated in patients with major depressive episodes” and should only be prescribed in these cases, recalls the ANSM. Patients over 65 are particularly exposed to side effects of this psychotropic drug, which can be serious: “exceptional cases of agranulocytosis [la disparition d’un type de globules blancs, NDLR]“drowsiness, hepatitis, convulsions, and “risks of suicidal-type behavior appearing in depressed patients or in patients with a history of suicide-like behavior.” It is therefore strongly recommended not to take this medication to fall asleep.especially to the elderly.
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The effectiveness of mianserin for sleep disorders is not proven
In a letter addressed to health professionals, the ANSM cites two studies to support its statement. Data from a 2018 meta-analysis published in the scientific journal Cochrane “did not justify the use of antidepressants in insomnia“. A survey carried out in 2021 among French hospital establishments also revealed that “11% [de ceux-ci avaient] reported the use of mianserin-based specialties in sleep disorders. However, to date, the available data do not justify the use of mianserin outside its indication“insists the ANSM, which recalls that the use of this molecule has harmful consequences for the health of patients.
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Passionate about writing, Floréane is interested in a wide variety of subjects. When she is not writing about current affairs, the environment or gender issues, she takes refuge under a blanket…