Question 1

What is Mirtazapine used for?

Accepted Answer

Mirtazapine is indicated for: Appetite stimulation, Appetite stimulation (CKD, cancer), nausea.

Question 2

What routes can Mirtazapine be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, Transdermal.

Question 3

Which species have cited Mirtazapine dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Mirtazapine dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 3 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Rabbit (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Mirtazapine a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Mirtazapine is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Mirtazapine?

Accepted Answer

Mirataz (transdermal) FDA-approved for feline weight loss. Strong appetite stimulant. Sedation at low doses. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Cats: q48-72h dosing (longer half-life).

Question 6

What are the side effects of Mirtazapine?

Accepted Answer

Mirataz (transdermal) FDA-approved for feline weight loss. Strong appetite stimulant. Sedation at low doses. Serotonin syndrome risk with other serotonergic drugs. Cats: q48-72h dosing (longer half-life).

Question 7

How does Mirtazapine work?

Accepted Answer

Antagonizes presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, increasing norepinephrine and serotonin release. Potent appetite stimulant.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.6–1.9 mg/kg	q24h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)	PO	1.88 mg per cat	q48h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Mirtazapine

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Mirtazapine dosing data (4 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 4 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 4 cited rules)

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