Does Mirtazapine Actually Make Kitty Feel Better?

[ifwewerebirds]

I'm having trouble figuring out if it just makes her crazy for food, or if she actually has a reduction in pain and nausea. When she takes an 1/8 every three days, she more engaged, walking around, jumping on counters, playing with toys, etc. Is this a sign she FEELS better than without it. Yes, she has the increased vocalization and some pacing. But without it she hunches more and seems to be in pain more.

Sigh. Wish our babies could talk to us.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Well, it's an appetite stimulant, not a pain reliever, but does have side effects that can cause cats to sometimes get really "animated". Perhaps that's what you are seeing Doesn't really sound like it though. Maybe just having a full tummy makes her feel better

 

[ifwewerebirds]

Yes, but if it elevates serotonin, does she maybe feel happier in a sense?

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I haven't been able to find ANYTHING showing where it's ever been used as a "mood enhancer" for cats, and have no idea whether it's just not used because of possible side effects or not, whether seratonin in their brains works different or just what. BUT I did find that Mirt also helps with nausea, so that could certainly help make her feel better

 

[Dusty'sMama]

Our 12-year old kitty is in the middle stage of kidney failure, so we rely on Mirtazapine to keep her eating. We have learned to dose her with 50 uL oral solution of Mirtazapine 10mg/ml every other day. We had been giving the prescribed dose (100 ul) orally by syringe every 3 days but she would instantly froth at the mouth and drool out great volumes of salivary secretions/mucus for several minutes and we had no confidence in what dose she was actually receiving. So, we now add the reduced dose to her food and dose her every other day. She responds within 30 mins by increased activity, vocalizing, and begging for food. She will aggressively work to gain our attention (grabbing our legs, ambushing us, jumping up on counters and whining insistently).

We have to pace her feedings to prevent her from overeating and vomiting. We give her a daily scoop of Epakitin (nutritional supplement powder that helps support kidney function and also limits phosphorus absorption from the intestines.), and a variety of soft wet foods (tooth problems) that include diluted pouches of Hartz's Delectables Bisque Lickable Treat for Senior Cats 15 years for Digestion & Kidney Support, and other vet-prescribed kidney diet.

On Mirtazapine, she is one needy kitty for the first 24 hours, then she settles down and eats less frequently and sleeps more on the second day. Then we do it all over again on the 3rd day. Since with kidney failure, we need to counteract the inevitable dehydration from her kidneys' inability to concentrate urine to conserve water, we also infuse fluids (Lactated Ringers, subcutaneously) every other day . Our vet says that since she is eating, gaining weight, and acting like she feels better, we are buying time to extend the quality of her life. I hope this helps someone!