Generic Name: mirtazapine (mir TAH zah peen)
Typical Brand Names: Remeron, Remeron SolTab
What Is It Used For?
Remeron is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders,
panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Remeron
is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of
sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities;
changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and
thoughts of death or suicide. It is also used for many other purposes
other than those listed in medication guides.
How Is It Used?
Remeron is available in a regular tablet formulation that should
be swallowed with water. The recommended starting dose for Remeron
Tablets is 15 mg/day, administered in a single dose, preferably
in the evening prior to sleep. If you have any further questions
about this, check with your health care professional.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Remeron may include an allergic reaction,
seizures, sore in the mouth, fever, irregular heart beat and flu
like symptoms.
Less serious side effects like: drowsiness, headache, nausea,
dry mouth and eyes, constipation, sweating, difficulty concentrating,
insomnia, sleeplessness, decreased sex drive, impotence. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Its pretty much safe except for the ones given below, who are
advised to let their doctors know that they have: liver or kidney
disease, have diabetes, suffer from seizures, or suffer from suicidal
thoughts. Babies exposed to Remeron during the third trimester
of pregnancy may develop medical complications. Remeron passes
into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. It is advised
not to take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment
or if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your doctor may prescribe
a lower dose of this medication.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take mirtazapine if you are currently taking, or have taken
within the last 14 days, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine. Talk to your doctor
before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines
with Remeron.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Remeron should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture
and heat. Keep out of the reach of children in a container that
small children cannot open. Throw away any unused medicine after
the expiration date.
Anything Else I Should Know?
If you are taking Remeron you might need to be supervised for
worsening symptoms of depression at the start of therapy or when
doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal
thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age
or younger and are taking Remeron. In patients younger than 18
years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or
when doses are changed. Contact your healthcare provider if you
develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment
with remeron. Do not stop taking remeron.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
