Drug Title

Remeron (Mirtazapine)

Drug Uses

Remeron is a tetracyclic antidepressant that is used for treating symptoms associated with depression. Doctors may also prescribe it for other conditions.

How it is taken

Remeron can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday (in the night before bedtime)

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Remeron is a tetracyclic antidepressant that helps reduce depression by increasing the incidence of certain chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine, serotonin).

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Remeron then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, liver or kidney disease or a low white blood cell count.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking furazolidone, you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Remeron and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Remeron is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because they increase the effectiveness of Remeron.

Fluvoxamine, furazolidone, or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because they cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or seizures.

Clonidine because it reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flu symptoms, increased appetite, weakness, weight gain. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), decreased ability to fight infection (fever, chills, sore throat), mental or mood changes, mouth sores, thoughts of hurting yourself, tremors, worsening of depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.