Remeron

Remeron Drug Information

• Remeron Overview

  Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

• Remeron Warnings

  Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

• How to Use Remeron

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using mirtazapine and each time you get a refill because new information may be available. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Remeron by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. The Dosage of Remeron is based on your medical condition and response to therapy, but should not exceed 45 milligrams per day. Use Remeron regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Remeron at the same time each day. It may take between 1-4 weeks to notice improvement in your symptoms. Therefore, do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. It is important to continue taking Remeron even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Remeron without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Remeron Precautions

  Before taking Remeron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. Remeron may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Remeron, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, heart disease (e.g., recent heart attack, angina), stroke, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), low blood pressure, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). Mirtazapine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using mirtazapine,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using mirtazapine safely. Remeron may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Remeron, especially drowsiness and QT prolongation (see above). Remeron should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. If Remeron is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, infrequently your newborn may develop symptoms including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness or constant crying. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly. However, since untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Remeron unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Remeron during pregnancy. Remeron passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Remeron Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Remeron, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Remeron Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Taking MAO inhibitors with Remeron may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Remeron. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Remeron. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Remeron. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone ). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

• Remeron Side Effects

  What are Remeron side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Remeron may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Remeron as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Remeron

  The side effects of Remeron may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Remeron. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Remeron may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Remeron, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Remeron.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Remeron, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Remeron and the side effects associated with Remeron are described in the following:

  Common Remeron Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • general weakness
  • weight gain
  • increased appetite
  • hypercholesterolemia

  Less Frequent Remeron Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • mood changes
  • agitation
  • hyperkinesis
  • flu-like symptoms
  • hypokinesia
  • skin rash
  • edema
  • dyspnea
  • hypertension
  • increased alanine transaminase

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • back pain
  • myalgias
  • vertigo
  • tremor
  • paresthesia
  • polydipsia
  • vomiting
  • increased urinary frequency
  • peripheral edema
  • nervousness
  • nausea
  • acute abdominal pain
  • malaise
  • vasodilation of blood vessels
  • anorexia
  • muscle weakness
  • arthralgias
  • hypesthesia
  • indifference
  • twitching
  • memory impairment
  • cough
  • sinusitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urinary tract infection

  Rare or Very Rare Remeron Side Effects

  Severe

  • agranulocytosis
  • neutropenic disorder
  • manic disorder
  • delusional disorder
  • depersonalization
  • suicidal ideation
  • hypomania
  • hostility
  • erectile dysfunction
  • dysmenorrhea
  • amenorrhea
  • hallucinations
  • seizure disorder
  • facial edema
  • irritability
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • bullous dermatitis
  • erythema multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • serotonin syndrome
  • akathisia
  • hyponatremia
  • prolonged QT interval
  • kidney stone
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • extrapyramidal disease
  • accommodation disorder
  • torsades de pointes

  Less Severe

  • dream disorder
  • aggressive behavior
  • parosmia
  • breast engorgement
  • loss of taste
  • hyperprolactinemia
  • sleep walking disorder

• Remeron Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Remeron when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.