Remeron

Uses

What is Remeron® (mirtazapine) used for?

Remeron® is used to treat major depressive disorder. Remeron® may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Remeron® is usually taken once a day at bedtime. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Take the regular Remeron® tablet with water.

It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Do not stop using Remeron® suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using mirtazapine.

How do I store Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Remeron® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Remeron® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Remeron® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Remeron® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Remeron® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Do not use Remeron® if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Remeron®. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Remeron® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Remeron®. Remeron® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Side effects may occur when using this drug:

• Somnolence
• Sedation
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Increase in appetite
• Abnormal dreams
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Myalgia
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Urinary retention
• Increased creatine kinase

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Remeron® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Remeron® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Remeron® (mirtazapine)?

Remeron® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

To make sure Remeron® is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Low blood pressure or dizzy spells
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Heart disease, including angina (chest pain)
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• A history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Remeron® (mirtazapine).

What is the dose of Remeron® (mirtazapine) for an adult?

Adult including the elderly

The recommended dose is 15-45 mg daily.

Starting dose: 15 or 30 mg.

Increase to max dose if response is insufficient.

Adequate dose should result in positive response w/in 2-4 wk. If there is no response w/in a further 2-4 wk, treatment should be stopped.

What is the dose of Remeron® (mirtazapine) for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Remeron® (mirtazapine) available?

Remeron® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Remeron® tablet 30 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Remeron®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose