What are the Uses?
Remeron, also known as mirtazapine, is a new medication introduced in the United States in June 1996, used to relieve the symptoms of:
Depression
This medication works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain and thereby relieving the symptoms of depression.
Recommended dosage: The usual starting dose is 15 milligrams taken daily before going to sleep.
When Will My Medication Start to Work? Usually, you should start feeling better within one to four weeks. It may take longer to experience the full effects of Remeron, which depends on dosage and varies from person to person.
Most Important Fact about this Drug: Remeron makes some people drowsy or less alert, and may affect judgment and thinking. Don't drive or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know whether Remeron has this effect on you.
Any Other Important Information? If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.
Remeron is a new medication which may relieve the symptoms of depression better than SSRIs or TCAs. This medication is thought to be particularly useful in reducing anxiety and sleep problems which often accompany depression. However, in clinical studies, 54% of patients have reported drowsiness (Arky, 1998)
The cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels of individuals taking Remeron was noticed in clinical trials. Consult your physician if this potential side effect is troublesome.
Alcohol is recommended to be avoided when taking this medication due to the enhancing effects Remeron may have on cognitive and motor ability.
What are the Side Effects? Remember that only some people will experience side effects and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication.
Most common side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, weakness, dry mouth, constipation, abnormal dreams and/or thinking, and "flu-like" symptoms
Infrequent side effects: Back pain, confusion, frequent urination, nausea, tremors, swelling of ankles or hands, fluid retention, difficult breathing, and muscle pain.
Rare side effects: Risks agranulocytosis (decrease in white blood cells), and hypomania
Symptoms of Remeron overdose include: Drowsiness, impaired memory, mental comfusion, and rapid heartbeat
Are there any Drug Interactions? Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.
Do NOT take Remeron if you are taking MAO inhibitors such as Parnate or Nardil. There is the potential for severe toxicity, possibly fatal, in concurrent use of Remeron and MAO inhibitors. Diazepam (Valium) should also be avoided due to the additive motor skill impairment when taken with Remeron.
Depending upon your response, your dosage may be increased to as much as 45 milligrams a day.
