Brand Names: Remeron, Remeron SolTab

Generic Name: Mirtazapine (mir TAH zah peen)

What is Remeron?

Remeron is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Remeron is a tetracyclic antidepressant. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. It is thought to increase the activity of norepinephrine and serotonin which help elevate mood.

How Taken

Remeron is available in a regular tablet formulation (Remeron) 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.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Remeron if you are currently taking, or have taken within the last 14 days, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Before taking Remeron, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; have kidney disease; have a manic-depressive disorder; have blood problems; have high or low blood pressure or heart disease; have had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks; or have epilepsy or seizures. You may not be able to take Remeron, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Remeron is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Remeron will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Remeron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Remeron passes into breast milk. Do not take Remeron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling uncoordinated and low blood pressure. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Remeron and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; or fever, chills, a sore throat, flu-like symptoms, or sores in your mouth or nose. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Remeron If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Remeron and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: drowsiness; nausea; increase in weight or appetite; dizziness; dry mouth; constipation; or mild tremor. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature 20°- 25° C(68°- 77° F). Dispense in a tight, light resistant container.

Overdose

Signs and symptoms reported in association with overdose included disorientation, drowsiness, impaired memory, and tachycardia. There were no reports of ECG abnormalities, coma or convulsions following overdose with Remeron alone. Seek emergency medical attention.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Remeron may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking Remeron. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Remeron.