Remeron (Mirtazapine)

What is Remeron?

Remeron is a tetracyclic antidepressant.

What is Remeron used for?

Remeron is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It also helps the patient have an elevated mood.

How does Remeron work?

Remeron works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is known to increase the activity of norepinephrine and serotonin that help in lifting up the mood.

How to use Remeron

Follow the instructions of the doctor carefully and read the information leaflet closely.

Take Remeron tablets orally, once daily, preferably at bed time. The medicine can be taken with or without food, but it has to be taken with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet without confirming first with your doctor.

Do not prolong the usage or dosage of Remeron even if you do not see the effects without asking the doctor first.

Remeron warnings and precautions

Do not use Remeron if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Remeron is not for people with increased suicidal tendencies.

Before using Remeron, discuss your personal and family medical history with the doctor, especially if it consists of bipolar or manic depressive disorder, liver or kidney disease, convulsions, high triglyceride levels in the blood, recent heart related problems, dehydration, and low blood pressure.

Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes and do not take up tasks that require constant attention as Remeron is known to cause drowsiness.

Do not get up suddenly or with a jerk after lying down.

If you are pregnant and are taking Remeron in the last 3 months of pregnancy, there might be birth defects, but do not discontinue the medicine before asking the doctor. Lactating women must talk to their doctors if they are planning to take Remeron.

What do I do if I have missed a Remeron dose?

If you have missed a dose of Remeron, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Remeron overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Remeron, contact your doctor.

Remeron interactions

Remeron must not be used in tandem with medicines like cisapride, MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid, moclobemide, furazolidone, selegiline, tranylcypromine, rasagiline, procarbazine; bupropion, sibutramine; ACE inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers; antihistamines; anti anxiety drugs like diazepam; carbamazepine; sedatives; muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers and other psychiatric medicines.

Tell your doctor about all the prescribed, non prescribed drugs, herbal medicines as well as about all the diet aids and cold and cough medicines you might be using or intend to continue taking when you are under this medication.

This will help the doctor diagnose your medical condition and accordingly prescribe a dosage that will benefit you the most. He might have to lower the dose of some other medicine in order to balance the chemistry between the two in the body.

Remeron side effects

Get medical help if you experience any rare side effects of Remeron like hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, weight gain, dryness in mouth, increased appetite and constipation are some of the common side effects from Remeron. Report to the doctor immediately if any of these persist.

The unlikely and rare Remeron side effects may include unusually severe mood fluctuation, shivering and tremors in the body; breathing trouble, persistent fever and soreness in throat. Do not ignore these and report to the doctor as soon as possible.