Drug Name

Remeron (Mirtazapine)

Drug Uses

Remeron is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Remeron as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Remeron comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Remeron refilled.
Take Remeron by mouth with or without food.
Take Remeron in the evening before bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Improvement should be noticed within 1 to 4 weeks of taking Remeron.
Continue to take Remeron even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Remeron is a tetracyclic antidepressant. How Remeron improves depression symptoms is not fully understood. It is thought to increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine, serotonin), which help elevate mood.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Remeron , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Remeron at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Remeron out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Remeron if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Remeron;
• you are taking furazolidone ;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Remeron . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney disease or a low white blood cell count, or have attempted or thought about suicide

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Remeron . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because they may decrease Remeron 's effectiveness
• Fluvoxamine, furazolidone, or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, or seizures, may occur
• Fluvoxamine because it may increase the risk of Remeron 's side effects
• Clonidine because it may decrease Remeron 's effectiveness

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal dreams; abnormal thinking; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flu symptoms; increased appetite; weakness; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased ability to fight infection (fever, chills, sore throat); mental or mood changes; mouth sores; thoughts of hurting yourself; tremors; worsening of depression.

More Information

Remeron is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.