Antidepressant Medications Anti-depressant Drugs Antidepressant: mirtazapine, Remeron

Antidepressant: mirtazapine, Remeron

Generic Name: mirtazapine
Brand Name(s): Remeron
Common Use: Anti Depressant

Remeron is thought to work by adjusting the balance of the brain's natural chemical messengers, especially norepinephrine and serotonin.

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.

Remeron may be taken with or without food. It is preferable to take it in the evening before you go to sleep. Even though you may begin to feel better in 1 to 4 weeks, continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed. Regular daily doses are needed for the drug to work properly.

If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose if you remember within a few hours. Otherwise, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Adverse Side Effects:

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Remeron.

More common side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams and thinking, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, "flu-like" symptoms, increased appetite, sleepiness, weakness, weight gain

Less common side effects may include:
Back pain, confusion, difficult or labored breathing, fluid retention, frequent urination, muscle pain, nausea, swelling of ankles or hands, tremors

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Remeron or similar drugs such as Ludiomil and Desyrel, you should not take this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor about any drug reactions you have experienced.

You should also avoid Remeron if you are taking the antidepressants Nardil or Parnate.

Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been known to occur when drugs such as Remeron are taken in combination with other drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never take Remeron with one of these drugs or within 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow at least 14 days between stopping Remeron and starting an MAO inhibitor.
If you develop "flu-like" symptoms, a sore throat, chills or fever, mouth sores, or any other signs of infection, call your doctor; these symptoms may signal a serious underlying condition.
Remeron tends to raise cholesterol levels in some people. If you have a cholesterol problem, be sure to mention it to your doctor before starting therapy with Remeron.
Remeron should be used with caution if you have active liver or kidney disease, or heart or blood pressure problems. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, mania (extremely high spirits), hypomania (mild excitability), drug use, or any other physical or emotional problems.

While first taking this medication you may feel dizzy or light-headed, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help, or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

Food and drug interactions:
Never combine Remeron with an MAO inhibitor; and do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. If Remeron is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Remeron with tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Remeron overdose include:
Drowsiness, impaired memory, mental confusion, rapid heartbeat

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