Remeron
Mirtazapine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Remeron
Remeron belongs to tetracyclic antidepressant group of medicines. Actually how Remeron acts and improves depression symptoms is not clearly understood. It may increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain like norepinephrine, serotonin etc. which help elevate mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Remeron
Remeron is used for treatment of depression. It may also be used for other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Remeron
Remeron should be used as per direction of your doctor. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Remeron also comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. You should read it carefully and read it each time you get Remeron refilled.
Remeron is to be taken by mouth with food or without food. Take Remeron in the evening before bedtime unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Improvement may take 1 to 4 weeks and you should keep taking Remeron even if you do not get any result for few weeks. Continue to take Remeron even if you feel well without missing a dose of it.
If You Miss a Dose of Remeron
If you miss a dose of Remeron, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, as you missed it for prolonged time, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up the odes to compensate the missed dose.
How to Store Remeron
Remeron should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Remeron should be stored away from moisture, heat and light in a tightly closed container. Keep Remeron out of reach of children. Do not store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Remeron
Remeron is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others. If you have any question about Remeron, you should ask your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Remeron
Do not take Remeron if you are suffering from some medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Remeron.
- If you are taking furazolidone.
- If you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine within the last 2 weeks.
Some medical conditions may interact with Remeron. You should inform your doctor if you are suffering from any medical condition that may interact with Remeron, especially the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have allergy to any medicine other than Remeron, any food or any other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, any dietary supplements etc.
- If you are suffering from any liver disease, kidney disease or a low white blood cell count, or if you have attempted or thought about suicide.
Some medicines may interact with Remeron. If you are taking any medicine that may interact with Remeron, you should inform your doctor, especially any of the following medicines:
- Fluvoxamine because it may increase the risk of side effects of Remeron.
- Hydantoins like phenytoin, because they may decrease effectiveness of Remeron.
- Furazolidone, or MAOIs like phenelzine, because side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, or seizures, may occur.
- Clonidine because it may decrease effectiveness of Remeron.
Possible Adverse Effects of Remeron
- Common and less serious side effects of Remeron are abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flu like symptoms, increased appetite, weight gain etc. If any of these side effects become persistent of troublesome you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.
- If you experience any serious but uncommon side effects of Remeron, you should consult your doctor immediately. The serious side effects of Remeron are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); decreased ability to fight infection (manifested by fever, chills, sore throat etc.); mental or mood changes, soreness of mouth, thoughts of hurting yourself like committing suicide or attempts of suicide; tremors; worsening of depression etc.