Uses

MIRTAZAPINE (Remeron, Remeron SolTab) is an antidepressant, a medicine that helps to lift mental depression and relieve anxiety. Mirtazapine is not like other antidepressants. Mirtazapine may be used for treating some types of tremors. Generic mirtazapine tablets are available; a generic version of Remeron SolTab (tablet that dissolves in your mouth) is not yet available.

How to take

Take mirtazapine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label and for the type of product you are taking (see below). Because mirtazapine can cause drowsiness and improve sleep, it is often taken before bed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking the tablets except on your prescriber's advice. Remeron tablets: Take these tablets by mouth, do not chew. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Remeron SolTab tablets: These tablets are made to dissolve in the mouth without having to take them with water. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. While you may take these tablets with water, it is not necessary to do so. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:; confusion; difficulty breathing; difficulty passing urine; dizziness or lightheadedness; emotional changes or unusual thoughts; fever, easy-bruising, sore throat, or mouth ulcers or blisters; flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, muscle or joint aches and pains); irregular heartbeat (palpitations); swelling of the hands or feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; back pain; dry mouth; constipation; drowsiness; increased appetite; nausea; weight gain

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take mirtazapine for several weeks before you feel better. If you have suicidal thoughts, call your prescriber or health care professional at once. You may get drowsy or dizzy while taking mirtazapine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mirtazapine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcoholic drinks. Mirtazapine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking mirtazapine.

Drug interactions

Do not take mirtazapine with any of the following medications:; medicines called MAO inhibitors - phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl) Mirtazapine may also interact with the following medications:; alcohol; amphetamines; clonidine; cocaine; furazolidone; herbal therapies, like St. John's wort, kava kava, tryptophan, or valerian; linezolid; medicines for sleep; medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or other mood problems; medicines for high blood pressure; medicines for pain; muscle relaxants; procarbazine; some medicines for allergies, colds, flu, or sinus trouble Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at a controlled temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) in a tight, light resistant container. Keep in a dry, cool place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date