Primary caregivers have long prescribed antidepressants for the treatment of depression. With new antidepressants being introduced, physicians determine their place and may decide to use them instead of the older options. However, some traditional medications, such as Remeron, remain widely used.
Mirtazapine, which is a Remeron generic, was approved by the
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The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient's unique health circumstances and needs.
What is Remeron (Mirtazapine) Used for?
Remeron is primarily used to treat clinical depression or major depressive disorder. This condition is diagnosed when a patient experiences persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, and other symptoms that affect their functioning for two weeks or more. Other common symptoms of clinical depression include:
- Increased fatigue
- The feeling of guilt and worthlessness
- A significant change in weight and appetite
- Impaired concentration at work
- Insomnia or hyper insomnia
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts
Besides treating clinical depression, below are other Remeron uses:
- Insomnia
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
Intake Recommendations
Patients should follow their doctor’s advice and instructions that come with medications. Below are general guidelines for using mirtazapine for depression.
Remeron Dosage for Depression
Remeron tablets are available in 15, 30, and 45 mg formulations. They are also available as dissolvable tablets. The dosage recommendations for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) are as follows:
- Initial dose: patients with diagnosed MDD should start with a 15 mg dose once daily, taken just before bed, to reduce the unwanted effects.
- Maintenance dose: mirtazapine dosage is increased after every two weeks to a maximum of 45 mg daily. Physicians should continually evaluate how the patient responds to the dosage.
- Seniors: older patients of 65 years and above are recommended to take low doses to minimize the drug’s effects on renal functions.
How to Take Remeron
Patients will get the best if they take this drug as prescribed by the doctor. This includes ensuring that they take the right dose at the right time. Consult the pharmacy if the dosage isn’t written on the drug label.
Mirtazapine can be taken before or after food, and remember the next recommendations:
- plain tablets should be swallowed with water or juice because chewing them leaves a bitter taste in the mouth;
- patients should peel off the cover of orodispersible tablets that melt instead of pushing them through to avoid breakage.
Patients should also consult their physician before they stop taking Remeron. Stopping it suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, anxiety, tremors, and irritable skin sensations.
How Long Should Treatment Last?
Patients should keep taking mirtazapine until they feel better, which can take 6 to 12 months, depending on doctors’ recommendations. However, it can be used for up to two years if the condition relapses. Stopping the medication soon increases the chances of relapse.
Consult your doctor before stopping medication to avoid withdrawal effects. If you don’t notice any improvement in 4 to 8 weeks, ask for new recommendations.
What to Do with Missed Doses
Patients who miss their daily dose of Remeron should take the next dose as soon as possible. But if it’s time to take the next dose soon, it is advised to skip the missed dose and take medication according to the usual schedule. One should not take double doses to compensate for the forgotten dose.
Those who take the drug twice daily can take the missed morning dose together with the evening dose. However, they shouldn’t take the evening dose together with the morning dose if they skipped the previous evening’s dose. Forgetful patients can benefit from setting the alarm.
Remeron Side Effects
Side effects of Remeron are similar to those associated with other antidepressants and include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
If side effects do not resolve after a few days or weeks and become unbearable, consult your doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
Drug Interactions
Remeron interacts with several known medical drugs. Drug interactions impede the proper functioning of Remeron and can cause severe side effects. To avoid unwanted effects, patients should discuss their medication history, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs they are using, with healthcare providers before using mirtazapine. Patients should also disclose any vitamins and supplements they are taking.
Some medications increase the concentration of mirtazapine in blood if co-administered, while others wash away the medicine’s effects. Patients shouldn’t take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), intravenous methyl blue, and linezolid when using Remeron due to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome. The combined use of Remeron with benzodiazepines or alcohol should be avoided as it affects cognition and motor functions. Other drugs that can interact with Remeron include:
- SSRI and SNRIs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- Migraine medications
- Seizure medications
- Pain medications
Summing Up
Remeron medication is a common choice for depression treatment. But even though it is a time-tested drug, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations precisely. It will help you avoid or at least reduce side effects and notice an improvement in your symptoms sooner. To receive a personalized treatment plan and get the most suitable antidepressant prescribed online, contact EZCare doctors today.
Sources
- Mirtazapine. (2022)
Source link - A Review of Therapeutic Uses of Mirtazapine in Psychiatric and Medical Conditions. (2013)
Source link - Mirtazapine. (2022)
Source link - A Review of Therapeutic Uses of Mirtazapine in Psychiatric and Medical Conditions. (2013)
Source link
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