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Remeron Alternatives

Several alternatives to Remeron are available if the medication is causing bothersome side effects or if it is not working as well as intended. Some of these alternatives include therapy, other depression medications, and "talk" therapy. In situations where medication, therapy, and the combination of these treatments are not effective, or work too slowly to relieve severe symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy may also be considered as a Remeron alternative.

 

An Introduction to Remeron Alternatives

Remeron® (mirtazapine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). The drug is generally effective in treating symptoms, and most people tolerate it quite well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not adequately control symptoms. Fortunately, several alternatives to Remeron for depression are available, including:
 
  • Therapy
  • Other depression medications (also known as antidepressants)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy
  • Alternative (natural) therapies.
 

Therapy as a Remeron Alternative

Many forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term therapies (10 to 20 weeks), can help people with depression.
 "Talk" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions. Behavioral therapists help patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from their depression.
 
(Click Psychotherapy for Depression to learn more about this depression treatment option.)
 
(Remeron Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;