Remeron
® (
mirtazapine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Remeron is manufactured by Organon USA. Generic versions of the medication are made by several manufacturers.
It is not entirely clear how it works, since no other medications work exactly like it.
Remeron blocks several different kinds of receptors, including serotonin, norepinephrine, histamine, alpha, and muscarinic receptors.
It is thought that the
antidepressant effects of the drug are due to its actions on serotonin and norepinephrine. These are chemicals used to send messages in between nerves. However, if serotonin or norepinephrine levels become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. It is thought that Remeron's actions on other types of receptors cause some of the drug's side effects, such as drowsiness or low
blood pressure.
Certain receptors decrease the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine released by the nerves. Remeron blocks these inhibitory serotonin and norepinephrine receptors, causing more of these chemicals to be released. This may help to relieve the
symptoms of depression.
Studies have shown Remeron to be effective at treating
depression in adults. People who took the drug showed more improvement in their
symptoms of depression when compared to people not taking it. Also, long-term studies have shown that fewer people taking it have a relapse (have their depression come back) than people not taking it.
When and How to Take Remeron
General considerations for when and how to take the drug include the following:
- Remeron comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once a day, usually at bedtime (because it often causes drowsiness).
- For people who have trouble swallowing tablets, it also comes in an orally disintegrating tablet form (Remeron SolTab®). These tablets will rapidly dissolve on your tongue, with no need to drink water.
- Do not cut Remeron SolTabs. Also, to avoid crushing the delicate SolTabs, do not try to push the tablets through the foil blister. Peel back the foil to remove the SolTab.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Remeron include:
(Click Remeron Side Effects to learn more, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting treatment for depression early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
Remeron is generally quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Examples of substitute depression medications include:
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Remeron may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Loss of life (especially if Remeron is taken with other medications).
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Remeron Be Stored?
Remeron should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container. SolTabs (the orally disintegrating tablets) should be kept in their original blister packaging until just before use.
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Remeron as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Remeron tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Remeron 15 mg tablets
- Remeron 30 mg tablets
- Remeron 45 mg tablets.
Remeron SolTabs are available in the following strengths:
- Remeron SolTab 15 mg tablets
- Remeron SolTab 30 mg tablets
- Remeron SolTab 45 mg tablets.
Both brand-name and generic Remeron tablets and SolTabs are currently available.
