Remeron Soltab (Mirtazapine)

Description

Indications

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adult patients. It works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Uses and Dosage

Mirtazapine is available in both tablet and disintegrating tablet form for oral consumption. It is typically taken once daily, just before bedtime, and may be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions on the prescription label precisely and to seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if any aspect is unclear.

The disintegrating tablet should be removed from the blister packaging using dry hands and placed directly on the tongue where it will dissolve without the need for water. Once removed from the packaging, the tablet should be consumed immediately as it cannot be stored.

It may take several weeks or longer to experience the full benefits of mirtazapine. Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, and to never discontinue use without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dosage in the event that you need to stop taking mirtazapine.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• increased appetite
• weight gain
• abnormal dreams

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• severe dizziness or fainting
• eye pain, swelling, or redness
• widened pupils
• vision changes, such as seeing rainbows around lights at night or blurred vision.

Caution

• Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as this product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
• Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, especially if you have a history or family history of psychiatric disorders, a history or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, heart disease, stroke, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), low blood pressure, or a personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
• Mirtazapine may lead to a condition affecting the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can rarely cause serious (and rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, such as severe dizziness or fainting. The risk of QT prolongation may increase with certain medical conditions or if you are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you are taking and whether you have certain heart problems or a family history of such problems.
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may rise with the use of certain drugs (like diuretics/”water pills”) or in conditions involving severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Discuss the safe use of mirtazapine with your doctor.
• This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely, and limit alcoholic beverages.
• This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition requiring restriction of aspartame (or phenylalanine) intake, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly drowsiness and QT prolongation.
• During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. If used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, your newborn may rarely develop symptoms, including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness, or constant crying. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly. However, since untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
• This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Remeron Soltab is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Remeron Soltab disintegrating tablet:
  • 15 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 45 mg
• mirtazapine tablet:
  • 15 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 45 mg

FAQ

Is Remeron Soltab very sedating?

Although sedation is expected at low doses, it is usually most noticeable in the first few weeks of therapy and diminishes with continued treatment.

How long should you stay on Remeron Soltab?

Remeron Soltab is generally safe to take for a long time. There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months or years.

Resources

1. https://www.psychdb.com/meds/antidepressants/nassa/mirtazapine#:~:text=Although%20sedation%20is%20expected%20at,and%20diminishes%20with%20continued%20treatment
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/mirtazapine/common-questions-about-mirtazapine/#:~:text=Mirtazapine%20is%20generally%20safe%20to,may%20suggest%20coming%20off%20mirtazapine
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mirtazapine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067334?p=1
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20404/remeron-soltab-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697009.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/remeron-soltab.html