Remeron

Generic Name: Mirtazapine
Product Name: Remeron

Indication

Remeron is used to treat depression (long lasting and severe “low moods”)

Action

Occasionally, everyone experiences “low moods” due to stress from everyday life. However, in the case of depression, the feeling of being blue is much more severe and lasts longer. This is thought to be due to some chemical imbalance in the brain. Symptoms that one may experience from depression includes changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, loss of sexual drive, loss of energy, feeling low in mood and feelings of guilt.

Remeron works by correcting this chemical imbalance and hence may help to ease the symptoms of depression.

In saying this, your doctor may have prescribed Remeron for a different reason. Please ask your doctor if you are unsure why Remeron has been prescribed for you.

Dose advice

Before starting on Remeron, please ensure you have informed your doctor if you have any of the following. If any applies to you, please consult your doctor as soon as possible as Remeron may not be the best medication for you:

• If you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients included in Remeron
• If you are taking a class of medications known as the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI). Remeron should not be taken within 14 days of starting or stopping a MAOI.
• Children younger than 18 years old

Before taking Remeron, please check that you have informed your doctor if any of the following applies to you as there may be better alternatives.

• Epilepsy (e.g. fits)
• Liver disease (e.g. Jaundice)
• Kidney disease
• Heart conditions (e.g. angina or a recent Heart Attack)
• Low blood pressure (or if you are dehydrated)
• Enlarged prostate (which may cause problems with urination)
• Glaucoma (Raised pressure in your eye)
• Diabetes
• Glucose/galactose malabsorption
• Mental illnesses including schizophrenia or manic depression
• Suicidal thoughts or any thoughts about harming yourself
• You are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
• Elderly
• If you breastfeed or desire to do so.

Dose instructions:

• Your doctor will let you know how many Remeron tablets to take daily.
• Only use as directed by your doctor
• The following is simply a guide; your doctor may have prescribed you a different dose. If you are unsure please consult your doctor.
• Usual starting dose is 15mg daily which may then be increased slowly until you get optimal response.
• Usually the effective daily dose for most people is 30-45mg daily. However, this may go up to 60mg per day.
• Remember to take Remeron around the same time each day, preferably as a single dose at night before retiring to bed. (However your doctor may have directed you to take it once in the morning and once at night. Please follow your doctor’s instructions strictly.)
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water or other suitable fluids.
• Do not chew the tablets.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

All medications carry a risk of unwanted side effects. Sometimes they may be serious but more often than not they are not. Tell your health professional if you experience any side effects that concern you greatly. Some of these side effects may require medical assistance.

The following list of side effects has occurred in more than 1% but less than 10% of patients and hence is considered common.

• Increase in appetite
• Weight gain
• Drowsiness or feeling sleepy especially during the first few weeks of treatment
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Generalised fluid retention

Do not be alarmed by this list as you may not experience any of them!

Uncommon side effects

The following list of side effects has occurred in more than 0.1% but less than 1% of patients and hence is considered uncommon.

• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Headache
• You may also find some abnormalities in your liver function tests

Do not be alarmed by this list as you may not experience any of them!

References

1. MIMS Online. Remeron. 26 November 2007 [cited 2008 August 30]. Available from URL: http://mims.hcn.net.au
2. Australian Medicines Handbook. Mirtazapine. January 2008 [cited 2008 August 30]. Available from URL: http://amh.hcn.net.au

For further information talk to your doctor.