Mirtazapine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antidepressant

Generic and brand names: mirtazapine, oral; Remeron; Remeron Softab

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat depression and anxiety.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• liver disease
• mania
• seizures
• an allergic reaction to any medicine.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much can increase the risk of side effects and can become habit-forming.

Usually you will take your daily dose at bedtime because this medicine may make you drowsy.

Your health care provider may adjust your dosage depending on your response to this medicine. Follow his or her instructions.

You may begin to feel better in 1 to 4 weeks.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval. You may need to reduce your dose slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

What should I watch out for?

If you have thoughts of suicide, contact your health care provider right away.

If you develop an infection with fever, chills, sore throat, or flulike symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

This medicine may increase your appetite and cause weight gain.

This medicine may increase your blood level of cholesterol. Talk to your health care provider about this.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue and throat)

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain), severe drowsiness, vision problems, confusion, irregular heartbeat, fainting, constipation, trouble urinating, seizures, shaking, unusual excitement, confusion, fainting, severe nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of your eyes or skin.

Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, bloating, dry mouth, increased appetite, constipation, weight gain, dizziness, abnormal dreams, lightheadedness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• benzodiazepines or phenothiazines (used to treat anxiety) such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), and lorazepam (Ativan)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) (Do not take an MAO inhibitor and this medicine within 14 days of each other)
• narcotics such as codeine, morphine, and meperidine (Demerol)
• sedatives and sleep-producing medicines such as butabarbital (Butisol), phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal).

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.