Generic Remeron

Remeron, which is generically prescribed as mirtazapine, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of depression. Remeron is a member of the family of drugs known as antidepressants. It may take several weeks before the patient experiences the effects of Remeron. This medication should not be suddenly stopped.

Remeron is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes bipolar disorder, kidney disease, liver disease, blood problems, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, epilepsy, seizures, or a recent heart attack may not be able to take Remeron or may require careful monitoring while taking Remeron, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated this medication a pregnancy risk category C. It has yet to be determined whether Remeron will cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined whether Remeron will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks before prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Remeron, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include symptoms such as fast heart rate, irregular heart beat, seizures, fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, and sores in the mouth or nose.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, increase in weight and appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and mild tremors. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Remeron.

Remeron should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as confusion, heart rate, memory loss, and drowsiness.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Remeron. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known negative interactions with Remeron include pain relievers, sedatives, cough and cold medication, anxiety relievers, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, and other medications that may intensify the effects of drowsiness. Patients who have taken an MAOI within the previous 14 days can not take Remeron. Mixing an MAOI with Remeron may result in serious complications, including coma or death.