IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise andjudgment
of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
MIRTAZAPINE - ORAL
(mer-TAZE-uh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron
USES: Mirtazapine is used to treat depression.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth
once daily preferably at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
therapy. It may take up to two weeks before the full benefit of
this drug takes effect. Therefore, do not increase your dose or
take it more frequently than prescribed. Consult your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation,
increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects
occur: swelling of hands or feet, muscle pain,
mental/mood changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious
side effects occur: back pain, shakiness (tremor), increased urination.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but
very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever,
chills, trouble breathing, chest pain.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: kidney problems, liver problems, other mental/mood conditions
(e.g., bipolar disorder), seizures, heart disease, strokes, high
cholesterol, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as
driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize
dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from
a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the
effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into
breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: cisapride. Certain medications
taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug
interactions. Do not take MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) for at least 14 days before or
after taking this medication. Consult your pharmacist. Tell your
doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine
for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam),
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines
(e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclics such
as amitriptyline), anti-seizure
drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the label on all your medicines
(e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing
ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose include: disorientation, memory problems,
unusually fast heartbeat.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or
medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.