Intro and an executive summary
Remeron is a trade name for the antidepressant mirtazapine. It is commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder and may be chosen when sleep problems or poor appetite are prominent, because it frequently causes sedation and can increase appetite.
- The main active ingredient is mirtazapine.
- Therapeutic class: antidepressant
- Common tablet strengths available in Australia: 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg
Direct navigation: view prices, nontraditional medicines, and annotations for legal use.
Prior to starting mirtazapine
Inform your prescribing doctor or pharmacist about any of the following situations before you begin treatment:
- a past or current history of bipolar disorder or manic episodes
- chronic kidney disease or liver impairment
- previous or current suicidal ideation or self-harm attempts
- known hypersensitivity to mirtazapine or any tablet excipients
- if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
If you are uncertain about any of the above, discuss it in meeting with your clinician. For children and adolescents, specialist input is usually required before prescribing mirtazapine.
What steps should be followed to take this medicine correctly?
Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Follow the dosage instructions on your prescription label exactly. Mirtazapine chemical name is most often taken once a day in the evening because of its sedating effect.
Keep dosing times consistent and do not alter the dose or stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice. If you need to stop treatment, your prescriber will advise on a suitable tapering schedule.
Should an a drug overdose case happen, call emergency services on 000 or contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 immediately.
Medication dose missed protocol
In the event that you forget a dose, take it as soon as you recall, unless there are four hours or less left before the next dose. If it is less than four hours until the next dose, skip the i did not take the dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take two pills to substitute for a missed tablet.
Medications, supplements and substances that can cause clear the networked exchange of ideass reduce confusion..
Some medicines and supplements can interact with mirtazapine. Avoid combining components mirtazapine with the following:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, or selegiline
- procarbazine
- St John s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- tryptophan supplements
Exercise caution and consult your prescriber if you take:
- other antidepressants or antipsychotic medicines
- benzodiazepines, strong opioids, or other sedating agents
- medicines known to prolong the QT interval
- strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
These lists are not exhaustive. Always give a full list of prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products to your healthcare team, and mention alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drug use.
Data monitoring and preventive measures
- The antidepressant effect can take several weeks to become apparent. Continue treatment until reviewed by your clinician.
- Be alert for worsening mood, increased anxiety, agitation, unusual behavioral changes, or suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks or after dose changes. Seek urgent help if these occur.
- Mirtazapine tablet can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Rise slowly from sitting to reduce lightheadedness.
- Avoid alcohol because it enhances sedation and may worsen temporary side effects.
- Check with a pharmacist before using non-prescription cold, cough, or allergy medications, as some may interact or increase drowsiness.
- Simple measures such as sugar-free gum, lozenges, or good hydration may relieve dry mouth; contact your pharmacist if symptoms persist.
Possible drug-related effects
Turn to medical services immediately for severe symptoms. serious signs such as:
- allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing
- fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or blistering
- flu-like symptoms including muscle or joint pain
- severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting
- confusion, extreme agitation, or thoughts of self-harm
- swelling of hands, ankles or feet
- unexpected bleeding, easy bruising, or profound tiredness
Common, generally mild drug side effects that often settle include:
- constipation
- increased appetite and weight gain
- drowsiness or dizziness
- dry mouth
If temporary side effects are persistent or troublesome, contact your prescriber or pharmacist to discuss management or replacement options.
Safekeeping and disposal
- Put medicines out of reach and out of sight for children.
- Store at 15 to 30 degrees C in a dry place away from direct light.
- Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging.
- Return unwanted or expired medicine to a participating pharmacy via the Return Unwanted Medicines program for safe disposal; do not dispose of in household rubbish or down the drain.
Options for treatment and comparable medications
Depending on the clinical situation and side effect profile desired, prescribers may consider other antidepressant classes. Typical other possible paths in Australia include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine
- Serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine
- Other options: bupropion, vortioxetine, agomelatine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline
Mirtazapine tablet tends to be more sedating and more likely to cause weight gain versus many SSRIs and SNRIs. This can be advantageous in patients with insomnia or low appetite but may be a disadvantage if weight gain is a concern. Discuss the relative benefits and potential side effects with your prescriber involved.
For more on costs, see the rates and prices section.
Average australian price levels (AUD)
Actual costs vary between pharmacies, between brands and generics, and according to whether the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) applies.
- Private (non-PBS) purchase: generic mirtazapine 15 mg or 30 mg, 30 tablets, is commonly priced between AUD 10 and AUD 45 depending on brand and pharmacy.
- PBS-subsidised personalized pricing: when listed on the PBS, the patient co-payment is often about AUD 31 for general patients and roughly AUD 7 for concession card holders (prices subject to change and may vary by year).
- Brand-name Remeron bought privately may cost noticeably more than generic versions.
These figures are indicative. Contact your local pharmacy for current custom pricing and ask whether a PBS prescription applies to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Regulatory information about Australia and its laws
- Regulatory status: mirtazapine is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
- Prescription requirements: you must have a valid prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber. Many pharmacies accept electronic prescriptions.
- PBS listing: various strengths and brands may be listed on the PBS; eligibility and co-payments depend on individual circumstances.
- Personal importation: under the TGA personal importation scheme, a person may import up to a 3-month personal supply with a valid prescription; commercial importation without appropriate licences is not allowed.
- Driving and operating machinery: driving while impaired by medication is illegal. Because mirtazapine can cause sedation, evaluate your response before driving.
- Medication misuse: sharing or selling prescription medicines is unlawful. Keep prescriptions secure to prevent diversion or misuse.
- Disposal: use community disposal programs such as Return Unwanted Medicines; do not dispose of medicines in household rubbish or wastewater.
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