Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...
For this installment, I have chosen Mirtazapine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron
GENERIC NAME(S): MIRTAZAPINE
Uses
Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Mirtazapine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron
GENERIC NAME(S): MIRTAZAPINE
Uses
Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Mirtazapine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron
GENERIC NAME(S): MIRTAZAPINE
Uses
Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
How to use mirtazapine
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using mirtazapine and each time you get a refill because new information may be available. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy, but should not exceed 45 milligrams per day.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take between 1-4 weeks to notice improvement in your symptoms. Therefore, do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
See also the Warning section.
Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling of the hands/feet, shaking (tremor), confusion, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
MIRTAZAPINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with mirtazapine:
Common side effects of mirtazapine:
Dizzy Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
High Cholesterol Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of mirtazapine:
Anxious Severe
Confused Severe
Diminished Movement Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Flu-Like Symptoms Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Severe
Mood Changes Severe
Rash Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Visible Water Retention Severe
Backache Less Severe
Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe
CoughLess Severe
Excessive Thirst Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Indifferent Behavior Less Severe
Intense Abdominal Pain Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Loss of Memory Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Muscle Weakness Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Numbness Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Sinus Irritation and Congestion Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Twitching Less Severe
Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
Widening of Blood Vessels Less Severe
Rare side effects of mirtazapine:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Absence of Menstrual Periods Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Delusions Severe
Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Feeling Anger Toward Something Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Inability to have an Erection Severe
Inflammation of the Skin with Blisters Severe
Kidney Stone Severe
Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Painful Periods Severe
Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe
Puffy Face from Water Retention Severe
secondary angle-closure glaucoma Severe
Seizures Severe
Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
Breast Fullness due to Milk Production Less Severe
Loss of Taste Less Severe
Problems with Smell Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, heart disease (e.g., recent heart attack, angina), stroke, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), low blood pressure, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
Mirtazapine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using mirtazapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using mirtazapine safely.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and QT prolongation (see above).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. If this medication is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, infrequently your newborn may develop symptoms including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness or constant crying. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly. However, since untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone ).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
Notes
Psychiatric/medical checkups (and possibly laboratory tests) must be done periodically to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Do not share this medication with others.
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 away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron
GENERIC NAME(S): MIRTAZAPINE
Uses
Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
How to use mirtazapine
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using mirtazapine and each time you get a refill because new information may be available. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy, but should not exceed 45 milligrams per day.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take between 1-4 weeks to notice improvement in your symptoms. Therefore, do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
See also the Warning section.
Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling of the hands/feet, shaking (tremor), confusion, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
MIRTAZAPINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with mirtazapine:
Common side effects of mirtazapine:
Dizzy Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
High Cholesterol Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of mirtazapine:
Anxious Severe
Confused Severe
Diminished Movement Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Flu-Like Symptoms Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Severe
Mood Changes Severe
Rash Severe
Trouble Breathing Severe
Visible Water Retention Severe
Backache Less Severe
Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe
CoughLess Severe
Excessive Thirst Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Indifferent Behavior Less Severe
Intense Abdominal Pain Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Loss of Memory Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Muscle Weakness Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Numbness Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Sinus Irritation and Congestion Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Twitching Less Severe
Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
Widening of Blood Vessels Less Severe
Rare side effects of mirtazapine:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Absence of Menstrual Periods Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Delusions Severe
Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Feeling Anger Toward Something Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Inability to have an Erection Severe
Inflammation of the Skin with Blisters Severe
Kidney Stone Severe
Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Painful Periods Severe
Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe
Puffy Face from Water Retention Severe
secondary angle-closure glaucoma Severe
Seizures Severe
Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
Aggressive Behavior Less Severe
Breast Fullness due to Milk Production Less Severe
Loss of Taste Less Severe
Problems with Smell Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels, heart disease (e.g., recent heart attack, angina), stroke, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), low blood pressure, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
Mirtazapine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using mirtazapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using mirtazapine safely.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and QT prolongation (see above).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. If this medication is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, infrequently your newborn may develop symptoms including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness or constant crying. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly. However, since untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone ).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
Notes
Psychiatric/medical checkups (and possibly laboratory tests) must be done periodically to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Do not share this medication with others.
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 away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.
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