Mirtazapine

MIRTAZAPINE ORAL (mer-TAZE-uh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Remeron

USES: This medication is used to treat depression.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this by mouth as directed at bedtime. Do not increase your dose or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth and constipation, ankle swelling or unusual dreams or thoughts may occur. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Standing up slowly may help prevent dizziness from occurring. Notify your doctor if you develop any flu-like symptoms (sore throat, fever, chills, weakness, muscle aches, or mouth sores) or chest pain while taking this. Though unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives or itching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have any heart disease, low blood pressure, chest pain, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, stroke or any allergies. It is recommended to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this since drowsiness will be increased. Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use with caution.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take particularly other psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines) or antidepressants especially MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, furazolidone, selegiline) or high blood pressure drugs including water pills, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication, sedatives, tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) or muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine). 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 may include disorientation, sluggishness, drowsiness or deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Although you may notice improvement in your condition over 1 to 4 weeks, continue taking this medication as directed and keep all doctor appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take 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-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from moisture and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children.