How to Use Avanza

The Australian drug Avanza, which also goes by the name mirtazapine and Remeron in the U.S., is a Food and Drug Administration approved drug for treating depression. In addition to treating depression, it can also be used for those who suffer from extreme insomnia. What makes this drug different from the other antidepressants and sleep aids on the market is that Avanza has few side effects. Like any drug, however, Avanza should be used with care to help prevent future health complications.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about dosage. According to drugs.com, the usual dose for Avanza is 15 mg, but there are many cases where 7.5 mg were used and increased by 7.5 mg over time to help your body adjust to the medication. The maximum dose taken should be 45 mg, though there are rare cases where up to 90 mg were used. This dosage isn't recommended, as the possibility of side effects increases.

• 2

  Take Avanza daily before bed for best results. You should avoid taking the drug with water, it is meant to be swallowed with saliva only. Avoid suddenly stopping Avanza as this can lead to severe withdrawal. If you do decide to stop taking Avanza, decrease your dosage by 7.5 mg each week until you're down to taking nothing.

• 3

  Avoid drinking alcohol when using Avanza. This is the only diet change you need to make while taking the drug, but it's an important one. Avanza lowers the amount of alcohol you need to become intoxicated. For example, if you're usually able to drink three beers before feeling drunk, you may only be able to drink one while using Avanza. The drug may also increase tiredness and decrease alertness when drinking.

• 4

  Wait two weeks for Avanza to start working if you're taking it for depression. After two weeks, you should start to see results and feel better. If you haven't, talk to your doctor about increasing the dosage. If you're using Avanza for insomnia, you should start to see results after the first two nights.

• 5

  Avoid taking Avanza if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking the drug or if you're breast-feeding.