Mirtazapine Patient Information

Mirtazapine, also known by the brand name Remeron, is an antidepressant prescription drug. Antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, work as mood elevators in the brain, increasing the amount of serotonin and other chemicals that allow people to feel good naturally. Remeron is also sometimes prescribed to people suffering anxiety or sleeping problems.

Dosage

• Mirtazapine is available as a regular pill or an orally disintegrating tablet, according to MedlinePlus. The medication is only legally available in the United States by a doctor's prescription. The usual starting dose ranges from 15 to 45 mg. On occasion, however, as much as 120mg can be prescribed. Mirtazapine can be taken with or without food. Doctors usually advise patients to take the pill at bedtime to avoid unwanted sedation.

Precautions

• Any antidepressant, including mirtazapine, can create or exacerbate suicidal thoughts in some individuals, according to MedlinePlus. People under age 24 are especially susceptible to becoming suicidal while taking antidepressants. Those who are taking Valium or a MAO inhibitor will likely need to take another type of antidepressant medication. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid taking mirtazapine.

Common Side Effects

• Mirtazapine does have some commonly reported side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Reported side effects from the medication include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Additional common side effects include weight gain, increased appetite, anxiousness and confusion.

Serious Side Effects

• Treatment with mirtazapine can cause an allergic reaction or serious side effects that require a doctor's immediate attention, according to MedlinePlus. Hives, itching, rapid heartbeat, problems breathing and seizures can result in rare cases. Additional possible serious side effects due to mirtazapine treatment include flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, fever and chills.

Cost

• Mirtazapine is available in both a generic and the brand name Remeron. Most health insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of the medication. The amount of patient financial responsibility depends on the person's health care plan. Self-pay patients can apply for medication assistance programs if they meet low-income guidelines. The estimated cost for thirty 30mg disintegrating mirtazapine tablets is about $70, and about $118 for thirty 30mg Remeron pills. The generic form of the drug costs approximately $46 for cash-pay patients who need thirty 30mg pills.