Remeron Side Effects

A tetracyclic antidepressant, Remeron, also known as Mirtazapine, is typically used to treat major depression. Major depression, according to the DSM-IV is a depressed mood that remains for two or more weeks and interferes with basic functioning of life-skills. Out of the following nine symptoms five must occur in order to be diagnosed with major depression: significant weight loss or change in appetite, increased fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or feelings of guilt, insomnia, suicide ideation or an attempt at suicide, impaired concentration, anhedonia, depression, or psychomotor changes. Remeron prevents nerve receptors in the brain from attaching to neurotransmitters thus increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain and in turn, elevating mood. Remeron may take several weeks to build up to a therapeutic level in the blood stream and a significant elevation in mood may not occur until that time. Typically, a physician will follow up frequently with a patient during the first three months of beginning a prescription of Remeron. Remeron is taken in pill form and dissolvable pill form. Tablets come in 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg strengths. Due to possible sedation side effects, dosages are often prescribed for night-time consumption before bed.

Increased Aggression

• When taking Remeron, increased agitation, feelings of irritability, increased impulsivity, psychomotor agitation such as pacing, wringing of hands, excessive fingernail biting, extreme restlessness or hyperactivity, and increased hostility can be experienced.

Alterations in Sleep Patterns

• Hypersomnia or somnolence is a common side effect of Remeron, with nearly 54 percent of individuals reporting increased drowsiness with consuming Remeron according to controlled clinical trial reports submitted to the FDA. Insomnia or trouble with falling or staying asleep may also occur.

Increased Depression

• Suicidal ideation, attempts at suicide, increased thoughts of self harm, intensified feelings of depression, heightened mood instability and anhedonia are all possible side effects from Remeron.

Panic Attacks

• A sudden onset of rapid heart rate, inability to breathe, intense fear of dying or personal harm, hot flashes, nausea, stomach cramps, difficulty swallowing and speaking and the symptoms remaining anywhere from ten minutes or more to over half and hour can be a panic attack as described by the Mayo Clinic. Remeron consumption may induce panic attacks in some individuals.

Increased Appetite

• Significant weight gain and an increase in appetite occurred in 12 percent of individuals who participated in clinical trials, according to reports submitted to the FDA.

Excessive Thirst

• A dry mouth was experienced by 25 percent of clinical research participants, according to FDA clinical trial reports. Also, feelings of excessive thirst may be present for individuals taking Remeron prescriptions.