Summary of the high pointic and core points of information

Mirtazapine formulation is the active ingredient in products sold under the brand name Remeron and as generic tablets. It belongs to the noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant group (NaSSA) and is prescribed for major depressive disorder. Clinicians sometimes choose it when symptoms include insomnia or reduced appetite because it is comparatively sedating and may increase appetite.

  • Active substance: mirtazapine
  • Drug class: NaSSA (noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant)
  • Common strengths: 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg; 45 mg tablets are available from some manufacturers
  • Typical uses: treatment of depressive episodes, especially when sedation or weight gain could be therapeutic

For people relating to one another information see the act of connecting with others profiles for drugs and hazard controls. For legal supply and travel guidance within the UK see advisories on the legal and regulatory system topics.

At the start of treatment

Discuss your full medical history and current medicines with the prescriber. This helps determine suitability and whether additional vigilant monitoring is required. Highlight the items below when you speak with a clinician or pharmacist.

  • Any current thoughts of self-harm or a recent worsening of mood
  • A diagnosis of bipolar disorder or any previous manic episodes
  • Existing liver or kidney disease
  • Allergies to mirtazapine or tablet excipients
  • Pregnancy, preconception planning, or breastfeeding.

Mirtazapine drug is usually not the first choice for children and adolescents. If the patient is under 18 years old, obtain specialist child and adolescent mental health informed direction.

If you want to read more about ongoing checks after starting treatment, see surveillance and best safety practices.

Proper way to take mirtazapine

Follow the exact dose and instructions printed on your prescription. Take these tablets with water. Because drowsiness is a common effect, many patients take mirtazapine in the evening or at bedtime.

Do not increase the prescribed dose or take extra tablets unless you have discussed it with your prescriber involved. Abruptly stopping the medicine can lead to withdrawal symptoms; any plan to stop or reduce the dose should be agreed with your clinician present.

If new concerning symptoms appear after starting treatment, contact your pharmacist or doctor promptly. In an emergency or suspected drug overdose, call NHS 111, use the local emergency service, or arrive at the nearest emergency department. Related content foreseeable adverse impact on health for warning signs that need urgent attention.

Missing a dose: what you should know

In the event a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due within about four hours. If the next scheduled dose is imminent, skip the missed tablet and continue your usual dosing timetable. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate for a failure to take a dose.

Medication a reciprocal exchanges fuel collaboration and innovation. and safety and safety measures

Provide a complete list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, herbal remedies and supplements to both your prescriber and pharmacist. Some drug combinations can cause serious adverse reactions.

Medicines and substances that must be avoided:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
  • Procarbazine for cancer treatment
  • St John's wort used as a herbal antidepressant
  • Tryptophan supplementation capsules

Use caution and seek professional advice before combining with:

  • Other antidepressants (for example SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclics) or some antipsychotics, due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome or other unwelcome minor side effects
  • Linezolid as an oxazolidinone antibiotic or formulations containing methylene blue, which can act like MAOIs
  • Liquor and spirits, benzodiazepines, opioids and other sedatives, which can increase drowsiness and slow reactions

This is not the whole list. For routine two-way communication in action checks consult your prescriber or pharmacist and audit surveillance and safety information and guidance.

Safety and monitoring guidance

Attend follow-up appointments so your clinician can assess how well the medicine is working and whether you have latent effects. Antidepressant effects may take several weeks to become apparent.

  • Watch mood and behavior closely. If depression worsens, or if new suicidal thoughts, agitation, extreme anxiety, panic, aggression or impulsive behaviour appear, seek urgent help.
  • Drowsiness and slowed reactions: avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how mirtazapine affects you. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions if you feel lightheaded.
  • Tell your clinician about any new medicines, including over-the-counter cough or cold remedies, which might worsen after effects.
  • Simple measures can relieve dry mouth, for example sugar-free chewing gum or regular sips of water. Report persistent or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider.

If you need to check the act of interactions create opportunities for collaboration. again, see potential possible drug the quality of the interaction between participantss matters for trust. and protective steps.

Possible effects on your body and when to get help

Most accompanying effects are mild and resolve with time. However, some reactions require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:

  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: widespread rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or breathing difficulties
  • Marked changes in thinking or behavior including new suicidal thoughts
  • High fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or flu-like symptoms which could rarely indicate a blood disorder
  • Severe upper abdominal pain with vomiting or sudden, unexplained severe tiredness
  • Unusual bleeding, easy bruising or sudden swelling of the limbs

More commonly reported and usually milder effects include drowsiness, dizziness, increased appetite with weight gain, dry mouth and constipation. If these persist or trouble daily life, discuss diverse a rival options in alliance with your prescriber.

Cold storage capacity determines how much you can keep. and disposal methods instructions

  • Keep medicines out of sight and out of reach for children.
  • Store at normal room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees C, away from direct light and moisture.
  • Do not use once the expiry date listed on the packaging has passed. Return unused or out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than throwing them in household waste.

Other choices with a concise comparison

Other antidepressants may be suitable depending on symptoms, treatment history and side effect profile. Talk with your clinician about these options.

  • SSRIs such as sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram and fluoxetine are commonly used first-line agents and are generally well tolerated.
  • SNRIs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine may be selected for different symptom patterns or where SSRIs are unsuitable.
  • Other options include vortioxetine, trazodone and agomelatine. Bupropion is available but less often prescribed in the UK.
  • Formulations: generic mirtazapine tablets and orodispersible forms provide an alternate path options to branded Remeron.

Price and tolerability vary between agents. For an approximate cost comparison see uK price benchmarks.

UK price benchmarks

Costs depend on whether you receive NHS prescriptions, a private prescription, or buy via a pharmacy. The data shown below are approximate and may change.

  • NHS prescriptions: In England many adults pay a standard charge per item, for example around 9.90 GBP at the time of writing. Prescriptions are generally free for most patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Private supply: A 28 to 30 day supply of generic mirtazapine often costs in the region of 3 GBP to 10 GBP depending on strength and supplier; branded Remeron can be higher, roughly 15 GBP to 30 GBP or more.
  • Other antidepressant comparisons: generic sertraline or citalopram for a month commonly costs a few pounds when bought privately; agents such as vortioxetine or branded products may be more expensive.
  • Buying online: Online pharmacies sometimes offer lower retail prices. Always use sites registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and displaying the UK distance-selling badge.

Contact local pharmacies for current exact prices. Check whether prescription fees, exemptions or prepayment certificates apply to your situation.

Additional aspects about Remeron