Remeron

IMPORTANT NOTE | TITLE | HOW TO PRONOUNCE | COMMON BRAND NAMES | USES | OTHER USES | HOW TO TAKE | SIDE EFFECTS | PRECAUTIONS | DRUG INTERACTIONS | OVERDOSE | NOTES | MISSED DOSE | STORAGE

IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TITLE MIRTAZAPINE DISINTEGRATING TABLETS - ORAL

HOW TO PRONOUNCE (mer-TAZ-uh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAMES Remeron Soltab

USES Mirtazapine is used to treat depression.

HOW TO TAKE
Open the tablet container(s) and place the proper dose of this medication directly on your tongue once daily preferably at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. The tablet(s) will quickly dissolve and will be swallowed with your saliva; taking the dose with water/liquid is not necessary. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not break or crush the tablets. Also, do not remove any of the tablets from the original container/packaging until you are ready to take your dose. Doing so could decrease the effectiveness of the drug. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. It may take up to two weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Therefore, do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed. Consult your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of hands or feet, muscle pain, unusual or severe mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: back pain, shakiness (tremor), increased urination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: persistent sore throat or fever, chills, trouble breathing, chest pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, other mental/mood conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder), seizures, heart disease, strokes, high cholesterol, any allergies. This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria or any other condition where you must restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this drug. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes (including new or worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, rapid speech). Keep all medical appointments so your healthcare professional can monitor your progress closely and adjust/change your medication if needed. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: cisapride. Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Do not take MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine) for at least 14 days before or after taking this medication. Consult your pharmacist. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the label on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. 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. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose include: disorientation, memory problems, unusually fast heartbeat.

NOTES
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use 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 the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Take your dose immediately after opening the tablet package; do not open and store in a different container.