Mirtazapine: Drug information

Drug Class: Tetracyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Mirtazapine:

Mirtazapine belongs to the family of tetracyclic antidepressant drugs and is used in the treatment of major depression. It corrects the chemical imbalances in the brain by enhancing the nonadrenergic and serotonergic activity, thereby uplifting the mood. It helps treat appetite changes, loss of sleep and intense feelings of sadness. It is sold under the brand name of Remeron and is also commonly available as Mirt, Mirtaz, Nassa and Zipdep.

Dosage:

Mirtazapine is available in the form of tablets and is swallowed orally as whole. It is essential for you to take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor at regular intervals everyday. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Mirtazapine if you are hypersensitive to the drug.

Tell your doctor in case you are pregnant or nursing before taking this medicine.

Do not consume alcohol when taking Mirtazapine as it can result in the impairment of motor skills.

Mirtazapine can result in a condition known as Agranulocytosis and patients in the Unites States need to get themselves registered for regular monitoring of low WBC and ANC counts before taking this medicine.

Drug interactions:

The metabolism of Mirtazapine can be affected by the introduction or inhibition of drug metabolizing enzymes. Benzodiazepines should not be taken along with Mirtazapine.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include somnolence, nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, dizziness, asthenia, flu syndrome, dry mouth, constipation, edema, myalgia, tremors, confusion, dyspepsia, diarrhea, flatulence, insomnia, nervousness, headache, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia, postural hypotension, decreased libido, hypertonia, pharyngitis, rhinitis, increased sweating, amblyopia, tinnitus, taste alterations, ulcer, sensitivity to light, allergic reaction, anorexia, vertigo, agitation, anxiety, amnesia, twitching of the muscles, hyperkinesias, lacrimation disorder, urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis, urethritis and impotence.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.