Mirtazepine (Remeron) Drug for Depression: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Mirtazepine
(Remeron, United States and Canada)

Use:

Mirtazepine or Remeron is an antidepressant.

How It Works:

Mirtazepine or Remeron is an alpha 2 antagonist. It blocks receptors to increase the release of norepinephrine and serotonin. It also blocks specific serotonin receptors. The result is the increase of these two neuro chemicals in the nervous system.

Side Effects:

Mirtazepine or Remeron has fewer side effects than usually seen with antidepressant drugs - less anxiety, insomnia, nausea. In fact it is able to alleviate some of the anxiety.
The side effects most often seen are drowsiness, increased appetite, and weight gain.

Cautions for People:

Mirtazepine or Remeron requires several weeks to have its maximum effects, thus people have to be patient to see if it is effective.

Drug Interactions:

Because Mirtazepine or Remeron causes drowsiness, it will interact with any other drug - including alcohol - which may produce drowsiness.

Further Reading:

Formulary 1996;31:455
J Clin Psychiatry 1995;56:519

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.