More than
Consult a doctor to know what medication will help you manage anxiety best.
What Is Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine, sold under the brand name Remeron, is an antidepressant. It belongs to the
How Does Mirtazapine Work?
Remeron for sleep and anxiety improve a patient’s mood, increasing the levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters — noradrenaline and serotonin — in the brain by blocking presynaptic α2 -adrenergic receptors. It also blocks postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors which reduces anxiety and insomnia and stimulates appetite.
Doctors don’t typically prescribe Mirtazapine as a first-line treatment for anxiety. Still, the initial treatment for anxiety disorders often includes drugs on the antidepressants list, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Nonetheless, a doctor may prescribe Mirtazapine if anxiety symptoms are severe enough and first-line medications fail to produce desired effects.
Remeron Dosage for Anxiety
Mirtazapine is available in the form of dispersible tablets of 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg dosages. There is also a dosage of 15 mg/ml in a liquid state. As it has a sedating effect, the best time to take Mirtazapine is before bed.
Doctors usually recommend a starting dose of 15-30 mg of Mirtazapine each day before bedtime for two to four weeks when treating depression or anxiety. After this period, the doctor may adjust a patient’s dose based on their body’s response.
Remeron may be more effective in treating insomnia and anxiety than other antidepressants. While many people report feeling better soon after beginning treatment, the full benefits of the medication may not become apparent for up to six weeks.
Remeron: Side Effects
Like any other medication, Remeron can have side effects:
Common Side Effects of Mirtazapine
The most prevalent side effects linked to Remeron include:
- Weight gain
- Sleepiness
- Disturbing dreams
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Constipation
- Muscle pains
Patients will likely experience side effects as their body adjusts to the medication. Their doctor will probably begin treatment with a low dose and gradually increase it as their body adapts.
Serious Side Effects
Some people using Mirtazapine may experience severe side effects, which may include:
- Unusual thoughts
- Confusion
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggressiveness
- Severe rash
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Neutropenia
- Increased cholesterol
- Acute pancreatitis
Consult a doctor before stopping any medication. MEDvidi is here to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Remeron Overdose and Withdrawal Symptoms
Signs of an overdose can include drowsiness, memory loss, confusion, and a rapid heart rate. If a person has overdosed, call a doctor or emergency services.
Stopping taking Remeron for anxiety suddenly can make one experience withdrawal symptoms. Patients should consult their doctor about tapering off Mirtazapine when they feel better or need to stop taking the prescription.
Warnings and Precautions
Unfortunately, Mirtazapine may not be an excellent choice for everyone. If a person has any of the following health issues, they should not take Mirtazapine:
- Heart problem: Mirtazapine can arrhythmias.
- Epilepsy: Although it is highly unusual, Remeron may raise the chances of seizures.
- Glaucoma: When people use Mirtazapine, their eye pressure may increase.
- Allergy: People with a history of severe reactions to the medication should not use Mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine may also make it more challenging to maintain healthy blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Patients should also avoid alcohol when taking the drug, as it can increase the sedative effects of Mirtazapine.
Drug Interactions
Interactions between Remeron and other medications may reduce the effectiveness of both drugs, change how long it takes for the medicine to take effect, or increase the risk of side effects.
When combined with other drugs that stimulate serotonin, such as certain antidepressants, migraine drugs, pain relievers, and the antibiotic linezolid, the risk of
If a person is currently taking any of the following, they should inform their doctor or pharmacist:
- Anticoagulants
- Buspar
- Lithium
- Abilify (Aripiprazole)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.
- Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including Cymbalta, Effexor, and Pristiq.
- St. John’s Wort
- Valium
- Warfarin
Patients should not take Remeron and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine 14 days before or after using one.
This is not a complete list of interactions with Remeron. Patients should always consult their doctor to familiarize themselves with all the possible drug interactions.
Final Word
Remeron or Mirtazapine is an antidepressant prescription medication that is prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The FDA approved it for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). It may also help if anxiety prevents a patient from getting a good night’s sleep.
A patient may use it as a standalone medication or in combination with others. Although the sedative effects kick in immediately, the full effect takes 4-6 weeks. To know more about the effectiveness and risks of taking Remeron in your particular case, contact MEDvidi and book an appointment today.
