Why is Remeron prescribed?

Remeron is prescribed for the treatment of major depression--that is, a continuous depressed mood that interferes with everyday life. The symptoms of major depression often include changes in appetite and weight, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, constant fidgeting or a slowdown in movement, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and suicidal thoughts.

Remeron is thought to work by adjusting the balance of the brain's natural chemical messengers, especially norepinephrine and serotonin. It belongs to the class of drugs known as tetracyclics and is chemically unrelated to other antidepressants such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and MAO inhibitors.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dose is 15 milligrams taken daily before going to sleep. Depending upon your response, your dosage may be increased to as much as 45 milligrams a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Remeron have not been established in children.

Special warnings about Remeron

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Remeron or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Remeron has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Remeron and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, panic, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been known to occur when drugs such as Remeron are taken in combination with other drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never take Remeron with one of these drugs or within 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow at least 14 days between stopping Remeron and starting an MAO inhibitor.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, mouth sores, chills or fever, a sore throat, or any other signs of infection, call your doctor; these symptoms may signal a serious underlying condition.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Remeron overdose include:
  Drowsiness, mental confusion, impaired memory, rapid heartbeat

How should you take Remeron?

Remeron may be taken with or without food. It is preferable to take it in the evening before you go to sleep. Even though you may begin to feel better in 1 to 4 weeks, continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed. Regular daily doses are needed for the drug to work properly.

If you are using Remeron SolTabs, an orally disintegrating form of the drug, make sure your hands are dry before removing the tablet from the blister pack and immediately place the tablet on your tongue. Do not attempt to split the tablet; it will fall apart rapidly and can be swallowed with saliva.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose if you remember within a few hours. Otherwise, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container.