Mirtazapine Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Mirtazapine

•  Mirtazapine may worsen depression and increase the risk of suicide, especially during the beginning and end of treatment.  See black box warning.
• Long term use of Mirtazapine may cause restless leg syndrome.
• Some patients taking Mirtazapine may experience a decrease in sodium levels, or Hyponatremia.  This may be mild or fatal, and lead to coma or death.
• In some rare cases, Mirtazapine has caused Agranulocytosis, or a drop in white blood cell count.  Severe infection may occur.
• Serotonin Syndrome may occur in some patients taking Mirtazapine.  It entails a dangerous increase of serotonin in the body.

Common Side Effects of Mirtazapine

• Some of the common side effects include weakness, swelling, increased susceptibility to flu, infrequent bowel movements, increased appetite and weight gain, dry mouth, moderate to intense drowsiness, dizzy spells, and frequent urination.

Warnings & Recalls for Mirtazapine

Black Box Warning

• Antidepressants such as Mirtazapine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in patients under 24.  The patient should be monitored during the first few weeks of treatment and also while discontinuing use of the drug.  

Recall

• On February 24th, 2011, Aurobindo Pharmaceutical USA, Inc. recalled multiple lots of Mirtazapine 30 count bottles of 45 mg tablets due to degradation issues during stability testing.  To view affected lots and for more general information, see the FDA Enforcement Report here.

Other Warnings

• Mirtazapine may cause intense sleepiness.  Do not operate any hazardous machinery or drive until you know how Mirtazapine affects you.
• Patients should be screened for bipolar disorder prior to beginning Mirtazapine.
• Some drugs may negatively interact with Mirtazapine including Tramadol, Fentanyl,Lithium,St. John's Wort, tryptophan, and trycyclic antidpressants such as Elavil.
• Do not take Mirtazpine with any medication that may interfere with serotonin metabolism.
•  Mirtazapine is contraindicated with MAOI drugs.
• Tell your doctor before taking Mirtazapine if you have hypomania.
• Mirtazapine may elevate cholesterol levels in some patients.
• Some patients have reported weight gain while taking Mirtazapine.
• Mirtazapine is a class C pregnancy category drug and may be dangerous to take while pregnant.

Mirtazapine Treatment and Use

Mirtazapine | Remeron is a NaSSA drug that is prescribed for moderate to severe depression.  Recently, the FDA added a black box warning to many antidepressants including Mirtazapine due to increased suicide risk.   Mirtazapine became available to the U.S. market in 1996 by Organon International.  Today, the trade name Remeron is marketed by Merck and Co., Inc.

What does Mirtazapine do?

Mirtazapine is an antagonist for certain receptors that are associated with depression problems.

Dosage

The initial recommended dosage for Mirtazapine is 15 mg a day.  Dosage may be increased as needed up to 45 mg a day.  Mirtazapine is available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg tablets.  The patient may experience withdrawal symptoms while discontinuing use of the drug.

Other Names for Mirtazapine

Brand Names

• Avanza


• Remeron


• Zispin

Generic

• Mirtazapine 

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Mirtazapine