Key facts about Mirtazapine
What dosages is Mirtazapine available in?
Mirtazapine is available as a 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg orally disintegrating tablet.
What is Mirtazapine used for?
Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant that is used to treat depression in adults.
How does Mirtazapine work?
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant. It works by raising the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which are important chemicals involved with regulating your mood.
How do I take Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is typically started at 15 mg by mouth (or dissolved under the tongue for ODT) once daily, typically in the evening. Your provider might raise your dose every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how well this medication works for you. The maximum recommended dose is 45 mg once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.
Mirtazapine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Mirtazapine:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling more hungry
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Mirtazapine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Mirtazapine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, hallucinations, coma
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Seizures
- Serious allergic and skin reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening, blisters, rash
- Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Mirtazapine
The following medications may interact with Mirtazapine:
- Strong CYP3A inducers: Dosage increase may be needed for Mirtazapine with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors: Dosage decrease may be needed when Mirtazapine is coadministered with strong CYP3A inhibitors
- Cimetidine: Dosage decrease may be needed when Mirtazapine is coadministered with cimetidine
- Warfarin: Monitor INR during concomitant use
Who makes Mirtazapine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Mirtazapine safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Mirtazapine will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the
National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at women’s health
