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Remeron |
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What is Remeron and why is it prescribed? Remeron is prescribed for the treatment of major depression. Remeron is thought to work by adjusting the balance of the brain's natural chemical messengers, especially norepinephrine and serotonin. Remeron makes some people drowsy or less alert, and may affect judgment and thinking. Don't drive or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know whether Remeron has this effect on you. How should you take Remeron? Follow your doctors directions for taking 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 Remeron 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. Store Remeron at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container. Are there any Remeron side effects? Remeron side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Remeron side effects may include abnormal dreams and thinking, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, "flu-like" symptoms, increased appetite, sleepiness, weakness, and weight gain. Less common Remeron side effects may include back pain, confusion, difficult or labored breathing, fluid retention, frequent urination, muscle pain, nausea, swelling of ankles or hands, and tremors. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Remeron? If Remeron is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Never combine Remeron with an MAO inhibitor, and do not drink alcohol while taking Remeron. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Remeron with tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. Are there any special warnings about Remeron? 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, a sore throat, chills or fever, mouth sores, or any other signs of infection, call your doctor; these symptoms may signal a serious underlying condition. Remeron tends to raise cholesterol levels in some people. If you have a cholesterol problem, be sure to mention it to your doctor before starting therapy with Remeron. Remeron should be used with caution if you have active liver or kidney disease, or heart or blood pressure problems. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, mania, hypomania, drug use, or any other physical or emotional problems. While first taking this medication you may feel dizzy or light-headed, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help, or if this problem continues, notify your doctor. If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use the SolTab form of Remeron, which contains this substance. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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