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Mirtazapine / RemeronProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a 'high' feeling. * This medication must be taken on a regular basis to be of benefit. * When taken regularly, mirtazapine may take up to 6 weeks before the full effects are realized. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss doses. * Mirtazapine may be taken with or without food. * Use of alcohol with mirtazapine may result in serious side effects. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, consult with your prescriber. * Mirtazapine should not be discontinued without first consulting with your prescriber. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. Mirtazapine is usually well tolerated. When side effects do occur, they tend to be mild temporary. Possible side effects include: * Drowsiness: Mirtazapine should be taken one hour before bedtime. Make sure you know how you react to this drug before driving or using dangerous machinery. Drowsiness often disappears with increased dose. * Dizziness: Arise from sitting or lying position slowly. * Increased appetite: This occurred in 10-15% of patients in pre-marketing clinical trials. Weight gain averaged 2-4 pounds. Regular exercise may prevent significant weight gain. * Dry Mouth: Drink plenty of fluids. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to promote saliva production. * Constipation: Unusual. Drink plenty of fluids. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits (especially pineapple), and high-fiber grains (e.g. oatmeal, bran cereals, high-fiber bread). * Lab tests: Cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be mildly increased in some patients. * Report any unusual infections (recurrent or more severe than usual colds, diarrhea, etc.) to your primary care physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment by your prescriber while taking mirtazapine: * Benzodiazepines (diazepam/Valium, lorazepam/Ativan, alprazolam/Xanax, clonazepam/Klonopin, Chlordiazepoxide/Librium, clorazepate/Tranxene, halazepam/Paxipam, flurazepam/Dalmane, oxazepam/Serax, prazepam/Centrax, estazolam/ProSom, quazepam/Doral, temazepam/Restoril, triazolam/Halcion). * Other medications that may cause drowsiness. * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (special antidepressants). While other serious drug interactions have not been reported, the following medications may require dosage adjustments: * Tramadol/Ultram, Haloperidol/Haldol, Risperidone/Risperdal, Olanzapine/Zyprexa, Thioridazine/Mellaril, Beta blockers (propanolol/Inderol, Timolol, Metoprolol), Codeine, Dextromethorphan (a cough suppresant found in many over-the-counter cold medications), fluoxetine/Prozac, paroxetine/Paxil, Tricyclic antidepressants, Venlafaxine/Effexor. * Clozapine/Clozaril, Caffeine, Theophylline, Nefazodone/Serzone, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Astemizole/Hismanal, Terfenadine/Seldane, Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, verapamil), carbamazepine/Tegretol, Cisapride, Erythromycin, Ethinyl Estradiol (an estrogen), Ketoconazole. |
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