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Remeron (Mirtazapine) - Summary

 


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Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of REMERON® (mirtazapine) Tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. REMERON® is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use)

 

REMERON SUMMARY

REMERON® (mirtazapine) Tablets are an orally administered drug. Mirtazapine has a tetracyclic chemical structure and belongs to the piperazino-azepine group of compounds. It is designated 1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-2-methylpyrazino [2,1-a] pyrido [2,3-c] benzazepine and has the empirical formula of C17H19N3.

REMERON® (mirtazapine) Tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

The efficacy of REMERON® in the treatment of major depressive disorder was established in six week controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 3rd edition (DSM-III) category of major depressive disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

The effectiveness of REMERON® in hospitalized depressed patients has not been adequately studied.

The efficacy of REMERON® in maintaining a response in patients with major depressive disorder for up to 40 weeks following 8–12 weeks of initial open-label treatment was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial. Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use REMERON® for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).


See all Remeron indications & dosage >>

REMERON NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Remeron (Mirtazapine)

Depression May Up Heart Attack Risk
Source: MedicineNet Congestive Heart Failure Specialty [2008.11.26]

Seniors Who Experienced The Great Depression Facing Growing Anxiety Today
Source: Anxiety / Stress News From Medical News Today [2008.11.25]

Physical Activity Key to Cardiovascular Impact of Depression
Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular [2008.11.25]

Depression's Behavior Changes Linked to Heart Risks (HealthDay)
Source: Y! Health Addiction News [2008.11.25]

Study Finds Depression In Adults 100 Years Old And Over Is Poorly Understood, Under Diagnosed
Source: Depression News From Medical News Today [2008.11.24]

more >>

Published Studies Related to Remeron (Mirtazapine)

Two randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. [2008.06.01]

A placebo-controlled trial of mirtazapine for the management of methamphetamine withdrawal. [2008.05]

Dual-dual action? Combining venlafaxine and mirtazapine in the treatment of depression. [2008.04]

Mirtazapine decreases the pain feeling in healthy participants. [2008.02]

Venlafaxine versus Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder : A 12-Week Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial. [2008]

more >>

Clinical Trials Related to Remeron (Mirtazapine)

PET Neuroimaging of [11C]Mirtazapine [Completed]

A Placebo-Controlled Study of Mirtazapine for PTSD in OIF/OEF Veterans [Recruiting]

Effects of Mirtazapine on Appetite in Advanced Cancer Patients [Recruiting]

Efficacy of Mirtazapine in Depressed Cocaine Dependent Subjects [Recruiting]

Dose Response of Mirtazapine to Methamphetamine Induced Interest, Mood Elevation and Reward [Recruiting]

more >>

REMERON PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 2 ratings/reviews, Remeron has an overall score of 4. The effectiveness score is 4 and the side effect score is 5. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst.
 

Remeron review by 47 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   depression
Dosage & duration:   30mg taken 1/day for the period of 4 months
Other conditions:   insomnia
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Boosted my mood a fair amount. My MD chose this med because I was having significant insomnia, and it definitely helped that, which was great.
Side effects:   But after I had caught up on my sleep, I felt very grogged out, even in the daytime. This was not acceptable, and I soon stopped the med.
Comments:   Took before med to help with sleep and avoid daytime grogginess. But it still made me groggy during the day.

 

Remeron review by 22 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Depression
Dosage & duration:   15mg taken x1/day for the period of 1 1/2 months
Other conditions:   Anxiety, chronic pain
Other drugs taken:   Wellbutrin
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   No apparent benefits. Had virtually no effect on my depression and it quickly became intolerable to use.
Side effects:   Extreme drowsiness, weight gain.
Comments:   Had virtually no effect on my depression and the side effects were intolerable. Took it at bedtime but was still quite groggy throughout the day. Gained about 25lbs before I stopped it.

See all Remeron reviews / ratings >>

Page last updated: 2008-11-26

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