Uses:
Remeron, manufactured
by Organon Inc., was the first drug in a new class of antidepressants
with a unique ability to target specific serotonin receptors. Along
with its efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe depression,
Remeron has proven to be effective for treating anxiety, motor retardation,
and cognitive and sleep disturbances associated with depression.
Side Effects:
The most commonly reported drug-related side effects were drowsiness,
increased appetite, weight gain, and dizziness. In studies, drowsiness
generally appeared during the first week of treatment but decreased
in intensity over time, even as dosages increased. Other side effects
may also lessen in severity, or go away, with prolonged use of the
drug. However, weight gain can sometimes be a persistent problem.
In clinical trials, two out of 2,796 consumers treated with Remeron
developed agranulocytosis and a third consumer developed severe
neutropenia -- both potentially dangerous decreases in white blood
cell counts that cause extreme vulnerability to infection. These
consumers recovered after Remeron was stopped. However, it should
be noted that if a consumer develops a sore throat, fever, inflammation
of the mouth, or other signs of infection, he or she should discontinue
treatment with Remeron under the supervision of a doctor. Since
the introduction of Remeron in the U.S. in 1997, agranulocytosis
has not been a problem and most scientists now believe it is not
a specific side effect of Remeron
How To Take:
Remeron is available in both 15 mg (yellow) and 30 mg (red-brown)
tablets. It is also available in Sol-Tabs preparation that is dissolved
under the tongue for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
The recommended starting dose is 15 mg per day given in a single
dose before bedtime, and it can be taken with or without food. It
is recommended that one to two weeks pass before making upward dosage
adjustments, in small increments. The effective dose range of Remeron
is generally 15-45 mg/day, but some patients do well with even higher
doses. In patients with liver and kidney disease, a smaller dose
may be appropriate. As with other antidepressants, it may take several
weeks of therapy before improvement is noticeable.
Interactions:
Never combine Remeron with an MAO inhibitor; and do not drink alcohol
while taking this medication. If Remeron is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Remeron with tranquilizers such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.
About Remeron:
Remeron has a tetracyclic chemical structure that causes it to act
differently from other common antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs, and
tricyclics). While stimulating norepinephrine and serotonin release,
Remeron also has the unique ability to block two specific serotonin
receptors, thus causing fewer serotonergic side effects (such as
decreased interest in sex, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, and diarrhea).
In studies, the use of Remeron, compared with tricyclic antidepressants,
also resulted in fewer anticholinergic symptoms (blurred vision,
dry mouth, indigestion, and constipation), cardiovascular symptoms,
and cognitive disturbances. Additionally, Remeron has a relatively
high safety margin in case of overdose and a low tendency to cause
seizures. It causes no significant changes in vital signs (heart
rate, blood pressure, or body temperature) or ECG.