|  |
|
One in four women and one in ten men can expect to develop some form of depression during their lifetime. About half of all cases of depression go unrecognized and untreated. Despite its impact, depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses.
There are several ways to treat depression, including drug therapy. The proper use of medication can help your life become enjoyable again. Remeron is the first Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NaSSA) used to treat depression.
Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Remeron works to increase the release of two neurotransmitters in the brain: noradrenaline, and serotonin. This dual action is increasingly being recognized as a more effective way in treating depression.
Remeron does not have anticholinergic side effects like constipation, urinary retention and dizziness. In addition, Remeron blocks other serotonin receptors that cause the unwanted side effects like sexual dysfunction, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, and gastrointestinal disorders like nausea.
Some of the more common adverse side effects of Remeron include daytime sleepiness, which usually subsides rapidly after the first week and in some cases increased appetite and weight gain.
Usage: Remeron is in a class of drugs called Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NaSSA). Remeron affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Remeron is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Directions: Take Remeron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Remeron is available in a regular tablet formulation (Remeron) that should be swallowed with water. Remeron is also available in a rapidly-disintegrating formulation (Remeron SolTab) that will disintegrate rapidly when placed on the tongue and can be swallowed with or without water. If you are taking the Remeron rapidly-disintegrating tablets (Remeron SolTab), open the blister pack with dry hands and use the tablet immediately after removal from the blister pack. Do not attempt to split the rapidly-disintegrating tablets. Remeron is usually taken once a day, preferably at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions. It may be several weeks before you start to feel better. Even when you start to feel better, do not stop taking Remeron without first talking to your doctor.
Side Effects:If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Remeron and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; or fever, chills, a sore throat, flu-like symptoms, or sores in your mouth or nose. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Remeron and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness; nausea; increase in weight or appetite; dizziness; dry mouth; constipation; or mild tremor. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Remeron may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking Remeron. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Interactions: Do not take Remeron if you are currently taking, or have taken within the last 14 days, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Remeron may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Remeron. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much:Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Remeron overdose include confusion, drowsiness, poor memory, and a fast heartbeat.
Missed Dose:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage: Store Remeron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
|
|
 |
|
