Simple and Practical Mental Health

The BEST resource for mental health clinicians

  • REVIEWS
  • MENUS
  • RESOURCES
    • Side effect handouts
    • Patient handouts: Main page
    • How to find treatment resources
    • Rating scales and questionnaires for mental health clinicians
    • BEST books
    • BEST apps/ websites
  • NEWS
  • QUESTIONS?
  • DAILY EMAILS
  • FAQ
  • LOG IN
  • JOIN

Mirtazapine (Remeron®): Basic Information

Mirtazapine (US brand name Remeron®, Remeron SolTab® and generic) is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). Here is more information about this medication.

Pharmacodynamic effects (“Mechanism of Action”)

Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA)

Blocks alpha-2 autoreceptors (i.e., on norepinephrine neurons) and heteroreceptors (i.e., on serotonin neurons). This leads to increased norepinephrine and serotonin release

Blocks post-synaptic 5HT2 and 5HT3 receptors

FDA-approved indications

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Dosage

Initial: 15 mg/day (starting), 45 mg/day (maximum)
Maintenance: 15 to 45 mg/day

Dosage forms and strengths (USA)

Tablets (Remeron® and generic): 15 mg (scored), 30 mg (scored), 45 mg. Generic also available in 7.5 mg strength.

Orally disintegrating tablets (Remeron SolTab® and generic): 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg

General Instructions: Take once daily, preferably in the evening

Note: I would always specify to the patient that mirtazapine should be taken at bedtime.

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.


Related Pages

Can mirtazapine *really* cause agranulocytosis?

Potential side effects of mirtazapine (Remeron®) handout

Mirtazapine and renal transplant

Different and confusing ways in which antidepressants are classified

Antidepressants: Index and Links


References

Prescribing information for mirtazapine (Remeron®)

Prescribing information for mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets (Remeron SolTab®)


Copyright 2015, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons, or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Leave a Reply:Cancel reply

Follow us on social media

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright 2016 to 2025: Simple and Practical Medical Education, LLC. All rights reserved.