Remeron SolTab (mirtazapine) is an orally-disintegrating tablet used to treat depression and other mental disorders. This product comes in tablets designed to rapidly dissolve on the tongue; food or fluids are not necessary.

This medication is an atypical antidepressant, meaning it produces similar results as other, typical antidepressants---tricyclics, SSRIs, MAOIs, and so forth---but it does so in different ways. This means that patients unable to take typical antidepressants, due to allergies, severe side effects, or because they simply don't work, may have better results with Remeron SolTabs.

Atypical antidepressants also have differing side effects. Remeron SolTabs are less likely than other classes to produce the sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction, associated with typical antidepressants, and is less likely to produce muscle control issues than tricyclic antidepressants. However, Remeron SolTabs do have more of a sedative effect than most other antidepressants, and is more likely to cause weight gain, as the medication stimulates appetite.

Uses, Dosage, and Administration

Remeron SolTabs are used in a range of mental disorders, as well as a few other conditions. Treatment is similar in all cases, with the main variation being the maximum dosage. The medication is commonly used in:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Headaches, including migraines
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Panic disorder
• Insomnia

Patients who have major medical conditions other than that being treated with Remeron SolTabs---such as heart disease, diabetes, blood disorders, liver impairment, and so forth---may require adjusted doses, differing from those below. In otherwise healthy patients:

• Start with 15 mg per day, ideally taken in the evening as the medication can cause drowsiness.
• Evaluate results after at least one, ideally two, weeks of treatment; it takes at least a week for full benefit to be felt, sometimes up to four weeks.
• If needed, increase dosage to 30 mg per day, and evaluate results after one to two weeks.
• Dosage may be again increased, if needed, to 45 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 45 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.

Tablets should be dissolved on the tongue; food or drink is optional. Tablets are taken just once per day, usually in the evening before bed, as they have a sedative effect. Maximum benefit should be felt after one month of treatment. In most cases treatment continues for six to nine months, occasionally much longer.

It is fairly common for dosage to initially rise high, to 30 or 45 mg per day, until the condition is stabilized. Dosage may then be lowered to 30 or 15 mg per day for a longer-term maintenance dose.

Warnings before Use

Remeron SolTabs can cause side effects, though they're typically mild and often stop occurring after a few weeks of treatment. Side effects that become severe enough to be disruptive should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Most common are:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Abnormal dreams

As mentioned above, Remeron SolTabs stimulate appetite. While this is a benefit for underweight individuals, most patients consider this a drawback and should take care to watch food intake.

This medication can interact with a wide range of other medications. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or adjusting dosage of other medications for the duration of treatment with Remeron SolTabs. This medication should not be taken within two weeks of taking an MAOI.

There is an association with use of Remeron SolTabs, as with any antidepressant, with an increased risk of suicide in younger patients under age 25. Young patients---particularly those under age 18---should be monitored closely for several months at the start of treatment and following any dosage adjustments. Suicide attempts were less likely in patients 25 and over.