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Remeron (mirtazapine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
These insights are based on 342 comments about Remeron from MyDepressionTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Remeron is a type of antidepressant that works by affecting certain brain signals that regulate norepinephrine and serotonin activity. In major depressive disorder, this may help improve mood by increasing the activity of these brain chemicals. The exact way it works is not fully known.
Doctors prescribe Remeron for adults with major depressive disorder. By targeting this pathway, the medication may help manage symptoms.
Remeron is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It is best taken in the evening before sleep.
Typical Dosing for Depression
The recommended starting dose is 15 milligrams once a day. If needed, a doctor may slowly increase the dose. The maximum dose is 45 milligrams per day.
Dose changes should be made at least one to two weeks apart. If treatment needs to stop, the doctor will lower the dose slowly instead of stopping it all at once.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 342 comments about Remeron from MyDepressionTeam members.Members who use Remeron often say it helps with sleep and mood, but they also frequently mention sleepiness, increased appetite, and weight gain. Many members suggest paying close attention to how you feel after starting or changing a dose, and keeping your doctor updated if side effects or mood changes become hard to manage.
Take Remeron at night if it makes you sleepy.
“Drowsiness is a side effect, so I take it at night so I can sleep.”
Keep track of next-day grogginess and tell your doctor.
“It knocked me out! That whole weekend I felt so high and dizzy! I slept all day Saturday. I couldn’t keep my eyes open.”
Watch for appetite changes and weight gain.
“It makes me hungry all the time. I gained 15 pounds in three weeks on Remeron.”
Talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your dose.
“Last week my script ran out, and I had to tough it out for three days, and I was just about climbing the wall from withdrawal.”
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In clinical studies of Remeron for major depressive disorder in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 7 percent to 54 percent of people. These side effects were:
Remeron can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Organon, the manufacturer of Remeron, offers the Organon Patient Assistance Program. This program may provide certain medicines at no cost to eligible people who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover their prescriptions.
The Organon Patient Assistance Program may also offer savings options for eligible, privately insured people. In addition, the Organon Access Program can help answer questions about insurance coverage and financial assistance options. To learn more, visit the Organon patient support programs page or call 844-674-3200.
Before starting Remeron, your doctor will check for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
Before taking Remeron, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. This includes if you:
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to mirtazapine or any ingredients in Remeron.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some medicines can interact with Remeron and cause serious side effects. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
Do not take Remeron if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or if you stopped taking MAOIs in the last 14 days. This includes linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. Do not start an MAOI for at least 14 days after stopping Remeron.
Do not start or stop any medicine during treatment with Remeron unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not drive, use heavy machinery, or do dangerous activities until you know how Remeron affects you. Remeron can make you sleepy. It may also affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, or react quickly.
Avoid alcohol while taking Remeron. Also avoid benzodiazepines unless your doctor says they are safe for you.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Remeron, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
There is a pregnancy registry for people who take Remeron during pregnancy. To learn more, visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants or call 844-405-6185.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Remeron?
Remeron has been shown to help treat major depressive disorder in adults. In studies that lasted six weeks, people taking Remeron had greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to people taking a placebo (an inactive treatment). Doctors measured this using standard depression rating scales.
In these studies, most people took about 21 milligrams to 32 milligrams per day after their dose was adjusted. In a longer study, people who got better after eight to 12 weeks and kept taking Remeron for up to 40 more weeks were less likely to have their depression come back compared to those who stopped and switched to placebo.
How long does Remeron take to work for depression?
Studies of Remeron for depression in adults lasted about six weeks. In a longer study, people who improved after eight to 12 weeks continued treatment and were followed over time. The clinical study reports do not say exactly how many days it takes for symptoms to start improving.
Each person may respond at a different pace.
Can Remeron cause sleepiness when used for depression?
Yes. Sleepiness is one of the most common side effects of Remeron. In studies, 54 percent of people taking Remeron felt sleepy, compared to 18 percent taking a placebo.
Remeron can affect your thinking, judgment, and movement. Be careful when doing things that need focus, like driving. Avoid alcohol and medicines like benzodiazepines unless your doctor says it is safe.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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