This article describes possible side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Remeron. To learn more about these, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about mirtazapine oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage and more.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Mirtazapine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
More common side effects of mirtazapine
Mirtazapine oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet include:
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- dizziness
- drowsiness (sleepiness)
Mild side effects of mirtazapine
Mirtazapine may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- dizziness
- drowsiness (sleepiness)
- confusion
- dry mouth
- constipation
- strange dreams
- back pain
- swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- mild allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with mirtazapine oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Mirtazapine oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of mirtazapine
Mirtazapine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from mirtazapine oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with mirtazapine oral tablet.
Serious side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- serotonin syndrome (high levels of the chemical serotonin, which can be life threatening)
- mania*
- eye problems*
- seizures (changes in the electrical activity of the brain)
- low sodium levels
- high cholesterol
- weakened immune system
- risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people†
- severe allergic reaction*‡
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
† Mirtazapine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with mirtazapine oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Common questions about side effects of mirtazapine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is mirtazapine safe for older adults?
It’s possible that mirtazapine is safe for older adults. People ages 65 years and older are usually considered older adults.
That said, older adults are more likely to have certain side effects with mirtazapine. For example, mirtazapine is more likely to cause confusion and low blood sodium levels in older adults. Due to these risks, doctors usually have older adults start taking a low dosage of mirtazapine.
Also, doctors usually monitor older adults more closely for side effects during treatment with mirtazapine. This may include blood tests to check for sodium levels.
If you have concerns about the side effects of mirtazapine oral tablets given your age, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to tell your doctor right away if you have concerning symptoms such as confusion.
Will mirtazapine 15 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?
It’s possible. Side effects are possible at any dosage of mirtazapine. That said, taking a higher dose of mirtazapine may increase your risk of side effects.
It’s not known how much the risk of side effects may increase as dosages increase. Your doctor will likely prescribe the lowest dose of mirtazapine oral tablet that helps treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about your risk of side effects based on your mirtazapine dosage.
Are sexual side effects possible with mirtazapine?
Yes, they are possible. In studies, increased sex drive was the only sexual side effect reported.
If you have concerns about any side effects of mirtazapine oral tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can mirtazapine cause anger?
No, anger was not reported as a side effect in the drug’s studies. That said, talk with your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in your behavior or moods.
Keep in mind that mirtazapine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people.* Symptoms may include anger and aggressive or violent behavior.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this or would like to learn more.
* Mirtazapine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration. To learn more, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
Does mirtazapine cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases mirtazapine oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug, or they may even be lifelong.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- heart problems, such as heart rhythm problems
- eye problems*
- problems associated with weight gain such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. They can discuss how long these side effects of mirtazapine may last.
If you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome or severe, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to manage side effects or may make changes to your treatment.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section below.
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Side effects of mirtazapine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Mirtazapine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For mirtazapine, this risk affects young adults and adolescents. But keep in mind the drug is not approved for use in people younger than 18 years of age.
Mirtazapine oral tablet is an antidepressant drug. Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people who have depression or other mental health conditions.
In studies, suicidal thoughts and behaviors were rare in people taking mirtazapine oral tablet. But this side effect may be serious or life threatening.
Symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors may include:
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- aggressive or violent behavior
- attempts to harm yourself
- new or worsened depression or anxiety
- panic attacks
- agitation, irritability, anger, or restlessness
- acting on dangerous impulses
- difficulty sleeping
- other unusual changes in behavior or mood
Ways to manage
During treatment with mirtazapine oral tablet, watch for any changes in your behavior, moods, or thoughts. If you’re comfortable, tell a loved one that you’re taking mirtazapine. They can help monitor these changes as well.
Call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help if you experience symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your doctor will likely recommend stopping treatment with mirtazapine and discuss other treatment options.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Mania
In rare cases, some people developed mania while taking mirtazapine oral tablet in the drug’s studies. Certain factors can increase the risk of mania with mirtazapine oral tablet. These include a history or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
With mania, a person experiences a heightened energy level that leads to changes in thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms may include:
- extreme energy
- hyperactivity
- racing thoughts and rapid speech
- unusually grand ideas
- reckless behavior (acting without regard to consequences)
- euphoria (a feeling of intense happiness or well-being)
- severe difficulty sleeping
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of mania while taking mirtazapine oral tablet, call your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend that you stop taking mirtazapine and discuss other treatment options for your condition.
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Get free cardEye problems
In studies, eye problems were rare in people taking mirtazapine oral tablet. But some eye problems can be serious and lead to permanent complications.
With eye problems, you may experience changes in the eye. These changes can lead to closed-angle glaucoma. Symptoms may include:
- feeling pain or pressure in and around your eye
- swelling or redness around the eye
- changes in vision
Certain factors can increase the risk of eye problems with mirtazapine oral tablet. These include having narrow angles in your eye, which can be determined from an eye exam.
Ways to manage
If you experience any symptoms of eye problems, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend an eye exam and possibly a different treatment for your condition.
Allergic reaction
For some people, mirtazapine oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to mirtazapine oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for mirtazapine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking mirtazapine oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Mirtazapine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of mirtazapine in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take mirtazapine oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether mirtazapine oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking mirtazapine oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and any medications you take. Things to consider include:
- glaucoma, due to possibly triggering a closed-angle glaucoma attack
- heart problems, such as heart disease, angina, or heart attack
- liver problems
- seizures
- low sodium levels
- bipolar disorder
- high cholesterol
- drug interactions with other serotonergic drugs, such as a triptan
- use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug within the last 14 days
- past allergic reaction to mirtazapine or its ingredients
Mirtazapine and pregnancy
Mirtazapine oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine and breastfeeding
Mirtazapine oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine and alcohol
Mirtazapine oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Alcohol can worsen side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet. These include dizziness, drowsiness (sleepiness), and difficulty thinking. Due to this risk, if you drink alcohol, it’s recommended that you do not drink it while taking mirtazapine oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of mirtazapine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my health history increase my risk of side effects from mirtazapine oral tablet?
- Do any of my medications interact with mirtazapine oral tablet and increase my risk of side effects?
- Are there other ways to manage side effects from mirtazapine oral tablet?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.