Mirtazapine (Remeron®) Tablets: Uses, Dosage, and Safety

What Mirtazapine Is and How It Works

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant for adults with major depressive disorder. It is available as oral tablets in strengths such as mirtazapine 7.5 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg, mirtazapine 30mg, and mirtazapine 45mg. Many people also discuss mirtazapine for anxiety, mirtazapine for sleep, and effects on appetite. This page explains common mirtazapine uses, how it works, typical mirtazapine dosage ranges, and practical tips for safe storage.

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Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). It blocks central presynaptic α2 receptors, which increases norepinephrine and serotonin release. It also blocks 5‑HT2 and 5‑HT3 receptors, shifting signaling to 5‑HT1A. Potent histamine H1 antagonism explains its sedating effect and why many report improved sleep. H1 and 5‑HT2 actions also relate to increased appetite and weight gain.

Only a doctor can diagnose depression and decide if mirtazapine is appropriate. It is taken by mouth once daily, usually in the evening because of drowsiness. Some patients start on mirtazapine 15 mg at bedtime and adjust based on response and tolerability, within a typical 15–45 mg daily range.

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Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: many prescribers start at 15 mg nightly; lower starting doses such as mirtazapine 7.5 mg are sometimes used for sensitive or older patients.
• Titration: adjust in 15 mg steps every 1–2 weeks toward 15–45 mg daily, as tolerated and as clinically indicated.
• For sleep: some clinicians use mirtazapine dosage for sleep at 7.5–15 mg, taken at bedtime; higher doses can be less sedating for some people.
• Administration: take once daily in the evening. With or without food is acceptable.
• Missed dose: if a dose is missed, it is generally taken when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Do not stop suddenly. Gradual dose reduction helps lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, or anxiety.
• Drug interactions: avoid monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and allow appropriate washout periods. Alcohol and benzodiazepines can increase sedation.

• Storage: keep tablets in the original container at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Protect from moisture and light.
• Short excursions: brief exposure up to 30 °C (86 °F) is typically acceptable, then return to room temperature storage.
• Travel: carry your medication in hand luggage with the pharmacy label. Use a pill organizer only when conditions are dry and cool.
• Do not store in a bathroom or glovebox. Avoid heat, humidity, and freezing.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Mirtazapine for depression can improve mood, sleep, and overall functioning. Many experience faster relief of insomnia compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Mirtazapine and insomnia often improve together because of nighttime dosing and H1 receptor effects. It tends to have fewer sexual side effects than many SSRIs and may help people with poor appetite or weight loss.

Convenient once-daily dosing supports adherence. Tablets come in multiple strengths, including mirtazapine 7.5 mg, mirtazapine 15 mg, mirtazapine 30mg, and mirtazapine 45mg, which simplifies dose adjustments. Those comparing mirtazapine price and mirtazapine cost often find meaningful savings when using Canadian pharmacy services.

Ordering from YouDrugstore can offer 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Multi-month supplies may lower the per‑month cost, and you can set a simple reorder reminder in your account to avoid running out.

Side Effects and Safety

• Very common: drowsiness/sedation, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth.
• Common: constipation, dizziness, vivid dreams, increased cholesterol or triglycerides, peripheral edema.
• Less common: nausea, restlessness, tremor, joint pain, mild liver enzyme increases.
• Rare but serious: low white blood cell counts (agranulocytosis), serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), seizures, severe rash, hyponatremia.

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in young adults, especially early in treatment or during dose changes. Mania or hypomania can occur in bipolar disorder. Angle‑closure glaucoma, urinary retention, and significant weight gain are possible in susceptible individuals. Avoid MAOIs and observe necessary washout periods. Alcohol and other sedatives can intensify drowsiness and impair coordination.

Onset Time

Sleep often improves within the first few nights at lower doses. Anxiety symptoms may begin to ease within 1–2 weeks. Mood and interest in activities typically improve over 2–4 weeks, with full benefit sometimes taking 4–6 weeks or longer as the dose stabilizes. Changes in appetite and weight can appear in the first weeks and may continue over time.

Compare With Alternatives

SSRIs are a first‑line option for many. Escitalopram is often chosen for its favorable tolerability, though it can be activating and may disturb sleep for some people. Mirtazapine may be preferred when insomnia or poor appetite are prominent.

Another SSRI option is the branded escitalopram entry on our site, Cipralex® Lexapro, which emphasizes similar core benefits with a different side‑effect profile. Those considering activation, sexual side effects, or GI upset may compare these differences carefully with their prescriber.

Fluoxetine is a more activating SSRI with a longer half‑life. It may suit patients with low energy but can worsen insomnia. For a broader overview, see our article What Are The Best Medications For Depression for general comparisons.

Combination Therapy

• With SSRIs/SNRIs: sometimes used as augmentation in treatment‑resistant depression. Monitor for sedation and serotonin‑related effects.
• With benzodiazepines: may aid short‑term insomnia or anxiety; additive drowsiness is common.
• With atypical antipsychotics or lithium: used in complex cases under specialist care; monitor metabolic and neurologic effects.
• Avoid MAOIs or linezolid: risk of serious interactions; adhere to washout guidance.
• Diuretics or elderly patients: monitor sodium due to hyponatremia risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with major depressive disorder who struggle with insomnia or low appetite may be considered candidates. It is not approved for pediatric use. People with bipolar disorder require careful screening because antidepressants can precipitate mania. Caution applies with severe liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, urinary retention, seizure disorders, and obesity or diabetes due to weight gain and lipid changes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk‑benefit discussions.

Discuss mirtazapine dosage and goals with a prescriber, including mirtazapine dosage for sleep if insomnia is a key symptom. Those concerned about mirtazapine price can compare strengths and quantities; larger fills can reduce the per‑month cost. Use your YouDrugstore account to set reorder reminders, and consider ordering other needed items together to save on shipping. Ordering is available online, and phone support or chat is offered during posted hours.

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Mirtazapine Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Mirtazapine Listings

Organon Professional Site: Remeron (mirtazapine) Product Information

Order mirtazapine from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This material is for general education. It does not replace advice from your healthcare professional or your pharmacist.