Mirtazapine is in a class of drugs called antidepressants. Mirtazapine affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Mirtazapine is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as worthlessness, feelings of sadness, or guilt; insomnia; sleeping too much; tiredness; changes in appetite; loss of interest in daily activities; and thoughts of death or suicide.

Mirtazapine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Before taking mirtazapine, tell your doctor if you

• have epilepsy or seizures
• have had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks; or
• have high or low blood pressure or heart disease;
• have blood problems;
• have a manic-depressive disorder;
• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

* Mirtazapine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether mirtazapine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take mirtazapine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

* It is not known whether mirtazapine passes into breast milk. Do not take mirtazapine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

* If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects such as unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling uncoordinated and low blood pressure. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking mirtazapine and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• fever, flu-like symptoms, a sore throat, chills, or sores in your mouth or nose
• a fast or irregular heartbeat; or
• seizures;
• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing);

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take mirtazapine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• mild tremor
• constipation; or
• dry mouth;
• dizziness;
• increase in weight or appetite;
• nausea;
• drowsiness;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.