Moderating the Level of Certain Natural Chemicals To Treat Depression

Mirtazapine belongs to the class of tetracyclic antidepressant. It is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). Remeron is the brand name drug of above drug in market. This drug treats depression by moderating the level of certain natural chemicals. It treats anxiety disorder. It was launched in the United States in 1996. This drug is also a good choice for Patients showing anxiety or insomnia. 

How does Mirtazapine work?

Mirtazapine is an oral medicine used in the treatment of depression. It exhibits both noradrenergic and serotonergic activity. It works by affecting the balance of the neurotransmitters (NT) such as serotonin and noradrenaline.

These NTs act as a messenger between the nerve cells in the brain. In depression, it is thought that there may be a decreased amount of above NT. The mood lightens if these chemicals are released at the nerve ending.  If they are bound to the nerve ending in the brain, then this may lead to a depressed mood.

Mirtazapine blocks the receptors called alpha-2 receptors on nerve cells in the brain. Generally NT bind to this receptors. Thus Mirtazapine avoids binding of nerve cells in the brain to the alpha-2 receptors. This relieves the depression and lightens the mood.

What are the uses of Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug which works on the nerve ending in the brain. It treats various symptoms of major depressive disorder [MDD]. It helps in improving the following symptoms.

1. A depressed mood like feeling sad, empty or tearful.
2. Feeling hopeless or guilty.

• Suicidal thoughts.

1. Feeling nervous.
2. Low energy.
3. Trouble concentration.

• Unusual sleeping or eating habits.
• Psychomotor retardation

This drug helps to come out of above symptoms and behavior. It does not affect cholinergic or dopaminergic receptors.

How to take Mirtazapine?

Mirtazapine comes in the form of a tablet of strength 7.5mg, 15mg & 30mg. General dosage for Mirtazapine is 15 mg/ day. This is a single dose to take preferably at night. Your Doctor may change the dose depending on

• Your condition and
• How you respond to the lower dose.

These are orally disintegrating tablets. Place it on the tongue as soon as you peel the foil.  It will dissolve in seconds. You can swallow it with saliva. No need to drink water.

What are the precautions in taking Mirtazapine?

It is necessary to take precautions with Mirtazapine in certain condition discussed below.

1. Avoid this drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
2. Keep the difference of 2 weeks prior and after you take MAO inhibitor treatment.
3. Inform your doctor in case of other medications you take. This may avoid risk of side effects and interaction.
4. It isn’t suitable to use this drug in children.
5. Elder people may need some adjustments in the dose to avoid side effects.
6. There are no adequate proofs to use the drug in pregnancy or breast feeding.
7. Tell your doctor regarding Heart problems or other metabolic disorders.

Cost of Mirtazapine.  [Generic & Brand]

The brand version of Mirtazapine is Remeron. The generic and brand Remeron differ in their price both in physical and online pharmacy. Their effect remains same as the basic active ingredient is Mirtazapine.

# Cost of generic Mirtazapine.

-The 7.5mg tablet is $ 0.37 per unit and pack of 30 tablet is $11.

-15 mg tablets are $0.73 per unit and pack of 30 tablets is $22.

-30mg tablet is $ 1.17 per unit and pack of 30 tablets is $ 35.

# Cost & Brand Remeron.

-15mg tablet is $ 6.49 per unit & pack of 30 tablet is $ 194.60.

-30mg tablet is $ 6.67 per unit & pack of 30 tablet is $ 200.24.

This shows the cost difference between the generic and the brand version. It is always beneficial to go with Generic.