Mirtazapine Dosage for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an antidepressant medication for adults. It’s available in regular tablets and orally disintegrating tablets.
The FDA-approved mirtazapine dosage for adults starts at 15 mg by mouth before bedtime. If needed, your healthcare provider may increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks up to 45 mg daily. Doses higher than 45 mg daily aren’t recommended.
Mirtazapine is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Table of contents
Mirtazapine (Remeron) is a medication that treats major depressive disorder in adults. It’s thought to work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. These are both chemical messengers that help regulate your mood.
Here, we’ll look at the FDA-approved mirtazapine dosage for adults. We’ll also cover the best way to take it and what to do if you miss a dose. Keep in mind that your healthcare provider may prescribe a different dosage for your unique needs. So it’s best to follow your provider’s instructions.
What dosage forms does mirtazapine come in?
Mirtazapine is available as an oral tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet. It comes in the following doses.
7.5 mg 15 mg* 30 mg* 45 mg | 15 mg* 30 mg* 45 mg* |
*Brand-name Remeron is only available in these doses.
Mirtazapine often causes drowsiness. So for most people, it’s best to take it right before bedtime. You can take mirtazapine tablets with or without food. Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve under your tongue so you don’t have to swallow them. They come in a blister pack, so you just peel back the cover with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve quickly, then you can swallow normally. You don’t need to drink water with it.
What’s the typical mirtazapine dosage for adults?
The typical starting mirtazapine dosage for depression is 15 mg by mouth at bedtime. Every 1 to 2 weeks after starting mirtazapine, your healthcare provider may increase your dose based on your response. The maximum recommended mirtazapine dosage is 45 mg daily.
Good to know: You shouldn’t stop taking mirtazapine on your own. Stopping it too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms.. These include agitation, tremor, and nausea and vomiting. You may also notice a “pins and needles” or electric-shock sensation on your skin. If you’re having side effects or feel that mirtazapine isn’t working for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can decide the best course of action and help you stop taking mirtazapine safely.
What happens if you miss a dose of mirtazapine?
If you forget to take your mirtazapine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Don’t take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
If you miss more than one dose of mirtazapine, you may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. If this happens, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. They can help you get back on track with your medication. They may also recommend tools to help you remember to take it, such as a medication reminder app or daily pill organizer.
What should you do if you take too much mirtazapine?
If you take an extra dose of mirtazapine by mistake, it’s unlikely to cause a problem. But you may notice more side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness.
A large amount of mirtazapine can be harmful. It may cause problems with your heart rhythm, which can be serious if not treated. If you or a loved one takes too much mirtazapine, contact your healthcare provider or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. But if you have chest pain or notice your heartbeat is irregular, seek emergency care right away.
How to save on mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic mirtazapine’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $4.50 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Mirtazapine is a medication that treats depression in adults. The recommended starting mirtazapine dosage is 15 mg by mouth once daily. From there, your healthcare provider may increase your dose every 1 to 2 weeks up to a maximum of 45 mg daily. Mirtazapine can make you drowsy, so it’s best to take it at bedtime to avoid daytime sleepiness.
Why trust our experts?
References
Cardinal Health. (2022). Mirtazapine [package insert].
Organon. (2022). Remeron [package insert].
RemedyRepack. (2023). Mirtazapine [package insert].
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