Mirtazapine comes as a tablet and as a disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mirtazapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To take a mirtazapine disintegrating tablet, open the blister pack with dry hands and place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will disintegrate on the tongue and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to swallow disintegrating tablets. Once the tablet is removed from the blister pack, it cannot be stored. Do not split mirtazapine disintegrating tablets.

Continue to take mirtazapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mirtazapine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Although side effects from mirtazapine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
dizziness
anxiousness
confusion
increased weight and appetite
dry mouth
constipation
upset stomach
vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, or other signs of infection
chest pain
fast heartbeat
seizures

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to mirtazapine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

Mirtazapine, an antidepressant or mood elevator, is used to treat depression.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.