Description
Mirtazapine tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of episodes of major depression.
The effective daily dose is usually between 15 and 45 mg; the starting dose is 15 or 30 mg.
Mirtazapine begins to exert its effect in general after 1-2 weeks of treatment. Treatment with an adequate dose should result in a positive response within 2-4 weeks. With an insufficient response, the dose can be increased up to the maximum dose. If there is no response within a further 2-4 weeks, then treatment should be stopped.
Patients with depression should be treated for a sufficient period of at least 6 months to ensure that they are free from symptoms.
It is recommended to discontinue treatment with mirtazapine gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms (see section 4.4).
Elderly
The recommended dose is the same as that for adults. In elderly patients an increase in dosing should be done under close supervision to elicit a satisfactory and safe response.
Renal impairment
The clearance of mirtazapine may be decreased in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <40 ml/min). This should be taken into account when prescribing Mirtazapine to this category of patients (see section 4.4).
Hepatic impairment
The clearance of mirtazapine may be decreased in patients with hepatic impairment. This should be taken into account when prescribing Mirtazapine to this category of patients, particularly with severe hepatic impairment, as patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been investigated (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
Mirtazapine should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years as efficacy was not demonstrated in two short-term clinical trials (see section 5.1) and because of safety concerns (see sections 4.4, 4.8 and 5.1)
Method of administration
Mirtazapine has an elimination half-life of 20-40 hours and therefore Mirtazapine is suitable for once daily administration. It should be taken preferably as a single night-time dose before going to bed. Mirtazapine may also be given in two divided doses (once in the morning and once at night-time, the higher dose should be taken at night).
The tablets should be taken orally, with fluid, and swallowed without chewing.
