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continued:

Tetracyclic antidepressants

Side effects of tetracyclic antidepressants

Side effects of tetracyclic antidepressants include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Weight gain
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Thirst
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Constipation
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased cholesterol

Safety concerns with tetracyclic antidepressants

Because of a potential drug interaction, don't take mirtazapine with another type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). You may have increased drowsiness if you take mirtazapine with other medications or substances that also cause drowsiness, such as antihistamines, sedatives or alcohol.

Rarely, mirtazapine can cause a potentially dangerous drop in white blood cell counts (agranulocytosis). This condition can make you vulnerable to infection. Talk to your doctor if you develop a sore throat, fever, inflammation of the mouth, flu-like symptoms or other signs of infection.

If you have phenylketonuria, tell your doctor before taking Remeron SolTab. The orally disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many high-protein foods, which is limited in the diets of those with phenylketonuria.

Suicidal feelings and tetracyclic antidepressants

In some cases, antidepressants may be associated with worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior in those ages 18 to 24. These symptoms are likely to occur in the first one to two months of treatment or when you change your dosage. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. You may need more careful monitoring when beginning or changing treatment, or you may need to stop the medication if your symptoms worsen. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thoughts.

Talk with your doctor or mental health provider to nix your sadness, irritability or anger and improve your mood with tetracyclic antidepressants. Feel good again.

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References
  1. Questions and answers on antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/QA20070502.htm. Accessed Sept. 29, 2008.
  2. FDA proposes new warnings about suicidal thinking, behavior in young adults who take antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01624.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2008.
  3. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 1, 2008.
  4. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/HQ01069. Accessed Oct. 16, 2008.
  5. Buss LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2008.
  6. Remeron SolTab (prescribing information). Roseland, N.J.: Organon USA; 2007. http://www.spfiles.com/piremuronsoltab.pdf. Accessed Nov. 15, 2008.
  7. Phenylketonuria (PKU). MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phenylketonuria/DS00514. Accessed Nov. 15, 2008.
  8. Single interactions table. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http:www.micromedex.com. Accessed Nov. 15, 2008.

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Dec. 10, 2008

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