How Much Is Mirtazapine Without Insurance
Key takeaways:
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Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medication for major depressive disorder in adults. The medication works by increasing certain hormones in the brain to improve mood.
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Without insurance, a 30-day supply of 15 mg mirtazapine (30 tablets) costs, on average, about $35.86. Brand-name Remeron typically costs more than the generic version without insurance. A 30-day supply of 15 mg Remeron (30 tablets) costs, on average, about $220.31.
-
The cost of mirtazapine depends on a number of factors, including the dosage, the pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Whichever version of the medication you choose, a
GoodRx coupon may be able to help you save money.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
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Major depressive disorder is not just a matter of feeling sad. It's a type of depression that can last for weeks or months and cause symptoms such as low energy, lack of interest in normally pleasurable activities, poor concentration, and feelings of emptiness. In some cases, this condition can lead to trouble sleeping and suicidal thoughts.
There are medications that can help manage depression. One such medication is mirtazapine (Remeron). The medication works by increasing the amounts of the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to improve your mood.
Mirtazapine basics
Mirtazapine was FDA approved in 1996 to treat depression in adults. It is not approved to treat depression in children.
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Taking mirtazapine (Remeron) can cause side effects. While some side effects are minor and can be temporary, others - such as suicidal thoughts - are more serious.
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Your mirtazapine dosage: While the typical starting dosage of mirtazapine for adults is 15 mg per day, your prescriber may increase your dosage depending on your response to the medication.
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Avoid taking mirtazapine with certain medications. Taking mirtazapine with certain treatments, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can be dangerous.
The medication also has some off-label uses, meaning it's prescribed for conditions that it has not been FDA approved to treat.
Mirtazapine is a generic medication that is also sold under the brand names Remeron (immediate-release tablet) and Remeron Soltab (orally disintegrating tablet).
The chart below provides a summary of basic information about mirtazapine.
Mirtazapine Basics
Generic name |
Mirtazapine |
Brand names |
Remeron, Remeron Soltab |
Formulations |
• Tablets |
Typical dosages |
The typical starting dosage is 15 mg once per evening. Your prescriber may raise this dosage gradually, up to a maximum recommended dosage of 45 mg once per day. |
FDA-approved use |
Treating major depressive disorder |
Benefits |
• Regulates mood |
• Drowsiness |
Is mirtazapine typically covered by insurance?
Health insurance plans typically cover mental health treatments, including some medications. The vast majority of Medicare and commercial insurance plans cover the generic forms of mirtazapine.
If you have insurance, check your plan's summary of benefits and coverage and formulary to determine whether generic mirtazapine or brand-name Remeron is covered.
How insurance covers mirtazapine
Most health insurance plans cover mirtazapine and also don't require a prior authorization or step therapy.
The chart below shows your likelihood of having coverage and needing a prior authorization, or step therapy with:
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Commercial insurance, not including plans purchased through an Affordable Care Act (ACA) national or state marketplace
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Medicare, including original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
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Medicaid, including state-run and managed care plans
Insurance Coverage for Generic Mirtazapine
Insurance type |
Enrollees covered for this medication |
Enrollees required to get a prior authorization |
Enrollees required to do step therapy |
Commercial (not including ACA plans) |
99.3% |
4.7% |
0% |
ACA plans |
99.7% |
1% |
0% |
Medicare |
100% |
0% |
0% |
Medicaid |
99.9% |
4.2% |
0.27% |
Source: Managed Markets Insight and Technology, LLC™, as of
Tips if your medication isn't covered by insurance
Here are a few options to try if you have insurance that does not cover mirtazapine:
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Ask for an exception from your prescription medication plan. Keep in mind you may be required to do step therapy or get a prior authorization to be covered.
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File an appeal with your plan if your claim is denied.
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Use a
GoodRx coupon for potential savings. -
Talk to your prescriber about alternative medications.
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Consider changing your prescription medication coverage during your next open enrollment period.
How much does mirtazapine cost without insurance?
If you don't have health insurance, the price you pay for mirtazapine will depend on the following factors:
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Your dosage
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The dosage form (tablets or orally disintegrating tablets)
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Whether you're prescribed a brand-name or generic version, since generic medications typically cost less
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The fill quantity (90-day supply versus 30-day supply)
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Your geographic location
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Your specific pharmacy
Prices for different mirtazapine tablet forms
The charts below contain current average retail prices for 30-day supplies of different tablet forms and doses of mirtazapine and Remeron.
Mirtazapine tablet forms and doses |
Average retail price |
7.5 mg (30 tablets) |
|
15 mg (30 tablets) |
|
30 mg (30 tablets) |
|
45 mg (30 tablets) |
|
15 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
|
30 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
|
45 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
Remeron tablet forms and doses |
Average retail price |
15 mg (30 tablets) |
|
30 mg (30 tablets) |
|
15 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
|
30 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
|
45 mg (30 orally disintegrating tablets) |
How to afford generic mirtazapine without insurance
Here are five ways to save on generic mirtazapine without insurance.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
With a
Here's how to get a coupon:
-
Visit www.goodrx.com or install the
GoodRx app on your mobile device. -
Type "mirtazapine" in the search field and select "mirtazapine (generic Remeron)."
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Choose the correct dose, quantity, and location.
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Click or tap on "Search prices" to find prices at pharmacies near you.
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Choose to receive your coupon via text or email, print it out, or save it on the app.
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Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication. Or present the coupon to your pharmacy's staff early on in the filling process, such as when you first receive your prescription, to help prevent delays at the pick-up counter.
2. Request a 90-day supply
Ask your prescriber to write you a prescription for a 90-day (3-month) supply of mirtazapine instead of a 30-day supply to compare costs. Filling a 3-month supply may lower your overall costs and reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
You can also ask about potential discounts for using a mail-order pharmacy.
3. Compare prices at various pharmacies
Using the
4. Talk to your prescriber about alternatives
If you are concerned about the cost of mirtazapine, talk to your prescriber. There may be another medication that adequately treats your condition and fits your budget.
5. Use your HSA or FSA funds
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), paying for your medication with these funds reduces your out-of-pocket costs through tax savings.
The bottom line
Mirtazapine (Remeron) is a FDA-approved medication to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The medication is available as an immediate-release tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet that's taken once per day. The brand-name version, Remeron, is typically more expensive than the generic version.
The amount you pay for mirtazapine or Remeron will depend on such factors as the pharmacy you use, your dosage, and your insurance status. For example, without insurance, a 30-day supply of 15 mg tablets of mirtazapine costs an average of about $35.86, while a 30-day supply of 15 mg tablets of Remeron costs an average of $220.31. A
Why trust our experts?
Methodology
National prescription coverage data for each medication was obtained from Managed Markets Insight and Technology (MMIT), reflecting health insurance coverage as of
References
Jilani, T. N., et al. (2023). Mirtazapine. StatPearls.
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Managed care.
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