Remeron Addiction: Side Effects And Treatment Options

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on May 27, 2022

Remeron (mirtazapine) is an antidepressant medication. Although non-addictive, it can cause physical dependence and be misused.

Remeron Addiction: Side Effects, Dangers, And Treatment Options

Remeron (mirtazapine) is an antidepressant drug that can be safe and effective when taken as prescribed. Taking it any way other than prescribed can be a sign of drug misuse.

People who misuse Remeron should not try to stop taking it all at once. Instead, seeking out professional substance abuse treatment is highly recommended.

What Is Remeron?

Remeron is a brand name for the drug, mirtazapine. This belongs to a class of medications known as tetracyclic antidepressants.

Remeron is used for:

  • depression
  • generalized anxiety disorder
  • social anxiety

Remeron has also been studied as a treatment for certain substance use disorders, particularly during the detoxification process.

Get Started On The Road To Recovery.

Get Confidential Help 24/7. Call Today!

(844) 616-3400

Side Effects Of Remeron

Remeron works by boosting certain chemicals in the brain. This can affect mood as well as cause other physical and mental effects.

Side effects of Remeron can include:

  • weight gain
  • drowsiness
  • increased appetite
  • anxiousness
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • vomiting

Additional side effects may occur if taken in any way other than prescribed, or if taken with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol.

Is Remeron Addictive?

Like most antidepressants, Remeron is generally considered non-addictive. However, someone can become physically dependent on Remeron through chronic use or misuse.

Physical dependence may cause withdrawal symptoms if a person tries to stop taking Remeron all at once.

Signs Of Remeron Abuse

Remeron abuse is defined as taking Remeron in any way other than prescribed. Although uncommon, this can occur.

Signs of Remeron abuse might include:

  • taking it in higher doses
  • taking it more often than prescribed
  • mixing it with other drugs to enhance its effects
  • taking someone else’s prescription
  • taking it for longer than prescribed

People who misuse Remeron may also act differently. They may lie about their drug use, hide it, or appear uninterested in activities they used to enjoy.

Dangers Of Remeron Abuse

Remeron can have dangerous effects on physical and mental health if taken in very high doses or when misused for a long period of time.

Dangers of Remeron abuse include:

  • overdose
  • severe dependence
  • polysubstance abuse
  • psychological reliance

Remeron Overdose

Taking very high doses of Remeron, or using it with other depressants, can lead to drug overdose. Serious cases of overdose can be fatal if left untreated.

Symptoms of Remeron overdose might include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • disorientation
  • impaired memory
  • rapid heartbeat

If someone is having seizures, has stopped breathing, or has fallen unconscious after taking Remeron, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

Remeron And Suicide Risk

Increased thoughts of suicide have been reported in some children, teens, and young adults who take Remeron. This includes people who take Remeron as prescribed.

Warning signs of suicide risk can include:

  • new or worsening depression
  • difficulty sleeping
  • withdrawing from friends or family
  • irritability
  • thoughts about harming oneself
  • talking about suicide
  • extreme worry
  • panic attacks

Dependence And Addiction

Taking Remeron for longer than a few weeks can cause physical dependence. With misuse, physical dependence may develop quicker and become more severe.

People who become physically dependent will need to gradually taper their dose under medical guidance or seek assistance through a drug detox program to help them stop taking Remeron.

Treatment For Remeron Abuse

Taking Remeron in any way other than prescribed can be a sign of drug abuse. This may be more common in people who have a history of abusing other substances, including alcohol.

Seeking substance abuse treatment is highly recommended for those who feel unable to control their drug use. Treatment may involve behavioral therapy or a full drug rehab program.

Find Treatment For Remeron Abuse Today

Overcoming Remeron abuse is possible. If you or a loved one is misusing Remeron, you’re not alone.

Call our helpline today to find treatment for Remeron abuse or drug addiction today.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • Was this Helpful?
  • YesNo
Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on May 27, 2022
Let us walk you through the treatment process. We're here to help.
For 24/7 Treatment Help:
100% Free & Confidential. Call (844) 616-3400