Remeron (mirtazapine) is an atypical antidepressant medication that can cause physical dependence if it is taken regularly for several weeks or longer.
Physical dependence on Remeron may cause certain physical and psychological side effects, known as withdrawal syndrome if you try to stop taking Remeron all at once.
Remeron withdrawal may develop in people who take Remeron as prescribed, as well as those who misuse the drug alone or in combination with other drugs.
Find out more about antidepressant detox programs
Who Needs Remeron Detox?
Detoxification, or detox, is commonly recommended for people who become severely dependent on a drug through chronic drug use or misuse.
Common forms of Remeron abuse include:
- taking higher doses than prescribed
- taking doses more often
- combining Remeron with other drugs (e.g. cocaine) to enhance or counteract drug effects
- taking Remeron for reasons other than prescribed
- taking pills from another person’s prescription
Remeron is a drug that can alter the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, that are capable of affecting mood.
Over time, this can cause a reliance on the drug, known as dependence. Stopping Remeron, once dependent, may require a tapering process or an acute detox program.
Remeron Detox And Withdrawal Symptoms
Taking Remeron daily for several weeks or longer can cause drug dependency and withdrawal with stopped use. Withdrawal can be physical and psychological in nature.
Remeron withdrawal symptoms may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- irritability
- anxiety
- restlessness
- insomnia
- headache
- nightmares
- paresthesias (prickling or tingling sensation)
- changes in appetite
Withdrawal symptoms tend to be more severe in people who misuse Remeron or stop taking Remeron after taking high doses of the drug regularly for some time.
When Do Remeron Withdrawal Symptoms Begin?
If you miss a dose of Remeron, or stop taking it abruptly, withdrawal may begin within 24 to 48 hours after your last dose.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Remeron?
The timeline for detoxing from Remeron will depend on whether you quit it all at once, or wean off the drug gradually through a taper.
Tapering off habit-forming prescription drugs is generally recommended by medical professionals. This can help to reduce the intensity of withdrawal and reduce the risk of complications.
Detoxing from Remeron may take anywhere from several days to several weeks.
Factors that can affect the timeline and severity of withdrawal may include:
- mental health disorders
- history of substance abuse
- how much Remeron you take
- duration of Remeron use
- use of other drugs
- body composition
- genetics
Risks Of Remeron Detox
Stopping Remeron all at once is not known to be dangerous. However, it may come with certain risks if this is not done under medical supervision or with guidance from a doctor.
Risks of Remeron detox may include:
- relapse (e.g. rebound depression)
- panic attacks
- psychological disturbances
- thoughts of suicide
- physical discomfort
It’s best to talk to a doctor or seek a detox program before stopping Remeron. Detox should not be attempted alone or without first seeking medical advice.
Medical Detox Programs For Remeron Abuse
Medical detox is highly recommended for people with a history of drug dependency and addiction, due to potential complications that can arise during the detox process.
What medical detox can offer:
- 24-hour medical supervision
- medicine for withdrawal symptom relief
- behavioral support
- treatment referral for drug abuse or addiction
Medical detox may be advisable for people who misuse Remeron in combination with other drugs, as well as for those who are otherwise at risk for severe withdrawal.
Remeron Detox FAQs
Remeron is a medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and has off-label uses for insomnia and anxiety. Find answers to questions about Remeron detox here.
Can Remeron Be Stopped Abruptly?
Stopping Remeron abruptly is not recommended. If you’ve been taking Remeron for some time, this could cause symptoms of withdrawal, including rebound symptoms of insomnia or depression.
How Long Does It Take To Get Mirtazapine Out Of Your System?
Mirtazapine, also known as Remeron, has a half-life of 20 to 40 hours. It can take several half-lives for a drug to be fully eliminated from a person’s system.
Therefore, mirtazapine may stay in a person’s system—and be detected through a specialized drug screening—for a week or longer.
Do You Need To Detox From Mirtazapine?
Some sort of detox process, such as a taper, will likely be recommended by a doctor for people who have been taking mirtazapine for several weeks or longer.
Find Treatment For Remeron Detox Today
Remeron withdrawal can, for some, be a sign of drug abuse or addiction. If you’re looking for a detox program for yourself or a loved one with substance use issues, we may be able to help.
Call our free and confidential helpline today to learn more about Remeron detox, or how to find Remeron abuse treatment options at a treatment center near you.
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.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — Mirtazapine (Remeron)
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Mirtazapine-(Remeron) - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Mirtazapine
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697009.html - U.S. National Library of Medicine: NCBI — Mirtazapine-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms: A Case Report
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181176/ - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed — The Hunger for Mirtazapine: A Discontinuation Syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33856954/
