Learn about Remeron (Mirtazapine) withdrawal symptoms, detox duration, and treatment options for a safe recovery.
Remeron is a brand name for the drug mirtazapine, an antidepressant. Remeron withdrawal isn’t a topic that has seen significant research, in part because it appears to be fairly rare. However, it can still occur and cause unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety, sleep problems, and nausea.
It’s important to talk with a doctor about wanting to stop taking Remeron rather than just stopping on your own. The usual recommendation is to taper your doses, which can significantly reduce your withdrawal risk and make withdrawal less severe if it occurs.
Withdrawal is a collection of unpleasant symptoms that occur when a person suddenly stops taking a drug or significantly reduces their intake of a drug after developing physical dependence on that substance.
Physical dependence is often confused with addiction. Many people addicted to a drug are also physically dependent on it. However, physical dependence does not mean a person will compulsively engage in drug use, only that they will experience unpleasant side effects if they try to reduce their current rate of drug use too quickly.
Withdrawal can occur even if a person only ever used a drug as prescribed, but it is generally more likely when a person engages in drug misuse or abuse.
The exact cause of Remeron withdrawal isn’t well understood. Serotonin dysregulation may be a factor, which essentially means withdrawal may be the result of one of the key reward systems in the brain becoming temporarily chaotic if a person suddenly stops taking a drug meant to regulate mood after a period of taking it regularly.
Other neurotransmitters may also be involved, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Cholinergic rebound occurs after an abrupt discontinuation of a drug that blocks certain receptors and causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms. This may also contribute to the drug’s potential for withdrawal.
Since Remeron withdrawal is rare, there aren’t common symptoms, but these symptoms are possible:
Anxiety
Restlessness
Irritability
Nausea
Vomiting
Insomnia
The length of time a person has used Remeron and the amount taken can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Generally, longer use and higher dosages of a drug that causes dependence lead to more intense and prolonged withdrawal. This is because the body and brain can develop a dependency on the medication over time.
Abruptly stopping Remeron after long-term use might result in a more severe withdrawal experience than gradually reducing the dosage.
Gradual tapering allows the body and brain time to adjust to the decreasing drug levels, minimizing the shock to the system that can cause more substantial symptoms. This is why tapering is usually recommended when you want to stop taking antidepressants like Remeron.
Additional factors, such as age, gender, and overall health, can also influence the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional when considering stopping or reducing the use of Remeron to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.
In general, antidepressant withdrawal lasts a couple of weeks, but the exact timeline can vary greatly between people. Your doctor will likely recommend a tapering approach to stopping use, and this can take several weeks to months as you gradually reduce your daily dose.
There isn’t a set timeline on what to expect from Remeron withdrawal. The topic isn’t well-researched. It will typically take a few days to start if it occurs at all.
After it begins, it will typically worsen, although not necessarily linearly, meaning it won’t necessarily get steadily worse. There may be some jumps up in the severity of symptoms and then likely a leveling off.
It can take weeks or months for the depression or anxiety an antidepressant was suppressing to return to unmedicated levels.
It is often hard for people to tell if the anxiety or depression they start to feel is because their symptoms are returning (due to being unmedicated) or because of withdrawal.
If you want to stop taking Remeron or any other antidepressant, don’t do this without medical supervision. Talk with a doctor about the best way to stop, both to reduce your risk of serious withdrawal symptoms and to make sure that the symptoms that were controlled with your medication continue to be properly treated.
Again, a tapering schedule is generally recommended to stop the use of antidepressants. This detox process helps your body slowly adjust to a lack of the drug over a longer period and can significantly lessen or completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms once you fully stop taking it. Your doctor can design a tapering schedule that makes the most sense for your situation.
Most people can fully withdraw from Remeron and other antidepressants within a few weeks. However, keep in mind that your timeline won’t be the same as your neighbor’s. Your physician can give you a clearer picture of the process based on your physicality, duration of use, and the extent of your addiction. Most doctors will use a tapering approach to gradually reduce your Remeron intake safely, which can take several weeks to several months.
No. It isn’t safe to quit Remeron cold turkey. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, then you could experience significant withdrawal effects that can last for a few weeks. Instead, your doctor will recommend tapering your intake under the guidance of a physician to minimize your symptoms, improve your comfort, and reduce the severity of the process.
In most cases, Remeron will completely leave your body within four to eight days of intake. While this timeline is based on the half-life of the medication, it isn’t the same for everyone. Factors like your age and physical health (including any liver problems) will determine how long this medication stays in your system.
While Remeron can help you control symptoms of depression, it can come with some uncomfortable side effects. You may experience dry mouth or constipation when taking this medication. As with other antidepressants, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals.
| Inpatient detox | Outpatient detox |
|---|---|
| Individuals stay at the facility full-time with 24/7 access to medical experts and therapists | Treatment includes a few hours of services each day for a few days a week, depending on the individual’s unique program |
| Available in different levels and formats, from hospital-like settings to luxurious, private rehab centers | Generally falls into two levels of care: partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services |
| The focus is on withdrawing from substances and becoming sober without the distractions of normal life. Treatment includes daily sessions with a dedicated care team, which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors | Best for individuals with milder addictions and more supportive home environments |
| Suitable for individuals with more severe or longer-lasting addictions | Focus is on safely withdrawing from substances and learning critical life skills for long-term recovery |
| Removes individuals from their usual surroundings and provides a more immersive environment | Individuals can return home at the end of each day following treatment |
| Not as flexible, requires individuals to follow the schedule of the on-site facility | May expose individuals to the triggers and pressures that contribute to or catalyze their substance abuse |
| Provides more convenience and flexibility, but support isn’t as intensive |
Evidence Based
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