Like most antidepressants, abruptly quitting Remeron (Mirtazapine) can result in intense withdrawals. To help lessen the severity and length of withdrawals, it is recommended to gradually decrease dosage amounts. Although this results in a lengthy detox period, it can help you cope with the withdrawals and allow time for your body to adjust to living without mirtazapine in your system.
Mirtazapine typically stays in the body anywhere between four to nine days, depending on several different factors. Genetics, liver and kidney function, age, dosage and drug history all play a big part in how quickly your body processes and eliminates mirtazapine. If you gradually taper off the drug, then you can expect the detox period to last up to several months. The length of your detox program will depend largely on how long you have been taking mirtazapine and your final dosage amount. If your dose was high or you have been taking Remeron for an extended period, then it will take you longer to taper off the drug.
What Are Common Remeron (Mirtazapine) Withdrawal Symptoms?
If you plan on quitting Remeron all at once, then you can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms that can last up to several weeks. You should always consult a doctor before abruptly stopping antidepressant medication, and it is recommended to slowly reduce dosage when quitting Remeron. By tapering off the drug, you can avoid many of the withdrawal symptoms.
Common Remeron withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Appetite changes
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Sweats
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Remeron withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening but, if severe, they can become uncomfortable. You should always consult with your doctor if you experience a worsening of symptoms after a few weeks of stopping Remeron. Although these withdrawal symptoms appear daunting, you can avoid them with the proper guidance and a good recovery plan.
Remeron (Mirtazapine) Withdrawal Timeline And Symptom Durations
Remeron is a medication that belongs to the class of tetracyclic antidepressants. Remeron works by preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin), which increases the level of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are believed to control mood and appetite. When you stop taking mirtazapine, your body needs time to adjust to restore the proper levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This is one reason why gradually tapering off the drug can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
How long this process lasts depends on the time span that you have been taking Remeron and the dosage, which is usually between 15 and 45 mg. Tapering can take months if done properly (and depending on original dosage), but withdrawal symptoms generally cease anywhere between several weeks to one month after stopping. The intensity of the symptoms will be low, however, if you gradually quit Remeron versus stopping cold turkey.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Of Remeron (Mirtazapine)
The best way to manage withdrawal symptoms when quitting mirtazapine is to slowly lower the dosage every month. The rate at which you lower the dosage will depend on how your body responds to quitting, but it is usually recommended to taper only 10 percent every month. If you are taking the maximum recommended dosage at 45 mg, then the tapering process could take months to accomplish, but doing so will result in much lower withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, the withdrawal symptoms usually only last a few weeks after quitting, so it won’t be long until you start feeling like yourself again.
Remeron (Mirtazapine) Medications And Detox
Because it is recommended to gradually taper off Remeron, there are medications you should avoid using during detox. This includes any MAO inhibitors, other antidepressant meds (like SSRIs), St. John’s Wort and any medications that cause drowsiness. It is also recommended to avoid using alcohol or marijuana while detoxing from Remeron, as this can increase the intensity of side effects. Always check with your doctor before starting a new regime of drugs alongside mirtazapine.
How To Choose A Remeron (Mirtazapine) Center
Finding the right kind of rehabilitation center is crucial in the recovery process. When quitting antidepressants like mirtazapine, you should look for a facility that specializes in co-occurring disorders. This will help you treat any underlying issues, such as depression or anxiety, while you detox from Remeron. A good program will also feature healthy activities, group and individual therapy, and an aftercare program to help you reach your long-term recovery goals. Always consult with your doctor before quitting Remeron, and always remember that you are not alone.
Remeron Addiction Treatment and Rehab
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.