Mirtazapine High: Can One Get High Off Remeron?

Last Updated: February 28, 2024

Authored by Sharon Levy, MD, MPH

Reviewed by Dr. Ash Bhatt

0 sources cited

Many prescription drugs, including Remeron, can be abused by their users, intentionally or accidentally. However, chasing a mirtazapine high is dangerous. Remeron recreational use should always be avoided.

Can One Get High Off Mirtazapine?

Among others, Mirtazapine (Remeron) is a medication meant to treat depression. Like most antidepressants, it is not known for producing a notable high. Not only is Remeron not considered a drug of abuse, but it is sometimes prescribed as part of substance abuse treatment.

That does not mean that a mirtazapine high does not exist. People who have abused the drug claim that they did get a sense of euphoria on the drug that gave a sensation of intense relaxation, similar to the feeling marijuana high produces. This is not caused by a typical mirtazapine dose, but when the user takes more than what a doctor would prescribe.

Why People Get High On Remeron

What motivates Remeron recreational use will vary from person to person. It could be that the user has abused other drugs and is curious if they can get high from mirtazapine. Sometimes it is because the user is prescribed the medication but no longer feels the same effects, so they take a larger or more frequent dose, resulting in a high. There are even those who have prescribed it for substance abuse treatment can turn to it because they can no longer access their former drug of choice.

Ultimately, mirtazapine euphoria is weak. It is unlikely that someone would try snorting Remeron to get high long term. However, they might switch to stronger drugs when the medication does not deliver the desired results. Such actions are dangerous and should be avoided.

who are at risk to abuse remeron

People At Risk Of Remeron Abuse

With the abuse of any drug, there are risk factors and protective factors. The more protective factors a person has, the less likely they are to do drugs or try to get high. The more risk factors they have, the more likely it is that they will engage in substance abuse at some point in their lives. Some of these risk factors are global, while others are specific to a particular drug or type of drug.

Some risk factors that make someone more likely to engage in mirtazapine recreational use include:

  • Being curious about getting high in general or the Remeron high in particular
  • Aggressive behavior early in life
  • Being prescribed Remeron
  • A lack of supervision from parents
  • Not having a close friend or family relationships
  • Having engaged in substance abuse in the past
  • Being able to easily access Remeron or other drugs
  • Living in poverty

Snorting Remeron

When people do engage in Remeron recreational use, it is rare that they try to get high just by swallowing the pills. This is because getting high means feeling the effects as quickly as possible and processing as much of the medication at one time as the user can. As such, some will resort to snorting Remeron.

Mirtazapine is not meant to be snorted. The ingredients used are designed to break down in the digestive system. When the medication is powdered and snorted, it has the potential to degrade the nasal passages, cause breathing problems, and even lead to overdose.

Why Recreational Use Of Remeron Is Dangerous

Mirtazapine is only meant to be used as directed by a doctor by people who have obtained the drug legally with a prescription. Any use outside of this is illegal. If someone is caught engaging in this use, they could be arrested and put in prison.

In addition to being illegal, there are significant health risks of mirtazapine recreational use. Given it is an antidepressant, it is designed to alter the chemistry of the brain. When used in high doses, this can cause long-term alterations to brain chemistry. This can make it difficult for the individual to regulate their mood when not abusing the drug.

suicidal thought as a side hazard of getting high on remeron

Antidepressants, including Remeron, are known to increase suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Given that people seeking a mirtazapine high are likely in a bad mental place to start with, this is highly risky.

Then there is the potential for death to occur or other health incidents with long-term consequences. Mirtazapine drug interactions are numerous. When using the medication incorrectly or without supervision, it is increasingly likely that an interaction will occur. This can cause organ damage, problems with the central nervous system, and even death. There simply is no safe way to use drugs recreationally.

Getting Help With Remeron Misuse

Remeron can help people live better lives, but once even the thought of abuse comes into play, help is needed. Depressed individuals are at risk of drug abuse, but addiction treatment centers know how to address both addiction and the underlying condition. With the right treatment of addiction, everyone can access the help they need to live a better life.


Page Sources

  1. Alam A, Voronovich Z, Carley JA. A review of therapeutic uses of mirtazapine in psychiatric and medical conditions. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 2013; 15(5): PCC.13r01525. doi:10.4088/PCC.13r01525. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907331/.
  2. Mathews M, Basil B, Evcimen H, Adetunji B, Joseph S. Mirtazapine-induced nightmares. The Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2006; 8(5): 311. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0510b. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1780138/.
  3. Preventing Drug Use among Children and Adolescents (In Brief). National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2003. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/preventing-drug-abuse-among-children-adolescents/chapter-1-risk-factors-protective-factors/what-are-risk-factors.
  4. What are the real risks of antidepressants? Harvard Health Publishing. 2019. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-are-the-real-risks-of-antidepressants.
  5. Pompili M, Serafini G, Innamorati M, et al. Antidepressants and Suicide Risk: A Comprehensive Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010; 3(9): 2861–2883. doi:10.3390/ph3092861. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034101/.

Published on: February 25th, 2024

Updated on: February 28th, 2024

Comments

Leave a comment

Free Insurance Verification

Our team is available to guide you through the steps of assessing your insurance coverage for addiction treatment.