I have been on a medication known as Remeron for years. Someone told me it isn't for long term use. Is it safe

Question

Around 4-5 year's ago, I was placed on a medication known as Remeron for my sleep, and anxitiy. I'm aware it's also an anti-depressant as well. However, my boyfriend enlightend me with the subject that Remeron isn't for long term use and can be damaging to one's health. Is that true? Should I look to get off of the medication for the hope's of better health in the future? What would be the best road to take to get off this type of medication?

Answer 1

To come off mirtazepine or any anti depressant you'd need to taper the dose to avoid a rebound of your depression that might be far worse than the original.....therefore they always wean you off the drug over a week or two

I did a quick search of the literature and I didn't come across any evidence of problems with long term usage. However, the drugs data sheet suggests it has only been tested in clinical trials for 40 weeks.........this really means nothing .

It wouldn't be uncommon for people to use a psych med for years as a lot of these diseases require long term maintenance to stop them returning.

Advice: I'd go to my doctor with a positive attitude and tell him you've heard that it isn't suitable for long term use and is this true ? Let him research this with the company that makes it. I wouldn't give him the impression you're looking to sue or anything. If he finds out its true then just let him transfer you onto another drug

Ya gotta balance the decision of discontinuing the remeron vs what are the alternatives ? Its non addictive and probably far safer for longterm use than xanax and its family. Its a very positive influence on your life.......the valiums and xanax's can destroy peoples lives when taken over years ( Just my experiences as a pharmacist tell me this) whereas the remeron's seem to attack the underlying causes and don't change your personality much

I'd be very slow to jump into changing your meds just because of a rumour....but I'd get the rumour checked out by your doc in a nice way just incase there is truth in it. As a pharmacist I haven't heard, as yet , any recommendations about duration of therapy...so if there are they might be relatively new......get your doctor to ring the company's medical information department and they'll know for sure.