Sedatives & Hypnotics
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Street names: Remeron, Mirtaz, Zispin
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedation and appetite increase at low doses; antidepressant at 30–45 mg
- Popular off-label sleep aid
⚠Key risks
- Not euphoric but dependence-forming as a sleep crutch
- Weight gain, intense hunger (some abuse for appetite)
- Withdrawal: nausea, insomnia, anxiety, 'electric shocks'
- Serotonin syndrome risk combined with other serotonergic drugs
- Morning impairment: driving, falls
✚Overdose signs
- Severe sedation
- Confusion
- Heart rhythm changes (rare)
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirtazapine (Remeron) | Rx-only — not controlled | Not euphoric but dependence-forming as a sleep crutch; Weight gain, intense hunger (some abuse for appetite) | ~$0.30–$1 per tablet grey-market |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Mirtazapine (Remeron) look like?
15–45 mg tablets (orodispersible 'sol-tabs' exist)
What are the signs of a Mirtazapine (Remeron) overdose?
Severe sedation; Confusion; Heart rhythm changes (rare) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Not euphoric but dependence-forming as a sleep crutch Dependence can develop with regular use.