6 months without Mirtazapine stomach issues?

One think I have found generally with drugs that "treat" the nervous system is that the whole body seems to be affected, which is reasonable seeing as nerves go everywhere.   Again, generalising, although the half life of mirtazapine is 30 hours, that is blood plasma levels.   How long it stays in nerve cells is a different matter, and it's usually a lot (with some drugs a LOT) longer before it's "flushed out" of the entire body.   As you say, stomach problems are common in anxiety.   Add to this the known abdominal cramps side-effect of withdrawal and I would suggest you have your answer there.   Your body, in my opinion, is going to take quite some time to fully settle down back to how it was before you never took this horrible drug.   Speak with your GP (who no doubt knows nothing anyway from my experience) if you are concerned but unless it is causing you considerable distress, then I'd say - "cut yourself some slack"    Be kind to yourself, relax and realise time takes time (some CNS drugs can take 2-3 years to get out of your system!).   Drink plenty of water, take vit B complex daily, (the water flushes out the vit B helps "heal" the nervous system).

Ian

 

It sounds to me as though your stomach problems are caused by anxiety, especially since the effects include tightened chest muscles. I agree with Ian, you should try to relax more, and try not to worry about the drug. I've never heard of mirtazapine causing permanent damage to your digestive system, but I'm no expert. Worrying about what it just might have done is likely to be raising your anxiety levels, so counterproductive. I've been on mirtazapine for over 6 years, with no noticeable side effects except a dry mouth.

Hi 

I read your post "ever since I quit virtually cold turkey 15 mg in 2 weeks" I have suffered stomach problems.  I have read this many times, Mirt does help with IBS and I think at the same time once off the drug, this can also occur.  In my humble opinion I would say Mirt is the cause and ony time will heal it.  I think Mirt' leaves us vulnerable to "our weaknesses" once off the drug, and therefore necessitates treating any symptoms that arise with suitable natural remedies or therapy.  One remedy jumps to mind and you'll find it at the herbalist and thats Charcoal capsules, maybe have a google, see if it fits for you?

You are not alone, many speak of those symptoms, either at a low dose of Mirt' or once off it; I think quitting quickly doesn't help but sometimes we have to do what we have to do don't we !  

Best wishes

I will add that it isn't about the drug being in or out of your system per se, but the fact that this drug and all psych meds alter neurochemistry such that the nervous system pushes back by making modifications in an effort to bring back homeostasis.  In essence, the nervous system builds the drug's actions into normal operation.  So, when the drug is removed, the changes remain and now you have imbalances again. Things don't just snap back to pre-drug operation; it takes time for the nervous system to adapt back, because it isn't just about raising and lowering serotoinin, but the fact that changing serotonin levels interplays with levels of other neurotransmitters, hormones, etc.  It simply takes time for all the reverberations of a cold turkey cessation to settle out.  This is not permanent nerve damage, but it will take time to heal.  And yes, 80% of your serotonin exists outside the brain, with a lot of it in the gut.

Yes mate its the Mirt. Im around a year off now and my stomach is just starting the heal. Had the bloating, cramps, gas etc, even developed acid reflux and regurgitation of food but all getting better, still a few months to go I reckon.

i have just start to taper off this medication due to always feeling so ill

burning tummy

tight chest muscles

tiredness

extreme chills

aching muscles

got doctor in 2 weeks to discuss