Coming off mirtazapine

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi I've been on mirtazapine for anxiety and depression following bereavement for 4.5 weeks taking 15mg. Its no longer helping me sleep, not helping with crippling anxiety so I've cleared it with Dr to stop and start an ssri for anxiety later. Dr and pharmacist reckon I can just wean off within a week (!) but I know from forums that this isn't accurate. I've only been on it a matter of weeks but any advice on whether 10% taper or halving it, 7.5, 3.8 etc. Gratefully received. Thank you! J

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi there, you say you've been taking 15mg for 4. 5 weeks which isn't very long, you may need to give them more time to work. On the other hand it will be easier for you to stop taking them which may be a good thing.

    I have reduced to 7.5mg now for about 3 months after being on 15mg for around a year and have tried a few times to stop and its difficult as I sleep well on the lower dose. Get no sleep at all without it. So perhaps you should try to come off the mirtazapine as advised by your GP. I hope you feel well soon and your GP supports you.

    • Posted

      Thank you for replying. GP doesn't seem to know but advising a quick taper which I think is risky. I reduced my dose to 7.5 last night. Sleep is an issue but I think if can address it sooner rather than later it'd be better. I keep waking after a few hours sleep but using sleeping tabs and herbal tinctures to help meantime. Hope you find a resolution too, thanks again

    • Posted

      Hi Jan,

      I am so sorry for your loss and hope in time you will come to accept it. I am no stranger to this myself.

      I was not allowed any meds for the grieving process but given the occasional diazepam.

      My partner has been taken off 15mg Mirtazapine after being on it for 5 weeks.

      No taper advice at all which I would disagree with. He is going back on his old meds paroxetine as he cannot cope.

      My advice to you would be to take it slowly, be kind to yourself, by all means try other ways of getting to sleep.

      I feel for you, the grieving process can create all kinds of emotions and lack of sleep is one. It will pass, while we may never get over the loss of a loved one we in time come to accept what has happened.

      I hope this helps, bless you

    • Posted

      Thank you for your lovely message. I'm hoping to go on Paroxeteine too, but you're right, slow taper mirtazapine. Good luck to your partner too. Kind regards Julieanne

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