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In a terrible state, what should I do?

Posted , 7 users are following.

andy46832
andy46832

Hi,

I really hope someone out there can help.I was prescribed mirtazapine in november 2015 due to a complete breakdown. By March 2016 I had made some changes in my life and decided I wanted to come off. I was not sure what to do but did what I thought was ok and took roughly 4-6 weeks and came off. Unfortnately I had spectacular withdrawal symptoms so reinstated and decided, from advice on this and other forums, to do a much slower taper. Last week I eventually came off again, following a 30% reduction every 4 weeks. I had got down to 0.35mg, which I thought was a more than conservatively low amount at which to stop. Unfortunately yet again I have had some terrible withdrawl symptoms.  Everything was ok till day 6. I am really loathed to re-instate but don't know what to do? Any advice would be greatly received.

Also would any-one recommend getting some other drug from the doc to help come off. Or is that a bad idea?

Thanks

0 likes, 33 replies

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  • karin65289
    karin65289 andy46832

    Posted

    Hi Andy,

    I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties in titrating off Mirtazapine. I went from 45 mg to 7.5 over 6 months, after two difficult previous attempts. I've followed the 10% taper method and kept records on the computer.  I discovered that my body let me know when I could make a cut. I used a very gentle schedule to reduce. I'm ready to make another cut but my husband is starting radiation therapy in another city and we are both stressed. I have decided not to make any changes until he is finished in 8 weeks.  It is disappointing not to continue the taper however, I know from the previous aborted attempts that speed is not as important and being to maintain a downward titration and not have to re-instate.  Mirtazapine can have some very nasty withdrawal symptoms, enough to bring the strongest person down to their knees.  I wish you well.  In answer to your second question, some doctors do prescribe medication to help through the withdrawal.  I was prescribed Clonzapam, a benozdyazapine which is habit forming and requires withdrawal itself. Check out your options.

    • andy46832
      andy46832 karin65289

      Posted

      Hi Karin,

      Thanks for your comments. I think the long game seems to be most best option. So will probaly do that. Perhaps I need to go down to an even lower dose than I have.

      Good luck with your journey too.

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