Mirtazapine side effects
Posted , 14 users are following.
Hi
im a 65 year old lady who has been on Mirtazapine 30mg for just over a year now. At first I thought it was brilliant I sleep well and the reasons I went on the drug have really now sorted themselves out. My problems are and I’ve only just realised that maybe it’s Mirtazapine causing it is all the time I feel so lethargic, no energy whatsoever, aching,can’t stand for long periods, problems with IBS which I never had prior to taking them plus a lot of weight gain.
What id like to do is come off of them so last night I took only 15mg.
could anyone advise if I’m doing the right thing plus how long should I take to come off of them.
I know I’m 65 but I have never felt so ill and lifeless. I’ve had blood tests etc in the last 6 months all come back fine.
2 likes, 30 replies
sarah24378 carolynne31189
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carolynne31189 sarah24378
Posted
it took me a while to get to sleep but I think that was psychological really.
i don’t feel any different yet though. Don’t know how long I should stay on 15mg for though
aila51692 carolynne31189
Posted
Don’t want to worry you but I feel dreadful not sleeping and anxiety is so high. I stopped 10 days ago. I would suggest tapering longer and maybe take 7.5mg after that. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone x
carolynne31189 aila51692
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i just want to get back to how I used to feel before I took them obviously not with the depression but energy wise etc. I used to love going out on my own for the day especially now that I’m retired but as soon as I’ve left the house I feel like I need to sit down and take a rest it’s awful.
carolynne31189 aila51692
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ann55375 aila51692
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aila51692 ann55375
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graeme_30533 carolynne31189
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Hi Carolynne.
First of all I’m sorry you are going through this with Mirtazapine.
Without getting into a long story I was on the drug for 4 years. Up at 45mg. When I decided to come off, I was taken off abruptly and now suffering some very debilitating withdrawals.
Now not everybody gets them, it just seems to be a lottery. Some come off the drug very quickly and don’t have any. Some come very slowly and have bad withdrawals.
The safest way is to come off very slowly and see how your body reacts. I’ve attached a link below to a charity that specialises in helping people come off antidepressants. I’ve spoken to them numerous times and they are very helpful. If you are ever in doubt. These are the people to contact. From what I’ve learned doctors are not the most reliable of sources. Otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am today 😊
Stay safe and take it very slowly.
Take care
Graeme
http://www.btpinfo.org.uk/withdrawing-from-antidepressants
carolynne31189 graeme_30533
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barbara63681 graeme_30533
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lorraine52317 carolynne31189
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You have dropped a massive amount and although you may feel ok for a couple of days, it will indeed cause your mind to be in disarray. Going on my previous attempts to reduce, I would suggest a slower reduction to avoid feeling poorly. I was on 15mg and broke my tablet in 4 quarters. I reduced by a quarter each time, until my mind got use to the idea of less mirt. When I reduced to my last quarter, I still shaved a crumb e.g. 1mg which I am currently on. I aim to stop the crumb next week. Please consider taking at least 3/4 of a tab tonight.
Please let me know how you get on ❤
carolynne31189 lorraine52317
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barbara63681 carolynne31189
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christine15542 carolynne31189
Edited
Hi Carolynne
Most people using this site will have experienced some withdrawal issues coming off mirtazapine. It is known for a its protracted withdrawal. The recommended dosage to taper is no more than 10 percent a month, despite what doctors tell you. They don't admit that there is withdrawal when stopping or attempting to taper mirtazapine. Bear in mind that everyone will have different experiences coming off mirtazapine and some may come off with very little difficultly.
Having said that, I found this an evil drug to stop. There was no advice or support from the GPs and I only found this link in desperation, after suffering horrific insomnia. I was on 15mg for less then 6 months. I stopped it because of the dreadful weight gain despite my exercise and diet regime. Foolishly I stopped it completely and went cold turkey because I did not realise just how insidious this drug's hold can be. Four days after completely stopping all the withdrawal symptoms hit me. The worst was insomnia getting only 2-3 hours sleep per night or regularly no sleep at all. I certainly don't want to frighten anyone reading this but a very slow taper coming off this drug is the only way to go. There are support groups for people struggling to come off and it is quite common that they take months or years to be completely mirtazapine free.
carolynne31189 christine15542
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christine15542 carolynne31189
Edited
I wrote to you because I'm not much younger than you and I wanted my life back. Take it very slowly and accept there will be good days and bad days. There is hope though. I've been mirtazapine free for 8 months now and the only other drug I take is HRT. I'm back to my old self. I enjoy walking and running, I've joined a yoga class and I would rather talk my problems through than ever take another antidepressant. Whilst I appreciate they have their place and are helpful for some, I'd rather accept my life for what it is without them. You can do this but slowly
carolynne31189 christine15542
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i am pleased for you that you have managed to stay off them though that’s brilliant. Well done