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Mirtazapine WD abdominal symptoms

Posted , 3 users are following.

david28533
david28533

Hello, I am on my third and last attempt at getting off mirt. My cardiologist said that I should be off the drug based on my exam and EKG. Anyway, I am 6 weeks into the wd, and am once again having painful cramps / spasms / bloating / irregularity / flatulence. I am having other symptoms, but not bad. The only other significant symptom has been palpitations: skipped / extra beats. If you have, or had digestive symptoms that are / were significant please let me know. I can deal with these things a little better if I know that there are common to WDs. Thanks, David

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • evergreen
    evergreen david28533

    Posted

    David, what were you like before you ever went on mirt? I used to have terrible IBS like you describe and mirtazapine cured me of that. However, when I came off mirt quickly a couple of years ago these returned with a vengence and were unbearable. So I think that part of it was me returning to my pre-mirt state and part was WD symptoms. I am now tapering off mirtazapine and early on, when I took large drops, the worst WD symptoms were very severe nausea and abdominal cramping. These passed though within a few days.
    • david28533
      david28533 evergreen

      Posted

      Evergreen, I had IBS, but it wasn't debilitating. I was working, and doing pretty much whatever I wanted. My main problem was that it didn't take much stress to send me looking for a bathroom, and being a fire department battalion chief made that a problem. I was given the Remeron at the 15 mg Soltab. I don't remember why the dose ended at 45 mg.
    • evergreen
      evergreen david28533

      Posted

      I think that mirt fixes most GI problems and so when you withdraw from it, it takes a while for your body to function again and find its own levels without the mirt 'crutch'. I expect that much of your IBS problems are your normal state, but it's made much worse at the minute because you have had the mirt suddenly taken away. I expect that it will very gradually get better, but unfortunately, you will probably be left with a certain level of IBS because that is just you. When I finally get off the mirt (currently on 1.3mg), I am expecting to have my IBS return, sadly.
    • david28533
      david28533 evergreen

      Posted

      Thats just it, I never had bad IBS, more of an inconvenience. The pain and cramps that I am having are way beyond that.
  • ryan99010
    ryan99010 david28533

    Posted

    Hi David, long time no hear. Hope you're doing well. I see that you're on your third attempt to get off the medication. I'm now off the medication for over a year and a half. I still once in awhile get irritable bowel issues but it seems less and less the longer I go on. It may be something where your condition needs to be dealt with from a stomach / IBS standpoint. Ie. Put the focus on fixing the IBS rather than focusing on the withdrawal of mirt. I know it's a tough thing to do, but it may be a matter of tricking your mind to fix yourself in another way. Another thing that helps is physical exercise as a distraction. For me it was hockey, swimming, golf, hiking, biking......anything you'd enjoy really. Hope you can make this your last attempt to kick this drug. All the best to you!
  • ryan99010
    ryan99010 david28533

    Posted

    Is there anything else you can take for the ibs David?
    • david28533
      david28533 ryan99010

      Posted

      Ryan, my cardiologist took me off it, it was effecting my heart rhythm. When I get a little of my energy back, I will start walking. I am 62, and some of the things you mention wouldn't be something that I could do without the mirt WD. Nice to hear from you again. Take Care, David
    • david28533
      david28533 ryan99010

      Posted

      There are a few drugs to treat it, but they are contrindicated with meds that I already take for my heart. But thanks for the suggestion.
    • ryan99010
      ryan99010 david28533

      Posted

      Yeah. I understand. I know that as we get older it's tougher to do strenuous activities, but I also know it's important to keep active in some way. My parents are over 70 now and they go for frequent walks, or go swimming at a local pool, or in the summer time my dad bike rides. All are great activities for a great stress release and relaxing endorphins. Plus they're somewhat easier on the joints. My dad has a poor back but he's able to enjoy bike riding because it's less strain on his back. I guess the key is finding the activity that you find enjoyment in. I hope this helps and I hope you can find relief soon. Cheers.
    • david28533
      david28533 ryan99010

      Posted

      Thank you Ryan. I used to hunt, fish, SCUBA dive, and a number of other outdoor activitie, and plan to get back to as many of those as I can.
    • ryan99010
      ryan99010 david28533

      Posted

      I hear ya David. I've been there and refuse to go back myself. Really pulling for ya! Hope you can find some sort of relief from the ibs symptoms. I know what you're going through.
    • david28533
      david28533 ryan99010

      Posted

      Ryan, thanks for the support. Today hasn't been too bad. Donna fixed an excellent dinner, and my appetite was on go. David
    • david28533
      david28533

      Posted

      It was nice that you remember us talking before!
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