Mirtazapine withdrawal, how long does it last?

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Hi, Just looking for some reassurance/support. I was on mirtazapine for about 6months. I went up to 45mg and decided to taper down as I felt they were making me worse and the weight gain was nasty. I felt fab tapering down and generally, its been better than I anticipated however, I'm approaching the 3rd week off of mirtazapine and have started to feel a bit anxious the last few days. I've read withdrawal peaks around the 3/4week mark, so I'm trying to stay positive that it will pass.

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  • Posted

    Hi!

    I just came off 15mg (about a week in and it's really awful) and I had a question.... is the 3/4 week peak after you beign tapering or after you hit 0mg? Thanks!

    • Posted

      Yep been about 1.5 weeks now but it is getting better with some sleeping pills I got prescribed smile
  • Posted

    It will pass remember when it peaks it's nearly over. Hang on in there u r doing so well don't let it beat you it's only a drug your body is amazing and will get u throughJust don't let your head tel u different keep going it's all worth it when u come out other end your brain wakes up again u get your memory back your sex drive backand u feel good.

  • Posted

    I'm in the taper process from 45 to 30 and I feel like I am absolutely going to die from the withdrawal. I can't breathe, having extreme anxiety attacks, chest pain, chest pressure, internal shaking like an earthquake, headaches, seeing black spots, unsteady on my feet, feel like I'm blacking out, had a 70 pound weight gain, this list could go on forever. I'm barely able to go to work and barely able to function. My poor kids have had to witness me cry hysterically and pace the house while screaming that I can't breathe. This medication should be banned. I'm trying so hard to stay strong but this is I think beyond what I can handle. I'm literally scared for my safety. I don't know how to successfully taper off since I'm having extreme withdrawal from 45 to 30. Praying I make it out of this alive. 

    • Posted

      Hi Kristi,

      Hope your feeling better today...You will need to go back to the 45mg straight away...wait til you feel better again and then start a slower taper...the jump from 45 to 30 is to big and causing you withdrawal symptoms...some people it doesn't seem to worry but it sure does me and you must be the same.

      You need to google the ASHTONS MANUEL. It will tell you how to taper slowly and why your having trouble with a big jump..

      Basically, you need to taper at no more than 10% at a time..this means at 45mg you should only be stepping down to 40.5mg. at the most...stay at that dose for 2-4 weeks and then go down to 36.5mg...you may need to go even slower at 5% ....it takes a long time but much better than suffering like this.

      Please let me know how your going,

      Feel for you and there are others that have been through the same so ask away...it will get better but you need to stabilise back on the original dose

    • Posted

      Hi there

      I'm on mirt 45mg aswell, horrendous side affects, I'm starting to come off them tomorrow and I've just read your post!!!, needless to say I am crapping myself.

      I really hope things get better for you xx

    • Posted

      Hi Melanie,

      Hope you don't mind me answering.

      I went cold turkey 6 months ago on Docs advice..terrible time. I knew nothing about withdrawals etc as I hadn't had any trouble before.

      My best advic is to do the Ashtons Taper method as I said above..do it as slow as you need to . It will take a while but you'll be so much better off...don't bout withdrawals ...you may breeze through it..most seem to, but play it safe and go slowly..

      Try an stay positive. You may sail though and feel a lot better off it. I know I'll never go cold turkey again...if you have any withdrawals, just go back to the last dose you were on and taper slower..5% drops even every 2-3 weeks..you will know how your body feels as you go..

      At least be armed with as much info as possible.

      You CAN do it 😊😊😊

    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your help a support, I've only been on them for just over 4months now and I am seriously regretting it, I've put on 4stone in weight not to mention all the othe side affects, I'm hoping my Dr will agree with me about coming off them, I have dowloaded the info u've given me and I'll have a good read of it,

      Thank you so much again x

    • Posted

      Hi Gina,

      Thanks for your response. I don't believe we have drop here in the United States. I ended up dropping to the ground and screaming and felt like I was having a heart attack yesterday again, even though I tried to prevent it. I get the withdrawal about 25 hours after I have had my last dose of Remeron so I took it an hour earlier and still ended up in dispair. My mom took video and almost called 911. If it happens to me again today, I will cut my pills up and start taking 37.5 since that is as close to 40.5 as I can get and see how that works. That's the last idea I have left on what to do. I am on a beta blocker and xanax and I'm convinced that's the only thing that has prevented me from having an actual heart attack or a seizure at this point, and I'm only taking it when the withdrawal comes on. I will call my doctor first thing on Monday and insist to be seen and will inquire about the drops.

  • Posted

    Its a shame that doctors dont warn us about mirtazapine withdrawl. I was taken off it cold turkey after 3 months dose 15mg.over month later Im still suffering with sleep disturbance but nasuea is gone. Slight anxiett but I can manage it . It will go away eventually. Wish I never started taking this drug. Fluoxetine wasnt as hard to come off and I was on it for 7 years.
    • Posted

      I agree with you there. We should of all been warned. Luckily there is a support group online to help. Do you take anything for your anxiety? I've been focusing hard on my diet and getting exercise and I've lost 23 pounds already and am starting to get used to being on the 30 mg from 45. I wean down to 15 in just over a week and then to 7.5 and then stop. Stay strong and know you will overcome this hurdle with time! 

    • Posted

      I was at my Drs yesterday and she agrees that I need to come off Mirt, so for 3 days I've to take 30mg, the next 3 days take 15mg then in the 7th day don't take anything at all. I'm a bit anxious about it especially after reading all the comment and the withdrawal symptoms, fingers crossed 

    • Posted

      Hi there Melanie,

      I am so happy to hear you will be getting off this poison. I would really consider staying on for at least 2 weeks at a time per dose so you don't end up with severe withdrawals. I know everyone is different, but 3 days per dose seems too much too soon. Staying active and changing my diet completely has helped me get through this as best it can. I wish you the best of luck. 

      Kristi 

    • Posted

      I did say this to my dr and she thinks that because I've only been on them for a little over 3 months that I should be ok, but she did give me some diazepam just in case 

    • Posted

      Yeh I will do, I didn't sleep well last, got up this morning and I've got the shakes and a headache!, hopefully I'll b ok when I get to work

    • Posted

      Have you managed to get through this now?  I ask because I could never get above 22.5 as it made me worse.  I settled for a bit on 15 then 7.5 and am now down to about 5mg.  The nughtmares in rem sleep are horrendous every morning i wake up sweating and my mind is going crazy. When I go to bed  i amok, watch tv, eat dinner.  I am still depressed but more anxious.  They have tried all sorts of anti deps on me and i think i am just going to have to try to get through this on my own.  I am scared that i will feel worse as i lower the dose but its still the same, anxiety at the root.  do you think the slow taper is still too early to tell? Its been three weeks on 5mg. And some slightly better days, some worse, and some nausea.
    • Posted

      Hi there Ann,

      I'm using Xanax to combat the anxiety and panic attacks I am getting along with intense diet and exercise to sweat out this poison. I had my first nightmare last night since starting the taper instead of having night terrors all night from being on 45 mg. I would talk to your doctor about maybe starting on Xanax or Valium to help with the anxiety but diet and exercise will be your best friend right now. I'm so sorry you are struggling but just know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I write this as I am at work and drenched in sweat from the Remeron but this too shall pass. Drink plenty of water! If you need anything I'm here for you.

    • Posted

      I went cold turkey and I feel like crap. I walked 2.6 miles yesterday and I almost passed out because I was so nauseous. It doesn't make sense but trust me. That's exactly how I felt walking. I've been excerising like crazy but now I'm seeing stretch marks and they hurt. The stretch marks are from the weight gain. Hopefully the water and walking helps this. I hate when this happens but I'm glad I stopped it. I had horrible night terrors and they keep sneaking back in but I've been trying my best to sleep with no aid. If I do need a aid I use  Benadryl. Works wonders. I hope it works for you. 

    • Posted

      I've had the same feeling when I've been walking and have collapsed many times from being so dizzy and feel like I'm having a heart attack. I'm so sorry you're suffering! I am just now starting to stop having my night terrors and I look forward to when all the side effects stop and I can get this weight gain off. Stay strong! Stay hydrated. Let me know if you need anything. 

    • Posted

      Hi Ann, that's me down to 15mg of Mirt, I'm feeling ok actually, I thought I would be a lot worse than this but I'm not counting my chickens too soon. As of this Sunday I will hopefully be Mirt free x

    • Posted

      Hi, you will be off this mirtaz by now. 

      I am still at about 5mg.  The nausea i have had on and off during my time on it is not lifting, in fact it is worse.  I am having to use an anti nausea pill nearly every day.

      i dont feel depressed but more anxious and agitated.  Imjust want to be able to eat normally.  I can only tolerate plain food until dinnertime when i can manage proper food.

      no stomach pain.  Dr says just anxiety she thinks but i have had this for months.  Maybe i just need to live with it.  

      Maybe dropping the mirtaz wont help.  Maybe i need ro drop diaz to help.

    • Posted

      I agree, but I personally think it’s much more than just a shame, I think it’s borderline criminal. It can ruin and steal a person’s life from them. 

      I believe that doctors should be made to take the drugs they prescribe before they’re ever allowed to recoomend  them.  

      As it is right now, they rely on BIG Pharma to tell them about side effects and withdrawal.  And most docs AND psychiatrists are completely clueless when it comes to tapering off a drug they prescribed. It’s just very very wrong!

    • Posted

      Seen your post of three months ago,and was wondering how you are now? really hope you are doing well.
    • Posted

      Hi Kristi

      We here are wondering how your Mirtz withdrawal went.

      Are you over all the w/d symptoms hopefully? When did the w/d symptoms finally stop?Did you have to take other ADs to get off Mirtz?

      Thanks for any update you can provide and wishing you all the best.

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