Posted , 4 users are following.
most of the posts I see are 2-3 years old. please can I hear of recent successful experiences of coming off mirt. I'm finding it really tough, I stupidly went back on after 8 months off and was on for 6 weeks only. I have insomnia, shaking and feeling very low and tearful, please can I have some encouragement that this will end, feeling very despondent, this is such an evil drug.
1 like, 11 replies
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Brighterday vivienne09149
Posted
How long were you on Mirtazapine for and what dosage did you start on? I'm on 7.5 mgs now for the last 10 days. It's helped me sleep very much but I'm terrified to stay on this drug. Any advice on how to get off it?
vivienne09149 Brighterday
Posted
Hi, I was on 15mg for 5 months then tapered over 6 months. Then stupidly went back on 8 months later as I was getter some withdrawals. It didnt work so I stopped after 6 weeks and now have worse anxiety. It's a very difficult drug to withdraw from, wish I had never gone on it. The recommended taper is 10% per month. Good luck.
Brighterday vivienne09149
Posted
I know the feeling of anxiety too well. I went ct off my prozac in September or October. Was feeling fine then come February started having some anxiety and tingling in arms and legs along with insomnia. Didn't think much at the time that it was late withdrawls from my prozac. In March had panic attacks and extreme anxiety along with intrusive thoughts. Went to the ER three times. Back on my Prozac at 40 mg instead of 20 and my anxiety is still up. Having to use Mirtazapine for sleep. I can't sleep without it. I don't want to be on this drug. I'm scared of the thoughts to come back and insomnia once trying to come off. Maybe I should wait to see if my prozac starts working more then try to come off. I'm at lost on what to do and my psychiatrist is no help at all.
suzanne13661 vivienne09149
Posted
hi. been taking 15mg for 8 years. went down to 7.5 in march which was too big a drop and had anciety, palpitations etc. when i levelled out went down to 5mg 8 days ago. mild anxiety, internal trembling but sleep ok. After 3 more weeks going to drop to 3.75. After another 4 weeks will drop to 2mg then stop. its unpleasant buy will ride it out as will be worth it.
vivienne09149 suzanne13661
Posted
Hi, Yes that's how I did it the first time. it's a long g slow recovery. Need reassurance it wont last forever. very unpleasant. Good luck.
vivienne09149 suzanne13661
Posted
thankyou for your reply. I can identify with your symptoms as I have most of them. I've been off for the second time for 2 months now. Hopefully il be feeling more myself before too long, your reply was encouraging for me.
vivienne09149
Posted
sorry sent to wrong person.
aaro89449 vivienne09149
Edited
Hi Vivienne,
I used Mirtazapine for a period of two and a half years, usually a few times a week mainly for insomnia with very low dosages, between 3.75 and 7.5 mg. I stopped cold turkey in the middle of last January and had a rough period of withdrawal which lasted for a couple of months. My main withdrawal symptoms were anxiety, irritability, shifting pains around my abdomen area, stomach upset, restless feet, heart palpitations, heart burn and rapid mood changes. Stopping CT was probably a bad idea, but I didn't even consider tapering because of my low dosage and intermittent use .
The symptoms gradually faded and I've been feeling pretty good for the last month or so. Sleep is ok (it helps that I've been working from home since the pandemic started) and I've felt like myself again. Mirtazapine definitely had dulling effect on my personality.
Physical exercise and meditation were a big help during the worst patches of withdrawal. I never felt the symptoms after working out and it of course boosted my mood as well.
Stay strong and try to do your best to ease the symptoms. Eat clean and try to be as active as you can even if you're feeling very low, that's my advice.
vivienne09149 aaro89449
Posted
thankyou for your reply. I have all of the same symptoms hoping to feel better before too long.
suzanne13661 vivienne09149
Posted
Hi vivienne, Hope your holding in there, im on day 10 of 5mg. quite anxious today but probably cos nothing to do. when im busy its not too bad. not sleeping as long as usual but thats ok. on 16 may down to 3.75mg. had ecg showed borderline long QT which can be caused by long use of mirt so thats why im coming off. let me knoe how your getting on
vivienne09149 suzanne13661
Posted
Hi Suzanne, sorry to hear you are suffering, it truly is such a difficult drug to withdraw from. I have been totally off for 2 months now but it's not easy, I agree keeping busy is the key, some days worse than others, mainly morning anxiety and sleep issues. Hope you feel better soon. A long slow taper is what's recommended, which I didnt do this time, and suffering for it now. Take care.