Just wanted to give some hope to those struggling with Mirtazapine withdrawal. Long story short I was given WAY too high a dose of mirt. to help with occasional insomnia a few years ago and my body had a terrible reaction (Constant Anxiety, Depression when I had never been depressed before, etc.) I told my psychiatrist that I wanted to come off and they said I could come off of 45mg cold turkey (which is a laughable statement in hindsight) and thats what I did. I dropped to 7.5mg immediately and stayed there until coming off completely. Que the most difficult few months of my life. The main effects of WD were really intense depersonalization/derealization, suicidal thoughts, occasional panic/anxiety, and just general confusion. I've been off mirt. for about a year and a half now and I'm just starting to feel back to my normal self. I want people to know that it can take a really long time for the WD effects to go away, but if you listen to your body and mind you WILL see it through. Just take it as slow as you need to. This whole experience actually has led to some of the best times of my life, and i wouldn't have made the lifestyle changes I did unless that happened. Here are some of the things I did to help me through the WD:
-Meditation(LIFE SAVER)
-Asked my Doctor for small amount of Ativan to help with the anxiety in the first few months
-Explained my situation to my family/friends
At the end of the day know that there's nothing wrong with you and you will get through this . Much love to you all!
What a wonderful story I’m only 5 days off and started tapering last December but decided last Wednesday enough was enough and I stopped taking it my biggest issue is anxiety and head pressure along with depersonalisation as you experienced but I’m really hoping this gets better soon thank you for a positive post
I think the anxiety is the worst I’ve ever had I used to get anxiety before going on mirtazapine but this is off the clock now it’s like it has consumed every part of my body I do so much to try to ease it like meditation, Counselling, acupuncture, I tried mindfulness but just could apply ‘being in the moment ‘ as this anxiety is so powerful
I agree, as the anxiety I suffered after stopping mirtazapine was much worse than before I started the drug.
Keep hanging on in there. It does get much better. And tell yourself you can and will revert to your pre-mirtazapine life. It just takes time and we all know that for a lot of us this drug has very protracted withdrawals.
I was seriously battling after being off it for well over 5 months and when I went back to the doctor for the 4th time they refused to believe it was mirtazapine withdrawal. I knew it was. I wasn't on any other drug at all and I had never had such side effects before. You begin to question whether it's you who has got it wrong and whether it's you that is going mad but IT'S NOT YOU, it's the drug
I started on 15mg mirtazapine 10 weeks ago, after one week I increased to 30mg as 15 wasn't helping with my anxiety. Saw my doctor at 6 weeks and said that I was still not feeling any better so I was given 45mg with the advice to increase it slowly if I wanted. Eventually I increased to 45mg for 5 days but felt like a zombie! I'm now decreasing the dose slowly as I don't think this tablet is for me! I'm hoping that if I've only been on it a short time I won't have withdrawal symptoms.The only benefit I found is that I get a good nights sleep.
I'm hoping that I don't get any withdrawal symptoms, have been on mirtazapine for nearly 10 weeks, I'm on 15mg at the moment. Have decided that these tablets are not for me!
Hi mike I’m having a really tough day I’ve only been off mirtazapine for a week now but I’m in complete panic and heart palpitations I feel drained and terrible head pressure is this normal withdrawals
I remember really bad headaches. Like migraine. At one stage I thought it was a brain tumour, the headaches lasted for days but again it was the withdrawal from mirtazapine
Christine I’m struggling today been off mirtazapine a week now but today my head feels like it’s going to explode and my anxiety is unbearable did you have this and how long does this feeling last
This drug is known for its windows and waves. Some days can be worse than others. Can you get outside and go for a short walk in the sunshine? Getting some sunlight and doing light exercise helps with the panic and anxiety. I used to feel very sick and anxious. Some days I would put a pair of sunglasses on and take a brief short walk up the hill at the back of my house. I would be crying with feeling so unwell but just walking made me feel better and I would return home much calmer. I wish I could tell you that it goes away quickly but everyone is different.
Could you make a doctors appt and ask for something for the anxiety?
Don't project your fears and think that you will feel this bad tomorrow though. My counsellor reminded me that thoughts re:anxiety are not facts. And to just let the strong waves of anxiety wash over me, if that makes sense.
Thank you for answering me I have been given propranolol for the anxiety but I don’t want more medication as I don’t want to get addicted to anything else but your right about the waves and wow they can be brutal it’s quite scary
I felt the same. I did not want to get addicted to anything after mirtazapine, so just had to ride it out. It's easier said than done, I know but remember it won't always be this bad. Just keep reminding yourself of that. I'm not on any meds other than HRT and that's the way I will try to keep it.
I've felt rough today, don't know if it's because I've lowered the dose. Back at doctors tomorrow hoping I can have HRT and I can be rid of these tablets!