Mirtazapine withdrawal

Having read some of the experiences others have had withdrawing from Mirtazapine I thought I would post my own. I hope it may be of use to others. I recently was re-prescribed Mitazapine,after three years of not taking it. I took one 15mg tablet, felt like I'd been hit over the head with a riot shield and fell out of bed with severe restless legs syndrome. I decided there and then \"there is no way I am going through all this again\", and stopped it right there.

Previously, I had been prescribed Mirtazipine for severe anxiety and depression. This medication caused restless leg syndrome, and caused me to put on 3 stones in weight. Despite being previously a fit and active person. I became lethargic, and fatigued easily, needing to rest after evey 20 minutes of moderate activity, not to mention the dreadfull hangovers I would have all morning. I persisted in taking it for nearly 5 years because I looked forward to the sedative effect it has. I even looked foward to it at night, despite the dreadful side effects, because I felt it helped me escape the world into sleep. Personaly I think Mirtazipine is addictive and I was addicted.

I eventualy decided enough was enough and decided to get my life back.

My GP was of little use when it came to advice for tapered withdrawal, though damn quick to prescibe the stuff in the first place. I detemined an action plan of my own. I was aware of the unpleasent withdrawal symptoms of suddenly stopping, as I had previously, on occaision, run out of money and couldn't afford my prescription. Dizziness, exteme anxiety, nausia, insomnia, sweating and flu like muscle and head aches are all in store for any one who stops this medication abruptly. I tapered Mirtazipine over aproximately 3 months by, cutting up 30mg tablets. 1st week I took 3/4rs of a tablet, then 1/2 plus an 1/8th second week, then 1/2 plus 1/16th for the 3rd week and so on. Eventually I was taking 1/16th of 30mg (or less) per night for the last 2 weeks after which I felt no withdrawal syptoms upon cessation. The doses are aproximate as cutting these tablets is accurately is difficult.

All of this took a lot of focus and bloody-minded determination. I find it surprising that the manufacturers don't provide decreasing doses for people wishing to stop taking their product without discomfort. At the moment I have decided to cope with life without Mirtazapine, or any other chemical horror. It can be very difficult at times, but vastly better than being a Drs. corporate guinea pig/junkie. I would say though, that for people who are severly depressed, Mirtazapine or other medications could be helpful if used for the short term, but please be aware of the very real side effects and problems with these substances. Ask yourself very carefully if you think you need this, despite what your Dr. may say. These drugs should be a last resort, not first port of call. They most certainly are no magic cure, and have serious \"side effects\" that should not be underestimated.

[quote:68452ddaaf=\"La vita nuova \"]Having read some of the experiences others have had withdrawing from Mirtazapine I thought I would post my own. I hope it may be of use to others. I recently was re-prescribed Mitazapine,after three years of not taking it. I took one 15mg tablet, felt like I'd been hit over the head with a riot shield and fell out of bed with severe restless legs syndrome. I decided there and then \"there is no way I am going through all this again\", and stopped it right there.

Previously, I had been prescribed Mirtazipine for severe anxiety and depression. This medication caused restless leg syndrome, and caused me to put on 3 stones in weight. Despite being previously a fit and active person. I became lethargic, and fatigued easily, needing to rest after evey 20 minutes of moderate activity, not to mention the dreadfull hangovers I would have all morning. I persisted in taking it for nearly 5 years because I looked forward to the sedative effect it has. I even looked foward to it at night, despite the dreadful side effects, because I felt it helped me escape the world into sleep. Personaly I think Mirtazipine is addictive and I was addicted.

I eventualy decided enough was enough and decided to get my life back.

My GP was of little use when it came to advice for tapered withdrawal, though damn quick to prescibe the stuff in the first place. I detemined an action plan of my own. I was aware of the unpleasent withdrawal symptoms of suddenly stopping, as I had previously, on occaision, run out of money and couldn't afford my prescription. Dizziness, exteme anxiety, nausia, insomnia, sweating and flu like muscle and head aches are all in store for any one who stops this medication abruptly. I tapered Mirtazipine over aproximately 3 months by, cutting up 30mg tablets. 1st week I took 3/4rs of a tablet, then 1/2 plus an 1/8th second week, then 1/2 plus 1/16th for the 3rd week and so on. Eventually I was taking 1/16th of 30mg (or less) per night for the last 2 weeks after which I felt no withdrawal syptoms upon cessation. The doses are aproximate as cutting these tablets is accurately is difficult.

All of this took a lot of focus and bloody-minded determination. I find it surprising that the manufacturers don't provide decreasing doses for people wishing to stop taking their product without discomfort. At the moment I have decided to cope with life without Mirtazapine, or any other chemical horror. It can be very difficult at times, but vastly better than being a Drs. corporate guinea pig/junkie. I would say though, that for people who are severly depressed, Mirtazapine or other medications could be helpful if used for the short term, but please be aware of the very real side effects and problems with these substances. Ask yourself very carefully if you think you need this, despite what your Dr. may say. These drugs should be a last resort, not first port of call. They most certainly are no magic cure, and have serious \"side effects\" that should not be underestimated.

Can I ask you what your side effects were while on the drug? I have been taking mirt for about 3 months and don't really feel much better - want to come off them but at the same time wondering how I will be off them? Your very brave and strong to have done this and hope your stength continues!

Thank you for saying I'm brave and strong, but realy I'm not. It's more a case of being just heartily sick of the side effects of the medication that drove me to give it up; \"addicts fatigue\" if you like.

To answer your question, if you have felt no improvement in your symptoms after 3 months, then I suspect Mirtazipne isn't ever going to work for you. Perhaps it's time to speak to you Dr. about trying something else. (I wish I had). That is just my personal experience and not professional advice, I am in no way qualified to give medical advice.

I myself, never felt mirtazipine improved my mood, but it did enable me to sleep, which (for me, was very important) to my well being, but oh, at what a cost. I would advise any body to find a sympathetic and understanding Dr., with whom you can discuss honestly, all of your concerns. Don't be afraid to say this isn't working for me, a good Dr. will understand and help with alternative treatments.

Side effects can vary for person to person, but none are good. I wouldn't worry about comming off mirtazipine after 3 months too much, remember I took quite a high dose for 5 years, which made it a lot harder.

Sorry to repeat myself, but if you want to stop taking mirtazipine, you realy should talk to your Dr. about your concerns. I know this can be very difficult. If you find it hard to talk to your Dr. (mines impossible) perhaps you could take a printout of this forum discussion for him or her to read. It's easy to dismiss one person, but not if they are backed up by others. It's your right to demand the best and most appropriate treatment you can have. Remember, you matter, your health and well being is important.

For me, life without Mirtazapine etc. is far from easy; pretty well the same as when I was taking it: a roller-coaster of OK to dangerous despair and back, but without the horrible side effects. I caught my self smiling the other day, it made me laugh.

[quote:27b02bfab4=\"la vita nuova \"]Thank you for saying I'm brave and strong, but realy I'm not. It's more a case of being just heartily sick of the side effects of the medication that drove me to give it up; \"addicts fatigue\" if you like.

To answer your question, if you have felt no improvement in your symptoms after 3 months, then I suspect Mirtazipne isn't ever going to work for you. Perhaps it's time to speak to you Dr. about trying something else. (I wish I had). That is just my personal experience and not professional advice, I am in no way qualified to give medical advice.

I myself, never felt mirtazipine improved my mood, but it did enable me to sleep, which (for me, was very important) to my well being, but oh, at what a cost. I would advise any body to find a sympathetic and understanding Dr., with whom you can discuss honestly, all of your concerns. Don't be afraid to say this isn't working for me, a good Dr. will understand and help with alternative treatments.

Side effects can vary for person to person, but none are good. I wouldn't worry about comming off mirtazipine after 3 months too much, remember I took quite a high dose for 5 years, which made it a lot harder.

Sorry to repeat myself, but if you want to stop taking mirtazipine, you realy should talk to your Dr. about your concerns. I know this can be very difficult. If you find it hard to talk to your Dr. (mines impossible) perhaps you could take a printout of this forum discussion for him or her to read. It's easy to dismiss one person, but not if they are backed up by others. It's your right to demand the best and most appropriate treatment you can have. Remember, you matter, your health and well being is important.

For me, life without Mirtazapine etc. is far from easy; pretty well the same as when I was taking it: a roller-coaster of OK to dangerous despair and back, but without the horrible side effects. I caught my self smiling the other day, it made me laugh.

Thank you for your advice! Have you tried any other medication or CBT? If you don't trust your doctor maybe it may be time to change? I did try another medication before the mirt but had every side effect going - insomnia, nausea, extreme anxiety etc hence the doctor putting me on mirt! I know I can't go on feeling this way but am so scared of trying any other medication and at the same time scared of being off medication! That's bloody anxiety for you!!!! My doctor sounds pretty similar to yours - useless!! The trouble is these doctors do not know enough about mental health and how these drugs can effect people!! Mirt seems to stop the anxiety spiralling into panic attack but it hasn't been nice to feel what deep depression is!!!

I hope you start to smile more often - take care. :lol: