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.