Geecee Posted October 7, 2017 Posted October 7, 2017 (edited) I'm hoping for some advice from other members with experience / knowledge of stopping mirtazapine. If you have any thoughts about what the possible best way forward for me this would be much appreciated. I've been off mirtazapine now for 10 weeks, after 6 weeks at a half dose (7.5 m.g), in accordance with my doctor's advice. Around week 3/4, I had some acute withdrawals (insomnia, nightmares, headaches, rage) but these have largely settled (aside from sleep, which although improved, remains limited - approx 6.5 hours) . However, as the weeks have gone I've been experiencing periods of very low mood and prolonged tearfulness, sometimes very severe. My anxiety levels have also increased, and I have a slightly elevated heart rate which feels like it's pounding in my chest. My doctor has prescribed zopiclone and diazepam to help manage insomnia and anxiety, which I've been taking very sparingly and only when I feel I really need them. I also have propranolol, which I've used for many years for a phobia. In relation to the depression, I've been using other self-help techniques to try to manage this (exercise, good diet / supplements, talking therapies, meditation and other forms of self-care). My doctor's view is that my current depression, anxiety and limited sleep are not withdrawal symptoms but a return of original mental health issues. He is urging me to re-instate the mirtazapine at a 15 mg dose. I'm very reluctant to do this as I actually feel I've done quite well overall, am open to adopting any other helpful strategies and really, really don't want to have to go through the withdrawals again in the future. Also, although I do have a long-standing history with anxiety (specific, not generalised), I have no history of sleep disorder prior to the period of exceptional difficulty which precipitated being prescribed anti-depressant. I do have some history of depression, but again this was mainly in response to very stressful circumstances. I was stable and off anti-depressant for some 8 years (and hardly ever visited my doctor) prior to going back on in 2014. I am also fortunate enough to have the time off work at present to devote to my recovery and am very motivated to find strategies to manage other than medication. Many thanks for any advice you can give. Edited October 7, 2017 by baroquep Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Administrator Altostrata Posted October 9, 2017 Administrator Posted October 9, 2017 Welcome, Geecee. I'm sorry your doctor was not more concerned about your withdrawal symptoms a month ago. When that happens, we suggest reinstatement of a low dose of the drug rather than fostering dependence on other drugs such as zopiclone and diazepam, both of which are truly addictive. You are wise to use them very sparingly. If you look at other topics in the Introductions forum, you will see many people here have withdrawal syndrome for far longer than doctors are aware. It's entirely possible you have mirtazapine withdrawal syndrome. You might try reinstating a low dose of mirtazapine, such as 3mg. We find that even this tiny dose can stop withdrawal symptoms. You'd stabilize on this for a month or a few, depending on how you feel, then taper very carefully off by tiny amounts. See Why taper by 10% of my dosage? Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine) Before you do this, though, you need to resolve your affairs with zopiclone and diazepam. It would be best if you tapered off them. How often have you been taking each? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
Moderator Emeritus Santino Posted October 9, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted October 9, 2017 HI GeeCee... I fully agree with Altostrata. This is the best way in order to regain stability. Then after getting stable on the 3Mg of Mistrazapine you can taper slowly later. Tapering from 3Mg later is long but not very complicated. I am tapering with the 10% rule from 15Mg currently to 0.15Mg and am able to preserve stability. Please try to stay away from benzos such as diazepam. They are very dangerous and the body creates a fast dependency on them. All the best Santino 2015 - 2016 Xanax only rescue doses of 0.125 mg 1-2 times per month March 2016 0.125Mg * 2 Xanax for 10 days. 20 March 2016 0.25 Mg * 2 Xanax for one week. 1 April 2016 Tranxene 5 mg and Fevarin but bad reaction for 5 days.4 April 2016 25 Mg Amitryptiline + 6 MG bromazepam at night Started tapering Bromazepam 6 days later reached up to 3 MG in 10 days and withdrawal. Pdoc asked to go 6 MG again. 10 of May started Remeron 15 MG and started tapering Bromazepam again. SINCE 09/06/2016 BENZO FREE - Started Tapering Remeron 04/07/2016 04/Jul/16 12.8 Mg, 11/Aug/16 12 Mg, 20/Aug/16 11Mg, 3/Sept/16 10Mg, 11/Sept/16 9 Mg, 30/Sept/16 8.1 Mg, 14/Oct/16 7.25 Mg, 17/Nov/16 6.7, 23/Nov/16 6.5, 2/Dec/16 6.25, 9/Dec/16 6Mg, 25/Dec/16 5.7Mg, 4/Jan/17 5.4Mg, 20/Jan/17 5.2Mg, 07/Feb/17 5 Mg, 15/Feb/17 4.8Mg, 27/Feb/17 4.5Mg, 15/Mar/17 4.2Mg, 23/Mar/17 4Mg, 1/Apr/17 3.7Mg, 14/Apr/17 3.4Mg, 27/Apr/17 3.1Mg, 06/May/17 2.8Mg, 22/May/17 2.6Mg, 31/May/17 2.3Mg 09/Jun/17 2Mg, 20/Jun/17 1.7Mg, 29/Jun/17 1.4Mg, 11/Jul/17 1.2Mg, 20/Jul/17 1Mg, 31/Jul/17 0.8Mg, 11/Aug/17 0.6Mg, 23/Aug/17 0.5Mg, 05/Sept/17 0.4Mg, 13/Sept/17 0.3Mg. 22/Sept/17 0.2Mg, 03/Oct/17 0.15Mg, 10/Oct/17 0.1Mg, 23/Oct/17 0.05Mg, 22/Nov/17 0.025Mg, 06/DECEMBER/2017 MIRT FREEE.
Geecee Posted October 9, 2017 Author Posted October 9, 2017 I haven't had any diazepam or zopliclone for a almost week. I'm very wary of both drugs and haven't been taking them more than once or twice a week at any point. The zopiclone was helpful to get some respite from persistent insomnia but I'm now experimenting with different non-pharmaceutical solutions to improve my sleep, which seems to be working (up to almost 7 hours). For anxiety I've now replaced the diazepam with propranolol when my pounding heart generates anxiety at work, but again I'm using this infrequently. I will consider restarting on 3mgs of mirtazapine. Just one question? Is there a window in which this is likely to be effective. I would like to to persevere for another week or so to see if things settle. If I do is there more of a risk that this won't work and I'll have to restart on a higher dose. Thanks for your views. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Geecee Posted December 19, 2017 Author Posted December 19, 2017 I posted on October 7th for advice on difficulties I was having withdrawing from mirtazapine (night time anxiety, palpitations and related insomnia). It was suggested that I restart the antidepressants and do a slow taper but I instead stupidly decided to try to tough it out. Now, after 18 weeks off, my difficulties have, if anything, intensified and my doctor agrees this may be withdrawal syndrome. (When I did take a dose of mirtazapine everything resolves. Also I didn’t have these issues before starting mirtazapine). He proposes helping me stabilise by prescribing trazodone (50mg) for a period rather than reinstating a low dose of mirtazapine 7.5mg), given that it seems to have caused the problem in the first place. Does anyone have a view on whether there is any advantage in going back on the mirtazapine instead of trazodone to stabilise then slowly tapering off that? Or are there any other better options? Any views you can give me are much appreciated. Regards Geecee Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
nz11 Posted December 19, 2017 Posted December 19, 2017 Just a gentle reminder its only one thread per intro topic per person. 4 hours ago, Geecee said: When I did take a dose of mirtazapine everything resolves Sounds like you have answered your question yourself. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
nz11 Posted December 19, 2017 Posted December 19, 2017 4 hours ago, Geecee said: given that it seems to have caused the problem in the first place May I ask what problem you are referring too. Are you referring to protracted withdrawal syndrome. Then that is a possible outcome of all psychoactive drug exposure. Pity no one is informed or warned of this at the beginning 4 hours ago, Geecee said: my doctor agrees this may be withdrawal syndrome Your doctor sounds like he has read a bit more than the drug wrapper....great going good for him. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
nz11 Posted December 19, 2017 Posted December 19, 2017 Oh one more thing ...its really important so I'm putting it in a separate post ... Are you able to do a drug signature. nz11 Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
Geecee Posted December 19, 2017 Author Posted December 19, 2017 Sorry - I’m very new to this and not sure how things work. What’s a drug signature? Also the problems I’m referring to are mainly insomnia, nighttime anxiety and palpitations. I didn’t have these before taking antidepressants. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted December 19, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 19, 2017 Geecee, Here's how to do a drug signature. Read the instructions first then go to the link. Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature • Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses. • A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. • Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years. • Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago) • Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg Taper is 96% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.
Geecee Posted December 19, 2017 Author Posted December 19, 2017 Many thanks Gridley Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Undiagnosed1 Posted December 20, 2017 Posted December 20, 2017 I'm a mirt and trazodone victim myself. Trazodone will not stop your mirt withdrawal. I am 10 months off a cold turkey of mirt 15mg and am still suffering some things have improved but some have not and I still consider going back on a minute dose. It only gets worse in horrible waves. I suggest you reinstate before things get really bad. The worst of my anxiety and akathisia didn't hit until months 6-7. Let's put it this way before all these meds I suffered Stevens Johnson's syndrome that almost killed me. I would rather suffer sjs many times over that what I have endured and continue to endure this past year. december 25th 2016 gabapentin 900mg 1500mg increased january 5th 2017 between may and june decreased from 1500 mg to 700 mg december 25th 2016 remeron 15mg 2 week taper stopped febuary 26th withdrawal leveled out in may december 27th 2016 coreg 12.5mg x2 a day december 28th 2016 trazodone 100mg january 6th 75mg january 8th 50mg january 10th 25mg january 15th 37.5mg june 12th 25 mg hydroxyzine 25 mg prn colozopam .5 only taken .25 in two moths
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 20, 2017 Administrator Posted December 20, 2017 Hello, Geecee. I merged your Intro topics. Please bookmark or follow this topic so you can find it again. Since you have mirtazapine withdrawal, a little mirtazapine is more likely to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms. Be careful not to overdo the dosage. We suggest trying a very low dose at first in case your system is sensitized to it. This topic explains how to take a small dose of mirtazapine Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine) Please post in this topic and let us know how you're doing. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
nz11 Posted December 20, 2017 Posted December 20, 2017 2 hours ago, Undiagnosed1 said: Let's put it this way before all these meds I suffered Stevens Johnson's syndrome that almost killed me. I would rather suffer sjs many times over that what I have endured and continue to endure this past year. UD did the drugs cause SJS ? in your opinion how did you get it? Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
Geecee Posted December 20, 2017 Author Posted December 20, 2017 7 hours ago, Undiagnosed1 said: The worst of my anxiety and akathisia didn't hit until months 6-7. This sounds like an awful experience. For me, I think antidepressants saved my life and helped me cope with trauma so I don’t regret using them. I just wished I knew more about the possible hazards in coming off them. This might have avoided the very difficult time I’ve been having recently. Has this community been of help to you? It certainly makes me feel less alone with all this. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Geecee Posted December 20, 2017 Author Posted December 20, 2017 6 hours ago, Altostrata said: Hello, Geecee. I merged your Intro topics. Please bookmark or follow this topic so you can find it again. Since you have mirtazapine withdrawal, a little mirtazapine is more likely to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms. Be careful not to overdo the dosage. We suggest trying a very low dose at first in case your system is sensitized to it. This topic explains how to take a small dose of mirtazapine Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine) Please post in this topic and let us know how you're doing. Apologies for posting in the wrong sections. Hopefully I’ll get the gist soon. Re reinstating mirtazapine, my doctor recommended 15mg. However when I tried this last week I was knocked sideways. I then tried 7.5mg a week later which left me a bit sleepy but my mood and anxiety levels were good and felt normal for the first time in ages. Two days ago I tried 3mg which allowed me to sleep reasonably well but I struggled badly the next day with anxiety. My plan is to reinstate at 7.5mg in order to stabilise. Then begin a gradual taper in 4 - 6 week’s. Does this sound like an advisable plan? Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Moderator Emeritus Santino Posted December 20, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 20, 2017 Hi Geecee This sound like the best plan for your situation. You are lucky to feel good at 7.5 so just stick to it for a while until you feel stable and then start 10% deductions every 4-6 weeks. I wrote you a message my friend. All the best Santino 2015 - 2016 Xanax only rescue doses of 0.125 mg 1-2 times per month March 2016 0.125Mg * 2 Xanax for 10 days. 20 March 2016 0.25 Mg * 2 Xanax for one week. 1 April 2016 Tranxene 5 mg and Fevarin but bad reaction for 5 days.4 April 2016 25 Mg Amitryptiline + 6 MG bromazepam at night Started tapering Bromazepam 6 days later reached up to 3 MG in 10 days and withdrawal. Pdoc asked to go 6 MG again. 10 of May started Remeron 15 MG and started tapering Bromazepam again. SINCE 09/06/2016 BENZO FREE - Started Tapering Remeron 04/07/2016 04/Jul/16 12.8 Mg, 11/Aug/16 12 Mg, 20/Aug/16 11Mg, 3/Sept/16 10Mg, 11/Sept/16 9 Mg, 30/Sept/16 8.1 Mg, 14/Oct/16 7.25 Mg, 17/Nov/16 6.7, 23/Nov/16 6.5, 2/Dec/16 6.25, 9/Dec/16 6Mg, 25/Dec/16 5.7Mg, 4/Jan/17 5.4Mg, 20/Jan/17 5.2Mg, 07/Feb/17 5 Mg, 15/Feb/17 4.8Mg, 27/Feb/17 4.5Mg, 15/Mar/17 4.2Mg, 23/Mar/17 4Mg, 1/Apr/17 3.7Mg, 14/Apr/17 3.4Mg, 27/Apr/17 3.1Mg, 06/May/17 2.8Mg, 22/May/17 2.6Mg, 31/May/17 2.3Mg 09/Jun/17 2Mg, 20/Jun/17 1.7Mg, 29/Jun/17 1.4Mg, 11/Jul/17 1.2Mg, 20/Jul/17 1Mg, 31/Jul/17 0.8Mg, 11/Aug/17 0.6Mg, 23/Aug/17 0.5Mg, 05/Sept/17 0.4Mg, 13/Sept/17 0.3Mg. 22/Sept/17 0.2Mg, 03/Oct/17 0.15Mg, 10/Oct/17 0.1Mg, 23/Oct/17 0.05Mg, 22/Nov/17 0.025Mg, 06/DECEMBER/2017 MIRT FREEE.
Moderator Emeritus Gridley Posted December 20, 2017 Moderator Emeritus Posted December 20, 2017 If at the end of 4-6 weeks you feel you should hold longer in order to stabilize, you should do so. Listen to your body. Gridley Introduction Lexapro 20 mg since 2004. Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017. End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg Oct. 30, 2020 Jump to zero from 0.025mg. Current dose: 0.000mg 3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete. Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium End 2021 year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper. Taper is 95% complete. Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986. Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper. Current dose as of Oct 15: 3.2mg Taper is 96% complete. Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotic, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase, L-Glutamine, milk thistle, choline I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. It is information based on my own experience as well as that of other members who have survived these drugs.
Geecee Posted December 20, 2017 Author Posted December 20, 2017 15 minutes ago, Gridley said: If at the end of 4-6 weeks you feel you should hold longer in order to stabilize, you should do so. Listen to your body. Many thanks. I will not be so hasty to stop next time as this has been hell. I will resume my medication tonight. I just need to get through today! Feeling very washed out by trying different drugs and dosages. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Undiagnosed1 Posted December 20, 2017 Posted December 20, 2017 7 hours ago, nz11 said: UD did the drugs cause SJS ? in your opinion how did you get it? Sjs was caused by bactrum an antibiotic. I have pictures it was more than horrific. december 25th 2016 gabapentin 900mg 1500mg increased january 5th 2017 between may and june decreased from 1500 mg to 700 mg december 25th 2016 remeron 15mg 2 week taper stopped febuary 26th withdrawal leveled out in may december 27th 2016 coreg 12.5mg x2 a day december 28th 2016 trazodone 100mg january 6th 75mg january 8th 50mg january 10th 25mg january 15th 37.5mg june 12th 25 mg hydroxyzine 25 mg prn colozopam .5 only taken .25 in two moths
Undiagnosed1 Posted December 20, 2017 Posted December 20, 2017 2 hours ago, Geecee said: This sounds like an awful experience. For me, I think antidepressants saved my life and helped me cope with trauma so I don’t regret using them. I just wished I knew more about the possible hazards in coming off them. This might have avoided the very difficult time I’ve been having recently. Has this community been of help to you? It certainly makes me feel less alone with all this. Sadly I didn't listen to there advise and am paying dearly. december 25th 2016 gabapentin 900mg 1500mg increased january 5th 2017 between may and june decreased from 1500 mg to 700 mg december 25th 2016 remeron 15mg 2 week taper stopped febuary 26th withdrawal leveled out in may december 27th 2016 coreg 12.5mg x2 a day december 28th 2016 trazodone 100mg january 6th 75mg january 8th 50mg january 10th 25mg january 15th 37.5mg june 12th 25 mg hydroxyzine 25 mg prn colozopam .5 only taken .25 in two moths
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 20, 2017 Administrator Posted December 20, 2017 Sounds like 3mg-7.5mg might work. 5mg might be a happy medium, that does not leave you sleepy in the morning. Taking 3mg one time does not reveal much. If you took it regularly, it might be enough, as it builds to steady-state in your bloodstream over 4 days or so. If I were you, I would take 3mg for 4 days and see what happens. If it's not enough, take 5mg for 4 days. It's best to reinstate at the lowest effective dosage, you'll have less to taper later. Please let us know how you're doing. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
Geecee Posted December 21, 2017 Author Posted December 21, 2017 23 hours ago, Altostrata said: If I were you, I would take 3mg for 4 days and see what happens. If it's not enough, take 5mg for 4 days. It's best to reinstate at the lowest effective dosage, you'll have less to taper later. Please let us know how you're doing. Very many thanks for this advice. I took roughly 5mg last night and didn’t sleep well (woke up around 3am with palpatations / panic and unable to get back to sleep). Perhaps ill-advisedly I took a sliver more along with a shot of vodka which got me back to sleep. Today I’ve felt dreadful. Dopey and super anxious and depressed. I think I got more immediate relief from a higher dose. I realise this means having to take much longer to taper off but I think it’s worth it if I can feel ok sooner. Currently I feel like I’m in hell! Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Geecee Posted December 22, 2017 Author Posted December 22, 2017 I’m on day two of having restarted mirtazapine. My anxiety levels are through the roof - way worse than before. Any advice on whether I should persevere, increase dose, change to trazodone or something else. This is almost intolerable. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 23, 2017 Administrator Posted December 23, 2017 On 12/20/2017 at 10:39 AM, Altostrata said: If I were you, I would take 3mg for 4 days and see what happens. If it's not enough, take 5mg for 4 days. Geecee, the reason we advise taking a very low dose is because people who have had adverse drug reactions often have sensitized nervous systems. A little will go a long way. I've given this advice to thousands of people, many of whom, like you, insist on taking too much and then regret it. Sigh. When you get tired of getting an adverse reaction to 5mg or more, reduce the dosage. PS Drinking alcohol while one's nervous system is sensitized is not a good idea. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
Geecee Posted December 23, 2017 Author Posted December 23, 2017 Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate this. Yesterday I spoke with my Doctor and he asked me to stop the mirtazipine and change to trazodone (100mg) taking that consistently until next week when he will review it. He’s also prescribed valium to cope with the panic. I find it very hard to ignore my doctor’s advice but I fully understand there rationale for reinstating the original meds at a low dose and persevering. From what I understand trazodone is unlikely to deal with the withdrawal from mirtazipine. I will try to get through the festive period without having a complete breakdown and speak to my doctor again next week. This surely one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life and I so regret previous decisions. Nov 12 - March 2014: 10mg Citalopram March 2014 - 30 Jan 2016: 20mg Citalopram 30 Jan 16 - 25 June: 15mg mirtazapine 26 June 17 - 30 July 17: 7.5mg mirtazapine
Administrator Altostrata Posted December 23, 2017 Administrator Posted December 23, 2017 Yes, of course your doctor told you something different. If doctors could deal with tapering and withdrawal syndrome, this site would not exist. I would be so happy if that were so! You need to decide which way to go. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
nz11 Posted December 24, 2017 Posted December 24, 2017 Geecee your doctor is just guessing. He is adding and switching to other potent drugs and has no way of knowing how you will react to it. For many its a journey from bad to worse. Your situation has reminded me of another member here in whose footsteps you are about to follow. If I were you I would follow Altos advice and try to stabilize on the remeron alone. I would not switch or add more psych drugs to the mix including the prop. or valium. or alcohol. It is a very slippery slope. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
nz11 Posted December 24, 2017 Posted December 24, 2017 8 hours ago, Geecee said: I find it very hard to ignore my doctor’s advice Ask your doctor if he has ever taken any of this stuff for several months. If not ask why not. This is a site full of people who have been harmed by ignorant doctors. So here's the thing who knows more about these drugs ....someone who has never taken them or those or have or are. Thought for the day: Lets stand up, and let’s speak out , together. G Olsen We have until the 14th. Feb 2018. URGENT REQUEST Please consider submitting for the petition on Prescribed Drug Dependence and Withdrawal currently awaiting its third consideration at the Scottish Parliament. You don't even have to be from Scotland. By clicking on the link below you can read some of the previous submissions but be warned many of them are quite harrowing. http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/PE01651 Please tell them about your problems taking and withdrawing from antidepressants and/or benzos. Send by email to petitions@parliament.scot and quote PE01651 in the subject heading. Keep to a maximum of 3 sides of A4 and you can't name for legal reasons any doctor you have consulted. Tell them if you wish to remain anonymous. We need the numbers to help convince the committee members we are not isolated cases. You have until mid February. Thank you Recovering paxil addict None of the published articles shed light on what ssri's ... actually do or what their hazards might be. Healy 2013. This is so true, with anything you get on these drugs, dependance, tapering, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, just silent. And if there is something mentioned then their is a serious disconnect between what is said and reality! "Every time I read of a multi-person shooting, I always presume that person had just started a SSRI or had just stopped." Dr Mosher. Me too! Over two decades later, the number of antidepressant prescriptions a year is slightly more than the number of people in the Western world. Most (nine out of 10) prescriptions are for patients who faced difficulties on stopping, equating to about a tenth of the population. These patients are often advised to continue treatment because their difficulties indicate they need ongoing treatment, just as a person with diabetes needs insulin. Healy 2015 I believe the ssri era will soon stand as one of the most shameful in the history of medicine. Healy 2015 Let people help people ... in a natural, kind, non-addictive (and non-big pharma) way. J Broadley 2017
PsychologicalSafe15 Posted September 14, 2021 Posted September 14, 2021 @Geecee Did your vivid dreams subside ? how long did it take to subside ? 2017 october--2018 march->(6 month) fluoxetine 20,30 mg-->cold turkey= after 2 month semen leakage 2018 july---2018 Aug-->(24 days) fluoxetine 20 mg --> cold turkey = vivid dreams begin 2018 december 2019 Jan-->(1 month) Amitriptyline 25--> cold turkey --------++++--horror of drugs begins. Taking one after another and cold turkey-------+++------------------ 2019 May--2019 May--> (12 days) Lexapro cold turkey 2019 May--2019 august -->(3 month)Cobazam 10 mg +amitriptyline 25 mg --> clobazam cold turkey ----2019 october ---> went cold turkey amitriptyline 25 mg. 2019 october--2020 Jan -->(3 months) duloxetine cymbalta 30mg --->cold turkey 2020 jan-2020 Apr--> (3 months) paroxetine 25 mg --> Cold turkey 2020 July--2021 Jan--> (6 months) amitriptyline 50 mg ,75 mg,100 mg ,125 mg -> cold turkey 2021 jan--2021 May--> (4 months) imipramine 75 mg -->cold turkey 2021 may-2021 Aug--> (3 months) nortriptyline 25 mg --> cold turkey== still semen leakage and vivid dream
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