Pepper88: Tapering mirtazepine - which digital scale to use?

[Pepper88]

Hi all, I am new here and happy to have found this forum.

 

I am planning to begin tapering my mirtazepine doseage from 22.5mg in June sometime. The smallest tablet they make where I live is 15 mg. I am hoping to cut up fragments to weigh on a precise scale (and calculate proportions). I was wondering which one does the job. I don't have spare $ to spend on multiple scales so I want to be sure I'm getting the right one.

 

I found the Gemini-20 Portable Milligram Scale on a thread: https://www.amazon.ca/American-Weigh-Scales-Gemini-20-Milligram/dp/B0012TDNAM?th=1&psc=1&source=googleshopping&locale=en-CA&tag=googcana-20&ref=pd_sl_8s243v8lsq_e  It looks good to me (and I like the warranty). Anyone else have suggestions or would support me buying this one for mirtazepine?

 

I'd appreciate any tips!

 

Thanks,

Pepper

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Pepper.

 

Please see

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine)

 

Using a digital scale to measure doses

 

You may find using a liquid to taper is easier than weighing tablet fragments. Why did you decide on the weighing method?

[Gridley]

I use the Gemini-20 scale and would recommend it if you go the weighing route.

[Pepper88]

17 hours ago, Gridley said:

I use the Gemini-20 scale and would recommend it if you go the weighing route.

 

 

Okay, thanks Gridley. Good to know. 

[Pepper88]

17 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Pepper.

 

Please see

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine)

 

Using a digital scale to measure doses

 

You may find using a liquid to taper is easier than weighing tablet fragments. Why did you decide on the weighing method?

 

Thank you Alostrata. I did read about the liquid method and it seemed more complicated than sanding down tablets. It is probably just due to lack of experience, but I also only have access to the hard tablets (for some reason my benefits won't cover anything but those ones)

[Altostrata]

The liquid method is easier than weighing, but some people prefer weighing. Your choice.

 

If you sand down tablets, you will have to weigh, especially at lower dosages where it will be hard for you to judge how much you've removed.

[Pepper88]

On 5/9/2018 at 5:35 PM, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Pepper.

 

Please see

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine)

 

Using a digital scale to measure doses

 

You may find using a liquid to taper is easier than weighing tablet fragments. Why did you decide on the weighing method?

 

Hi Altostrata,

I explored your recommendation of the liquid method and decided it might be a good way to go. I just tested out my tablets and they are dissolving in water just fine. I watched the naltrexone video on your thread, and saw that she used distilled water. I was wondering if filtered water would work as well? (I have a filter at home)  Thanks for pointing me in this direction. It actually looks easier and less expensive.

[Altostrata]

Filtered water is fine. Your homemade liquid needs to be refrigerated; it will be good for a few days.

[Pepper88]

Alright, thanks. I'll give this a go.

[Pepper88]

I'm on my final dose of .25mg for my prazosin taper, and starting to have some symptoms - big headaches, head pressure, heart palps, nausea, fatigue and nightmares. I haven't had any terrible symptoms until now so I'm probably going to hold here for longer. Anyone else come off prazosin and how was your experience?

[Pepper88]

Hi everyone. So I just picked up a refill of my remron and saw that my doctor tapered me down 7.5mg! We hadn't talked about it at all and I  was planning to do the slow taper myself with liquid titration. But the 7.5mg jump is way too quick. Do doctors have the right to taper you off anti depressants against your will? If I book an appointment and talk to her about it, I'm sure she would honor my request to hold... but she's a new doc and I'm unsure. 

[Gridley]

Doctors can prescribe what they want, but you certainly don't have to do what they say.  If your signature is up-to-date and you're on 22.5 Remeron, a drop of 7.5mg is a 30% drop and will land you in trouble.  

 

 

[Altostrata]

The doctor may have made an error. Contact her and request your full dosage. If she wants to change it, she should discuss it with you first.

 

If you and she have discussed it and cannot agree, you need to find a new doctor.

[Pepper88]

Sounds good. Thank you for the responses. I'm definitely not going to 15mg tonight.

 

I'll contact her tomorrow. 

[Pepper88]

I'm going to start writing about my experience in my introduction thread.

 

I just began my mirtazapine taper 1 and a half weeks ago and its been rough. Dreams and nightmares are getting more bizarre, but they arent increasing in negative emotionality luckily. I started getting some restless leg and arm syndrome at night, but not sure if thats from the w/d. I've been getting enough sleep though, thank god. 

 

Irritability and anxiety have gone up the most. Small events are disturbing me, and there have been more conflicts in my relationship... not huge ones, but just more conflicts to talk through. Its hard to regulate, but I don't want my partner to feel like he has to walk on eggshells. I'm going to practice de-centering when I'm in those moments and observe my irritation before speaking from it.

 

I'm beginning a training program in the fall and hoping that it doesn't exhaust me and good for my motivation. It's p/t - I plan to go slow so I can gauge how to do sustainable work.

[Altostrata]

Hi, Pepper. What is your tapering method?

 

Many people do better with fish oil and magnesium supplements, see
http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

The magnesium in particular can help muscle tension and "restless leg." A lot of people find them helpful. Try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you.

 

[Pepper88]

Hey Alto, I'm taking mirtazapine through liquid suspension now. Thank you for those tips. I used to take omega-3s a while back and would be willing to try them again.

[Pepper88]

Todays update.

 

I'm 3.5 weeks into my first taper period. I'm feeling much more stabilized on this dose. Sleeps have been alright besides some intense dreams. I still can't handle a ton of stimulation though, and I'm often trying to calm my irritability (noting new). I'm excited to have just gotten my pack of graduated cylinders in the mail. I'm happy with the product and making my liquid suspension will be a lot more easeful with them.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Ajax-Scientific-Polypropylene-Graduated-Cylinder/dp/B00EPQ5IXE

[Pepper88]

've been at 18.25 for 2 weeks now and feeling pretty good. In fact, less drowsy and more energised. The first week on the dose was harsh though - lots of fatigue, headaches, irritability, nausea, and dizziness. Its nice to know that I'll be coasting here for a couple more weeks before the next decrease.

 

I'm glad I'm taking it slow this time. Its nice to feel like I can still do most of my daily living tasks while tapering. This was not the case with my rapid benzo taper, which left me completely disabled. 

 

I've been doing lots of physical activities this summer like dance and yoga which have also been feeding my soul. Ive been making some headway with trauma processing as well.

 

I'm starting a training program this fall - a little nervous but its part time, so hoping that wont affect my sleep and stress like my masters program did before.

[Pepper88]

I wrote a poem. These are words that I wish I had heard after my rapid benzo taper, and was in crisis much of the time.

 

This is your time 

---------------------------

You have to stop. You have to stop everything. You have to make a vow to your body that she is the most important thing in the world right now. You have to focus on tending to her cries, and that's it. You have to say **** you to the rest of the world, who is nagging you to PRODUCE and CONSUME! You have to trust your body's own capabilities to tell you when she's ready to take on the world again. You have to simplify your lifestyle and only do what's necessary to survive. You have to cut out everyone and everything that is draining your energy, because you don't have a hell of a lot. The relationships that are mutually nourishing and worthwhile will shine through. You have to make small goals like stepping stones up a big mountain. You have to take your days literally one at a time, attending to only one breath and a time. You have to defend your body like its your baby. This is your time to heal. You've been giving to others your whole life, especially when they've been in need. Now it's your time to receive. You deserve self-care and care from others. Let nobody take this journey away from you. 

[Pepper88]

I am now at 16.4mg. Planning to hold as I begin school next week. W/d symptoms have been manageable this week. I keep waiting for a massive wave to hit but nothing too big so far. Just alot of waking up at night, bizarre dreaming, headache and fatigue... lying in bed for 12 hours in order to feel rested it seems. Nothing new to me. Hoping I can just hold here for a while, and that my school doesn't cause me so much stress that I need to updose. Of course I'll have to wait to see how it goes and accept that i wont know until it starts.

 

I'm super nervous about my appointment with my NP next month. After requesting refills by phone she demanded I book an appointment. I hadnt booked an appointment for a while because by now I assume that most docs don't care about how you're actually doing, but just want to know how much x drug you want. I hope she isnt calling me in to manipulate my doseage without my consent. I can't handle that kind of stress right now. 

 

I miss being able to feel strong after aerobic exercise. Since being on meds I get exercise hangovers - feeling totally dizzy, fatigued and drained after exercise. Exercise used to me my knight and shining armour. I can't rely on it anymore.

[Gridley]

It is common not to be able to do strenuous exercise during withdrawal.  A gentle walk is nature would likely be better for you.

 

At what rate are you tapering?

[Pepper88]

Thanks Gridley, I have definitely noticed that mindful walks are much better for my physical and mental health. I'm tapering at 10%/ 4 weeks, slow and steady. 

 

I am at 7.4mg now. I feel content with how far I've come. This pace is very manageable with minor w/d symptoms. A big step forward was getting a clearer diagnosis of celiac and eliminating more and more sources of gluten cross contamination. This has healed so many neurological symptoms to the point of (happy) disbelief! I finished school and am now starting p/t work. I will be slow to take on more responsibilities, ensuring that I can still taper during the process. 

[Gridley]

9 minutes ago, Pepper88 said:

I am at 7.4mg now. I feel content with how far I've come. This pace is very manageable with minor w/d symptoms. A big step forward was getting a clearer diagnosis of celiac and eliminating more and more sources of gluten cross contamination. This has healed so many neurological symptoms to the point of (happy) disbelief! I finished school and am now starting p/t work. I will be slow to take on more responsibilities, ensuring that I can still taper during the process. 

 

That's great news, Pepper88. Congratulations!  You might want to work in some one or two week holds along the way just to let your system catch up as you taper.

[Pepper88]

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've come to announce that its been three weeks since I've jumped. I'm managing well, with some minor sleep disturbances, weird dreams, restless legs, anxiety, fatigue, and sensitivity to sound. Sounds like a lot but its actually nothing too bad. Luckily August is slow at work, so I have some space to take care of myself. 

 

I've noticed more suppressed childhood memories surfacing and resolving naturally. My nervous system is definitely healing now that I've learned a mindful way of being. For the most part, I can meet all of my negative experiences with compassion rather than pushing them away, which I feel is so key for relapse prevention. My relationship with my body is a lot more healthy and connected.

 

What a relief to be off psych meds for the first time in years. I'm so thankful for everyone here who guided me through a gentle taper. This was a lot less painful than my rapid benzo taper.

 

Blessings to all xx

[Nomansland]

Hi @Pepper88,

 

terrific news! Congratulations!

 

Please let us know how you are in the next months. You know its so important to have

stories from people who completed the taper.

 

And when you feel ready, please write your succes storie for this fantastic forum.

Wish you all the best!

 

Greetings

 

 

[Pepper88]

On 8/19/2021 at 2:45 PM, Nomansland said:

Hi @Pepper88,

 

terrific news! Congratulations!

 

Please let us know how you are in the next months. You know its so important to have

stories from people who completed the taper.

 

And when you feel ready, please write your succes storie for this fantastic forum.

Wish you all the best!

 

Greetings

 

 

Hi Nomansland,

 

Sure, I will do that! Symptoms are already subsiding a bit. 

 

I see you are on mirtazapine too. Take care and go gentle - you've got this

[Pepper88]

3 months off mirtazapine and I'm still sleeping soundly. Of course there are some off nights, and I've had maybe 2 distressing nights where I have had to take low doses of CBD oil but besides that, I'm doing pretty good.

 

Plus, insomnia and nightmares don't scare me as much when I experience them too. My off nights are opportunities to enjoy deep meditations in solitude. I owe it to my yoga nidra and dream yoga practice to help me rest deeply, even if I'm not fully unconscious (in fact, its prefered to be awake and aware in these practices!). Its been lovely to share them with my family, friends, and greater community online and in-person. I have helped many family members manage their insomnia (it runs in my family), and have extended my services out into the world. This whole crisis helped me build a meaningful career... a pretty cool blessing. This journey helped me accept that a 9-5 desk job is not a viable option for my mental health, and I'm happy that I carved out an alternative.

 

Though I still am currently seeking a p/t job to supplement my wellness business. I've been exploring this very consciously. I deifnitely can't do anything too overstimulating because one symptom I still experience is sensory processing sensitivity (which I have always had but it became much more pronounced after withdrawing from meds). This is one barrier to engaging in high stim, fast-paced work, which I used to love. At the end of the day, I do hope I find a second vocation that generates more good than harm in the world.