Kris72: Mirtazapine help!

[Kris72]

I have been taking mirtazapine 7.5 for six weeks. I am in a horrible state. I have tinnitus, D realization and deep personalization, rage, lack of appetite. I want to get off this medication fast. The doctor said to just stop. But I’m scared to do that. Any advice? I do not take any other medication.

[Kiasofia]

Welcome @Kris72

Did this symptoms start shortly after starting mirtazapine? Ideally, after more than 4 weeks exposure, we advise testing with a 10% cut to see how you handle that. And then assess if you can reduce faster. However, if the reaction you are having is severe then a faster taper (with the risk of withdrawal) might be necessary. In that case, reduce by 50% and then 50% and then quit over a week or two.

Edited December 31, 2021 by Kiasofia

[Kris72]

I wasn’t sure what was going on. I thought maybe it was still the benzo withdrawal. Since I heard that can last a long time. But now symptoms seem to be getting worse and worse. Loss of weight, depersonalization and D realization, itchy skin, joint pain, headache, and rage.

[Kiasofia]

What date did you quit Ativan? What date did you start mirtazapine? Please update your drug signature following these instructions:

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

About mirtazapine:

Tips for tapering off mirtazapine (Remeron)

 

You can learn more about withdrawal here:

What is withdrawal syndrome?

Dr. Joseph Glenmullen's withdrawal symptom checklist

 

This forum works differently to many other forums.  Each member has their own Introduction topic (only one).  Please post all questions about your situation here. We are a small volunteer staff and will answer as soon as we can.

 

The search function on this site doesn't work very well. To find things on the forum the easiest is to type "survivingantidepressants.org + what you're searching for" into a search engine.

[Kris72]

May of 2021 after 2.5 weeks.  Started Mirt about 6 weeks ago.  I need to get off this medication. It’s making me crazy, rage and terrible symptoms

[Kiasofia]

23 hours ago, Kiasofia said:

if the reaction you are having is severe then a faster taper (with the risk of withdrawal) might be necessary. In that case, reduce by 50% and then 50% and then quit over a week or two

 

So take half the dose for a week. And then half of that for a week and then stop.

 

Make sure to read up on withdrawal so you are prepared for that. Few doctors recognize the disorder.

[Kris72]

Could I just stop now?  I am already miserable. Cut 20percent last two nights.  I am in misery.

[Kiasofia]

A fast taper is better than no taper.

[Kris72]

I will do fast taper.  I m miserable on this.

[Kiasofia]

Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

 

For further assistance we will need to see a drug signature that shows dates and doses you have stopped different drugs.

How to List Drug History in Signature

 

Here is our symptoms and self care section, you may find some useful ideas to help manage symptoms as you recover. 

Symptoms and self care topics  

[Kris72]

Help!  The pharmacist and doctors think I may have serotonin syndrome from this. They told me to immediately stop. I’m at 3.75 mg. Did not take any last night. I’m having trouble right now with shaking nervousness and non-functioning. Last night trying to sleep but I had brain zaps and kept waking up every couple hours with dread and fear. I am also very agitated and to have a lot of rage. I took this medicine for about 7 1/2 weeks. 7.5 mg.

[Kiasofia]

Have your symptoms gotten worse since reducing from 7.5mg to 3.75 mg?

 

59 minutes ago, Kris72 said:

Did not take any last night.

What dose did you take the night before? Is this the only night you didn't take any mirtazapine?

 

[Kris72]

Yes, last night was the first night I didn’t take any. The night before was at 3.75 mg. I’m going out of my mind. Brain zaps, and all the other information that I gave. I can’t function.

[Kiasofia]

Why are the doctors suspecting seretonin syndrom?

 

Did they suspect this when you were taking 7.5mg also?

 

Brain zaps is caused by withdrawal. When did you first get brain zaps?

[Kris72]

The brain zaps started last night.  Just while trying to sleep.  The md and pharmacy think s syndrome due to my horrible symptoms while on it.  I m struggling so bas

[Kiasofia]

You reduced to 3.75mg Sunday? (Jan 2nd)

 

Have your symptoms gotten worse since then?

 

Your last dose was Tuesday? (Jan 4th)

 

Was there a difference in symptoms from Monday to today?

[Kris72]

Correct.  
 

I am just miserable and yes worse symptoms.  I had bad symptoms thought the 7.5 weeks but just never put 2+2 together.  
 

currently non functioning.  Anxious, rage, unable to eat.  The med never made me hungry and seemed paradoxical from beginning in g.

[Kiasofia]

Can you describe:

 

Symptoms before starting Mirtazapine:

 

Symptoms at 7.5mg:

 

Symptoms at 3.75mg:

 

Symptoms since quitting: Anxious, rage, unable to eat

 

Please update your signature here:

Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Stopped Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

 

[Kris72]

Before starting Mirt was dealing with benzo withdrawal.  Went on Mirt to help with symptoms of anxiety and dramatic weight loss.  
 

when I first started Mirt, gave it time to work.  Never did. Got nightmares, anger, etc.  Hoped it would go away.  
 

Psych and MD said to stop since was having side effects while on.  
 

3.75mg - brain felt funny and all same symptoms.

 

0mg-  brain zaps, all same symptoms but more rage and listless. 

[Kiasofia]

What are you being advised now? Other than stopping the drug?

 

Please update your signature here:

Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Stopped Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

[Kris72]

Just to stop and take Zoloft.  Which I won’t.

[Kiasofia]

5 minutes ago, Kris72 said:

take Zoloft.  Which I won’t.

Good! The chance of a bad reaction is considerable and these drugs do more harm than good.

 

You are in the rough situation of dealing with an adverse reaction+withdrawal. I'm not able to say if it is serotonin syndrome, but have alerted other moderators to your situation. It is important that they see your drug signature, so please update.

here:

Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Stopped Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

 

How is your sleep?

 

I suggest starting a daily symptoms journal of your symptoms throughout the day and how long they last and posting updates here showing 24h at a time.

 

Example template:

6 a.m. Woke with anxiety
8 a.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
10 a.m. Stomach is upset
10:30 a.m. Ate breakfast
11:35 a.m. Got a headache, lasted one hour
12:35 p.m. Ate lunch
4 p.m. Feel a bit better
5 p.m. Took 2.5mg Lexapro
6 p.m. Ate dinner
9:20 p.m. Headache
10:00 p.m. Took 50mg Seroquel
10:20 p.m. Feeling dizzy
10:30 p.m. Fell asleep
2:30 a.m. Woke, took 3mg Ambien (NOT "took 1/2 tablet Ambien")
2:45 a.m. Fell asleep
4:30 a.m. Woke but got back to sleep

6 a.m. Woke with anxiety (but less than yesterday)

[Kris72]

Sleep is ok but wake every couple of hours and fear. 

[Kiasofia]

We need to see dates in the signature. You only took 3.75mg for one day? So your last dose was on Sunday?

 

[Kris72]

I am so confused. I’m not sure. My last dose at 3.75 was two nights ago. Tuesday. I didn’t take anything yesterday. And today I’m really suffering bad.

[Kiasofia]

I understand. Just copy and paste this:

 

Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Last dose Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

 

It's more or less when changes were being made based on your posts.

 

It is unlikely that this is serotonin syndrome, but you are reacting badly to the drug and also getting withdrawal symptoms.

Adverse reactions to an antidepressant within a few doses -- how long for recovery?

Non Drug Ways to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by Kiasofia

[Kris72]

Off for over two weeks and suffering!!

 

 

Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Last dose Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

[Kiasofia]

I'm sorry you are suffering. What symptoms are you having?

 

Please replace your signature with this:

2021 Ativan: May 2.5mg two weeks

2021 Mirtazapine: Mid Nov 7.5mg, Jan 2nd/ 3.75mg, Last dose Jan 4th/ 3.75mg

[Kris72]

Severe anxiety 

[Greatful]

@Kris72

Hi Kris,   I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time.........I hear the fear in your voice and I completely understand why..  Your brain is very mad right now.  Can you stop and take some slow deep breaths?  I know that this is scary and you are filled with panic, most of us have been there.....

You will be okay, tell yourself that right now "I am okay at this time"  yes you are beside yourself but this will not hurt you, it is your thoughts that are driving things up higher. Your body knows what to do to regulate, unfortunately this will take time.......

Do you think you could distract yourself with looking over thing here on SA.  

Here is a link on Symptoms & Self Care...https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

.Look to see if you can find a thread on your symptom.  This will show you that you are not alone, others have and are experiencing the same things..........Finding validation and companionship is very comforting........

The Mods will do what they can to help you out......Can you give yourself and them time to get a plan in place for you?

Remember you are not alone.  

Do you have support at home for you right now?

Please feel free to tag me at anytime..     To tag someone hit @and then type there name and click on it it will highlight in blue and this will notify them that they are being tagged and they will get back to you.

Hang in there Kris72

[thenextguy]

On 1/6/2022 at 9:57 AM, Kris72 said:

Help!  The pharmacist and doctors think I may have serotonin syndrome from this.

 

It sounds like this was from a few weeks ago, but it is very unlikely mirtazapine caused serotonin syndrome. Mirtazapine is not a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and there are no instances of it causing serotonin syndrome as monotherapy. Your pharmacist should know this.

 

A systematic review of the serotonergic effects of mirtazapine in humans: implications for its dual action status - Gillman - 2006 - Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental - Wiley Online Library

[ShiningLight]

Kris, you can get through this. It's hard but you can do it. Try not to get "hooked" by the terror or believe what it's telling you. This is a chemical reaction. Just try to have patience with it. Breathe. Try to coexist with it to the extent that you can. These drugs are awful and they cause such extreme emotional states. Around here, this is a well trodden road. You are not alone. ❤️

[Kris72]

Would I know if I had akathisia? I feel tear and anxiety.