axl617: Addicted to mirtazapine

[axl617]

I think I'm one of the very few people to have ever had an experience with mirtazapine where it could be considered as an addiction. I started on 15mg 7-8 years ago, and was at one point using up to 135mg.

I couldn't tell if it helps or if taking it just cancels out the withdrawals. When I wake up, I'm high-strung and feel a lot of mental tension. I take my first 1/4th dosage and it mellows me out. I used to really enjoy having my worries fade, my anxiety fade, and to just be a content vegetable for the day.

The downsides are crazy, I went from being an athlete to obese, with T2 diabetes. When it works, I'm lazy and unmotivated, I just eat and play video games. I cut down to 90mg, and haven't been able to go lower for long. The effects no longer work as well, I've been using daily Ativan at 2mg to pick up the slack. I've also been on Effexor 225mg for a few years, I tapered down to 75mg without any significant issues.

My doc suggested a bridge, an SSRI, to help lower the need for mirtazapine. Has anyone here had a similar experience? They say this drug is harmless and side-effect free, but the withdrawals are absolutely no joke.

Edited December 27, 2023 by Emonda
Name to title

[Emonda]

Welcome to S.A. @axl617

 

So the moderators can best help you, please complete your drug signature by following these instructions. Adding a signature ensures your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist.

 

Once you attend to your signature, one of the moderators will be along to share their thoughts. 

 

Emonda

[axl617]

8 hours ago, Emonda said:

Welcome to S.A. @axl617

 

So the moderators can best help you, please complete your drug signature by following these instructions. Adding a signature ensures your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist.

 

Once you attend to your signature, one of the moderators will be along to share their thoughts. 

 

Emonda

Done!

[Emonda]

23 hours ago, axl617 said:

had an experience with mirtazapine where it could be considered as an addiction.

 

I'd use the word dependency rather than addiction. This post addresses the topic:

 

 

23 hours ago, axl617 said:

I cut down to 90mg, and haven't been able to go lower for long.

 

What I can't see from your drug signature, is how you tapered. How much your reductions were and how often. Have a read of this link: The recommendation is a maximum of a 10% reduction per month.

 

 

 

23 hours ago, axl617 said:

he effects no longer work as well, I've been using daily Ativan at 2mg to pick up the slack

 

Yes, some people find that their AD 'poops out' over time. This post talks about the topic.

 

 

23 hours ago, axl617 said:

My doc suggested a bridge, an SSRI, to help lower the need for mirtazapine.

 

It's not something that is really recommended here. You end up withdrawals from the 1st drug, then you'll have the same issues with the one you've just introduced.

 

23 hours ago, axl617 said:

They say this drug is harmless and side-effect free, but the withdrawals are absolutely no joke.

 

Harmless and side-effect free are not words that should be used to describe ADs.

 

If your goal is to taper off your drugs, the following links will be useful:

 

 

The benzo (Ativan) would likely be the last one tapered.

 

 

Only taper one drug at a time. That way, if you have unpleasant symptoms, you'll know what drug is causing the WD symptoms.

 

As to WD symptoms, this link tells you what you could experience: 

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

I share this so you are forewarned, not to scare you.

 

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

Avoid alcohol. 

 

Please post any updates here in your thread. It is helpful to keep everything related to your journey in one spot. You are very welcome to jump onto someone else's page and interact with them. The encouragement members give each other on this site is wonderful to see.

 

Sing out with any questions. 

 

Once again, welcome to S.A.

 

Emonda.