luigi1060: Mirtazapine and Delorazepam (benzo from Italy) tapering

[luigi1060]

Hey to everyone!

 

I was put on the 7th of November 2024 on Mirtazapine 7,5 mg and Delorazepam - 80-100 half-time benzodiazepine marketed in Italy - 6 drops in the morning (0,25 mg) and 6 drops in the evening (0,25 mg). 

I took 7,5 mg of Mirtazapine for around three weeks during which I had an increase of dosage to 15 and 22,5 mg for a few days but could not tolerate side effects so I reduced the dosage back to 7,5 and started tapering the medication around the end of November because it didn't make me sleep anymore, I had terrible nightmares and my appetite was just over the top. 

 

My Delorazepam dosage hasn't changed since the 7th of November 2024. 

 

I have/had derealization, depersonalization, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, panick attacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, visual disturbances, tingling, numbness, burning sensations, akathisia, sweating hands, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach bloating, headaches, ringing in the ears, abnormal smells and tastes, mood swings, cognitive difficulties, memory problems, the list goes on...since quitting Mirtazapine.

 

I am having windows and waves....hopefully windows will get longer with time.

 

My question is: when should I start tapering Delorazepam?

 

I currently have a slight cold. Is this the best time to start tapering the benzo?

 

On the 14th of January 2025 it will be a month that I have completely quit Mirtazapine. Should I wait until then or can I start to taper the benzo earlier?

 

Regarding the benzo taper...should I decrease the morning and the evening dosage by the same amount? Cause 1 drop would be 10% of my total daily dosage but if I remove also a drop from the other dosage that is already 20%. What should I do?

 

Looking forward to your insights....

 

 

[LotusRising]

Hi @luigi1060,

 

Welcome to SA,

 

13 hours ago, luigi1060 said:

My question is: when should I start tapering Delorazepam?

We generally don't recommend tapering while destabilized. It would make the most sense to wait until you feel more stable before starting your taper of delorazepam. You can read more about stability here: Stability

 

Since stopping mirtazapine on December 14, have you noticed improvement in your symptoms? You mentioned quite a few different ones - have any of them gone away?

 

14 hours ago, luigi1060 said:

Regarding the benzo taper...should I decrease the morning and the evening dosage by the same amount? Cause 1 drop would be 10% of my total daily dosage but if I remove also a drop from the other dosage that is already 20%. What should I do?

When you're ready to taper, you could start by removing 1 drop from the morning, then the following month, remove the other drop from the evening.