TSut: Seroquel withdrawal and still taking other medications

[TSut]

I recently discontinued Seroquel 150mg (prescribed for agitated anxiety and insomnia), and now on Trazodone 250mg and Mirtazapine 30mg. I had been on Seroquel since Sept. 2018 . I feel awful - sleeping less, agitated, angry, depressed, don’t want to get out of bed, lack focus and hard to think straight. I feel dumber and want to avoid. Any insights on how long it may last or how to make it easier? I’m concerned that none of the meds have really helped me with anxiety/depression beyond getting some sleep. I am doing therapy, EMDR, exercise and meditation. I feel like a weird version of myself and don’t want to be around people. I get feeling hopeless about feeling better or like myself again. 

[Gridley]

 

Welcome to SA, TSut.

 

The symptoms you're reporting sound like withdrawal symptoms from Seroquel.  Did you switch straight over to the Trazodone and Mirtazapine or was there a taper or crossover?  The symptoms may also stem from the major interactions that exist between trazodone and Mirtazapine.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

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Please be aware that there are major interactions between Trazodone and Mirtazapine, as described here:

Interactions between your drugs

Major

 

Using traZODone together with mirtazapine can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor

 

You should consider tapering off the Trazodone, which is a nasty drug with all kinds of interactions with other drugs.  We recommend tapering  by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

This link gives specific information about tapering trazodone.

 

Tips for tapering off trazodone (Desyrel)

 

Unfortunately there is no way to predict how long withdrawal symptoms last.  If your symptoms are from the trazodone-mirtazapine interaction, as you taper down the trazodone, the symptoms will lessen as get lower in dosage.

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions, post updates and interact with other members.  I'm glad you found your way here.  You will get better.  It just may take some time.

 

 

 

[TSut]

Hi Gridley - I appreciate you sharing your insight, knowledge and ideas! It’s much more difficult than I imagined...I end up feeling bad about myself because I don’t feel like myself. Though I definitely have had periods of depression/anxiety previously. Yes, it was a crossover to increasing Trazodone and Mirtazapine to help with anxiety and insonnia. I had been on Mirtazapine for over a decade (7.5mg) doing fine until stress hit. I reacted with intense anxiety resulting in insomnia. One of my toughest symptoms is emotional flooding where it feels like a pressure wave hits my brain and unable to think clearly. Then I’m in a hyperaroused state which is hard to come down from. Does anyone else experience this? Now I’m using ice, deep breathing, picturing a safe place/person, but honestly, I just come down slightly. It’s no wonder I have trouble sleeping.

 

I do take those supplements now with other vitamins. I am interested in hearing your and others’ journey through medication withdrawal and ways of healing. 

 

Thank you so much!!

[Songbird]

Hello, Tsut.  In order for us to help you as best we can, please can you create a signature containing a summary of your med history, including all drugs, doses and dates (starting and stopping).  Your signature appears below every post you make, and allows us see your situation easily without having to read through your whole topic every time.   You could look at my signature for an example. 

 

Instructions for creating your signature are here: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature. 

 

You can edit your signature here: edit your signature in Account Settings

 

Please post all your updates and questions about your situation here in your introduction topic, and we will try to help you as best we can.