moonboots: mirtazapine / Remeron reduction from 7.5mg to 3.75mg

[moonboots]

Hi all, first post on here... trying to balance providing enough detail without writing an essay.

 

I asked for mirtazapine in July to help with sleep (I've been dealing with lots of prolonged, chronic stress in my life and it looks like I’ll soon be relocating for a new job after 2 years of unemployment).

 

I took 15mg for a few weeks, but it was too much chemically (I already take 50mg quetiapine at night), so I dropped to 7.5mg Mirt, however, it's been affecting my memory (both meds target histamine receptors at low doses). I dropped to a 1/4 tablet a week last Monday and felt more energy, more emotionally in touch, improved sexual function but also very adrenalized.

 

To complicate things further, I have strong anxiety around concussions/head trauma after experiencing post-concussion syndrome in 2015 and last Saturday, my headphones were playing up - I thoughtlessly gave them a quick slap while they were on my head. My anxiety exploded as I am very nervous about bumping/banging my head.

 

I've felt worse this week -  the main symptoms I've had have been irritability, anger and adrenaline rushes - these have much reduced.

 

Wednesday was hell as I had dental work. I have fear of dentists anyway, but my cortisol was through the roof that afternoon. I remember hating humanity when my mouth was full of needles/dentist's drills - I've never experienced such as strong reaction in that situation before. Neuro-emotions?

 

I'm now mainly mentally tired, feeling a bit depersonalised/detached with intermittent mild headache. Part of me is saying I'm experiencing brain-injury after effects of slapping my headphones, while the rational part is aware I started feeling very anxious/adrenalized before last weekend.

 

I'm fairly sure this is all due to the 50% jump down from 7.5mg to 3.75, however, today I found myself stuttering when talking to a stranger, which did my brain injury fears no favour.

 

Given that I've got a big move and new job coming up in 5-6 weeks - I don't have the luxury of time to ride out these symptoms and certainly don't want to attempt that feeling like I am now. The logical thing to do would be to re-instate 7.5mg and maybe try again in a few months at a much slower taper...

It's just that 7.5mg Mirt + 50mg Quetiapine was turning me into a chemically-induced idiot with the memory of an 80 year-old, which is not a good look when starting a job that requires brain power.

Any advice on what I've experienced and the best next steps?

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, moonboots.

 

I have a few questions before we can advise you:

 

1.  When did you drop from 7.5mg to 3.75mg Mirt?

 

2.  You wrote that you dropped to 1/4 tablet Mirt last Monday.  Are you taking it only once a week or every day?  How much is 1/4 tablet in mg?

 

3. Are you taking 50mg Quetiapine at night?

 

What is your daily symptom pattern now? Do you feel better or worse in the hours after you take your drugs.   Please keep daily notes on paper about your symptoms, when you take your drugs, and their dosages. Use a simple list format with time of day on the left and notation (symptom, drug and dosage) on the right.  Post this here covering 24-hour period sfor several days.  This will enable us to better help you.

 

This is an example:

 

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

 

We would not recommend updosing from 3.75mg back up to 7.5mg.  This could be too much and could overwhelm your system.  Our recommendation would be much smaller.  Once you've answered my questions and posted your symptom pattern for several days we can advise you on a dosage to updose.

 

This is your Introduction topic, when you can post your symptom pattern, answer my questions and ask questions of your own.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

Edited September 23, 2019 by Gridley