Faure: mirtazapine withdrawal

[Ariel]

Happy to read your update @Faure

 

12 minutes ago, Faure said:

Still gradually doing more - I can now manage 25 minutes of BodyBalance (yoga / tai chi class to music) and think I’m ready to add the next section soon!  I’m going to start walking further again too, before my taper I could do 5k, in the past year I have been back to going round the block. But I started going further last week at a local stately home with nice grounds and measured walks which I like so I now how far I went! 

 

Well done, you. Very inspiring. 

Thank you for sharing! <3

 

Admiration and respect for all your hard work. You've come so far! 

[Bestill]

This all sounds great.  I’m excited that you can do more with the exercise.  You are getting there lady!

 

bestill

[Faure]

I’ve had such a big battle the last few days. Today I start a new 6 week cycle and only have to drop 0.1mg. Seems like such a small amount. I spent days thinking I should just combine weeks 1 &2 and do a 0.3mg drop. (Friends and family always advise me to stick to the plan.) Anyway I finally realised that 0.1 is the same proportion as all the other week 1s I’ve done. So it should have a similar effect and things should improve again. I’ve made up this week’s pills with the 0.1mg drop.
 

The end of the two week hold seems to finish with me feeling totally exhausted - the sedation kicks in and I’ve stabilised on the new dose.  Weeks 1,2,3,5 and the first part of 6 seem to be the best at the moment. I like the tapering weeks, the drops keep me from feeling sedated.  
 

So hard to stick to the plan when I just want to get off asap and it looks like the taper really starts to slow down 1 year in. I remember when I started on 14 June 2021 I thought I’d never get there starting with just a 0.4mg drop, and here I am  a year later down to 6.4 from my original 15mg.  In another year I’ll be down to 2.5. Only 1 day of work missed due to upsets caused by life / the taper. 

 

Every prescriber should be required to read this forum before handing these pills out like smarties. Even better they should be forced to take them for a year and get off them themselves before being allowed to prescribe. 

[Bestill]

I hear you on the going fast.  I’m sorry things have been a little blah.  I felt like I was in one for over two months and seeing a bit of improvement over the past week.  
 

From what I see, you are doing fantastic and I try to keep up with you but again, can’t because I have to listen to my body.  But my mind tells me faster, faster!

 

I hope things continue to improve for you as you continue.  ❤️❤️
 

bestill

[almuPA]

Hello @Faure,

 

How are you doing? You are in my thoughts.

 

On 6/6/2022 at 1:25 PM, Faure said:

So hard to stick to the plan when I just want to get off asap

I understand you, I really do. But as someone who quitted CT, let me tell you that if could go back in time, I would do a proper tapper. With this drugs, it is better to allow time so our systems dont go crazy. You are doing progress and that's a very positive thing, even though some days are difficult. You are more than half way from your original 15mg, so it is a great advance. 

 

I am so glad to read that you are doing more physical activity! That is so important, and I am sure your body will thank you with the time. I cant help but to tell you, please, listen to your body and dont over do it (I know you know your body better than anyone, so please ignore me). 

 

On 6/6/2022 at 1:25 PM, Faure said:

 

Every prescriber should be required to read this forum before handing these pills out like smarties. Even better they should be forced to take them for a year and get off them themselves before being allowed to prescribe. 

I could not agree more. I cant understand the "ignorance" about this topic when is affecting so many people in the world. And that only makes the job of alto and the members of this website even more crucial. 

 

Thank you for sharing your journey, it is always so nice to read you.

 

I send you a big hug.

[Faure]

Hey @Bestill & @almuPA, thank you for your encouragement. Work cheered me up tremendously yesterday, it usually does and I feel much better today.
 

I managed 25 minutes of Body Balance this morning (my back got really stiff after I did too much last week and had to sit on the sofa for about 3 days) and a walk round the block.
 

I saw Alto has done a podcast about ADWD which it’s probably good to share with anyone who is interested. I haven’t listened as unfortunately it’s not news to me, but it’s very important to get the word out. 

[ChessieCat]

@Faure I cannot send you a PM so thought I would post here.

 

Thank you for the post you made in LarryR's topic.

[Faure]

Hi @ChessieCat, you’re welcome. You all provide such a valuable service to those of us in need and it is important that this is made clear to those that don’t yet understand that. I turned off my messages a while ago and haven’t worked out how to turn them back on. Do you know how?

[Ariel]

Hello @Faure

Thank you for your kind message in my topic. 

Congrats on weathering the taper storm(s). I'm glad the clouds have passed for now and you've been feeling better the past few days. 

I'm impressed with your ongoing exercise progress! Well done.

Thanks for posting the link to Alto's podcast interview. I hadn't heard about that. 

[Faure]

Today is the one year anniversary of starting my taper. From 15.2mg to 6.2mg ☺️Thank you SA staff and community for your support during this time! 

[Ariel]

Congratulations dear @Faure !

 

[Erimus]

Great job @Faure! You’re 58.7% of the way there. Many congratulations, I hope things continue to improve and that the rest of the journey is smooth sailing.

 

Quick question. Have you noticed any problems with food, or do you eat as you normally would?

[Faure]

I’ve replied in your thread @Erimus☺️

 

1 hour ago, Erimus said:

Quick question. Have you noticed any problems with food, or do you eat as you normally would?

 

[Faure]

1 hour ago, Erimus said:

You’re 58.7% of the way there.

Thanks for doing the maths for me, that sounds really good 😄😄😄 I hadn’t thought of it that way. 

[Gigi68]

Congratulations @Faure on your 1 year anniversary. I remember my first anniversary which was back in mid-February. It felt so good to look back and see how far I had come. I hope you feel the same. 

[Faure]

Thanks @Gigi68, it is great to see how much more I can do now than a year ago ☺️☺️☺️

[almuPA]

Congrats and happy anniversary! Wow, you have come sooo far!  Not only in you tappering journey, but as someone so valuable to this community, thank you!
 

I send you a hug.

[Carmie]

Well done on your taper so far Faure🧡

[Ariel]

Hi @Faure

Just stopping by to say hello and express how grateful I am for your support. 

Your messages are some of my favorites, the ones I keep coming back to again and again.

I so appreciate your even, authentic voice and unassuming compassion. 

Thank you. 

 

On 6/21/2022 at 8:44 AM, Faure said:

Hi, sorry to hear you’re having sleep problems. I read something on here that really helped me with this, I can’t remember who it was but the advice was to pretend you’re asleep! It’s really been useful on those nights when I’ve had trouble sleeping. 

 

I also enjoy reading what you write to others, for example the above post. This tip sounds cool, looking forward to trying it out.

 

Thinking of you with gratitude, hope you're going steady with your recent drop/hold <3

 

[Faure]

8 hours ago, Ariel said:

Just stopping by to say hello and express how grateful I am for your support. 

Your messages are some of my favorites, the ones I keep coming back to again and again.

 

Hi @Ariel, thank you so much, what a compliment from someone who is so effusive with their own support and messages☺️
 

Pretending to be asleep works really well for me 😂😂😂 hope it helps you too! Meditation has also really paid off in terms of keeping calm about it and not getting anxious cos I’m not sleeping. Not that not sleeping happens much at the moment. 
 

I’m in week 3 of drops, one more to go next week. I’m feeling better and better all the time, just in small increments but it’s just as well, if I felt loads better I’d be rushing about and causing myself problems! I haven’t liked week 6 of the last few holds (the last week of the cycle), I feel very tired by the end of it with the sedation effect kicking back in. 

 

I was glad to read your nasty wave is on the way out, at least last time I checked, fingers crossed you feel better very soon 🤞

[Faure]

Well, a week on Saturday I have a big work event, in week 4, (the worst) week of my taper. So I thought I’d adjust my taper schedule from:

 

week 1 0.1mg

week 2 0.2mg

week 3 0.1mg

week 4 0.2mg

 

to week 1 0.1mg

week 2 0.2mg

week 3 0.2mg

week 4 0.1mg

 

so pushing the higher drop earlier in the cycle and away from the big event. Have I felt it this week; I’m really tired today despite having a very easy week, I have a headache. Last night sleep was a bit tricky and I had to resort to pretending to be asleep and finally a night Kalms.  
 

I now know that 0.2 is not manageable unless IT’S ON THE SCHEDULE! Well, it is manageable but it isn’t pleasant. From now on I’ll be sticking to the schedule or holding for an important event rather than switching things about. It’s a useful lesson to learn with hopefully no serious consequences. Frustrating as the slow speed is, it’s clear that speeding things up will not be pleasant. I feel sure I’ll be fine as it’s only a relatively minor change and the overall reduction will still be 10% over 4 weeks, but I wouldn’t want to repeat it. 

[Ariel]

@Faure

I don't know anything about tapering so can't weigh in on that, but just want to give you a shout out and say how brave you are. <3

[Bestill]

@Faure  Tapering around something is such a pain.  I am doing that myself and it doesn’t seem to matter.  Feeling this last drop more and of course my period due any second now.  Just a reminder that I understand and it’s such a bummer.  I pray things calm down for your event.  Then you can be proud for making it through.

 

 

sending a hug your way!  🫶🏻

[Faure]

9 hours ago, Bestill said:

Tapering around something is such a pain.  I am doing that myself and it doesn’t seem to matter

I’m sorry to hear it’s not making a difference for you. I concluded that the best way to make sure I’m ok for something is just to stick to the schedule! I don’t get major WD effects at anytime anyway.  The worst that happens is I get more tired at the end of 4 weeks of drops. I hoping I’ve had the tiredness this week with the bigger drop and next week will be better with a smaller one. 
 

Thanks for your good wishes for my event 😔 I hope your month of travelling (I think?) goes well for you🤞

[Faure]

Bit of a wave yesterday. My no 1 supporting friend needs practise in just letting me rage (or whatever I feel) in a wave - there is no reasoning with a person in a wave and he does like reason!  Hopefully he won’t get much practise.  I’m going to stick to the plan from now on. I’ve not done badly for an impulsive person - I’ve deviated from the plan just once in a year, apart from necessary longer holds. 
 

I’m feeling better today. Will do some laundry and quietly enjoy the sunshine and feeling better after a tricky week ☀️🙂☀️

[Ariel]

Hi @Faure

I'm sorry you were hit with a wave yesterday after a tricky week. 

You've handled it with grace and grit, I'm sure!
Well done on making it through the days and the week. 

 

29 minutes ago, Faure said:

My no 1 supporting friend needs practise in just letting me rage (or whatever I feel) in a wave - there is no reasoning with a person in a wave and he does like reason!  Hopefully he won’t get much practise.

 

I hear you on this. I feel the same way, do *not* try to reason with me when I'm in a wave, it's like throwing gasoline on the fire! 

Well put, with any luck your friend will remain hopelessly reasonable! 

Remember you are always welcome to come and rage and vent here. I know it's not the same as a real-live human friend, but just so you know you can unleash and unravel as much as you need, this is a safe space. <3

 

31 minutes ago, Faure said:

I’m going to stick to the plan from now on. I’ve not done badly for an impulsive person - I’ve deviated from the plan just once in a year, apart from necessary longer holds. 

 

You are my hero for your patience and perseverance. It's hard work, what you're doing, and you're managing amazingly well. Respect. 

 

33 minutes ago, Faure said:

I’m feeling better today.

Glad you're feeling better today. <3

 

Thanks again for your sweet support in my thread this past week... it was a slippery one and you helped give me something to grab onto to get through it. And to think you were having a rough go of it yourself the whole time. <3

 

Wishing you a gentle, peaceful Sunday. 

 

 

[Bestill]

You got through tricky week.  Sunshine is such a mighty healer.  Friends sometimes just don’t get it.  I truly just keep to myself and only tell my friends one day at a time.  I leave my thoughts and feelings for you guys and the hubby, but you all get it more. Hope your week is better.

 

❤️

[Faure]

I’ve decided to hold this week, I want to be on top form for my weekend event. I spent the entire weekend resting and finally by early Sunday evening was ready to do something, although I didn’t! 

[Ariel]

Hi @Faure

Hope your week is going smoothly and you're feeling capable. 

 

I think about you often because you've shared two pieces of advice that I benefit from every day, sometimes multiple times a day:

a) eye mask

b) pretend you're asleep

Thank you so much for these gifts, they've made a real difference in my life. You've helped me a lot. 

 

Wishing you peace, relief, healing, and a good weekend event,

A.

 

[Faure]

Hi @Ariel, yes! I’m feeling most capable today, thank you!  Stabilisation seems to have happened which is fortunate as preparations for Saturday are in full swing. I’m really looking forward to my event. I’ve needed early nights all week and felt very tired on Monday and Tuesday but started feeling a bit better Tuesday evening. 
 

I’m glad those bits of advice worked for you - neither are my originals but passing them on has obviously helped you which is the whole point of this site 😊
 

I did 25 mins of body balance today and next week am planning on adding the next segment, about 5 minutes I think. I can feel my legs are stronger because of this which is fab. The goal is a whole 55 minute session, then then goal is to do that 2-3 times a week. At some point I’ll hopefully get into some more cardiovascular exercise but I’m very grateful I can do this at the moment and slowly build my strength back up.
 

Despite last week’s error /mistake / poor decision to switch the dose drops, and despite realising I’m very lucky nothing bad happened, I still have thoughts of going faster / condensing weeks.  Amazing how the brain is always looking for a short cut. There isn’t one! I need to keep reminding myself of this constantly. 
 

Hope you are still experiencing some relief from last week’s wave. 

[Faure]

My event went well although I was shattered for a couple of days afterwards. 
 

This week for the first time in 2.5 years or is it 3, I’ve lost track 🙁I did 15 mins of cardio! It felt so good to have achy legs afterwards. Hooray! I’m hoping to do that a few times a week and I should soon start building up more strength and stamina for day to day life (I hope🤞)

[Ariel]

Hi @Faure

Well done! 

You are my hero <3

 

[Bestill]

It’s done and over with.  Anymore stressors coming up or it life simple for a while?

 

congrats on working out.  I know know if you are like me and your mind wants to do all the working out but your body has other plans.  I am missing the ability to run right now.  I guess this process makes you learn to really appreciate the little things more.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

❤️ Bestill 

[Faure]

2 hours ago, Bestill said:

It’s done and over with.  Anymore stressors coming up or it life simple for a while?

 

congrats on working out.  I know know if you are like me and your mind wants to do all the working out but your body has other plans.  I am missing the ability to run right now.  I guess this process makes you learn to really appreciate the little things more.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

❤️ Bestill 

Thanks, no more stressors! Till the autumn when I may have what seems to have become my annual wobble. I hope now I’m more aware of that I will be able to avoid it. Fingers crossed. 
 

I miss running, which is funny because I was never much of a runner but not having been able to do any proper exercise I miss moving my body energetically. I am going to try running before too long, just very short. As you say I really do appreciate things like being able to move / exercise / have a bit more energy much more now. But I think I needed to go through this whole experience to learn what looking after myself actually meant.

 

Happy weekend to you too☺️

[Ariel]

@Faure

Thank you so much for your kind message in my thread. 

You are such a staunch, supportive presence here and I always appreciate reading your posts, whether they are addressed to me or to anyone else. 

From your drug signature it looks like you have recently hit a significant tapering milestone, bringing you below 6 into the 5's -- congratulations! 

I trust it will go well for you, you are an expert by now in listening to your body and taking gentle care of yourself. 

Wishing you a lovely, peaceful weekend and many moments of joy and hope. 

Healing vibes <3

A.

[Ariel]

@Faure

Thinking of you and sending healing vibes <3