Blondie148: Mirtazapine withdrawal

[Blondie148]

Hi, I'm new to site. Just had last mitazapan tablet. Now I'm worried about what symptoms I can expect. My worst symptom at mo is stomach cramps/tightness or it feels as if I'm about to explode (it's as if someone is pumping me up which is causing difficulty in breathing. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Blondie148.

 

What was your original dosage, how fast did you taper, and what was your final dosage when you jumped to zero?

 

We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

If you tapered faster than that, you run the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Stomach cramps are a common withdrawal symptom.   Depending on your taper rate, the symptoms you're experiencing now are likely the result of a reduction or reduction in the past during your taper.  Withdrawal symptoms can also be delated.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

The following link lists some common withdrawal symptoms but it is by no mens complete.  The central nervous system, which is destabilized during withdrawal, underlies all function, mental and physical, which explains the variety and sometimes strangeness of WD symptoms.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF)

 

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)  

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

Once you've answered my questions about your dosage, taper and end dosage, we will be able to further advise you.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can answer questions, ask your own questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

[Blondie148]

Thanks for reading. I was initially on 15mg from March this year until July when it was increased to 30mg on advice from neurologist because of severe head pain on right side of head. This continued till end of October  due to strong pulsing sensation in tummy which was really painful, he decided to take me off them and introduced sertraline to be taken together. I wasn't happy taking the two together so I tapered down to 15mg then 7.5mg  at witch point I started 50mg of sertraline in morning and mirtazapine at night. I continued this for three weeks. Due to severe stomach pains every day, I finally stopped mirtazapine last night. I'm not sure I've done right thing but seriously the cramping, tightness I'm experiencing is never ending so I thought I'd get it over with and hope the cramping will eventually stop.

[Gridley]

Thanks for the further information.  Let me see if I have this correct:

 

March - July, 2019 15mg Mirtazapine

July - October, 2019 30mg Mirtazapine

Please add date of taper    Tapered to 15mg Mirtazapine

Please add date of taper    Tapered to 7.5mg Mirtazapine

Please add date you started Sertraline      Added 50mg Sertraline in morning, with 7.5mg Mirtazapine at night

Dec. 25, 2019  Cold-turkeyed Mirtazapine.  Continue 50mg Sertraline

 

Please add the requested information, correct any errors I might've made and enter the entire drug history  using the following link.  This history will appear below your posts and make it more convenient for the moderators to help you.  Here's the link:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

You were probably wise to discontinue the Mirtazapine.  Severe pain in the stomach is a rare but recognized side effect of Mirtazapine and, according to Internet research, can be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas.  You might want to have this checked out medically.  Normally, side effects abate after the drug is stopped but I'd check out your pancreas to be sure all is well.  Because of the rapid taper of Mirtazapine, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms, as noted in my previous post.  Please keep us updated.

 

If at some point you want to taper off the Sertraline please let us know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Blondie148]

14 hours ago, Gridley said:

Thanks for the further information.  Let me see if I have this correct:

 

March - July, 2019 15mg Mirtazapine

July - October, 2019 30mg Mirtazapine

1st November    Tapered to 15mg

9th December Tapered to 7.5mg Mirtazapine  and Added 50mg Sertraline in morning, with 7.5mg Mirtazapine at night

Dec. 25, 2019  Cold-turkeyed Mirtazapine.  Continue 50mg Sertraline

 

Please add the requested information, correct any errors I might've made and enter the entire drug history  using the following link.  This history will appear below your posts and make it more convenient for the moderators to help you.  Here's the link:

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

You were probably wise to discontinue the Mirtazapine.  Severe pain in the stomach is a rare but recognized side effect of Mirtazapine and, according to Internet research, can be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas.  You might want to have this checked out medically.  Normally, side effects abate after the drug is stopped but I'd check out your pancreas to be sure all is well.  Because of the rapid taper of Mirtazapine, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms, as noted in my previous post.  Please keep us updated.

 

If at some point you want to taper off the Sertraline please let us know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Blondie148]

I have sent you dates as requested please let me know if you have received it. Thanks 

[Blondie148]

With regards to pancreas I was admitted twice to hospital with theses stomach pains they did two ct scans on kidneys and gallbladder, all internal organs were ok, including pancreas. This morning my tummy is very painful, it feels as if someone is pumping me up and I'm  getting shortage of breath. I should point out that I have been to a&e several times with this condition but nothing untoward was found. I really didn't know these were due to mitazapan use. I'm quite scared.

 

[Gridley]

3 hours ago, Blondie148 said:

I have sent you dates as requested please let me know if you have received it. Thanks 

Yes, I have the information.  Could you pick it up and insert it here at this link?

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

[Gridley]

2 hours ago, Blondie148 said:

I really didn't know these were due to mitazapan use. I'm quite scared.

 

 

2 hours ago, Blondie148 said:

. I really didn't know these were due to mitazapan use.

 

Of course, I can't say for sure they're from Mirtazapine.  However, the fact that they began when you increased to 30mg is a clue that it is a side effect of the Mirt.  The good news is that it's not your pancreas and that the doctors couldn't find any thing untoward.  Side effects go away after the drug is stopped.  You only quit Dec. 25 so the drug is likely still having an effect.  I'm hoping the pains will fade soon, maybe 4 to 5 days.

Edited December 27, 2019 by Gridley

[Blondie148]

Hi have you received info I'm a little confused 

[Gridley]

5 minutes ago, Blondie148 said:

Hi have you received info I'm a little confused 

Yes, I received it in your post of three hours ago.  I sent you the drug signature link so you could pick up what you sent in your post and put it in your drug signature so it would appear with all your posts.  If it is too much for you or too confusing, don't worry about doing it.  It's not essential.

[Blondie148]

titled: sertraline

 

I have, on 26th December, discontinued mirtazapine, currently going through withdrawal symptoms, which are very unpleasant. To replace it my doctor put me on sertraline 50mg which I have been taking since about 6th December.  I've decided that I don't want to continue sertraline or take any other antidepressant. I was only put on them to relieve head pain. I know I need to taper but was wondering by how much being as I've only been on them a short time. I would like to return to normal life. Any help would be appreciated

Thank you 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2020 by manymoretodays
moved from tapering forum, added title

[manymoretodays]

Hi Blondie148, @Blondie148 and welcome aboard,

 

This is your introduction topic, and absolutely the best place for your posts, to go right now.  I just moved a stand alone post, from our tapering forum back here, with your questions about sertraline. 

 

And great, on getting some more dates, in your signature for us.  That can help everyone here to get a better picture of your particular case.

 

How have you been feeling on the sertraline?

 

You may want to review some of the links that Gridley gave you initially now.  And I'll include one more link now, to our topic on sertraline:

Tips for tapering off Zoloft(sertraline)

 

Love, peace, healing, and growth,

mmt

 

[Blondie148]

I'm experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms from mirtazapine right now and know I will never go back. Having read that sertraline could cause bad withdrawal symptoms also, and I've only been taking it for a short time my husband has suggested I come this as well. He's seen me coping with mirtazapine withdrawal and doesn't want a repeat episode with sertraline, I agree. Not feeling good but want to get over it so I can enjoy life again. 

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Blondie.

 

Are you taking any other drugs? What times of day do you take your drugs, with their dosages? Are your symptoms better or worse after you take each drug?

 

How have your symptoms gotten worse since you've been off mirtazapine?

[Blondie148]

Hi thanks for replying. I'm not taking any other drugs  only blood pressure tablets and sertraline. Since being off mirtazapine I have been experiencing painful stomach cramps, it feels like someone is pumping me up which causes me to catch my breath as it feels like I'm going to explode, I really can't wait to get back to normal. I was put on mirtazapine to help me cope with neuralgia type head pain. Not sure how I'm reacting to sertraline because of withdrawal symptoms with mirtazapine. I take all my tablets in the morning. I never had any issues with my health before mirtazapine.

[manymoretodays]

Hi Blondie148,

 

On 1/9/2020 at 5:08 AM, Blondie148 said:

I take all my tablets in the morning. I never had any issues with my health before mirtazapine.

What other medications do you take?

You might check the other medication(s) side effects.  I often use Drugs.com as a starting place for that and to check drug interactions. 

Let us know what you find.  Thanks.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

[Blondie148]

4 hours ago, manymoretodays said:

Hi Blondie148,

 

What other medications do you take?

You might check the other medication(s) side effects.  I often use Drugs.com as a starting place for that and to check drug interactions. 

Let us know what you find.  Thanks.

 

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

 

I'm only taking blood pressure tablets and sertraline. Please be aware I sent a reply to allostrata don't know if she has seen it as not heard anything 

[manymoretodays]

I know Blondie148,

Yes, I conferred as well.  As I'm not certain on having you do a faster taper of sertraline now.  Which seems to be one of your questions right now.  Your history with these drugs is brief, so that's in your favor.

 

I guess I should have been more direct.  Please check your medication interactions.  Please check your medication side effects.  And then post here please.

What is your BP medication(s)?

 

Ultimately, your tapering decisions are yours to make.  Based on increasing knowledge around tapering, your drugs,  and your specific, unique, history, and ability to self manage.

All we can do is suggest.  And I hate for newbies to think that tapering is the answer to all problems or difficulties.  You may well be in WD too, this is often the case after 7-8 mos. on a psychoactive.  This may persist even while tapering sertraline. 

 

I'll check back, and then once again, check with our illustrious, genius, founder of this wonderful site, expert for your best opinion.

How's that sound?

 

L, P, H, and G,

 

Edited January 11, 2020 by manymoretodays
elaboration, removed white space

[manymoretodays]

On 1/9/2020 at 5:08 AM, Blondie148 said:

Hi thanks for replying. I'm not taking any other drugs  only blood pressure tablets and sertraline. Since being off mirtazapine I have been experiencing painful stomach cramps, it feels like someone is pumping me up which causes me to catch my breath as it feels like I'm going to explode, I really can't wait to get back to normal. I was put on mirtazapine to help me cope with neuralgia type head pain. Not sure how I'm reacting to sertraline because of withdrawal symptoms with mirtazapine. I take all my tablets in the morning. I never had any issues with my health before mirtazapine.

 

On 1/8/2020 at 3:21 PM, Altostrata said:

Welcome, Blondie.

 

Are you taking any other drugs? What times of day do you take your drugs, with their dosages? Are your symptoms better or worse after you take each drug?

 

How have your symptoms gotten worse since you've been off mirtazapine?

 

Also helpful will be for you to just do one day of notes.

Keeping Daily Notes

and use this format, include all drugs please

DATE:

 

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

 

Then post that here, on your introduction page as well. 

 

Thanks Blondie148,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[Altostrata]

Please put ALL your drugs in the Drug Interactions Checker https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php
and copy and paste the results or a link to them in this topic.

[Blondie148]

On 1/9/2020 at 12:08 PM, Blondie148 said:

Hi thanks for replying. I'm not taking any other drugs  only blood pressure tablets and sertraline. Since being off mirtazapine I have been experiencing painful stomach cramps, it feels like someone is pumping me up which causes me to catch my breath as it feels like I'm going to explode, I really can't wait to get back to normal. I was put on mirtazapine to help me cope with neuralgia type head pain. Not sure how I'm reacting to sertraline because of withdrawal symptoms with mirtazapine. I take all my tablets in the morning. I never had any issues with my health before mirtazapine.

Hi, you wanted list of drugs I'm taking.

 

Artovastiton 40mg - statin

Ramipril 5mg - high blood pressure 

Clopidogrel 75mg - antiplatel 

Bisoprolol 1.25mg - heart disease blood thinners 

Amlodipine 10mg b.p. and heart disease 

Sertraline 50mg 

I take blood pressure tablets and sertraline in morning and statin in evening. No adverse effects from blood pressure tablets. Not sure about sertraline as only recently started taking it and still going through withdrawal symptoms of mirtazapine

 Hope this is sufficient information for you. Many thanks 

[Blondie148]

Not sure what to say 

[manymoretodays]

Hi Blondie148,

I got them all in the drug interactions checker here

We are trying to:

1. educate on drug interactions when there are multiple medications involved.

2. decide if any of those interactions might warrant a "faster" taper off of your sertraline, than our usual harm reduction 10% or less recommend.

 

And that's quite an array of what I had assumed initially was a single BP medication.

On 1/15/2020 at 6:25 AM, Blondie148 said:

Artovastiton 40mg - statin

Ramipril 5mg - high blood pressure 

Clopidogrel 75mg - antiplatel 

Bisoprolol 1.25mg - heart disease blood thinners 

Amlodipine 10mg b.p. and heart disease 

Sertraline 50mg 

I take blood pressure tablets and sertraline in morning and statin in evening. No adverse effects from blood pressure tablets. Not sure about sertraline as only recently started taking it and still going through withdrawal symptoms of mirtazapine

 Hope this is sufficient information for you. Many thanks 

 

Would you just add some times to the left of your inclusive drug list.

And then how are your WD symptoms?  And sleep?

 

Many thanks to you as well,

L, P, H, and G,

mmt

[Altostrata]

On 12/26/2019 at 11:03 AM, Blondie148 said:

Thanks for reading. I was initially on 15mg from March this year until July when it was increased to 30mg on advice from neurologist because of severe head pain on right side of head. This continued till end of October  due to strong pulsing sensation in tummy which was really painful, he decided to take me off them and introduced sertraline to be taken together. I wasn't happy taking the two together so I tapered down to 15mg then 7.5mg  at witch point I started 50mg of sertraline in morning and mirtazapine at night. I continued this for three weeks. Due to severe stomach pains every day, I finally stopped mirtazapine last night. I'm not sure I've done right thing but seriously the cramping, tightness I'm experiencing is never ending so I thought I'd get it over with and hope the cramping will eventually stop.

 

On 1/9/2020 at 4:08 AM, Blondie148 said:

Hi thanks for replying. I'm not taking any other drugs  only blood pressure tablets and sertraline. Since being off mirtazapine I have been experiencing painful stomach cramps, it feels like someone is pumping me up which causes me to catch my breath as it feels like I'm going to explode, I really can't wait to get back to normal. I was put on mirtazapine to help me cope with neuralgia type head pain. Not sure how I'm reacting to sertraline because of withdrawal symptoms with mirtazapine. I take all my tablets in the morning. I never had any issues with my health before mirtazapine.

 

You still have those stomach pains? It sounds like they're not from sertraline or mirtazapine, they're from something else, possibly drug-drug interactions from the other drugs you're taking.

 

You need to talk to your doctor. Ask for a liver panel blood test and other tests for the stomach pain problem.

 

You may have other symptoms that are withdrawal from mirtazipine, but not the stomach pains.

[Blondie148]

Thanks for your help. With respect I attended hospital at least 9 times last year with stomach pains and headaches I had at least 3 ultrasound scans and blood tests. All internal organs were fine no kidney stones or gallstones found just told to go back to drs. So I don't think its liver related. At present time I have a feeling of tightness in tummy which doctor thought was ibs. I guess I'll just have to ride it out and hope for cessation. Thanks for your time 

 

[Altostrata]

On 1/15/2020 at 5:25 AM, Blondie148 said:

Hi, you wanted list of drugs I'm taking.

 

Artovastiton 40mg - statin

Ramipril 5mg - high blood pressure 

Clopidogrel 75mg - antiplatel 

Bisoprolol 1.25mg - heart disease blood thinners 

Amlodipine 10mg b.p. and heart disease 

Sertraline 50mg 

I take blood pressure tablets and sertraline in morning and statin in evening. No adverse effects from blood pressure tablets. Not sure about sertraline as only recently started taking it and still going through withdrawal symptoms of mirtazapine

 Hope this is sufficient information for you. Many thanks 

 

Did you discuss the possibility you might be having an adverse reaction to other drugs you're taking, or a drug-drug reaction? You should read up on adverse effects of all your drugs.

 

See https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/side-effects/

 

Quote

 

Common side effects

Although side effects can vary between different statins, common side effects (which affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• nosebleeds
• sore throat
• a runny or blocked nose (non-allergic rhinitis) 
• headache 
• feeling sick
• problems with the digestive system, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or flatulence
• muscle and joint pain
• increased blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia)
• an increased risk of diabetes

However, it's not clear whether most of the common problems people experience when taking statins are actually caused by the medication itself.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects of statins (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• being sick
• loss of appetite or weight gain
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or having nightmares
• dizziness – if you experience this, do not drive or use tools and machinery
• loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• memory problems
• blurred vision – if you experience this, do not drive or use tools and machinery
• ringing in the ears
• inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause flu-like symptoms
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause stomach pain
• skin problems, such as acne or an itchy red rash
• feeling unusually tired or physically weak

 

 

 

Please put all your current drugs in your signature.

[Blondie148]

Hi  again with respect I've taken blood pressure tablets long before mirtazapine with no side effects. All my problems started when I took this terrible drug. My head pain started within 6 weeks, stomach cramps/,pain when I went to 30mg. The mirtazapine withdrawal forum I follow has shown that quite a lot of people are suffering tummy problems. I'm glad I'm off it and understand I just have to endure the withdrawal symptoms and hopefully not for too long

[Altostrata]

When you add more drugs, you can get drug-drug interactions causing adverse effects from any of the drugs.

 

When you take a drug for a long time, very slight adverse effects can accumulate or its effect can change. For one thing, as you get older, your ability to metabolize the drug decreases.

 

I've given you my best advice. Your gut problem does not appear to be from mirtazapine.