kats: discontinuation symptoms after taking mirtazapine for 10 days

[kats]

still having discontinuation symptoms - 3 months out after 10 days of mirtzapine

 

I had come here for advice on doing a short taper.  I was on 7.5 mg of mirtazapine for 5 days and did a 5 day taper after that after experiencing acute negative reaction (chest pain, negative physical symptoms).  I am a covid long-hauler who was prescribed this for insomnia.  My first month off horrible physical withdrawal.  My anxiety has been off the charts - first month was almost intolerable.  Now it's somewhat manageable, but still very intense, worse in the mornings.  (and my insomnia is still horrible).  also a lot of intrusive thoughts including ideation.

 

I know that they say this can last months even after short term low dose use (of course my doctor does not agree...)

 

I am wondering if you can offer any additional information, suggestions, etc.

 

I really want to supplement with xanax when the anxiety is bad, but I think that can prolong the withdrawal effects?  I've tried CBD a once or twice and that did not help - and in one case about 6 weeks ago, it seemed to make it worse.  

 

I am really struggling, appreciate any input, advice, references.  thank you

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before reducing original

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, kats.

 

To start:

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

What you are experiencing is not withdrawal.  It is an adverse reaction to the drug Mirtazapine, which means basically that the drug is poison to your system.  The symptoms of an adverse reaction are very similar, if not identical, to those of withdrawal. 

 

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) 

 

The symptoms you describe are typical of adverse reaction/withdrawal.  They are not permanent and will go away, but we can't predict how long it will take.  Everyone is different.

 

You need to be very careful if you decide to take Xanax.  Physiological dependency can result from 2 to 4 weeks of regular use of a benzo like Xanax and can also result from intermittent use.  Another consideration is the fact that you had an adverse reaction to the Mirtazapine, indicating you have a sensitive nervous system and could have adverse reactions to other psychiatric drugs.

 

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. Get supplements that are single ingredient (not mixed with other types of supplements).

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

[kats]

THank you for your response.  This is truly hellish.  I am so despondent but appreciate the information.  

[kats]

Also can you confirm that even with acute reaction I can expect to experience windows and waves is that correct?  Trying hard to hold on.

[ChessieCat]

@kats

 

Please create your drug signature.  This will allow members to see your drug history whenever you post and will give your posts context; it will also mean that you will not have to explain your history every time you post.  Thank you.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

[kats]

Lithium orotate

 

I am wondering about any guidance regarding OTC lithium orotate?  I have been off any anxiety meds for over a year and really struggling to find some balance and relief from EXTREME issues.  This was recommended to me and it seems like a good potential alternative.  Anyone have experience?  I have long haul covid so everything is a wild card for me anyway...but I am really struggling and desperate 

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with intro topic

[ChessieCat]

There are many existing topics on SA.  Before creating a new topic please do a search to see if one already exists.  SA prefers to keep similar information in one topic so it is easier to find.

 

Here is SA's existing topic:

 

lithium-orotate

 

[ChessieCat]

This has been already been requested twice before:

 

On 8/30/2022 at 10:54 AM, ChessieCat said:

@kats

 

Please create your drug signature.  This will allow members to see your drug history whenever you post and will give your posts context; it will also mean that you will not have to explain your history every time you post.  Thank you.

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by ChessieCat

[kats]

Hi - apologies - I keep adding my information but it does not appear.  😞  And i did search for the topic prior to posting but did not find the information I was looking for, just people saying they were going to try the OTC version.  

 

thank you

[Faure]

2 hours ago, kats said:

- I keep adding my information but it does not appear

Hello, make sure that after you’ve done your signature you press “save”. It’s easy to miss, let’s see if that helps ☺️

[PortugueseSea]

Hello Kats,

 

I am very sorry you are going through this. We are here to support you.
The first thing to keep in mind is that this is all temporary. You will get better, in fact, you already started recovering! On this forum you will find countless resources and you will meet people will help you along the way!

I wanted to chime in against adding any medication in this situation. I did not know better and I got CT'D after an adverse reaction and my symptoms exploded after that. I am now dealing with the aftermath of 1) an adverse reaction, 2) PWS and 3) neural destabilization from a prescription cascade.

I wouldn't mess too much with supplements right now too, trying the magnesium would be a solid conservative move at this point.

As for a benzo, my policy is "Klonopin when I'm at my wits' end". Xanax has a very short half life and might bring rebound symptoms. If you decide you might need a benzo to get through this one with a longer half life is more suitable. That said, there is always the risk if disrupting your system further, so, listen to your body. If you decide to take it the smallest dose would be best.

Keep us posted, do update your signature!

[ChessieCat]

@kats

 

I have just found this post: