Stopping Mirtazapine

[Purdy_123]

Hi, I've been on Mirtazapine 15mg for 19 days. GP prescribed for insomnia and anxiety after 2 weeks of zopiclone didn't help. On the 1st two nights I had really bad restless legs so GP prescribed Pramipexole 0.088mg as well.

My anxiety is slightly better and most nights I sleep better, but some nights I don't and still need to take the zopiclone.

The problem is the side effects, not sure if it's the Mirt or Pram (or both!) But I feel so physically unwell all day: drowsy, light-headed, malaise, unsteady on my feet etc... I want to get on with my normal activities that aid my mental health, but can not due to the side effects.

Spoke with mental health triage team this morning and explained my difficulties, they said they would ask a consultant to review my medications but it would be atleast 3 weeks for an appointment. I'm not sure I can see it out that long!

I'm wondering if I should try a 7.5mg dose of mirt (appreciate going downwards can be more sedating) and if sleeping OK/managing, reduce further then stop. Then stop the Pram.

As its such early days with both meds hoping withdrawl effects might be minimal?

Am I being silly reducing without medical supervision? Is it worth the risk.

[Yumz199725]

I'm hoping to stop them aswell I don't like weight gain side effects x

[Shnookie]

please speak to your doctors b4 you decide to take yourself off the meds.

[Tigglypoo]

Hi I take 15mg helps sleep but it's not helping with anxiety but does numb some feelings .I dunno if I sud change or stop it slowly iam always hungry but have high cholesterol so have to watch my fat intake. Hope you can sort something out id like to know how you get on .take care x

[bethelbee in reply to Tigglypoo]

Please do not stop or change meds without speaking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping can give you bad reactions.

[DodgeDhanda]

Hi P123.

I take Mirtazapine 30mg & Promethazine Hydrochloride 25mg for my insomnia & I found they work well for me & I'm now back upto between 3 to 4 hours a night , when I used to work I was happy with 4 hours per day but now it's not long enough but it's better than the insomnia.

If I wanted to reduce my meds I would talk to my GP & see if he was happy for it to happen & then ask him to recommend a plan of how to reduce to stopping.

Lastly

I wish U love & light on ur journey.

[bethelbee]

Since you can't see your doctor right away, can you speak with the pharmacist??. Don't do anything until you speak with someone.

[BichonRain]

Give it a little more time. Your body will adjust.

[Purdy_123]

Spoke to GP today, they have to wait to hear from mental health consultant before changing meds to something else (hopefully restless leg friendly and less side effects) said they were happy if I cut the 15mg pill into 3/4 (11.25mg) and see how I go. So that's what I'll do.

[An0nryan3]

I recently stopped 30mg p day mirts totally oblivious..I had crazy withdrawals also bcus I stopped zopis too but the anxiety of zopicle is hard.. the body withdrawal of mirtazepine is comparable to opiates