Have any of you stopped taking your meds and how did it go?
I stopped my Mirtazapine on Monday with the agreement of my GP and I’ve had a week of very upset stomachs, dizziness and mood swings. I feel absolutely rotten just now but I know I need to get through this.
I just hope it doesn’t last too long.
Pharmaceuticals dont "make' small enough doses to reduce safely and successfully. Usually the lowest dose is too much of a drop to zero. I know it sounds ridiculous.
Consider requesting tapering strips: the reduced dosage is done for you. Or request liquid form, so that you can measure the smaller doses. Push for one of these options. The liquid is expensive so you will need to present your case so to speak, but it is available.
Two ways to contribute to a succesful taper.
And yes, stabilise before you make another reduction. Take is slow x
So what you're saying is that if you are already on the lowest possible dose once per day, then the next thing is to stop altogether rather than reduce the frequency to every other day?
I think that I can see some logic in that, but as you said, doctors tend to advise to take every other day.
Its not reccomended to take alternate days or skip doses as this can cause choas for yoyr system, despite your doctirs advise.
Ugh poor you. That's got to be awful for you. Hang on in there, it will get better even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Look at it this way, each day you are one day closer to being rid of the withdrawal symptoms.
Thinking of you and wishing you well.
Thanks Enchanted. I still feel absolutely rotten. I did a bit of research yesterday and it said the symptoms can worsen for 1-2 weeks after stopping and take 6-8 weeks to go away completely 
I'm sorry you're suffering from withdrawal symptoms. I had this when I came off my bipolar meds and the withdrawal symptoms were horrific for about two weeks.
How are you now Amerantin? I hope you're better. If it's too bad do call the GP and he or she could probably half the pill and gently wean you off it that way. Positive vibes your way.
There are new guidlines on tapering off SSRI's & SNRI's. This should be done very gradually to avoid nasty withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are often mistaken for " a clinical need" for the medication. People very often have to reinsate the medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms. This is why a slow taper is very important.
Dear Dogtooth,
I’m sorry you are going through such a tough time, it’s good that you’ve let us know what’s happening and how you feel. Many people have similar thoughts when coping with so much and we hope you’re okay.
If you are unable to cope with the distress or despair, it’s very important to tell someone about your feelings or thoughts of suicide. Call your GP and make an urgent appointment. Your GP can make sure you get appropriate help and support.
If it’s outside your GP hours call 111 to reach the NHS 111 service:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/
The Samaritans also provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day on 116 123, or by email on jo@samaritans.org.
MIND have information pages on coping with self harm or suicidal feelings based on the experiences of people who’ve been through it that you may find helpful.
If you are very close to doing something to hurt yourself - call 999 now or go to your nearest A&E department. There should be someone there to support you and make sure you get ongoing support.
You can find more information here:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/suicide
Kind Regards,
Rosie Mod
The NHS site on the drug says stopping suddenly's a bad idea. Guessing you didn't talk to your doctor about it to get a withdrawal program sorted.
I'm sorry to hear your having a tough time, I found duloxetine was one of the more difficult antidepressants to deal with. Over the decades I've been on virtually every SSRI going but nothing prepared me for what I felt coming off this SSNRI.
Good luck and take care.
I think that I'm not comparing like with like here; Benzo's are tranquilisers and Mirtazapine is an anti-depressant, so they are not the same type of drugs. However, they clearly are not easy to stop. I wish you success and hope your withdrawal syptoms quickly subside.
Ben
Thank you. Hopefully you'll be over the worst soon, but if not then perhaps you could give a smaller dose a try and go from there, if your GP thinks it's a good idea for you.
Sorry you're suffering though. Withdrawal effects are rubbish. Thinking of you right now.
Thanks Cora, it’s good to hear that you came off them successfully.
My GP did warn me it might be tough for a week or two and to get back in touch with her if I have problems. If I still feel like this next week I think I will. Maybe a smaller dose for longer is the right approach.
That’s okay dogtooth, it’s completely understandable. I think we have to try to get back to “normal” without meds but I am realistic in that I know it might not work out.
I hope you get back on an even keel next week.
The timing of your post couldnt have been any better.
I have been tapering off of the max dose of Duloxetine for some time now. I really felt i didnt need it anymore.
I am currently 10 days into complete zero and i am experiencing the brutal realisation of the fact i still need them. My anger came back with a fury that scares even me. The suicidal thoughts are hourly, and the self harm just to cope is impossible to ignore.
I thought i was keeping it hidden, however my wife told me last night i should go back on them, and my boss told me im 'scary' again. She just came into my office and asked me if i need to go home. I dont want to be that person anymore. I have that awful feeling that nothing good will ever come again.
So for me coming off my meds is an absolute living hell. Best part is i cant get more meds till Monday.
Apologies for being so negative and predictably anti everything.
I stopped my Sertraline and experienced withdrawal symptoms as well. I had dizziness, upset stomach and headaches, I did call my GP as they were pretty severe, to me at least anyway and my GP suggested not stopping completely and to break the pill in half and gradually cut down and then stop.
I did this and it stopped the withdrawal side effects completely and then when I eventually came off the half pill I had no side effects. It was bliss.
Well done for coming off your meds, that's a big step to take.
I hope you're feeling better soon. It shouldn't last too long.
I’ve reduced the dose for six weeks before stopping completely this week. Everything was fine until I stopped completely.
I moved to the lowest dose about six weeks ago then did a fortnight with a pill every second day all without any problem, but this week has been awful.
I suppose it’s possible I’ve coincidentally got a stomach bug at the same time.
Amerantin,
You've asked, so I'll tell you...
I have been addicted (by prescription) to three branded benzodiazepines, the third being Temazapam in 1989. I received no help whatsoever from the prescribing clinicians (GPs) and found it extremely difficult each time....... but I made it! The third time I learned from a voluntary help agency that there was an NHS funded treatment service almost on my doorstep, about which my GP claimed to know nothing. I self-referred and was treated with electro-acupuncture five days a week for five months. I'm not sure if the acupuncture actually worked or not, but what certainly did help was meeting numerous others in the same position, including a headmaster, a solicitor, a prostitute, a couple of rather young homeless lads, a lady who designed clothing, a gifted artist and many others, predominantly addicted to prescribed meds although a few were on street drugs.
I really hope the medical profession has moved forward since those dark days when GPs just knew so very little about dependency. I stress that this was some thrity five years ago, and things can only have improved.
The best advice i can offer you is to reduce the dose gradually, as slowly as you need to.... it is not a race.
Ben
