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Luke: Severe Mirtazapine Withdrawal

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18 minutes ago, Luke said:

Two years and 9 months off now.

 

I'm continuing to improve. Mostly to the point where picking out specific symptoms is becoming more challenging, other than on some bad days.

 

I still struggle with sleep, I fall asleep okay, but often wake up quite early. My sleep feels somewhat more natural but I pretty much always feel sleep deprived. Some days I feel okay, but sleep deprived and bit run down, some days I feel quite rough.

 

Other than generally feeling bad physically, distinct symptoms aren't a huge factor. The psychological symptoms have eased off to a large extent, but I often feel a bit down and a bit flat. It's mild, and feeling physically bad and tired all the time doesn't help, obviously.

 

Specific physical symptoms do flare up, but they're milder than they were. I'm managing to be fairly functional, most of the time.

 

There's plenty more healing to do, but I'm turning the corner, I believe. It's just that when you're very unwell long-term, even turning the corner isn't an overnight thing.

 

Overall though, I'm way better than I was in mid December.

So great to hear that you're feeling better. I guess we all expect healing and recovery to announce itself clearly and loudly. But most likely, healing can be incremental. 

Cheering you on!

January 10.2025: Sertraline 25mg

January 17.2025: Sertraline 50mg

June 26.2025: started to wean off - down to 25mg

July 6.2025: wean off continued - down to 12.5mg (my own choice)

July 24.2025: wean off completely. No more Sertraline

August 2025: started taking fishoil, magnesium and Rhodiola rosea tablets

December 2025: no meds. Fishoil and magnesium. Vitamin D and Iron tablets.

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  • I have been doing a fair bit better since my last update, by far the best I've been since all of this.   Not symptom-free, but everything dialled down a lot. In particular, my sleep is still

  • wheretogonow
    wheretogonow

    Luke is a really incredible person, when I was at my worst this time last year, he went out of his way to give me hope despite his own suffering. In addition if we didn't have this site I'm sure a lot

  • Two years and 9 months off now.   I'm continuing to improve. Mostly to the point where picking out specific symptoms is becoming more challenging, other than on some bad days.   I

Well done @Luke This is good to see. The time it has taken is frightening, but seeing you turning the 

corner is very encouraging. This is what we HAVE to see. As YOU know, in the depths of a vicious wave

it's VERY hard to see a way out. A place I have been MANY times. Keep taking it slow and easy, and here's

wishing you all the best.

Take care,      B.🤞👍

Edited by NT1100B
spelling

2001-2021 Prozac 20mg

2020-2021 Tramadol 300mg

2022 April 15th  Started Mirtazapine 15mg

2022 Sept 15 dropped to 7.5mg

2023 May 16th failed CT reinstated.

2023  June 30th tapering off

2025 Jan 7th Stopped all drugs.

  • Author
5 hours ago, Tumultarisk said:

So great to hear that you're feeling better. I guess we all expect healing and recovery to announce itself clearly and loudly. But most likely, healing can be incremental. 

Cheering you on!

 

It seems to change rapidly for some.

 

I was quite severe, for quite a long time. What many don't understand is that if you are very ill, you can improve quite a lot, whilst still being ill.

 

I am making steady progress, month by month, but it is month by month, not day by day.

 

Thank you.

 

2 hours ago, NT1100B said:

Well done @Luke This is good to see. The time it has taken is frightening, but seeing you turning the 

corner is very encouraging. This is what we HAVE to see. As YOU know, in the depths of a vicious wave

it's VERY hard to see a way out. A place I have been MANY times. Keep taking it slow and easy, and here's

wishing you all the best.

Take care,      B.🤞👍

 

Thank you B.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

 

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.


Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

 

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper  to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

@Luke I am very glad you feel improvements. I have read some of your older posts on SA and I see you were struggling a lot. But, as you can confirm it yourself, healing is possible even though it is slow. I truly hope you are turning a corner. 🙏🏻❤️

My story: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/87-marina-onoffonoff-zoloft-since-end-of-2020/

History:

• November 2020 - March 2022: 50 mg Zoloft (first WD - mostly mental symptoms)

• July and August 2022: psilocybin microdosing

• End of August 2022: medium dose psilocybin

• January 2023reinstated Zoloft 50 mg (but probably experinenced adverse reaction/tolerance/poop-out)

• October 2024: started slow taper off Zoloft

• September 2025: switched to compounded capsules (second WD started - both physical and mental symptoms)

• May 2026: still tapering but in liquid form; currently at cca 0,1 mg

 

Symptoms:

Windows and waves pattern of healing.

In a wave:

• severe DP/DR - reality seems strange and creepy and I feel a disconnect from my life, myself, God and the world around me, deep depression, stuck in my head, disinterest for my previous hobbies and work, hopeless, intrusive thoughts, cortisol mornings...

• histamine intolerance, vision problems (eye floaters/VSS/light sensitivity), tinnitus, muscle twitches...

Yay! I am glad for your successes thus far, Luke. Little by little, we will all see the light of day and be out of the dark tunnel this can be at times for all of us. Thank you and @Chippy for the site here. I know more are joining and both of your energy/time/work has paid off. Give yourself a pat on the back for all the positive happening right now!

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

The Whole Story About Me

--Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

--Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

**Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

14 hours ago, Luke said:

Two years and 9 months off now.

 

I'm continuing to improve. Mostly to the point where picking out specific symptoms is becoming more challenging, other than on some bad days.

 

I still struggle with sleep, I fall asleep okay, but often wake up quite early. My sleep feels somewhat more natural but I pretty much always feel sleep deprived. Some days I feel okay, but sleep deprived and bit run down, some days I feel quite rough.

 

Other than generally feeling bad physically, distinct symptoms aren't a huge factor. The psychological symptoms have eased off to a large extent, but I often feel a bit down and a bit flat. It's mild, and feeling physically bad and tired all the time doesn't help, obviously.

 

Specific physical symptoms do flare up, but they're milder than they were. I'm managing to be fairly functional, most of the time.

 

There's plenty more healing to do, but I'm turning the corner, I believe. It's just that when you're very unwell long-term, even turning the corner isn't an overnight thing.

 

Overall though, I'm way better than I was in mid December.

That's great, every improvement even the smallest one is a victory to celebrate, well done!

Very happy for you.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control 

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

21 hours ago, Luke said:

There's plenty more healing to do, but I'm turning the corner, I believe. It's just that when you're very unwell long-term, even turning the corner isn't an overnight thing.

 

Congratulations @Luke, this is great to read! Definitely a win, and it will just get better.😊

Aug 2022- Mirtzapine 15 (3 weeks)

Sept 2022 - Jan 2023 Escitalopram 10 

Dec 2023- April 2024 Escitalopram 2.5 

June 2024 -Escitalopram 2.5

July 2024-Nov 2024 Escitalopram 5

Nov 2024- Feb 2025 Escitalopram 2.5

Feb 2025, 1 Prozac, 1 Zoloft cross taper

Feb 19, 2025 off all meds, major WD

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32394-hopeperseveres-escitalopr%C3%A1m-generic-lexapro-journey/page/

  • Author

I've been in a bad wave for days now.

 

Although I'm much improved, my quality of life is still bad. The gaps between waves I return to a sort of baseline, which is tolerable but still difficult. I don't have windows where I feel good/great.

 

I have no way of knowing whether an acceptable quality of life is months or years away, and I'm already coming up to 3 years, plus a bad quality of life in the drug for months ontop.

 

I very much dislike living this way, and it's taken years of suffering to live this way.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

 

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.


Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

 

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper  to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

1 minute ago, Luke said:

I've been in a bad wave for days now.

 

Although I'm much improved, my quality of life is still bad. The gaps between waves I return to a sort of baseline, which is tolerable but still difficult. I don't have windows where I feel good/great.

 

I have no way of knowing whether an acceptable quality of life is months or years away, and I'm already coming up to 3 years, plus a bad quality of life in the drug for months ontop.

 

I very much dislike living this way, and it's taken years of suffering to live this way.

Im sorry mate. I know it's tough at the moment. Hang in there, everyone is behind you. I really hope and believe time will see much further improvement for you.

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 

 

If you are from the UK please make sure you fill in a 'Yellow Card' report for the MHRA. It is you doing your bit to help make a difference.

Please take the time to do it today 🙂 https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

For US members details here.

24 minutes ago, Luke said:

I very much dislike living this way, and it's taken years of suffering to live this way.

Heart breaking to see this @Luke the life it robs off us is despicable, but even worse Inflicting the misery

on us the way that it does. I hope you very soon lift out of this Bud.

Take care,        B.🤞

2001-2021 Prozac 20mg

2020-2021 Tramadol 300mg

2022 April 15th  Started Mirtazapine 15mg

2022 Sept 15 dropped to 7.5mg

2023 May 16th failed CT reinstated.

2023  June 30th tapering off

2025 Jan 7th Stopped all drugs.

48 minutes ago, Luke said:

I've been in a bad wave for days now.

 

Although I'm much improved, my quality of life is still bad. The gaps between waves I return to a sort of baseline, which is tolerable but still difficult. I don't have windows where I feel good/great.

 

I have no way of knowing whether an acceptable quality of life is months or years away, and I'm already coming up to 3 years, plus a bad quality of life in the drug for months ontop.

 

I very much dislike living this way, and it's taken years of suffering to live this way.

Sorry to read this Luke.

It's hard to hold on to the good when we're in the waves, but you do get better, albeit more slowly than you'd like, I understand the frustration.

Hang in there, better days are sure to come with time.

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control 

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

Oh, Luke, I am sooooo sorry. Our suffering is endless. But you have known windows, it is a proof that your CNS is healing. Hang on.

Svetla

2011-2023 Paxil

2023-2024 Effexor

Since February 2024 in anhedonia caused by the long use of AD

February 2024-March 2025 drug after drug after drug... 70 rTMS sessions, 8 ketamin infusions-nothing worked

March 2025 CT upon doctor "advice" from Desipramine, Viibryd, Lithium at high doses all together in 6 days

Since then awful withdrawal: unbearable anxiety, panic attacks, adrenaline rushes, hot flashes, muscle pain over all the body, insomnia, depression, intrusive thoughts, brain fog

Current tapering Mirtazapine : December 29,2025-3 mg, February,15, 2025-2,7 mg, February,28-2,5 mg, March,8-2 mg, March,14-1,5 mg, March,20-0 mg

You are showing such amazing strength dealing with this severe injury for so long, and even managing to set up a new forum while going through it, giving support to others. One day you will look back and be amazed yourself. It WILL be worth getting through this. I’m so glad you’ve been generally seeing some improvement lately. Hold onto these hopeful signs through the waves.

June 2019, citalopram 20mg started due to anxiety
May 2020-Dec 2020, tapered off with fairly large reductions but longish gaps

Withdrawal symptoms were: some anxiety and low mood; emotional instability; anger and rage spells along with self-loathing, self-harm ideation; inability to tolerate any discomfort, general exhausted burnout feeling; palpitations; flu-like symptoms, body temperature weirdness; migraines; insomnia 
July 2021, reinstated 10mg - most symptoms resolved quickly - this is how I worked out I had been in withdrawal
August 2022 - reduced to 5mg, no major issues 

April 2023 - began reducing further by skipping days; started to experience familiar withdrawal after a few months 
August 2023 - finally discovered the withdrawal community and learned about harm reduction tapering; began crushing and weighing the pills and taking 2.5mg every day; continued making reductions more gradually

July 2024 - reached 1mg; switched to water solution method to continue tapering

June 2025 - jumped to zero from 0.2mg

 

My thread: https://antidepressantrecovery.org/topic/95-sarahw-getting-off-citalopram

11 hours ago, Luke said:

I've been in a bad wave for days now.

 

Although I'm much improved, my quality of life is still bad. The gaps between waves I return to a sort of baseline, which is tolerable but still difficult. I don't have windows where I feel good/great.

 

I have no way of knowing whether an acceptable quality of life is months or years away, and I'm already coming up to 3 years, plus a bad quality of life in the drug for months ontop.

 

I very much dislike living this way, and it's taken years of suffering to live this way.

Sorry to hear this @Luke. WD and waves is so taxing.

Link to SA Profile: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/forums/topic/32414-catbird-introduction-a-long-and-winding-road/

1996 Commenced on Sertraline 50 - 100mg. Many ADs trialled -Fluoxetine 20 mg, Paroxetine 20mg, Venlafaxine 75mg, Escitalopram 10 - 20mg, Vortioxetine 20mg, Bupropion 150mg.  2019 Recommenced Escitalopram 2022 Mirtazapine 30mg - Rapid taper. Amitriptyline 20mg

CURRENT MEDICATIONS: Escitalopram taper from ~ 10mg commenced 2024, Amitriptyline 20mg at night, Diazepam 7.5mg total per day, Baclofen 10mg morning, 10mg lunch and 20mg night, Polaramine 2mg at night, Ketamine troche 25mg per day (Ceased early September 2025), Valsartan 160mg evening, HRT (Oestrogen 25mcg/day) 

ESCITALOPRAM TAPER: 5 April 2025 - started holding at 1.516mg. Escitalopram taper resumed July 2025; End Aug 1.364; End Sept 1.228; End Oct 1.145; End Nov 1.1 Early Dec 1.11; End Dec 1.082; 2026 End Jan 1.047; Feb 6 1.030; Feb 20 1.014; April 10 1.012; May 3 1.014; May 11 1.010 & still holding

Supplements: Mg++ glycinate, Omega 3s, Curcumin. Vit D3/K2 spray, Vitamin B12 spray, chelated zinc.

  • Author

Thank you for the kind words everyone.

 

I don't really have "windows". I have really bad periods, and then I return to a somewhat tolerable baseline. Over time, that baseline has improved and how severely I'm physically impaired in the bad periods has lessened as well.

 

Until a certain point I didn't have an improved baseline of any kind, just pure hell 24/7.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

 

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.


Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

 

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper  to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

You have lots of strength though Luke, despite the dirty windows. I’m uncertain about your physical activity level right now, but can you get outside for a short walk, clear your mind? I think we can all feel isolated with these terrible symptoms. Nature is a great healer in relating to the plants, animals, elements, etc. Maybe some nature therapy is in order, or really a suggestion.
We’ve been cooped up here with very cold temperatures preventing us from staying outside more than a few minutes. So sometimes I’ve enjoyed a sit spot of just sitting by a sunny or gray day window and taking in what’s observable of nature. Granted I have a small park behind my house with different trees that will attract birds, squirrels, rabbits, and I’ll see people walking their dogs. Looking outside our windows serves as a reminder of our connectedness, of things greater than ourselves, and the different seasons of life that we all go through. This was all just a thought as it gets pretty late over here. Hopefully what I’m sharing lands in you and perhaps others that might read your thread.
 

Be well, my friend.

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

The Whole Story About Me

--Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

--Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

**Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

15 hours ago, Luke said:

I don't really have "windows". I have really bad periods, and then I return to a somewhat tolerable baseline. Over time, that baseline has improved and how severely I'm physically impaired in the bad periods has lessened as well.

 

Hi @Luke Sorry you have hit a rough patch Bud, stay strong, you have more than shown your metal to get through to

where you have. That takes sheer determination and guts, I am going through the wave from hell myself, and it's harder

than anything ANYONE can imagine. SO you are brave and STRONG, wishing you well Bud.

Take care,      B.🤞

2001-2021 Prozac 20mg

2020-2021 Tramadol 300mg

2022 April 15th  Started Mirtazapine 15mg

2022 Sept 15 dropped to 7.5mg

2023 May 16th failed CT reinstated.

2023  June 30th tapering off

2025 Jan 7th Stopped all drugs.

16 hours ago, Luke said:

Thank you for the kind words everyone.

 

I don't really have "windows". I have really bad periods, and then I return to a somewhat tolerable baseline. Over time, that baseline has improved and how severely I'm physically impaired in the bad periods has lessened as well.

 

Until a certain point I didn't have an improved baseline of any kind, just pure hell 24/7.

Gosh Luke that's so tough! so sorry, I'm right there with you mostly even though I just had a 5 minutes window that I'm trying to hold..

Hang in there, you are very strong.

Hopefully you will get better very soon.

Edited by Fullhealing

1998 forced on cipramil *no anxiety/depression background*

Over the years all kinds of SSRI/SNRI/antipsychotics/stabilizers due to apparently side effects/withdrawal

Many attempts to quit over the years with failure (extremely rapid taper followed by doctors' guidens)

Current attempt-Paxil 20 mg:

6/24 20 mg to 5 mg-severe AKA

9/24 Increase to 20-AKA continues

10/24 stopped completely-AKA out of control 

11/24 Zoloft bridge attempt-25 mg to 75 mg+Seroquel-AKA continued-stopped them CT.

12/24 Back on Paxil 10mg (0.1789g)-some stabilization-from here tapered by about 30% each time (don't remember doses and dates).

2025 - 7.10 0.0558g (3.11mg)/7.11 3% 0.0541g (3.02mg)/4.12 1% 0.0535g (2.98mg)

2026 - 3.1 1.5% 0.0526g (2.93mg)/9.1 8.5% 0.0480g (2.68mg)/16.2 1.8% 0.0470g (2.62mg)/21.3 1% 0.466 (2.60mg)/23.4 2.2% 0.455g (2.54mg)/8.7 21.7% 0.0356.5g (2mg)/15.8 updose by 11.7% 0.0400g (2.23mg)

Supplements:

Magnesium Glycinate - started 28.5.26 1 capsule 200mg in the morning - Increased brain fog and muscle stiffness - stopped after two weeks.

Iron - liquid, quarter of recommended dose - increased anxiety and burning sensation - stopped after two weeks.

Saffron - started 8.7.26 1 capsule 30mg in the morning - pretty immediate improvement in terms of terror, body pain and sleep.

Hey @Luke

 

Glad you are doing so well. You will continue to heal looking at your gradual improvements so far. 

 

Great dedication and commitment to a purpose 🙂

 

Warm wishes 

 

PS Love this site, perfect timing for my journey. 

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept  2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week,  then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps,  insomnia)

Feb 2023 -  "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild.  Taken to emergency. 

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious. 

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD 

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

 

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

  • Author
On 1/29/2026 at 3:19 AM, namastejen1 said:

I’m uncertain about your physical activity level right now, but can you get outside for a short walk, clear your mind?

 

Yes, I'm able to, and do so most days. Recently, I am also able to do light exercises (think stretching, very light weights slowly), but not always. Sometimes it feels awful, and sometimes it does not.

 

On 1/29/2026 at 5:51 AM, NT1100B said:

Hi @Luke Sorry you have hit a rough patch Bud, stay strong, you have more than shown your metal to get through to

where you have. That takes sheer determination and guts, I am going through the wave from hell myself, and it's harder

than anything ANYONE can imagine. SO you are brave and STRONG, wishing you well Bud.

Take care,      B.🤞

 

Thank you B.

 

On 1/29/2026 at 6:31 AM, Fullhealing said:

Gosh Luke that's so tough! so sorry, I'm right there with you mostly even though I just had a 5 minutes window that I'm trying to hold..

Hang in there, you are very strong.

Hopefully you will get better very soon.

 

Thank you. Holding and tapering is something I don't have much experience with, but I'm no stranger to the horrible effects of being both on and off these drugs, as well as reducing them. It's all the same really.

 

I hope you also have improved times in the near future.

 

8 hours ago, Tracey said:

Hey @Luke

 

Glad you are doing so well. You will continue to heal looking at your gradual improvements so far. 

 

Great dedication and commitment to a purpose 🙂

 

Warm wishes 

 

PS Love this site, perfect timing for my journey. 

 

I'm glad you're finding the site useful, I hope this continues.

 

 

 

Finally, I have to quote myself so that I can correct myself with new information:

 

On 1/28/2026 at 1:58 PM, Luke said:

I don't really have "windows". I have really bad periods, and then I return to a somewhat tolerable baseline. Over time, that baseline has improved and how severely I'm physically impaired in the bad periods has lessened as well.

 

After coming out of the rough patch, we can either call it a baseline, or we can call it a dirty window, but whatever it is I'm experiencing a period of being mostly okay, other than sleep deprived and feeling a bit rough and out of sorts, on and off.

 

So, maybe I can no longer say I don't have "windows", as this isn't 100% but it's a mildly dirty window at worst, so let's call it a window.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

 

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.


Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

 

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper  to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

Sending you a hug 🤗 

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice (fear); but rather of power and love and self-control (a sound mind).

The Whole Story About Me

--Current Rx: since 2000-2025 Levothyroxine discontinued late Sept 2025 under DO supervision--no menstrual cycle for 2 months, Hypothalamus PMG brought it back and has been regular ever since under functional chiropractor =o) thank God for holistic medicine

2017-current Remeron/Mirt. recent taper schedule here: crushed pills 0.45mg May 30, 2025; 0.4mg Sept 14, 2025; found out 0.4mg weighed is actually a dose of 0.44mg Dec 19, 2025 and now using compounded Rx; 0.41mg Feb 27, 2026; 0.39mg April 3, 2026, 0.38mg May 8, 2026, 0.37mg June 28, 2026.

--Supplements: Standard Process-Whole Food Folate, Prolamine Iodine Plus, B Vitality w/ CoQ10, Zypan, RNA, Cataplex E, Symplex F, and Immuplex (sort of like a multi but for Oct-Apr) when needed; Biotics Research- Mg-Zyme 100mg; Omega-3 Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Vitamin D3/K2 drops; sometimes Seeking Health methyl free multi vitamin and elderberry zinc gummies

**Love my work, fitness, polyvagal exercises (includes yoga-style poses for nervous system regulation), prayer/Inner Healing Prayer, holistic health, somatic therapies, lovingkindness, forest therapy, singing, helping others, spending time in nature and with family and friends.

Anti-histamine Withdrawal Video-Explains a lot (This is not me.)

Thanks for clarifying that in regards dirty windows, windows and baseline. 
 

Sleep deprivation will be making life more challenging.. I hope this settles for you soon. After reading survivor/success stories of those that have done cold turkey, they seem to turn a corner at some point. I guess we all have to wait in the not knowing phase, whilst trusting it will happen. 

 

Be kind with yourself. It is possible you are doing (being with) the hardest thing in your life. 
 

Mostly ok sounds ok !  🙂

 

 

Aug 2006 - Sertraline 25/50/75/100mg TO June 2019 - Reduced from 100mg to 50mg over a few months

Sept  2019 - Reduced from 50mg to 25mg lasted a week,  then went back up to 50mg, after a few weeks back up to 100mg.

Oct 2021 - Reduced to 75mg, Dec 2021 (mid) reduced to 50mg , March 2022 - Reduced to 25mg

Oct 2022 - Reduce to 0mg (Immediate withdrawal crying, mood unstable, impending doom, digestive probs, tingling,numbness,burning, brain zaps,  insomnia)

Feb 2023 -  "Panic attack" lasting 14 hours, 2 weeks later start back on 25mg sertraline, 12 hours later severe 'panic attack' with chest pain, tachycardia, restlessness, hyponatraemia, impending doom, racing thoughts, akathisia mild.  Taken to emergency. 

March 2023 back up to 50mg (on medical advice), April 75mg, May 100mg. Back to 75mg within a few weeks due to feeling too stimulated and anxious. 

Nov 2023 resume taper. 70, 65, 60, 55, 50 (March 2024)

April 45mg, May 41mg, June 37mg, July 34mg Aug 31mg, Sept 28mg, Oct 26mg, Nov 25mg, HOLD 

Jan 1st 2025 24mg, Jan 12th 23.5mg, Jan 20th 23mg, Feb 20th 22mg, March 20th 21mg, April 14th 18.9mg, May 5th 17mg, May 28th 15.3mg, July 16th 13.7mg, Aug 26th 12.3mg, Sept 16th 10.5 mg, Sept 22, 10mg, Oct 7th 8.3mg, Nov 4th 8mg, Dec 1st 7.7mg, Dec 26th 7mg 2026 Updose to 7.2mg Mar 20th, Back to 7mg Mar 21. Currently holding

 

Other supplements: Fish oil, Mg citrate/glycinate 150-300mg per day, Ginkgo biloba daily, womens multi vit/min 3 times week, Vitamin C 1000mg night, valerian/passiflora as needed. B12 as needed. Bone support for osteopaenia (Ca/Mg, K, D)

@Luke thanks for stepping up and getting the ball rolling on this site. You are filling a huge need... Individuals need help...this is so important. 💯Words can't express my appreciation. 

Glad @Chippy has been right beside you.👍

 

I am relieved and happy that you are seeing improvement and healing. Who would think any of us would have ever had to be in this position. ❤️🙏

 

I am not a medical professional. My comments are based on my personal experience and information on SA.

 

Paroxetine-2002 onward-20mg/ Citalopram-2007-20 mg-straight switch from paroxetine-back to paroxetine after a month/ Sertraline -25 mg-Dec 2016- given for a month instead of paroxetine (doctor mistake) Oxazepam -10 mg-2016-twice weekly for a couple months for sleep/ Zopiclone -3.75-7.5mg-2020-2022-once a week for sleep/Paroxetine -20 yr+/ Dec2018-May 2022 20 mg/ May 2022 30mg/2022.07.28-2022.08.24 30mg to 0mg/ Prozac-10mg August 24-29 2022/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.11.28-2022.12.04/10mg-Dec 5&6/22/ Prozac-10mg-Dec 8&9/22/Paroxetine -5mg-2022.12.07 to 2023.07.01

 

TAPER-Paroxetine-2023-Jul 2-4.9mg/ Jul 21-4.8mg/Jul 28-4.73mg/Aug 4-4.65mg /Sep 21-4.58 mg/Oct 27-4.56 mg/Dec 5-4.54 mg/2024-Jan 2-4.52 mg/Jan 9-4.51 mg/Jan 17-4.49 mg/Jan 26-4.47mg/Feb 6-4.46mg/Feb 19-4.44mg /Apr 4-4.43mg/Apr 28-4.4 mg/May 5-4.39 mg/May 19-4.36 mg/Jul 2-4.34 mg/Jul 9-4.32mg/Jul 31-4.3 mg/Oct 1-4.29mg/Nov 27-4.25 mg/Dec 5-4.22mg/2025-Jan 5-4.17mg/Feb 2-4.1mg/Mar 7-4.07mg/Apr 23-4.04mg/May 23-4mg/Jun 22-3.99mg/Jun 30-3.95mg/Jul 18-3.92mg/Sep 25-3.9mg/2026-Mar 25-3.85mg

 

9am-paroxetine, 200mg mag bisglycinate/75 mg DGL if needed for refux/150 mg calcium citrate/algae oil for omega 3/ginger 400 mg as needed for nausea

 

"... your strength will be in keeping calm..."-Isaiah 30:15

  • Author

Thank you @LostinCanada. Yes, @Chippy has and continues to do a huge amount to support the community and make this place possible.

Nothing I say is medical advice, it is simply my opinion. I am an anonymous person on an internet forum with no relevant qualifications other than being badly harmed by a drug. For all you know, I could be an idiot. You are making your own decisions and part of that is deciding how much to listen to my opinion, if at all.

 

Perhaps you should consider this post an artistic work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.


Story from SA: LukeUK: Remeron/Mirtazapine Severe Withdrawal - Introductions and updates - Surviving Antidepressants

 

15mg Remeron/Mirtazapine November starting 2022 (severe physical side effects)

Attempted to taper off January 2023, ended up having a major breakdown and going up to 30mg, took weeks to stabilise

1 month taper  to 0mg

Last dose April 2023

Severe withdrawal syndrome with many physical symptoms

Summary: 5 months using Mirtazapine, including 1 month taper ending late April 2023.

hey luke how you been doing ?

i was thinking abou you and was wondering if i could assist you by giving you an interest to spend time on, or you have your distractions already perhaps ?

I’m not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. I only offer my thoughts as support. Please speak to your health practitioner about your care. This is a peer site where we support each other on our taper/recovery journeys. 
Feel free to mention me whenever help is needed.

 

Current Supplements: Morning: Aloe Vera Gels. Night: 6mg melatonin and 133mg magnesium glycinate. Taking Omega 3 as needed to calm dyskinesia or over stimulation..

Current Medications: Mirtazapine, Lasea (lavender oil) before bed.

------------------------------------------

Tapering: Mirtazapine 15mg, (went compounded) 13.5mg 08/May/2025, 12.1mg 10/July/2025, 15/July/2025 15mg (half tablet), 26/July/2025 14.35mg (moved to dry cutting method) ), 03/Aug/2025 14.6mg, 24/Nov/2025 14.47mg, 29/Jan/2026 14.35mg

Note: Had a lot of issue with degradation with different cutting times and compounded pharmacy which caused withdrawals and a more sensitive nervous system.

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