Mirtazapine · Active · Sep 20, 2026

Tapering: Mirtazapine

active

9 posts

Midwest US

Anybody out there that can offer hope?

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Support Symptoms & Self-Care

September 20, 2026

Early Past Medical History Bouts of depression in college I sought counseling, journaling, reading self-help books Continued with mix of rage and depression into early 20’s and motherhood. Eventually above symptoms were attributed to PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) In early 30’s started taking Effexor (venlafaxine. SNRI) - it worked until it didn’t. I titrated off. I cant remember the side effects but hormonal extremes returned. I met with a Psychiatrist sometime in 2003 who diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. He put me on Lexapro (escitalopram - SSRI). I did relatively well for 10 years and thought I would be able to work with a chiropractor nutritionist and wouldn’t need this any longer, so decided to self titrate off meds Fall 2012. Went off rather quickly, and then spent 6 months with agoraphobia, deconstructed psyche, suicidal…gutted it out. Spring of 2013, I was placed back on Lexipro (escitalopram - SSRI) as well as Wellbutrin (bupropion - NDRI) to counterbalance for energy. I had felt like I had a floor under my feet for the 11 years as far as functioning in life tasks, but I felt emotionally numb. Low Libido . I had a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning before 8:30 or 9am and I went to bed 9ish most nights. Took naps. Severe Sugar and carb cravings. Still struggled with road rage, some fixations I turned 60 No longer cycling, so I figured I no longer needed the medication Started a self titration off Lexapro (escitalopram - SSRI) over a 3 month period starting in January 2024.. My withdrawal symptoms initially were: chills, hot flashes, jittery, road rage, some OCD, occasional tears Losing weight as no desire to eat, flood of feelings, journaling resumed. Then my symptoms became: Anhedonia Breakthrough crying daily Anxiety Isolating Difficulty resting but want to sleep to get away from myself and life Irrational Fear Hopelessness Fragility of feelings and thoughts Nausea Lack of interest in food Face breakouts of rashes/ dry skin around nose and eyes Severe seasonal allergies (Have suffered from these for years) Lightheadedness Body temperature deregulation Very low threshold for stress Through genetic testing I found that I have Slow COMT and MTHFR polymorphism (impaired ability to metabolize Dopamine, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine) Therapies: I did 40 sessions of neurotherapy. Did not see any improvement in fact felt like conditions was worsening. Developed Akathisia, and was not sleeping. Was prescribed (by psych nurse practitioner) Mirtazapine (Remeron - tetracyclic antidepressant) to help with sleep, and Lorazepam (Ativan - Benzodiazepine) Then went to see Psychiatrist/Neurologist Added Lamotrigine (lamictal - anti leptic) Also wanted to trial low dose sublingual Ketamine (ketalar - dissociative anesthetic), which I did not tolerate. Trying to taper mirtazapine (1.8mg currently) then will try to taper lorazepam/lamotrigine. It’s now September 2026, and I am still suffering daily with Akathisia, OCD, Clinical depression and panic disorder and HIGH suicidal ideation. Can’t go out, can hear people’s telling what’s going on with them (traveling, parties, etc), have lost many friends, can’t read a book, watch TV, be a mother/grandmother. I am homebound, and fighting to stay alive. So, my questions are: Is there anyone out there with the same genetic vulnerabilities that is experiencing similar symptoms? Is there any hope of my ever getting better? Are there any suggestions regarding therapies that I am missing?

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

15 Replies

AniSep 20

LighthouseZoloft · active

Thanks for sharing. I am sorry to hear about your intense symptoms. I think there is always hope, most people tend to stabilize after some time, it will just take some time. Especially after your complex history with several changes to medication. Don't give up even though it's really hard right now. I hope this community will be helpful to you and I am glad you found it. Do you have moment or days where you feel a little bit better? Would you consider to wait with further reductions to give your body more time? Hope you are safe right now?

Zoloft — current 2.8 mg — 6 years — actively tapering - tapered from 50 mg

Libie SullivanSep 21

Mirtazapine · active

Thank you for the reply Ani. The pattern currently is one manageable/neutral day followed by 2 horrific days. So want to break this cycle! Safe right now, as am surrounded by loving family, but have constant thoughts of self harm.

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

MashaSep 21

LighthousePaxil · holding

So sorry Libie! Good strength! It can be very tormenting 🙏❤️

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

MashaSep 21

LighthousePaxil · holding

@Libie Sullivan. I hope you’re doing all of this with a knowledgeable physician. Also did you notice a change with menopause? Since you had the earlier hormonal issues? I struggled during the change and after.

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

Libie SullivanSep 21

Mirtazapine · active

Hi Marsha, Thank you for the reply. Yes the physician I am working with is both a psychiatrist and a neurologist. Very caring and present. Not sure I have noticed a change after menopause, as I have been overwhelmed by these other symptoms. Have a good week. Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

Peggy WallaceSep 22

NavigatorCymbalta · holding

Libie, I got you, girl, or more clearly, I understand a lot of what you’ve said. I could have gone hack to my 30’s too in explanation, but it is so loooong for me to write much less think about. And frankly I don’t even remember the drugs docs gave me. Anyway, keep posting. Stay SAFE! Hope is coming!

In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember.
Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician

Libie SullivanSep 23

Mirtazapine · active

Peggy, Comforting to know there is community out there. Thank you for responding. Best wishes in your journey, Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

anne noni mossSep 27

NavigatorPaxil · holding

Libie, there is ALWAYS HOPE. I believe our bodies were design to heal. Many miracles have happened with others who got through this. I'm sorry your journey is so similar to mine. DOCTORS!!! Putting me on SO MUCH CRAP. But I am forgiving because the resentment doesn't help me heal. Now that I know my symptoms are from the meds, I'm NEVER GIVING UP. The pain of this withdrawal is worth it to let my body heal. I am 63 and finally know the truth about healing. So KEEP GOING. Keep reaching out. We are here with you.

atypical in presentation of side effects, super sensitive to small doses and general delayed responder. never took a psych med that didn't' make me sick immediately with infections and restless legs. have never been able to tolerate being on them, but have never had support to get off so I've been bouncing back and forth. i don't like capital letters. sorry.

Paxil — 1 mg — 2 yrs — holding until Oct. 7 doc appt.
Seroquel — 50 — planning taper |
trileptal -75 planning taper
prasozin 1 mg planning taper

started my psych med saga in 2001 and wish I never had. I had some difficulties with sleep and anxiety, but NOTHING like what was in store for me after trying every med out there. My last treatment center promised to "get me totally off" in 2022 but it was a lie. They just switched drugs and added more and more in a desperate attempt to help me "stabilize," so they could call me a "success story" once insurance stopped paying. I agree with those who state that this industry needs to change. AND I'm working on not being resentful about my suffering because it doesn't help anyone.

been on an off cocktails since 2001. Most recent mixture, prescribed in 2024: 20 mg Paxil, 150 Trileptal, 50 Seroquel, 2 mg prasozin, (for PTSD/nightmares.)

immediately went to 1 mg prasozin, and after 3 months cut to 10 mg paxil. No felt effects. Then went to 5 about 3 months later, (though I didnt' keep track so I'm rusty.) No felt effects. So, I've roughly been on 5 mg for a year and a half.

Side effects always force to to start tapering RIGHT AWAY.

I didn't start keeping track of my Paxil taper until this year. I went from 3mg to 1 in 10 months, using a liquid Maudsley-ish slow taper. Again, no felt effects until now.

October 2026...sleeping less and feeling more sedated during the day. Having trouble managing my social life without getting over-stimulated. Must set boundaries according to my body and not my heart.

Holding 1 mg paxil until blood work done and evaluated, and to see if build a social life that doesn't make me lose sleep. Sounds silly as I type it, but actually, nothing is "silly" on this ride! Everything is WILD!!!! LOL

Keeping all other meds the same. Sorry so long.

AzulSep 28

NavigatorKlonopin · active

"Can’t go out, can hear people’s telling what’s going on with them (traveling, parties, etc), have lost many friends, can’t read a book, watch TV, be a mother/grandmother. I am homebound, and fighting to stay alive." — @Libie Sullivan

I am a mother of a teenager. I am also homebound some days and fighting to stay alive. Radical acceptance helps me in the worst days of WD. A pain shared is a pain halved, right? >So, my questions are: Is there anyone out there with the same genetic vulnerabilities that is experiencing similar symptoms? I had migraine before got injured, so I have this vulnerability. I also had/ have PTSD before a klonopin prescription messed up my brain. I guess now I have to deal with complex PTSD post benzos. Is there any hope of my ever getting better? Hope is the last thing we can lose. Hold on to the hope of hugging your loved ones one day without having this drugs in your body. Are there any suggestions regarding therapies that I am missing? Hot and cold plunges helped me to regulate my nervous system. Currently I am skipping them since it has been a year since I have been paying everything from my pocket and it's expensive. One last thing> don't allow any psychiatrist, GP, neurologist or any crap.... doctor add any other single drug to your system. We are designed to heal. Time helps with healing. Hold on to your beliefs too. Sending you a healing hug!

Klonopin — 1,75mg — 6 months — actively tapering

Libie SullivanSep 29

Mirtazapine · active

Marz, Thank you for your encouragement. You are right ... there is always hope, but sometimes so hard to see/hold on to when you are in the depth of despair. Thank you for standing with me in this, Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

Libie SullivanSep 29

Mirtazapine · active

Azul, Thank you for taking the time to time to answer some of my questions. Some very practical and helpful thoughts and suggestions. There have been so many days that. I am wanting to give up ("this is too much"), but knowing there are others out there that are suffering too makes me feel not so alone in this. Yes, hold on to our beliefs! Hugs are always. appreciated. Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

MashaSep 29

LighthousePaxil · holding

I’m struggling too Libie. This process has stolen my life! But I’m going to fight to get it back!

Paxil — 20 mg — 20 years. Went off now back on — holding
Trazadone 25 mg
Buspar 5 mg two times a day
Ativan .25 at night

Libie SullivanOct 5

Mirtazapine · active

Masha, Making it to the end when it's day to day suffering ... that's the hard part! So worth it with the hope that we can get our life back. Keep going Masha, Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

Libie SullivanOct 5

Mirtazapine · active

Anne Noni Moss, Big Pharma also to blame, and they need to be held accountable. Be that as it may, we need to continue fighting. to get to the other side. Best to you Anne! Libie

Mirtazapine — 1.8 mg — 1 yr — actively tapering | Ativan — 1.5 mg — 1 yr — holding | Lamictal — 87.5 mg — 1 yr — holding

McatOct 5

Mirtazapine · holding

Hi @Libie Sullivan I relate to a lot of what you describe - lifelong (since childhood) complex trauma and CPTSD with a host of fun symptoms, genetic mutations, hormonal problems, similar age, same current AD etc. I also have several troublesome chronic health issues and a highly sensitised nervous system (even preceding Mirt and the tapering, but more so now). Can you please give some more details re what dose of Mirt you've come down from and on what kind of schedule? For now, trust me, there is hope.

Mirtazapine — 0.12mg — 3 years, 7 months

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