without emotions

August 13, 2026··

I stopped taking mirtazapine, starting from a 5mg dose after a new episode of akathisia; I haven't improved, or rather, I've gotten worse. My emotions aren't coming back—does anyone actually ever get them back? The only thing that has improved is my sleep quality, though it’s still far from being anything like normal.

Mirtazapine — 5,4 — actively tapering | without clinician

4 Replies

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BasedStaffAug 13

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi Nieves, when did you make the cut? It usually takes time, but the brain wants to heal. Just give it time.

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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CatinaAug 13

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi @Nieves, I'm sorry you're experiencing such a distressing problem. We naturally worry that it might be permanent, but your brain knows how to heal given enough time. The fact that your sleep has already improved is a good sign. It shows you are capable of healing. Just be patient and give yourself lots of time to allow your brain to adjust. You went from 5 mg straight to 0, which is a large jump. Hang in there, these kinds of injuries do get better with time! Hugs, Catina 💜

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

NievesAug 13

WelcomerMirtazapine · active

The first time I stopped the medication, I was fine after five days. It’s been eight days since I stopped; I know it takes time, but I only see stories about people who don't improve and have been stuck like that for over ten years... I had to stop the medication because the akathisia was horrible. That has improved for the moment, although I did experience akathisia all day yesterday.

Mirtazapine — 5,4 — actively tapering | without clinician

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CatinaAug 13

Community AnchorEffexor

Thanks for explaining your situation @Nieves. Akathisia is horrible. Sometimes these drugs can have different effects if we reinstate them. It's hard to know what the future holds as far as recovery, but I think it will help you right now to try and be as positive as you can. Here is some helpful information for you in the meantime: https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c https://taper.community/thread/26b781b7-f7f2-480c-8bc7-b893e9b6f802 https://taper.community/thread/ec72f5e5-39fe-4f0e-b3c9-083b3e99d1c3 https://taper.community/thread/gentle-somatic-practices-for-antidepressant-tapering-withdrawal-e927e79d-c601-4cb4-b2b7-bc2eab1115fd Please reach out anytime, we're here for you. 💝

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