Kimwar is partly correct, but further statements are grossly incorrect, and in their own words, irresponsible and dangerous. Everyone’s body chemistry is unique and personal to them, so sweeping statements such as to rubbish this persons experience are both damaging and ignorant. My husband also had a truly dreadful time, despite being in daily contact with a support group (for Mertazapine withdrawal) and his experience was notably more distressing, painful and prolonged than Valium withdrawal was. For him. He endured daily ‘electric shock’ like sensations in his head for almost a month afterwards, insomnia, shaking uncontrollably, dangerous mood swings, panic, nausea and cramping, and was completely unable to work nor think at a high level. It took almost two years before his full higher brain function returned to its pre- medication state. Four years later (now) he cannot remember a single incident or experience for around 5 months after the start of the withdrawal, those experiences and memories seem permanently lost.
Seratonin syndrome is NOT caused by withdrawal of this drug in itself, as you correctly state, but Mert. can indeed cause seratonin syndrome (moderate to high risk) whilst taking it, particularly if combined with alcohol). The only time that SS might happen during withdrawal is if alternative medications are taken to help ‘ease’ the withdrawal symptoms, which cause the overload. No one's experience on here is ‘nonsense’ that is not only ignorant, but arrogant and dangerous to berate someone for sharing it. I have no doubt many, many people have been helped by this medication, but my husband was not. He only took it for 3 weeks and it took nearly a year for him to be back to his pre- medicated state, it was horrendous and cost him most of his friends and our marriage. A course of therapy helped him regain his life and start to feel ‘normal’ emotions again and for the paranoia and delusions to fade. I spoke to a support group that was run by a mature couple, and set up after their own daughter took her life after repeatedly trying, and failing, to stop taking mertazapine , because the withdrawal was so unbearable. They explained to me that she was prescribed it for sleep issues and was otherwise mentally healthy and stable before taking it. Don’t misunderstand me, I am aware that it clearly works for some people, but the experience, side effects and particularly the withdrawal can be extremely dangerous for others, so sharing experiences is vital and could be lifesaving. Thank you again to the couple who helped me put together a managed 3 month withdrawal schedule. They saved his life, and kept my family together. And thank you Hardshipuntold for sharing this experience, (which you say was very similar to your own), with this forum. I wish you all the best in your recovery.