Mirtazapine side effects? [Archive]

Hannahlou84

18-10-05, 23:13

Clare England

19-10-05, 12:54

HIya Hannah

Like you I have tried a few different meds, the last one of which was Mirtazapine. I have not settled on it unfortunately - I have been on it a month and have felt pretty yuk all that time and eating masses too which is not good as am already overweight. I slept well on it but felt very spacey all day long and then by the evening was having head shocks - a bit like the ones you get when soming off ssri's. I was on the lowest dose of 15 mg. Having persevered for a (very difficult) month, I saw the GP today and am now coming off it. I have heard some good things about it though, it just didn't work for me. I wish you good luck with whatever you decide to do Hannah,

best wishes,

Clare:)

florence

19-10-05, 13:18

Hi Hannah

Due to the change of chemicals brought by the SSRI, you're bound to get side effects , and all SSRIs are individually different, you may respond better to some than others.
I have tried mirtazapine once myself, and had the same experience as yours. Not nice.
Usually, the side effects lessen and pass after a couple of weeks, but for some people it's far too much to handle ( which is my case ) .
If you think you "can" manage with it for the first weeks, then stick to it... you may feel much better after.
The side effects are very common, I dont think it's abnormal.
If you need more advices, maybe you should see your doc again.
Good luck.
Florence.

*He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more, He who loses faith, loses all.*

janni

08-08-09, 20:38

Just taken first pill of Mirtazipine last night, feel sleepy/spacey which is increasing anxiety but because I am so sleepy it s not getting out of control. I hope that the side effects dont worsen im also very clumsy today but I am going to persever after starting and withdrawing from medications over last few weeks. Here's hoping.

jo61

08-08-09, 21:37

I've been on it for 8 years and it's been a godsend. At the start I did feel a bit spaced out and slept a lot (not a bad thing). I went off it for a period and when I re-started it had the same side effects but it does settle down. I'd try to stick it out for a couple of weeks and if it's still causing problems go back to the gp. Our bodies take a while to adjust to different medications. I now find that it still helps get me off to sleep but I don't have the hangover effect the next day.

HUBBER

14-08-09, 18:35

Been on this stuff a week now. will let you know what happens. i am getting a good sleep but strange nitemares.

joy

15-08-09, 12:45

Guess Hubber you gave up on Anafranil! So did I after it made my mouth and tongue so sore I couldnt bear it now on loferamide and ssshhhh it seems to be working

Joy

HUBBER

15-08-09, 17:24

I had no choice as i was so ill and eventually sectioned and ijn hospital for over a month.

pammy1944

15-08-09, 20:21

sorry i cant help you as i wasnt able to tolerate mirtazapine

JusJackie

06-09-09, 18:45

Hi Hannah

Like you I just started 15mg of Mirtz on Friday night for two weeks then I have to up dosage to 30mg for a further 2 weeks. My GP is going to monitor how I am doing on them. Have to go back & see her Tues morning.

Like you I slept brilliantly Fri & Sat night, was almost 11am before I could drag myself out of bed in the morning.

However, tomorrow morning I have a family funeral at 9.30am to attend and on Tues morning I have my GP's appointment at 8.45am so therefore I am not going to take my Mirtz because if they continue to make me feel so sleepy & struggle to get out of bed I will make neither of these two important dates.

I think I can cope with the sleeping & lying in of a morning, the sleepiness during the day but what really concerns me is the side effect of weight gain as I cannot afford to put on more weight!!

Over the years I have gained weight, I put this down to being on various different types of anti depressants, also I am a comfort eater & for me the two are a killer. I put my weight gain down to part of my depression & panic attacks as I do not want to be out in public.

I did loss a job I was in for 22 years due to my absences from work caused by my depression, then I was made redundant there in June from the new job I got after getting back on the employment ladder. So here I am again. Out of work, in the depths of despair & prescribed another new medication!

I hope you keep me posted about how you are or are not progressing with Mirtz as I will keep you informed of my progression. Please also let me know of your side effects.

Best of luck

Jackie

HUBBER

07-09-09, 12:43

Hi, Been on them for over a month now 45 mgs and seem ok. still get weird dreams but nothing else. not sure if they are helping or not.
im also on i gram of depakote and again not sure if its helping or not.
Still its early days and we shall give it a good chance and see what happens.
I feel not as bad as i did prior to going into hospital although i have had some dark moments. the worse being the flashbacks which then stop me breathing, very scary indeed.

Hope you find something that works for you.

voiceofcrube

08-10-09, 16:42

Hi everyone.

I suffer frome anxiety and depression and recently I was refered to a mental health specialist who told me that 15mg of mertazapine is NOT a theraputic (dont know if i have spelt that correctly!) dose. My doctor then upped my dosage to 30mg, and as a result, I feel much better, although i still do get the weird spaced out feeling, but my doctor assured me this is quite normal and goes away after a while, although he didnt say how long.

Other side effects i have noticed while i was on 15mg were, dry mouth, arms feeling heavier than usual, "wonky" vision and tiredness.

I was on 15mg for around 14 months and they didnt make me feel any better. If ure the same then I suggest you "UP" ure medication to 2x15mg tablets a night, but get ure doctors consent first if u feel 15mg isnt working.

30mg made me feel so much better!!!

Chris 22

08-10-09, 20:44

xclairex

14-10-09, 02:24

I have been takin mirtazapine for 5 weeks now and felt extremley drunk and dizzy for about two weeks but im glad to say that all that has stopped now but still feel really tierd/sadated on them more so on a morning find it very difficult to get out of bed.

I discussed this with my doctor and also researched the side affects and found out that at a lower dose 15mg can make u feel sadated but at higher doses this isnt the case.

I start on 30mg 2night so i will let u know how i get on.
hope u try and stick it out because the drunk feeling does stop!
hope this helps :flowers:

hamish

15-10-09, 12:36

hi new here and looking for some advice
started on mirtazipine on monday at 45mg per night 1st night i took it it gave me a fab sleep
but past 2 nights i have not slept but i realise the higher the dose the less likely you are to sleep
but last night the headache i had was unbearable,it was full head that ached and also my sinuses ached too,does any one else experienced this,
my main issues is a tight feeling all over my head that my doc says is stress but its caused me to have anixety attacks constantly and i can relate to the fuzzy head feeling,im praying these tabs work

hamish

15-10-09, 12:43

does anyone ever get the feeling theres a weight on top of their head sounds crazy i know

SBC

28-11-09, 14:04

Just a quick response.

I am on 15mg, and I'm digging the crazy dreams (they're actually quite fun!)

However, on side effects I've had two:

1. The "spacey" feeling. Lasted for the first four days. That's gone now to be replaced by..........

2. The headaches mentioned in the above post. They are described perfectly there. I get them first thing in the morning, and I'm getting them every morning (I've only been on the drug for two weeks).

I take painkillers, and the pain eventually goes away (over a couple hours).

By the way, that "woozy" feeling can return if I combine a sleeping pill with this drug.

Anyway - to answer the person above, yes - I' get those headaches. Not discussed it with my doctor yet.

barrywin

28-11-09, 14:29

I'm on 60 mg of Mirt along with Xanax and lexapro and Xanax at night and 30mg of Mirt at lunchtime.
I sleep great, but do dream every night (happy dreams)
I was also on depakote but that was a disaster for me and came off it after 2-3 bad bad days.

wendy43

28-11-09, 21:46

Mister

30-11-09, 20:51

Really don't want to start the Mirtazepine after reading your posts, was considering starting on them tonight (and last night and the night before that!!) as GP prescribed to me back in september for HA and depression. I think I could manage the weight gain, GP said about dreaming, but it's the fear of being 'doped up', if of course, I react to them like this. Diazepam seems to 'blow my head off' even on a reduced dose of 0.5mg.
Been having bereavement counselling, for losing my mum from cancer this year, maybe I'll just put all my Health anxieties down to the grieving process and skip the medication for now.

Sorry to hear of your loss :weep:

Mirtazapine is a strange antidepressant, but a very effective one nevertheless. Your GP most likely prescribed it for specific reasons, suited to your present circumstances. Trying to help you sleep could be any one of these.

I’m not going to pretend the possible short-term side effects aren’t going to affect you, as it seems to affect most. Many of the people who take this medication are spaced-out for a while, but persevering with it is definitely worthwhile. I gave it up the 1st time round (flushed the tabs down the toilet after 2 days) but was persuaded by the Doc to try it again… and have never looked back.

I’ve been prescribed many antidepressants over the last 15 years and this is the only one that I’ve ever felt has truly worked. Ok, the first couple of weeks aren’t pleasant but after only another week or two you may suddenly be waking up in the morning with a new lease of life you thought not possible only a few days before.

wendy43

04-12-09, 20:02

Thanks for your reply Mister, very encouraging:)
I think I've got so many other things buzzing around my head, that I didn't want to add to it, by being 'more down' on the 'initial' etc etc.
Seeing my GP on monday morning so will chat again and see, I guess if I am 'unresponsive' on them, he can always write me a sick form again, to get out of work!!!

steve2009

05-12-09, 17:17

I have been on Mirt for 7 weeks now.
15mg for 4 weeks and up to 30mg for the rest. They seem to be good for sleep and appetite.
Steve

wendy43

09-12-09, 21:15

Finally started on them monday night, more to use as a relaxant following 37 hours without sleep sunday night.... the diazepam don't seem to hit me untill the next day.
Prior to sunday night, haven't really had sleeping probs, as my body is relieved to shut out anxiety symptoms day after day when I lie down.
No dreaming, just drowsy, woosey and a heavy feeling that comes and goes. I think my anxiety is trying to attack 'the calming' the tablets are producing?

rjgoody

10-12-09, 09:16

sleepydan

02-01-10, 03:13

started taking mirtazapine about 10 days ago.not having the strange dreams, but do sleep alot.very hard to get up in morning even opening my eyes is difficult.took my first one in the morning dont ask why.i had slept 7 or 8 hours the night b4 and went straight back to sleep.also im eating more food than normal.just drowsy if i take them to late.i try to have them around ten o`clock seem to help me get up in the morning.Hope i get a nice dream tonite

Vanilla Sky

02-01-10, 03:29

I found Mirtazipin a god send, the only side effects i had was a bit of a dicky tummy for a few weeks and after that things really brightened up for me, that is my experience. I would advise you to give it a month and if things really dont improve then speak to your doctor , Good luck, Paige x

Pinkuiro

04-01-10, 12:55

Hi All

I have been on Mirtazapine for over a year now, started on 30mg but was dropped to 15mg about six/seven months ago.

I feel my depression has subsided so much that i feel i have gone as far as i can go on mirtazapine. I have spent the last year sorting out all my worries which led to the depression in the first place and finally feel ready to come off the meds.

Ive had a look around the forum and wanted some advice on coming off mirtazapine
I would go to my doctor but i honestly dont feel supported by him. I was just put on these a year ago and told to come back every three months. When i do go, he barely pays any attention to me and just hands me another prescription.

Can anyone help with how i should come off my meds in a safe way?
Thank you
Pink

smudger

04-01-10, 19:24

Hi .Im on day 26 ()I think on mirtazapine (15mg) after coming off 40mg citalopram instantly. Im still very irritable n very quick tempered. Busy loud places give me the shakes and Im eating like a horse. I was already nearly 2 stone overweight before I started and I suffer from low self esteem as it is!Have joined a gym to comprensate.Sleeps improved (except I find it hard to get up) n dreams lessening in occurence n length so thats good. Should all the negative side effects have worn off yet? Im seeing the doc tomorrow. I have had a REALLY difficult time changing to this drug.Thanks.

10-01-10, 20:59

ElizabethJane

10-01-10, 22:25

I'm taking 30mg mirtazapine daily. Weight gain can be a problem so healthy eating is important. I have found that I can stabilise my weight although it is hard work. Exercise will also speed up your metabolism and help in weight loss. Although mirtazapine is an anti depressant it is commonly used for sleep problems. Sleep usually improves in the lower doses but not in the higher ones. I had some spectacular nightmares at the beginning of my treatment. These have all but gone and I've been on mirtazapine this time since September. I have no experience of joint pain althought I know others have experienced this. I would urge you to go back to your doctor and discuss this with him. It could be the symptom of something else and needs addressing. Best wishes.

gwenvamp

23-01-10, 00:02

Ive been on mirtazapine for a while now, was on citalipram (i think thats how you spell it) but wasn't doing anything, stayed on it for 8 weeks before GP took me off it. Don't know if mirtazapine are doing anything. Feel constantly tired have put on about 2 stone and its making me feel more down and out. GP said might as well stay on them while waiting to talk to counselor. I'm on 30mg a day and GP wont up the dose any more.

anxietycontrol

23-01-10, 01:07

i had been on Mirts for a few months, the doctor said it was never to be a long term medication so when i ran out i stopped.

the first tablet i took almost knocked me out, i started taking them before i went to bed because it made me drowsy.

before i was prescribed them i had at least 3-4 panic attacks a week. been off them for a month and havent had a panic attack since but anxiety still very high.

Ed09

07-02-10, 01:06

I've been taking Mirtazapine for a few months now for severe depression and OCD. Before this I took Citalopram but stopped after one tablet due to some horrendous side effects.

I've definitely benefited a lot from this drug if I think about where I was before I started it. I was struggling to make it through the days due to really awful feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, guilt and being constantly reduced to tears, not to mention being plagued with obsessive thoughts. I actually thought I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Initially Mirtazapine acted as a shield so these negative feelings didn't encroach as much, then after about a month I would say my mood improved. This was then bolstered by a switch from 15mg to 30mg.

I had all the same drowsiness when I started at 15mg - in fact it was so bad I was slurring my speech on the day after the first pill as well as feeling I would nod off if I sat down and rested even briefly - but it will go away after a few weeks. Really people should always start anti-depressants at the lowest dose, so I've no idea why doctors would dish out drugs like this as high as 30mg or 45mg straight away. By starting on 15mg and taking it before bed, it will help you sleep and ease you into the drug. Then when your body is used to it you can up the dose to whatever is required.

The main side effects for me when I started the drug, other than drowsiness, were occasional bad headaches and nausea. I didn't get many, but as a migraine sufferer I wasn't exactly overwhelmed with the drug at that point. However, it's now all but eliminated my migraine, which is a bonus.

If I don't get enough sleep I get very irritable, stupidly so, and occasionally feel overwhelmingly angry or frustrated. Having taken 15mg for two months and now upped to 30mg, I feel a more stimulant effect from the drug. I still sleep well on it but rarely feel tired at all in the evenings and often feel a little hyperactive. Compared to what I was going through before I took the drug though, these are all minor issues.

I would suggest with any anti-depressant that unless you have really bad side-effects you give it at least eight weeks before judging it. Doses often need fine tuning and I noticed a marked improvement when I upped to 30mg, so this whole process of evaluating your mood and seeing your doctor takes time. Don't worry about the drowsy side effects though, these are only temporary.

Julie76

08-02-10, 16:09

I've been on this (15mg) for just over a week, i have Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania and depression (lovely :wacko:), i also suffer regular migraines, and i am glad to see a few posts saying this drug has helped get rid of them.

From the first tablet i got a very dry mouth,which hasn't gone away.It also practically knocked me out and i slept for a full 12 hours and then some more, which was very welcome after almost no sleep the previous week. Very weird dreams though, and very violent for me, but at least i slept, thats the important thing.I feel very "heavy" a lot of the time, woozey and dizzy, and today i have had a massive headache plus shakey legs when walking, not nice but determined to persevere with these tablets for a further 3 weeks until i see my doctor again.

The only thing that worries me is the weight gain, my appetite has really increased and i am already over weight, and i can't do much exercise due to a persistant ankle injury and i am really worried about how much more i will put on, it's like i can feel the weight creeping up on me already.

I've noticed at times my heart can just start pounding away, or i get very close to losing my temper and feel very agitated, i'm not sure if that is the drug or my reaction to it from stopping my Trich, any ideas?

ElizabethJane

08-02-10, 18:44

smudger

08-02-10, 20:51

KK77

08-02-10, 21:04

Sadly guys, I can't stand this weight gain any longer. When I see the doc at the CBT clinic next I am going to tell her I am not prepared to take it anymore. I have serious hatred of my body and this drug has made it worse. I have been exercising and eating more healthy with little difference. Soul destroying. That is just my experience.

There are plenty more antidepressants Smudger. Don't give up - I'm sure you'll find an alternative that will suit you better.

Hope you feel better soon.

smudger

08-02-10, 21:22

the_eldergeek

08-02-10, 21:30

Dear Julie I'm sorry that you are suffering so much when first starting mirtazapine. the lower doses ie 15mg will be more sedating than the higher doses but this side effect does improve after about two weeks. I'm not sure how mirtazapine will help your specific problems as it is an anti depressant but it will lower your anxiety levels. I understand that your problems are specific to your skin and and hair/scalp? I don't think that you can expect any real improvement for about four to six weeks. I have recently gone up to 45mg and I still have real difficulty in sleeping. Weight gain is unfortunately a big problem for most people taking mirtazapine but not all. It increases your appetite and craving for carbs and sweet things. I'm wierd in the sense that the first time I was on mirtazapine I put on a stone and a half. This time I was determined not to pile on the weight and initially this was the case. Now my weight is stable but I am able to exercise and eat healthily. If you find that your weight is escalating then ask your GP to change your anti depressant to something else. I swim which is not weight bearing so maybe you could try something like that? I hope that the mirtazapine suits you well.

Gosh, this thread is actually almost 5 years old! That has to be a record for a forum doesn't it?

Anyway ... I've been taking my "Mitzy" for a couple of years now, and was interested to learn about the weight gain. I have put on quite a bit of weight, and when I suggested to my GP it was my M&M's that were causing it (I give my tablets all sorts of silly names!) he told me it couldn't possibly be a tablet that small that was causing it. Seemed to simply dismiss it rather than explore the possibility. Grrrrr....

But I'm not a 'large' person, never was, so something caused this weight gain, and I don't eat junk food or drink much.

Going to re-visit this with the Doc at my next appointment. Mitzy's are a bit of a crutch for me, I have to admit, but I'd like to stop taking them, or at least go back to 15mg a day instead of the 30mg I'm no now.

Can I just say, I am drawing so much strength from these forums I'm actually quite overwhelmed! :yesyes:

Can't explain why, but getting goosebumps on my arms and almost excited that I am really not alone in all this!

Maybe I am just a crackpot after all !! :whistles:

ElizabethJane

08-02-10, 21:43

Hi eldergeek sorry to hear that the mirtazapine has been causing weight gain for you too. I must be unique on this forum because yes initially I did put on a lot of weight like one and a half stones. I felt better had a devil of a job coming off mirtazapine then decided that I wanted to lose weight which I did. Unfortunately I had a relapse and initially I started to pile on the pounds again. At first I couldn't diet and then it seemed that I could and the weight has stayed off more or less. I am feeling very depressed at the moment so I'm not interested in the diet so eating all sorts of strange food but in my head I will get back on track again. So I have proved to myself that I can diet and lose weight whilst taking mirtazapine although my psychiatrist said that he would still like me if I put on a few pounds (I am usually very slender) If you are feeling better and with your doctor/psychiatrists support then you could probably reduce your mirtazapine but very very slowly. It is likely that you will experience some withdrawals and there are threads on here by people including myself who have done this successfully. I hope it goes well for you.

the_eldergeek

08-02-10, 21:52

KK77

09-02-10, 00:41

Thank you Melancholia77 but my husband and I both agree I have nutritional issues that need sorting. Pills are not the only answer in my case. They rob me of who I really am and who I want to be! 12 years ago I was a confident female quantity surveyor with dreams and drive. I just want my family to have the real ambitious, confident, optimistic and positive me back. I am a shell.A stranger has snook into my home, stepped into my shoes without warning and tossed the real me aside. I want that control back and part of that is putting my foot down and saying pills are not working for me, I dont WANT to do it this way,I want to do things MY WAY. It has to work, I have to make it work or I will go under lose everything.

I don't think pills are ever the answer on their own, Smudger. You have to do what you feel is right for you. I personally think that they can help you on your way to sorting out your issues, but those issues MUST be sorted out nevertheless.

It doesn't look like meds have helped you very much and perhaps you do need some time off them to see how you get on. Wish you luck anyway...

smudger

09-02-10, 13:14

Thank you. I am so scared it will all go wrong but my husband is going to be more involved now which will help.

JT69

10-02-10, 15:53

Hi Smudger
I am a new member to the forum and wondered how long you have been taking mirtazipine for??? I started on 15ml last Friday after being on citalopram. Is it just the weight gain that is your concern or have you had other side effects. Presently i am suffering from side effects feeling drunkish until around mid afternoon and hungryer in the eves my arms feel rather heavy too. I am also suffering withdrawal from citalopram which is awful brain like zaps but through the whole of my body so not in a good place at the moment. Good job I am signed off work as I would not be able to cope like this. Any advice would help??? Jo.

JT69

21-02-10, 12:15

HI Just wondered if anyone taking mirtazipine has experienced the zaps as a side effect...I was just reading way back on this thread that someone had and its scared the hell out of me...I thought I was experiencing them due to the withdrawal of an srri (citalopram), hate the thought that they will stay with me. Am just over 2 weeks into this medication and keep having so many doubts about it. The weight gain I can just about get my head around by excercising and eating healthier, the heavy/drowsy feeling most people say will disappear (wish it would hurry up) but if I thought these zaps were down to this medication I think I would totally despair!!! Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated...due back to work next month and am starting to panic I wont be able to cope!!! JO.

Mark65

26-02-10, 20:13

[QUOTE=JusJackie;547275]Hi Hannah

Like you I just started 15mg of Mirtz on Friday night for two weeks then I have to up dosage to 30mg for a further 2 weeks. My GP is going to monitor how I am doing on them. Have to go back & see her Tues morning.

Like you I slept brilliantly Fri & Sat night, was almost 11am before I could drag myself out of bed in the morning.

However, tomorrow morning I have a family funeral at 9.30am to attend and on Tues morning I have my GP's appointment at 8.45am so therefore I am not going to take my Mirtz because if they continue to make me feel so sleepy & struggle to get out of bed I will make neither of these two important dates.

I think I can cope with the sleeping & lying in of a morning, the sleepiness during the day but what really concerns me is the side effect of weight gain as I cannot afford to put on more weight!!

Over the years I have gained weight, I put this down to being on various different types of anti depressants, also I am a comfort eater & for me the two are a killer. I put my weight gain down to part of my depression & panic attacks as I do not want to be out in public.

I did loss a job I was in for 22 years due to my absences from work caused by my depression, then I was made redundant there in June from the new job I got after getting back on the employment ladder. So here I am again. Out of work, in the depths of despair & prescribed another new medication!

I hope you keep me posted about how you are or are not progressing with Mirtz as I will keep you informed of my progression. Please also let me know of your side effects.

Best of luck

............................................

Jackie

You're in the same position as me, I lost my job after 20 odd years because of excesive sick absence caused by stress and depression so to be unemployed isn't exactly gonna help my ming-set. I've been on the pills for about a month and to be honest I'm glad of the sleep, was a bit of an insomniac before. I do feel a bit better with the pills and I do intend to stick with them. If you or anyone else cares to stay in touch my e mail is batman65@hotmail.co.uk. Thanks. Mark

LucidDreamer

02-03-10, 15:53

Tonight I take my 9th dose of Mirtazapine. Starting on the 15mg. Ive had prozac which induced a manic episode and sertraline did the same.:scared15:
First night of Mirtazapine I was out my little head. :wacko: To be fair I don't actually remember if I had a 50mg amitriptyline that night or not. But I did have my usual 60mg of codeine...which now after (well i was given them was i was 16 and im now 20) 4 years do pretty much nothing for me but dull my migraines ever so slightly...
Anyways back the the point... that first night was a one off, I have now been awake for 36 hours. I'm starting to get insanely thirsty pretty much allll of the time and I feel very unsure on my feet (probably lack of sleep). Family and friends have all picked up the mania coming back a little; talking rapidly, extensive vocabulary etc. This is how my mania begins, I trail away and get fixated on the slightest thing and almost lose all rationality at times.
I feel very unstable and basically - this does not seem to agree with me.

I personally think it's due to the fact that I need a mood stabilizer rather than an antidepressant - but no no, the gp says its the anxiety.
we'll see what the psychiatrist thinks next wednesday... :shrug:takes over a year to see one on the NHS - its an utter joke!

Bit of a ramble there sorry - but if anyone else is having the same effects from this drug, it would be good to know that I'm not the only one being sent from one extreme to the other.

ElizabethJane

02-03-10, 16:04

LucidDreamer

02-03-10, 16:38

I'm not sure whether mirtazapine can induce mania but if you are already bi-polar I do know that some anti depressants can make the problem worse. If you have to wait until next Wednesday to see a psychiatrist it seems too long especially as your problems seem to becoming acute. Go back to your GP and say that your problems have worsened or phone NHS direct or present at A and E to try to get an urgent psychiatric appointment. Best wishes and let us know how you get on.
Thanks for the quick reply.
I've been back and forward to the GP for months but thankfully - ive been slotted in next week as an urgent referal. So fingers crossed.
I'm going to see if I can make it to Friday at least - I'm a student and I have exams very very soon... I just need to persevere through it at the moment I supose... frustrating though.
My brother has cyclothymia, and my mum works in mental health so it certainly seems that way - but it's the same for everyone in the UK i supose, It's getting the actual diagnosis which can take a long long time before they can start honing in on the right treatment.
I must admit I was losing all hope but stumbled across this website today and I'm feeling ever so slightly more optimistic. Thanks again

ElizabethJane

02-03-10, 17:42

Dear LD I'm sorry that is has taken so long for you to get a diagnosis. There are others on here who are bi-polar who will be able to offer support. I have severe recurrent depressive disorder (my diagnosis) after many years of treatment. My illness is controlled with lithium and mirtazapine. I hope you manage to get some relief soon.

hope and prey

04-03-10, 23:09

Hiya,

I have been on 4 different types of SSRIs, and after coming off seroxat at the end of August because of 'health' difficulties, my doctor and the psychiatrist thought I should try something different.

The thing is, I took my first dose of Mirtzapine Thursday night, and it knocked me out, which was great as have barely been sleeping, but after doing the same thing the following night (I spent most of Friday in bed), I then ended up spending the whole weekend in bed feeling sick and dizzy, and actually was quite ill with it on the Friday.. I haven't taken any since as they made me feel so ill...

I was just wondering if anyone thinks it's worth trying to get through these effects (I felt really drunk on them, and the room was spinning), or if it's a problem and I should go back to the doctor. I am a little confused at the moment as I didn't really want to take them in the first place, and this has made me even more wary!

Thanks,

Hannah

"Suddenly I see, this is what I want to be, Suddenly I see, why the hell it means so much to me"

I have been on Mirtazapine for 4 weeks now. I am on 30mg. They dont help me sleep at all and i always have a dry mouth. They can take up to 6 weeks to get in to your system. Every one is different so give it a little time and see how you get on. If you are un happy with them speak to your doctor who may decide that you should try another type. I still have bad days but i just go and walk for hours which does help and combats the extra eating that the tablets cause. All we can all do is take 1 day at a time. Good luck and keep fighting.

JT69

05-03-10, 09:13

Hi Hannah, I have also tried different types of SRRI's in the past citalopram being the most sucessfull for me but then this last bout of depression/anx was not helping as much as it had previous. My GP changed me to mirtazipine. I started on 15mg 4 weeks ago and like you at first I felt totally spaced out and tired most of the day, I also had the unfortunate problem of withdrawal of citalopram at the same time (so that made everything worse), with the help and encouragement from people on this site I continued with the meds and it does pass. I am not working at the moment, have been off for quite some time, so I could manage my days. The first 2 weeks were the hardest. Honestly, it does pass. I cannot comment too much on the effectiveness of the drug itself as it is early days for me. I have just had my dose increased to 30mg (15mg apparantly is a very low dose), so am going to see how that goes but even on 15mg I was feeling better than I had without them. I hope you do try again as I am sure you will be fine. Good luck and let me know how you get on. Would be nice to share experiences. Take care. Jo.

cazbamps

09-04-10, 14:14

Hello Jackie

Ive just finished reading your text as well as the others. I am due to go on this medication for migraine of which I suffer badly with. I am feeling very weary about this medication after reading some comments.I have been taking Amitripyline which is an antidepressant which helps people who suffer with migraine, and even though a slight antidepressant it was only used for my migraines, and therefore was only on a low dose. I have been taken this medication for over three years and recently when in hospital due to other health issues the doctor informed me it can cause weight gain. During the last 3 years I have put on a lot of weight which has concerned me. I am a person who like many look at the side effects of taken certain medication. I unfortunately, didnt notice that side effect. The doctor has prescribed me Mirtazepine to replace Amitripyline. I am due to start taking this medication when I return in January. According to some of the threads from this forum, weight gain has been associated with this medication. I am hoping when others like yourself read this thread someone can shed light. Thank you . Rjgoody
Hi
I am new on this site. I only have mirtazapine as an antidepressant. I did take amytripliline years ago but I did put on a lot of weight because my doc miss prescribed the amount and I ended up taking 175 mg a day....
I have been taking mirtazapine now for 2 nights. I am fed up with not sleeping but feeling drunk for 2 hours :-( I am taking it at 5pm to see if I can get up in the morning and be able to drive to go to work. I am already on a diet, slimming world, which I find is easier to cope with the hunger pangs I get on these tabs. There is a lot of FREE FOOD on this diet, that means food you can eat as much as you want of. So far its working as I just don't feel the need to eat during the day. I hope the spaced out feeling stops soon. I am on 30 mg.

hallam11

09-04-10, 16:00

Hello just thought i'd throw in my penny's worth!

I started on 15mg of mirtazapine 4 weeks on Monday. True for the first week I was like many have said spaced out, clumsy and felt drunk! But I stuck with it and got through the side effects.I wouldn't say I have many now except for eating a bit too much. I am back on Tuesday to speak with my doctor about increasing my dose as my mood and depression has not lifted. I know that the therapeutic dose is 30-45mg so I understand that I may not feel the "lift" I need at 15mg.
Just a quick note, the side effects I have had on mirtazapine have been nothing compared to what I felt on Fluoxetine, duloxetine and citalopram but everyone reacts in a different way.What I am trying to say is that every anti-depressant has side effects and everyone reacts differently. To me I'd rather suffer a few weeks with side effects rather than continue suffering without them. You have to decide whether you want to feel better in the long run, the medication gives you that little lift to help you get better. Thats how I looked at it anyway.Hope it helps xx

hallam11

09-04-10, 16:02

Oh and just to add I enjoyed the spaced out, drunk feeling because I knew at least the drugs had begun to work!
If its not going to kill me, I can deal with it. I just enjoyed feeling drunk without the hangover! x

ElizabethJane

09-04-10, 16:41

Dear Kazbamps I'm sorry that you are experiencing side effects whilst taking mirtazapine. The drunk feeling that you describe is commonly felt in first few weeks of treatment. It should wear off. Please don't attempt to drive as mirtazapine is extremely sedating in the lower doses. I am afraid that you will probably struggle to maintain your weight whilst taking mirtazapine it is notorious for weight gain although saying that I have managed to lose weight whislt taking it. Your mental health is of primary importance right now. I am currently taking 45mg of mirtazapine.

Fijay

18-04-10, 19:16

Hiya
New to the forum and just wanted to know about Mirtazapine??
Been on it for nearly 2 weeks and have this feeling of "numbness" in my head and "spaced" kind of feeling.Are these normal effects of the drug?Was on Lexapro for a while but was getting really vivid nightmares so my doc took me off them.Then tried Anafranil but no good for me.Dont know about Mirtazapine.Any advice would be really appreciated as I'm going back to see my doc on the 29th.

JT69

25-04-10, 17:12

Hi Fijay,

Welcome to the forum. I have been taking mirtazipine for a good couple of months now, I started out on 15mg and after 4 weeks increased to 30mg. The spaced out feeling is very common to start with, you can actually feel drunk!!! As the days go by it does get easier, for me I was coming off citalopram at the same time so I had both the side effects of the new drug and the withdrawal from the citalopram so I felt pretty horrible for around 3 weeks!!!

Stick with it and it will pass, watch the weight though, this drug seems to make you put on weight even if you are hardly eating!!! Not fair, but does help sleep and that is welcome.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

JO.xx

chris577

29-04-10, 12:41

Hi hannahlou84, my is chris and I have been prescribed mirtazapine now for two and a half years staring with 15mg and increasing to 30mg. I, like you, found that at first they were very disorintataing leaving me feeling rather dizzy during the day and a slight loss of memory. I did find though that I slept a lot better and that was the main reason for my taking any medication in the first place. However, a couple of months ago I found that I could not sleep and this went on for a good two weeks building up to a crisis one saturday where i started having waking dreams and hallucinating thinking that I was being attacked in my flat and things so I ended up in the local hospital. The doctor there was very good and he gave me some diazepam which seemed to level me out and I fianlly went to sleep that night! Since then the mental health team called round a couple of times and they saild that I had to see the doctor at their clinic who said that I had been on them too long and that as a sedative the 15mg were milder and had a more sdeatory effect. He spoke to my GP and the dose was reduced. I have now stopped taking those too and I would rather suffer from sleeplessness than take them again. All they seemed to do was delay all of my feelings of anxiety until they built up and had an adverse effect on my well being. I hope that this is interest to you and think very carefully before you take them yourself or ask your GP if he can give you something to help you sleep that does not have the same side effects.
Good Luck , Chris577

jenny.baker

20-07-10, 13:36

Hiya,

I have been on 4 different types of SSRIs, and after coming off seroxat at the end of August because of 'health' difficulties, my doctor and the psychiatrist thought I should try something different.

The thing is, I took my first dose of Mirtzapine Thursday night, and it knocked me out, which was great as have barely been sleeping, but after doing the same thing the following night (I spent most of Friday in bed), I then ended up spending the whole weekend in bed feeling sick and dizzy, and actually was quite ill with it on the Friday.. I haven't taken any since as they made me feel so ill...

I was just wondering if anyone thinks it's worth trying to get through these effects (I felt really drunk on them, and the room was spinning), or if it's a problem and I should go back to the doctor. I am a little confused at the moment as I didn't really want to take them in the first place, and this has made me even more wary!

Thanks,

Hannah

"Suddenly I see, this is what I want to be, Suddenly I see, why the hell it means so much to me"

hiya babe jenny here, im on same tabs an i was actually sick it was orrible but i kept on them an i feel much better

jenny.baker

20-07-10, 13:38

hiya babe, jenny ere i was actually sick in the nite i thort i was dyin but i kept on them an i feel much better now,hang on in there:)

Thumbelina

20-07-10, 13:53

trust your doctor - if he insists - then try again

Thumbelina

20-07-10, 13:54

I did have a terrible hangover after i was taking them.

ukdjtonyb

27-07-10, 20:47

I'm just completing my first week of Mirtazapine. I was on Citalopram but had to come off them due to jaw clenching, teeth grinding and upset stomach. I am now sleeping for England, eating for the UK and want to take on the world I feel so aggressive I feel dangerous. I also feel woozy, almost drunk all of the time so much so I have decided not to drive. However some of these effects are due to coming down from the Citalopram - I am sure of that.

I want to persevere but I feel pretty bad. I'm seeing the doc tomorrow and hope he says these awful side effects will fade away real soon.

I take comfort in knowing that these drugs play with the make up of your mind and thats why the side effects are so bad. I almost feel like I'm going mad at some points during the day and Ive had some panic attack type feelings. Last night I had the worst nightmares I have ever had in all my 46 years. Not nice!

However Im not gonna loose faith and soldier on - ill keep you posted.

delboy

28-07-10, 00:02

I have a recurring depressive disorder. I am currently treated with Priadel and Fluoxetine. In my current episode I have had Priadel increased to 1G and Fluoxetine increased to 60 mg. This had no effect. About 3 weeks ago I was started on Mirtazepine 15mg increasing to 30mg after a week.
Since then I have put on 10lbs in 10 days, craving food and alarming mood swings in a day (its like a dial on a richter scale during a quake!!).
I have decided to stop all medication as feel am on a downward spiral of illness and drugs. Will take it from scratch when drug free.
Doesnt life feel like a perpetual struggle even when feeling "normal"

:scared15:

JT69

28-07-10, 08:55

Hi ukdjtonyb,

I had to do pretty much the same as you, I came off citaopram (40mg) in 1 week reducing down and then straight onto the mirtazipine 15mg. I felt all you describe and more, the reduction in cit caused me to have zaps right through my body all day every day. I was sick from work thankfully as I couldn't drive either and felt really drunk and very angry etc...was very difficult for my family to cope with but they did and all I would say is it all does go. You will settle and feel alot better...just takes time. I have gained around half stone on the mirtazipine and then went on to take pregabalin (for anxiety) and gained another half stone on this...so not ideal but I persevered and am now feeling much better.

I have taken the mirtazipine since February so am starting to try and reduce my dose (30mg) to see how I go, and hoping the weight will come off???

Please try and persevere...it is normal what you are experiencing.

Let us know how you go.

Take care.
Jo.xx

ijac

09-08-10, 15:50

Hi everyone have been on mirtazapine,for about 10 weeks ,doctor put me on 45 straight away,and i am constantly having suicidal thoughts.Also have put on about a stone,tired 24/7,and have the worse nightmares possible.Ian

MadJam

09-08-10, 19:55

Hi ijac! Did you have these thoughts before starting the mirtazapine? If not you really need to speak to your doctor.

Springsteen10

09-08-10, 21:44

Hi everyone, I've just been prescribed this mirtazapine today (I have to start taking 30mg a night in a week's time while I decrease my intake of citalopram); I'm really scared now having read through the thread!

David

JT69

10-08-10, 07:20

Hi David,

Dont be scared...meds effect people in different ways...you might be absolutely fine. I am taking mirtazipine after coming off citalopram and it got be back to work and feeling alot better...it may have its draw backs in some people...for me the weight gain being the main one but it does really help me have a good nights sleep and am not depressed anymore!!

You can post on here and get support and we will help where we can.

Good luck with it....let us now how you get on.

Jo.xx

Springsteen10

11-08-10, 00:07

Thanks, I appreciate that Jo. I have to start taking it on Monday so we'll see...

David

moomintroll

16-08-10, 01:26

i was on a 15mg dose of mirtazapine, i felt like it was not helping, i still could not sleep properly and my anxiety still happened it also made me blow up like a balloon by retaining water, and my weight ballooned, i had blood tests to rule out thyroid etc first before deciding it was the tablets, it was so uncomfy i had to stop them as i was breathless and sore walking

different things work for different people and there are people it does work for, i am unfortunately overly sensitive to ssris and now seems i am senstive to the family of drugs mirtazapine is from aswell

at the moment i am back taking diazepam and still taking my betablockers

Springsteen10

17-08-10, 15:59

Took my first mirtazapine tablet (30mg) at 8.30pm last night and this morning I was all over the place. Got up, showered, put a suit on and went down to the car only to rea;lise that there was no way I could possibly drive: too dizzy, clumsy, spaced out. Perhaps it doesn't help that I'm on antibiotics for an ear infection that has had me deaf in one ear for the best part of two weeks.

Anyway, the upshot of this is that I had to take a day off work. I've not been off work in over ten years...I'm a teacher and there was no way I could've stood in front of class after class today.

Perhaps if I take today's tablet about 5 or 6 pm the side effects won't be as bad tomorrow.

JT69

17-08-10, 19:12

Hi springsteen,

I am afraid that what you experienced is typical of side effects when first taking mirtazipine. I started off on 15mg and felt pretty similiar. Some say it is more sedating in lower doses but I am not sure on that. I think it may take about a week for you to feel easier. Can you take a few days off?? I know what you mean when you say you have never taken a day off for years...but unfortunatley sometimes the side effects of these meds mean we have to....just until your body gets used to it.

I do hope that you continue with the meds and the side effects settle soon. Let us know how you get on.

Take care
Jo.xx

Chris_76_UK

19-08-10, 02:14

Hello,

I have been on two different Meds before Mirtazapine, those were fluoxetine, and more recently Citalopram.

Fluoxetine: (20mg) gave me rage and anger problems, which is nothing like my personality at all, i was on them for around 3 months.

Citalopram:(40mg upped too 60mg due too my needs) i had weight gain which is never good, especially for someone over weight already!
but i found sleeping almost impossible in any real or regular patten which drove me mad.
I was on these for nearly 3 years and although they helped me a bit, i felt they got me to a level but no more then that, and after a while i felt like i was slipping back as i was not going out, crying more and more and just gernerally wanting too hide away and never come out.
So i reluctantly went and spoke to my doctor about my problems and he changed my meds too Mirtazapine.

I am on 30mg and started taking them last friday evening at 1.00am.

I had too go and lay down on the bed 30 mins later due too feeling so dizzy and kind of drunk!
I went off to sleep and didnt wake up until 14.00pm the next afternoon (Saturday) (i cant remember the last time i slept that long).

I spent most of the day then trying too see properly and walk without someone helping me, i was so dizzy, and still felt like i had been out drinking the night before.

I thought these symptoms might pass but they didnt really, not until about 22.00pm that evening, by which time i had to take another tablet.

I took another one around 22.30pm and got into bed about 10 mins later and dont remember anything else until i woke up the next morning (Sunday) at 11.45am.

The rest of the day i was a little shaky and dizzy, but i could see clearly again without the blurry vision.

I was getting a little worried but thought i should persevere with them, i rang my doctors surgery and spoke with the doctor, and he advised me that these symptoms will subside and that the medication will kick in and work well after the first 10 days of taking them!

I have taken my 6th tablet tonight and i am sleeping a bit better (haha seeing as its 2am now and i am still up) i have still been getting the drunk feeling but for me thats more at evening time, and the dizziness is the same , just evenings.

I am really hoping these work for me as i have been struggling with life for a few years now, and i would love a normal ish routine (but whats normal haha).

I hope this helped someone, as your posts on here have helped me understand this med a bit better!!

Thanks

Chris

Berenice

22-08-10, 07:30

:):welcome:Hello everyone. This is a great site and I can see it is so supportive to so many people. I have just joined and this my first post. My problem is that I have been on Mirtazapine for 6 months and have had many of the side effects mentioned, ie the drowsiness [now passed and sleeping well but for long hours, so take it an hour earlier than bedtime] the clenched jaw [still present but livable]. Mine was given to help my sleeping and it has done that very well. I was on 4 tablets to sleep !! In 6 months I have got off all except for a half a Valium which I am soon going to get down to a quarter, so the Mirtaz has worked wonders for my sleep. The doctor told me the sleep effect works better on 15 mgm and less on 30 mgm and I have found this to be true, so I keep to the 15mgm.
I have seen that many of you gain weight on this medication but I have not gained any. My problem though is different and I hate it. It has caused hair loss and my usuallt good head of hair is now very thin and fine and I cannot healp worry that if this continues I will go bald in time !!. Has anyone noticed this? I am also getting depressed breathing ie shallow breathing when trying to go to sleep with deep sighs, to get more breath. This is also a worry too.Once again has anyone had this also?
I think the medication has been great. Has helped my sleep 100% also my depression 100% but the hair loss and shallow respirations is a BIG worry.
I do hope it helps others as I can see how so many of you are suffering. You just need to give it a good try, but agree not everyone perhaps can take it and if this really seems to be then the sooner off it the better.
Best wishes and thoughts.
Berenice

JT69

22-08-10, 11:30

Hi Berenice,

I have been taking mirtazipine since February 15mg up to 30mg for couple months now am back down to 15mg with a plan to stop it over the next few weeks.

I have suffered weight gain but not hair loss (as yet) but funny you would mention the shallow breathing as do experience that and I also experience a sudden gasp occasionally if you know what I mean...difficult to explain.

The med helped me back into work after a 5 months spell off with anxiety/depression so I can not be any more grateful. I suffer with general anxiety though and have been taking pregabalin for that so I hope to stick at that and drop the mirtazipine.

Have you spoken to your GP about your concerns with the side effects you describe??

Jo.xx

floundering

16-09-10, 18:40

Hi All
Just been prescribed the 15mg tabs and have been reading through all this thread. I went to the GP because I really need a sedative anti-depressant to combat sleeping difficulties. I lost my Dad three months ago and the grief has really started to hit me after being in shock/autopilot mode whilst coping with my Mum's grief, dealing with finances etc.
It's Thursday evening and I am due at work at 6am tomorrow morning after virtually no sleep again Wednesday night. I'm caught in an awful dilemma, though.
If these tablets do zonk me out as well as some people here have had happen, I might be woozy all day tomorrow or over-sleep (or both). But if I don't take one, I might have another night of little sleep and feel even more exhausted than I do now when I have to get out of bed :-(
Should I wait until Friday night to take the first dose ? :unsure:

ElizabethJane

16-09-10, 21:21

Hi Floundering. It is likely that 15mg mirtazapine will knock you out and the sedative effects will continue for a number of weeks. When I first started taking mirtazapine a couple of years ago the effect was so dramatic that I felt sleepy during the day too. I'm on 45mg of mirtazapine and lithium too and I do not experience those sort of side effects. A lot of people take a few weeks off when first starting mirtazapine although I didn't I just soldiered on. It might be better if you plan your first dose over a weekend then if you did feel sleepy you might be able rest when you want to? EJ

floundering

17-09-10, 16:28

Thanks for the advice EJ. I was already on 3.75mg Zopiclone tablets, which were largely ineffective for me. I'd get about 3 to 4 hours sleep, wake up to go for a pee, then have immense difficulty getting back to sleep. I have one of those alarm clocks which lights up gradually and is supposed to 'fool' the body into experiencing a sunrise. Ironically, on some occasions, I only started to drop off during the 'sunrise' phase, only to be woken with a jolt when the buzzer went off :huh:

When prescribing the mirtazapine, I asked my GP if I should continue with the Zopiclone and he said Yes, which - though I have no medical knowledge - did somewhat surprise me. Anyhow, at about 8 yesterday evening, I decided that I would not be able to get through a day's work today if I had yet another sleepless night, so decided to take my Zopiclone and then took my first 15mg mirtazapine tablet about 30mins later. I went to bed a shade before 9pm, and it took me about another half-hour or so to doze off. BUT... although I woke up once, about 1.30am, to go pee, I then slept though until just before 5am, woken (presumably) by the light levels in the room just before the audible alarm was about to sound.

I cannot begin to describe what a HUGE difference getting a decent sleep has made to me today. My mood at work was almost like it was before my Dad passed away. It's hard enough that he's gone, but in all the grief and sleeplessness that has been my life for the last three months, I've felt like I lost the real 'me' too. I'm sure there will be some really hard days still to come, but if all I've gained from taking this first Mirtazapine tablet is 11hrs (and counting) of respite from that all-consuming nightmare of crying, not sleeping, getting over-tired and crying that I seemed to be trapped in, then it's been worthwhile.

So far, I've had no unpleasant side-effects, except for a very slight 'dry mouth' (easily overcome by drinking water every now and then) and one very brief moment of slight giddyness when rising quickly to pick up a key I dropped at work. I did feel properly hungry at breakfast-time today too, and really enjoyed a cooked breakfast, even though I'd eaten some cornflakes just after getting dressed. I didn't feel I was eating just for the sake of it, if that makes sense.

EJ, you say the sedative effects will continue for a number of weeks. Does that mean I might have to up the dose in order to carry on getting a good night's sleep ? I was kind of hoping just to take a minimal dose, purely for sedative reasons, until such time as I feel ready to come off it. I can, however, see it's entirely possible that my improved mood today may the result of the anti-depressant properties of this drug, just as much as it might be through getting a good night's sleep. I'd hope not to have to take a higher dose, in case that brings some of the unwelcome side-effects other posters have mentioned.

But in summary, it's so far so good for me and Mirtazapine :)

ElizabethJane

17-09-10, 18:43

floundering

18-09-10, 10:50

Mirtazapine is usually only sedative in the lower doses so that effect should continue for you. I'm very sorry to hear about your Dads passing. This will be very early days for you in terms of grieving. It might take months before the cycle of crying/lack of sleep is broken. My Mother died twenty two years ago and I remember the first few months after her death being so difficult. I believe that you need to allow yourself time, time to grieve, time to cry, time to be how you want to be. I agree having a good nights sleep will allow you to do just that. Is your GP seeing you for a review? EJ.

Yes EJ, my doctor will be reviewing my use of Mirtazapine in 3 weeks time, at my next appointment. I had another good night's sleep last night, going to bed at 10.20pm, about 30mins after taking the Mirtazapine dose.

As you know from your own sad loss, it has indeed been a very difficult few months. My Dad passed away very suddenly whilst on holiday abroad with my Mum, which was an enormous shock. Other guests at the hotel were unbelievably supportive, but I couldn't bear the thought of Mum being alone in such awful circumstances and I flew out to be with her. There have been so many painful times since that day. Apart from all the usual things that need to be taken care of, the added complications of a death in those circumstances just piled agony upon agony. Having to fly back to the UK without him was absolutely heartbreaking, compounded by being surrounding by happy holidaymakers on their way back to their normal lives. My brother and sisters have been supportive, but worrying about how Mum is coping is affecting all of us in different ways. I didn't really want to resort to tablets, but it reached the point where I was in danger of becoming physically ill through lack of sleep. I am just so relieved to have found something that helps me with that aspect of the grieving process. The tears came again these past few minutes, but that's good in a way, because at least I know the Mirtazapine isn't just 'blocking things out'. I need to grieve, but I also need to be able to function, and a good night's sleep helps me do that.

Thanks again for your reply EJ.

Simon

Lilyblue

24-09-10, 19:58

i was on it for 10 months and was more anxious than ever and gave me horrible weird dreams after 5 months on it,
also made me ut weight on which was a good thing, (but only in one place):ohmy: ive been off it for 3 weeks, spose to start new med but darnt as hate side affects

hamish

27-09-10, 12:52

been on it two weeks now at 30,has helped with sleep and anxiety but feel my eyes are out of focus and my body aches some days also feel a bit weird fuzzy head im hoping this eases off soon,oh and il eat any thing

vicki14

27-09-10, 21:39

Hi, just want to say that I have been taking Mirtazapine (15mg) for approx 3 yrs now. For the first few days they were knocking me out but the longer i have been on them, the more i can stay awake at night when taking them. One HUGE down fall is that I've put on 4 stone. I'm constanty hungry and always thinking about food. I can't complain really because I'm sleeping well and i can carry on with day to day living where as before i was a complete mess.

ElizabethJane

28-09-10, 22:14

Hamish the side effects should start to improve soon. Hang on in there. To Vicky14: I hope that the downside of the mirt has been offset by the good it has done for you. I am also suffering from weight gain from the mirt. I would suggest a low fat low sugar diet with your doctors blessing and let us know how you get on EJ.

stucun

29-09-10, 20:29

Hi all, i've been on 30mg of mirt for about 3 months now, the drowsy feeling and sluggish mornings were not as bad as the 15mg dose i was on and this drug has been excellent for me... I know everyone is different but mirtazapine must be the most easily tolerated AD around...As a 5-HT antagonist you get the added bonus of a powerful anti-emetic and at low doses it's quite like an anti histamine so the drowsy feeling i thought was quite calming from near enought the offset...

It's worked wonders, everyone should stick in their if they have side effects, they do go away (apart from me trying to shift what i can only describe as a mini beer belly lol)

Stuart

ElizabethJane

29-09-10, 21:25

how did you find it as an anti depressant Stucun?

stucun

29-09-10, 22:16

As an anti depressant it definitely lifted my mood somewhat, but its anxiolytic properties were what i noticed the most. Being i only have mild depression and mirt is meant for major depression perhaps it just works differently for me. Compared to escitalopram (the only ssri i've been on) i have had a marked response on the mirt compared to the cipralex...

lawrence schruyers

08-10-10, 00:15

hi hanna i have been on the higher dose of mirtazapine of 45 mg the highest they have . and my side efects are identical to the ones u are having. but rest assured they do fade after the first week or two.
i promise . the only thing i find is that i have put on a hell of a lot of waight. i take mine about 30 mins before bed mabye that will help

ElizabethJane

08-10-10, 15:33

Hi lawrence the original post was made in 2005 and I'm not sure if Hannah is still posting. I agree with you that the weight gain is a real downside of the mirt. Hopefully with diet and exercise I will overcome this. EJ

Springsteen10

09-10-10, 19:24

I went "cold turkey" and haven't taken one since Wednesday night (three nights ago). I feel fine, but then again I was only on 30mg a day for about 6 or 7 weeks.

I had a very strange day at work on Wednesday and felt extremely depressed and unlike myself, so I resolved to stop taking mirtazapine immediately. Combined with the weight gain it as just getting too much for me.

One positive to take out of the experience is that I joined a gym to combat the weight issue and I'll keep on going. In addition, I've come to the realisation that drugs perhaps aren't the answer for me; I need to face the world head-on.

ElizabethJane

09-10-10, 21:28

Hi Springsteen I commend your efforts to come off mirtazapine. I have had two attempts to withdraw from the drug. The side effects were so bad (severe panic attacks and anxiety) that I went back on them again. The next time I came off them I took it much slower and used diazepan to help with the panic attacks. Coming off mirtazapine can be very difficult and I experienced side effects that I haven't experienced since such as hallucinations and sleep walking. If you are sensible and look after yourself by eating properly and sleeping well then things should be alright for you. The downside from coming off any med is that the original illness might return? I still take 45mg mirtazapine at night. To date I have lost 6.5lbs and another 7lbs or so to go. This is with a weight loss programme. All I'm saying is that you can lose weight on mirtazapine. I wish you well with your withdrawal and you can always post on here and let us know how you are getting on. EJ.

geejaybee

10-10-10, 10:54

I started Mirtazaoine 6 weeks ago and for the forst 2-3 weeks they seemed brilliant. At 15mg they send me to sleep straight away and kept me asleep all night. However gradually I seemed to have a tolerance for it and have been sleeping less well each night and feel anxiety is getting worse as well.
This is the second time I've tried it and its been the same both times. The first time 1 was only on it for 3 weeks so I just stopped but then had severe sleep problems and I was awake for days on end.
This time I am tapering slowly and have cut to 7.5 mg this week.
(I am still taking 5mg Lyrica as well)

lori1

12-10-10, 14:08

Hello geejaybee

I saw your post and i was the same only been on 15ml for just 4 weeks now, first couple of weeks i was fine with sleep but have had to have sleeping pills now, just cant seem to sleep on them anymore, and i swear my anxiety has hit the roof since i have been on them!! My doc tells me to hang in there, but its sooo hard when you feel like that Lori x

sarone

20-10-10, 16:25

soooooooo depressed at the moment,and on mirtazipine...........

paulst

20-10-10, 16:54

Hi sarone, im sorry you are feeling low, how long have you been taking Mirtazapine? They can take a few weeks to start working.

teresalady

01-12-10, 20:49

My first post ever so here go's :) Have been on mirtazapine this time around maybe three, four years. I suffer many symtoms of post trumatic stress disorder from much trauma's stemming right back from early childhood which seemed to continue into adult life now aged 38. Thing is I am aware I am damaged and except to a degree will always have depressive/stress conditions. Its more learning to cope with what quality of life i can achieve. I have been popping 30 mgs at 10pm as long I can remember, not that my memory is not that great. :D Thing is i was dangerously under weight at 5 stones 3 at 5 foot 3 inches i am exceptionally petite boned anyway but was weak and so so devastated to be having ecg's ect. not an anorexic was pure stress!! So i am very grateful on one hand to this medicine now healthier 6 stones 8 and still trying to regain muscle loss, suppose i had let depression take hold of me before to the extreme. I still suffer self loathing when my eyes open in the mornings but i am aware as day goes on mood sometimes improves. I know deep down i must be a survivor :shades: My problem with this med is similar to most here a world of tiredness and and a blurred head, shallow breathing aside may seem insignificant but i have enjoured facial swellings above my cheek bones some time in turn i find myself hiding behind specks or shades i hope not vanity but as a female my face is important it makes me feel ugly and tired altho my dear friends tell me otherwise:blush: GP's attitude is yes probably the medication but out way the alternative according to him... Tell this to my confidence... less the two evils. Other anti D's Just make weight drop off me so leaves me limited huff. Would be interesting to hear if anyone else had any facial swellings as i feel no one seems to understand how such a small symptom some may consider really affecting me socially HELP!!

roru55

13-12-10, 18:42

Hiya, I have just recently started my own cold turkey coming off Mtz 15mg , I was on this for 6 months, it all started when I lost my business and nearly my marriage earlier this year, my life before Mtz was lovely and busy I went swimming in the morning before work and kept a very active schedule all day, when the loss of what happened I suffered the worst bout of depression I ever saw, Mtg did help but I hate the side effects; weight gain and sleep like a winter bear and sometimes quick sick, I have now stopped for 1 week and so far so good, I am dying to find my old self again and I can see signs of returning, 15mg does not seem like alot but it was well enough for me, it did help but reduced my pace and personality rappidly, I will monitor my sleep patterns and drop a new note in January on my progress, good luck to all Gerry from Glasgow:yesyes:

JulieM

24-12-10, 20:02

I have just started taking Mirtazapine !5mg for anxiety and depression due to menopause and after a fortnight on them they are the best I have tried after really bad side effects on citalopram, sertraline and paroxatine,and trazadone that gave me a very fast heartbeat, not good as i suffer with angina and ischemic heart disease.
I was struggling with a low 2mg dose of diazapam for the anxiety, but my doctor was not happy about increasing it, due to the risk of it becoming addictive, and i was getting exausted with only managing to sleep a couple of hours a night. The mirtazapine was a godsend in that it gives me a good nights sleep, but i do feel a bit fuzzy headed and spaced out, and its becoming a joke as to what nightmare i will have next, as some of them are very silly and feature people i havent been in contact with for years!
I still carry the diazepam tabs in my bag incase of any further full on panic, when the doctor says its ok to take one during the day if the anxiety is really bad, but its only certain times of the month when this is likely to happen, and im trying my best to do without them, although nearly reached for the packet earlier today with the stress of trying to cope with sorting out a family Christmas. :ohmy:

Anyone know how long it takes for the side effects to go away? Im trying to hang on with them in hope that i will feel better than i have done for the past year without any antidepresants, when at times i thought i was really going to die i felt so bad, im also type 2 diabetic, but its quite well controlled at my last long term blood test and im hoping the mirtazipine wont have any effect on that because i did feel really hungry for the first few days i took it.

Julia

ElizabethJane

24-12-10, 20:14

Hi Julie I'mn glad that you are finding that mirtazapine is working for you. The side effects can take up to six weeks to settle. I have been on 45mg mirtazapine for about two years. The mirt will cause some people to have vivid dreams and a fuzzy head. The sedative effects is only found in the lower doses. Unfortunately increased appetite is also a side effect of the mirt so it might be an idea to discuss this with your GP. Try to avoid sweet sugary foods. I am able to manage my weight quite well whilst taking it although I put on a stone and a half initially. I wish you peace and happiness this Christmas. EJ.

JT69

25-12-10, 12:27

Hi Julie,

Mirtazipine has been a godsend for me too!!! I am glad it is helping you.

I agree with EJ, it could take a few weeks to settle, I found after a couple of weeks the side effects started to disappear...I have the odd day when I feel a bit dozy etc but over-all it has helped me enormously.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.

Jo.xx

JulieM

26-12-10, 11:10

Thanks girls for your positive support and replies, im feeling a little better today than i did yesterday, when i believe a mixture of tiredness, the stress of Christmas day with a lot of extra people in the house to feed and look after, and it being the time that I would have normally been having a period if I hadnt have had a hysterectomy done last October, all clubbed together to make me feel rather anxious and a bit unwell,which ended up with me needing to take a total of 8mg of diazepam during the day in two x 4mg doses, but after a good nights sleep, and taking my heart meds Bisoprolol and Lisinopril this morning, im feeling much better, and hope that the Mirtazapine continues to knock me out at bedtime every night, and make me continue to sleep well, as this also avoids me experiancing some of the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and nightsweats, that keep me awake and disturb my rest, I think I would rather have the nightmares than these symptoms anyday!

I hope you all had a happy Christmas and continue to improve with your health and wellbeing in the new year, and once again thanks for the support, its so good to know that im not on my own going through all this, and look forward to sharing experiances and exchanging tips for coping during the future months:).

Julia

ElizabethJane

26-12-10, 15:58

Hi Julie I had my hysterectomy in 2007 and kept my ovaries so not yet menopausal. You are still in early recovery from your hysterectomy. I was told it would take a full year to get back my health and fitness levels. Saying that it was the best thing I could have done for my own physical health although major surgery at the time. After my hysterectomy my emotions were all over the place. I would have lots of energy one moment and very tired the next. My ovaries were 'asleep' for the first few months and I expected to become menopausal but did not. I assume you had your ovaries removed at the same time? Give it some time and the mirt some time. Make sure that you have enough sleep and rest and relaxation. EJ.

JulieM

27-12-10, 19:41

Hi Elizabeth, I had the modern form of the hysterectomy done, called an ablation, where they remove the endrometrium and inner body of the uterus using microwaves, and burn away the problem area which for me was caused by polyps and fibroids, leaving my ovaries intact, and no visible incision as they enter via the cervix, which also remains, so i supose you could call it a partial hyserectomy, as the outer muscle of the uterus is mainly left intact.
It stops any chance of future pregnancy and periods occuring, although it doesnt prevent all the hormone changes and symptoms of menopause and pmt ect, and i still feel off colour when my period would have been due.

Julia

ElizabethJane

27-12-10, 20:25

It still seems like major surgery to me? I ended up having TAH because I did not seek a second opinion. The surgery was mean't to be vaginally but I was a mass of adhesions and my bowel was sticking to my womb. I had had years of severe problems so I should have guessed things would not be straight foward. After my surgery the gynaecologist kept asking me if my head was ok? I was glad to have it done as I was having severe pain each month and because I take lithium and allergic to codeine my pain relief options were limited. I had tried the coil and had got through three and still ended up with severe pain and bleeding. The only options were zolaex injections which I did not fancy at all. I had many fibroids too. EJ.

stonehenge

10-01-11, 21:41

I have been on Mirt for 7 weeks now.
15mg for 4 weeks and up to 30mg for the rest. They seem to be good for sleep and appetite.
Steve
Hi, did you have any side effects? I have just been prescribed them. How long does it take for the effects to wear off, if there are any.

JT69

11-01-11, 15:10

Hi Stonehenge,

I have been taking mirtazipine since March last year....side effects were very drowsy/dizzy for first few days but soon settles down. Also increase in appetite which led to weight gain....so be careful.

Good luck with them...I know for me they helped me out of a not very nice place!!!

Jo.xx

Jefthros

21-02-11, 14:45

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting on a site.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all of you cuz reading this thread has helped me so much.

I have been taking mirt for 2 weeks now. The first week was fine but this last week i have felt so dizzy, spaced, light headed and heavy bodied. i was really worried that there was something wrong with me but after reading this I am feeling a little bit less worried.

I was just wondering if anyone else has suffered from Panic Attacks since taking mirt? I ended up in hospital after having a panic attack on Thursday night.. its was my first one ever and something i do not want to go through again.

Any advise would be gratefully received.

mandymoo62

03-03-11, 15:24

hi, been on and off mirtazapine for a number of years now they do make you realy drowsy at first but this gradualy wears off they do have some unusual side effects but i find if i am having a particularly panicky time they do bring it down a lot and make me relax which is a relief when you are feeling like that :yesyes: amanda

Abby1

03-03-11, 15:29

Hi,i am down to 15mg from 30mg of Mirzapine and i find i am more anxious and have depersonalisation now i am on them,i hope to come off them but my G.P.has advised me to stay on them

loops81

09-03-11, 10:51

My b/f has just started these, 30mg at night.

He has taken so far for 8 nights. Mood has lifted a little but was very anxious this morning.

He can afford to put on weight so not bothered about that but can anyone reassure me that the anxiety will settle down?

Cheers x

Kite66

13-03-11, 10:53

Hi i have have been on 15mg for 3 weeks for Depression/Anxiety, my mood has lifted, but anxiety, yes i have it but i think it's me rather than the drug not really sure to be honest a bit of both maybe, try not to focus on it, it's hard i know extremely hard but anxiety is feed by anxiety so you have to create something to take your mind off it switch it of so to speak, "go for a walk" or play a CD, you kinda have to shake it off, i'd have a shower if i felt anxiuos when i woke, i felt really lathargic on it and had vivid dreams they have lessened. i went to docs as feeling depressed he said i was anxious too, was he anxious prior to taking it? i think the drug may highlight anxiety, i mean if you have a higher setting of anxiety than someone else think it may bring it to the surface, whats he anxious about?, try relaxation cds i found an app on the iphone which helped a lot, keep going if your mood has lifted thats a massive step forward ...all the best

crumble

17-03-11, 22:48

Hi,
I've been taking 15mg of Mirtazapine for just over a month now and have experienced little other than side effects. I knew about the sedation/drowsiness as that was one of the reasons it was prescribed as I was experiencing poor sleep and constant waking, although oddly I found it very easy to get back to sleep! Thankfully though it's helping with that. I have noticed though that the sedation is starting to wear off slightly, or it could be that I've become more used to it and am not noticing it as much.
Weight gain is a very unwelcome side effect as I've found it very easy to put on weight in recent years. I was aware about this though and am trying to eat more healthily, and will be doing more exercise to counteract this side effect.
Apart from not sleeping very well the other reasons for being prescribed Mirt were for anxiety and depression, which I do not feel it is helping with on this dose. After taking for 4 weeks my GP advised a further 4 weeks before considering increasing the dose.
I'm not sure if some other effects or symptoms are related to taking Mirt but I find myself becoming even more easily worked up, irritable and frustrated than normal (and this is something I suffer with anyway). I noticed a few other people mentioned this - is this a known side effect? I don't remember reading about it.
About 5 years ago I was taking 30mg Citalopram which I found really suited me straight away, although I do believe it was this drug that ruined my sleep cycle. I wonder if I'm more suited to an SSRI than TeCA, and if there are any SSRIs that have sedation as a side effect?

ajay

20-03-11, 22:07

hey all

i have just started on mirtazapine and have found the side effects not to bad. i have been having lucid dreams and find i sleep a lot more than i used to that is not a bad thing as i was not sleeping at all i am hoping this will not last long but im gonna stick with it. if you are finding it hard going then i would suggest going back to your doc and saying there no good. lets face it its bad enough without feeling ill as well.
good luck ppl and to all take care.

ajay

im a human doing not a human being

newintown

05-04-11, 13:51

Hello, I've just joined this site today after seeing my GP yesterday. I have been prescribed Mirtazapine (30 mg), initially for 4 weeks. But after reading the messages here about side effects I haven't taken the prescription to the pharmacy yet. I am really concerned about the weight gain issue, albeit short-term in somer cases. It does seem to be a side effect most likely to happen. My weight is quite finely balanced. I have to be careful not to let my weight build up - I'm not thin nor fat, but if I put on a few pounds it is quite noticeable in my face, and I generally then feel unhealthy and sluggish. That in turn makes me feel low. My depression isn't to do with weight, it's more complicated than that. But I don't want the added feeling of unhappiness with my body to affect the 'good' that the mirtz might do. Does that make sense. And as for having disturbing dreams, I have those already. Some are quite upsetting. Will they get even worse? I am a now single 45 year old male, and quite frankly I don't know what to do.
I would appreciate any advice from those who can connect with my concerns.

JT69

06-04-11, 17:39

Hi newintown,

Firstly welcome to NMP, I found this site looking for info on my meds and it has helped me enormously.

I am afraid I am one of the ones that gained weight with mirtazipine!!! It is now coming off so it can be done.

I totally get your concerns as I too was concerned and I was already over-weight. I had previously been on citalopram and it had worked for me in the past but didnt on this last occasion so my GP changed me to mirtazipine. Tbh it got me into a much better place with my life...I had been off work with depression and anxiety for 3 months at the time I started it and was back to work 2 months later!!!

The dreams you have read about....mine were nice dreams just very vivid. Mirtazipine does not bring any of the (sometimes unpleasant) side effects that srri's bring so it does have lots of advantages!!

I guess you have to weigh up what is most important for you?? It is hard I know, but when I was feeling so rotten I just wanted to get better and mirtazipine did that for me.

You might not gain weight...some people dont!! Especially if you are careful with what you eat and excercise etc.

Not sure if I have helped you but thats my experience with it.

I wish you well and if you have any other concerns please ask away.

There are others on mirtazipine so you should get some other replies.

Tc

Jo.xx

Colin67

15-04-11, 12:54

Hi All

Started on 15mg Mirtazapine last night after many months of illness/insomnia & feeling down.

Back in January 2011 I had really bad sinus problems and an ear infection that just wouldn't clear up, and from this I developed really bad tinnitus which ruined my sleep. I was prescribed Zopliclone 7.5mg for sleep and Cipralex as I could not sleep and just kept breaking down all the time thinking that the infernal ringing in my ears was there for good.

I reacted really badly to the cipralex, they gave be awfully dark thoughts and I was taken off them after spending a couple of nights in a Psychiatric unit.
Then I was put on Chlorpromazine 3 times a day for anxiety and my regular zopiclone, but my sleep has been suffering so much ie. I could get to sleep no problem at night, but kept waking 5-6 times a night and had trouble getting back to sleep, was dosing more than sleeping so felt constantly tired. This made me all the more tearful and I felt I couldn't cope or function as a person, let alone do my job. My employer has been very good and told me to take all the time I need.

Saw Dr yesterday and we discussed where to go and Mirtazapine was prescribed 15mg for a week, then 30mg with a review after 3 weeks and I have been referred to a Specialist. I took the tab at 10.30pm last night, along with 3/4 of a zopiclone as I didnt want to just come off the z drug just like that as I have been on it for 7 weeks. I was asleep by 11pm. Woke at 1.30am, went to the loo. Woke at 5.30am, then 6.15 & 7am which is almost wake up time in our household. Each time of waking I was able to get back to sleep easily, but I had hoped that there would be less wakings in the night, perhaps the more of the drug I take, this will change.

This morning I feel very drowsy, but pleasantly so, don't have so much anxiety about not being able to sleep and feel quite encouraged, but I still have a nagging doubt about my ability to stay asleep and my nocturnal wakening.

I am fearful of stopping the zopiclone, but do wish to taper down and be off them, but I am scared that I wont be able to sleep without them. The tinnitus is going very slowly, and I am able to ignore it more and more so does not affect me as much. I'm hoping that over time Mirtazipine will both improve my sleep and lift my moods

Sorry for rambling for so long, and Thanks for your patience

regards

CJ :)

miroka

24-04-11, 20:32

I have been on medication since last July and now on daily 30mg Mirtazapine. It is the medication that has led me to this website as I'm interested in understanding the side effects. I have gained a little weight and my sleeping has improved no end which is one of the reasons why I was perscribed these tablets. I had 'funny' dreams to start with but they have settled down now.

I currently suffer from painful joints and my muscles tend to ache without any real physical activity...generally begining to feel like a 70 year-old, although I'm only 43 and use to be quite active playing sport. Please let me know if you have had similar experiences.

I've been for almost 2 wks on 15 mg/kg. Initially I just felt the drowsiness everybody talked about. Now, I don't feel drowsiness (however, I still have the funny dreams) but I`m feeling really dizzy , and have muscle and joints ache as you describe...really bad side effects for me because I do yoga regularly and my work requires a lot of concentration...by the way, I'm 42.

Another side effect is the sun light sensivity, specially the skin sensivity. My skin feels like burning everytime I have any exposure to the sunlight.

I'm worry about this new side effects... somebody knows how long those effects last?

jony

28-04-11, 23:12

i have been on it a week and i feel normal stable and happy . i am sleeping for 8 hours a night ....a bit wobbly during the day but its a small price to pay for life

jony

28-04-11, 23:16

well maybe not happy.....but stable

marrigold40

15-05-11, 13:11

hi so glad i found this web site and read about the side effects of mirtazapine , i have been on them for about 3 months now , and have got a drs appointment for tommorow , because i have put on 2 stone and have struggled to gain weight since i was 13 and 41 now lol ., and after reading some of yr comments realise , it is prob the meds . doctor put me on them because my appetite wasnt very good and he said i was probly depressed but didnt know it . i do sleep great with them , which is great beccause wasnt sleeping atall , sum days do feel a bit spaced out and like i have a few drinks , but i do find them great now . so i would perservere with then a little longer , . the list of side efects is loads , didnt read them b4 started taking them lol . hope this helps marrigold:bighug1:

paterson

01-06-11, 19:54

Hi all, I have been taking Mirtazapine for roughly 6 months, at 45mg dose, along with Pregabalin (lyrica) & Diazepam (valium) for both insomnia & chronic depression, I sleep well, slightly `groggy` when I wake up - no big deal - a shower & a strong coffee & I`m good to go, but recently, around lunch time I get the most intense panic attacks, weak at the knees, shaking hands, a real feeling of terror. Can anyone else relate to this, I would have thought any side effects would come & pass within this time frame, please respond.

floundering

12-07-11, 20:31

Hi All

Back in January 2011 I had really bad sinus problems and an ear infection that just wouldn't clear up, and from this I developed really bad tinnitus which ruined my sleep. I was prescribed Zopliclone 7.5mg for sleep and Cipralex as I could not sleep and just kept breaking down all the time thinking that the infernal ringing in my ears was there for good....

CJ :)

Ye Gods, that could have been me writing those words !

I have had the exact same problem with an ear infection that won't go away !!! My GP has tried me on several treatments, but nothing has cleared-up the 'rushing noise' I get sometimes in one ear. It's not constant, but comes and goes and is of course far more noticeable at night. Plus I am still getting a dull ache in that ear - and the other one (!) during the day.
(I too was put on Zopiclone too initially this time last year, after my Dad passed away. I was then put on Mirtazapine because I fell into the same depression I'd experienced many years ago after a period of huge upheaval in my life).

CJ, has your infection cleared up now ? My GP is in the process of referring me to an ear nose & throat specialist, so I am hoping they can get to the bottom of why this ear problem is not clearing-up. It's not helping me at all to have this problem whilst fighting the depression as well. I even started to wonder if this ear thing is a side-effect of long-term use of Mirtazapine ?!!
I am getting aching joints as well now, which is why I came to be on this thread, looking to see if anybody else was getting that symptom :weep:

Any advice gratefully received

Simon

buckley

14-08-11, 19:29

hi ive been on mirtazapine for 3 months nearly 4 they have been good for one think ive put weight on which im happy with only down fall is i feel more worse with my panic attacks and they make me have bad dreams also have away off makein ya think in ya mind really want to come off them as i never felt like this before i was put on them they have made me hell off lot worse ? :weep:

Belleblue

14-08-11, 19:50

Hi Buckley and welcome to NMP :) I would say have a word with your GP. It could be that the dose needs adjusting or that they are just not suited to you, we are all different and what suits one person does not necessarily suit another. If you are going to come off them, do so with your GP's guidance - don't go cold turkey as you may get withdrawals having been on them for 3 months.
Apart from the wanted weight gain were they of any at all to you?

Belle x

nicholasjc

25-09-11, 11:28

I recently started Zispin and have been struggling a bit with it, nothing really bad happened just annoying problems with my vision (blurred!) worsening of eye floaters, tired eyes, stuffy nose, tinnitus. Don’t beleive everything you hear about the weight gain with this med, I’ve actually lost weight on it!!. I don’t really think it has a such a strong antidepressant effect as other antidepressants I’ve taken. I’m on 30mg and just about coping. It does not seem to lift my mood much! It may be worth a try, there’s nothing really bad to expect except maybe heavy sedation on the start dose of 15mg which is ok if you have a lot of anxiety. This does wear off on the higher doses though. I’ve suffered from chronic depression, anxiety since I was 15 (I’m now 55!) 40 years is a long time and I’ve tried many antidepressants. Quite simply the best one I’ve ever used is Fluvoxamine. It’s an SSRI and does not seem to be prescribed a lot by doctors. It’s excellent for Depression, OCD, Anxieity. It seems to hit a lot of my symptoms on the head and does away with the need to take other drugs. The only problem with it (If it is a problem!!)is that it can make you a bit euphoric and over confident which is great, and I find I sometimes need to take a mood stabilizer with it just to ‘even things out’ If anyone has depression, generalised anxiety, lack of confidence etc I would certainly give Fluvoxamine a go! But remember everyone is different and there is an Antidepressant out there for you! Zispin may just be the one! Don't be afraid!! Don’t give up!

ElizabethJane

26-09-11, 07:41

:welcome::welcome:
I recently started Zispin and have been struggling a bit with it, nothing really bad happened just annoying problems with my vision (blurred!) worsening of eye floaters, tired eyes, stuffy nose, tinnitus. Don’t beleive everything you hear about the weight gain with this med, I’ve actually lost weight on it!!. I don’t really think it has a such a strong antidepressant effect as other antidepressants I’ve taken. I’m on 30mg and just about coping. It does not seem to lift my mood much! It may be worth a try, there’s nothing really bad to expect except maybe heavy sedation on the start dose of 15mg which is ok if you have a lot of anxiety. This does wear off on the higher doses though. I’ve suffered from chronic depression, anxiety since I was 15 (I’m now 55!) 40 years is a long time and I’ve tried many antidepressants. Quite simply the best one I’ve ever used is Fluvoxamine. It’s an SSRI and does not seem to be prescribed a lot by doctors. It’s excellent for Depression, OCD, Anxieity. It seems to hit a lot of my symptoms on the head and does away with the need to take other drugs. The only problem with it (If it is a problem!!)is that it can make you a bit euphoric and over confident which is great, and I find I sometimes need to take a mood stabilizer with it just to ‘even things out’ If anyone has depression, generalised anxiety, lack of confidence etc I would certainly give Fluvoxamine a go! But remember everyone is different and there is an Antidepressant out there for you! Zispin may just be the one! Don't be afraid!! Don’t give up!
Hi Nicholas and :welcome: to NMP I'm glad that you found us. Like you I have had a long history of depression and have been on many different meds/no meds and various treatments. A few things have changed for me in the past few years. I have a really excellent forward thinking psychiatrist who has made himself available should I become ill again. My meds are different 1,000mg lithium (been on this thirteen years) and mirtazapine for three years. I have not had a serious relapse for three years. It is not a feeling of waking up in the morning and hey presto I'm better rather being aware of my thoughts and feelings and if I think that I am becoming ill doing something about it. I'm going through a sticky patch at the moment but I think that is largely due to overwork. I have nothing but praise for mirtazapine although I had a hellish time coming off it once but went back on it. I'm not twenty stone either but maintain a healthy weight and BMI. Good to talk to you Nicholas. EJ

bugrud

04-10-11, 08:24

:welcome::welcome:
Hi Nicholas and :welcome: to NMP I'm glad that you found us. Like you I have had a long history of depression and have been on many different meds/no meds and various treatments. A few things have changed for me in the past few years. I have a really excellent forward thinking psychiatrist who has made himself available should I become ill again. My meds are different 1,000mg lithium (been on this thirteen years) and mirtazapine for three years. I have not had a serious relapse for three years. It is not a feeling of waking up in the morning and hey presto I'm better rather being aware of my thoughts and feelings and if I think that I am becoming ill doing something about it. I'm going through a sticky patch at the moment but I think that is largely due to overwork. I have nothing but praise for mirtazapine although I had a hellish time coming off it once but went back on it. I'm not twenty stone either but maintain a healthy weight and BMI. Good to talk to you Nicholas. EJ

Dear Elizabeth jane

I am a new comer and would just like to say thanks for your input to this site and this thread - its so massively good that you experienced sufferers out ther take the time to care - i too have shifted to mirt , week 8 now , but am having some morning anxiety issues - it could be hormonal ( i.m 55 and meno - or it could be stress factors which i'm just beginning to understand through self help cbt ) so thankyou thankyou thankyou and i hope your current blip shifts gently for you too xxxxxxxxxxxxxx:bighug1:very kind regards , marg

calps

10-10-11, 16:30

Been on this stuff a week now. will let you know what happens. i am getting a good sleep but strange nitemares.

hi i have been on on mirtazapine for 3 nights now and like you i'm having nightmares very graphic last night i stab a lady in the face (cheek to be exact) very detailed i cant sleep for more than 20/30 Min's because i wake up in a sweat the other night i was petrol bombing the courts i can remember every detail and i'm getting very upset about these dream`s and the lack of sleep is killing me its getting to the stage were i don't want to close my eyes and i don't no what to do i think my doctor is getting fed-up with me keep making appointment`s every month and i don't like to keep bothering him i'm frightened that he might take me of his patient list. sorry for saying this but when i read your story i was a bit relieved that some one else was having nightmares but not relieved enough to go to sleep and also my thought`s of suicide are increasing every day

---------- Post added at 16:30 ---------- Previous post was at 16:07 ----------

hi i have been on on mirtazapine for 3 nights now and like you i'm having nightmares very graphic last night i stab a lady in the face (cheek to be exact) very detailed i cant sleep for more than 20/30 Min's because i wake up in a sweat the other night i was petrol bombing the courts i can remember every detail and i'm getting very upset about these dream`s and the lack of sleep is killing me its getting to the stage were i don't want to close my eyes and i don't no what to do i think my doctor is getting fed-up with me keep making appointment`s every month and i don't like to keep bothering him i'm frightened that he might take me of his patient list. sorry for saying this but when i read your story i was a bit relieved that some one else was having nightmares but not relieved enough to go to sleep and also my thought`s of suicide are increasing every day

Belleblue

10-10-11, 21:09

Hi Calps - vivid dreams and sometimes nightmares are common on this medication and very often this side effect lessens with time.

I am concerned that you say your thoughts of suicide are increasing every day. I think it would be advisable to see your GP as soon as possible about this.

Take care.
Belle x

kidneys

07-11-11, 11:16

Belleblue

07-11-11, 16:13

Sorry you're not feeling good on these. The first three or four days on any med can be the worse. Do you really feel you've given them a fair trial after so little time on them? You may find the same rough run-in period on another med also.
I wish you well and hope you get sorted soon :)

Take care,
Belle x

ElizabethJane

07-11-11, 22:13

hi all... only been on Mirtazapine for three days and I feel 10 time worse..
I can't cope with it..side affects as listed on the pack..
I'm off to Hospital to see my doc to get them stopped
:mad:

take care all of you..........
I'll find a tablet that works....i hope....

I'm sorry that you are feeling unwell. I have been taking mirtazapine 45mg for about three years now. Sadly it is not a 'quick fix' and requires at least four to six weeks before you will feel any benefit from it. The initial drowsiness does wear off in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately it may well make you feel worse before you get better. I hope the docs are able to prescribe something in the short term for you. Unforunately most anti d's have some 'start up' side effects to contend with. I have found mirtazapine's benefits out weigh any initial negativeness I might have had about the drug. Take care. EJ.

DeeDeeBel

08-11-11, 00:16

What time at night do you take it? I'll be starting on it tomorrow, bit nervous about the 'hangover' the next day.

beatripper

16-02-12, 15:12

Hi all, i've only been on Mirtazapine for the best part of two weeks now and had a hard time with the side effects. The first few days i found myself losing touch with reality and forgetting small periods of the day. This then progressed into saying things that didnt make sense or completely out of character. Unfortunately it has now progressed further and after speaking to my gp i'm coming off mirtazapine from today. The final nail in the coffin is ANGER.....from the moment i wake till when i go to sleep i feel so angry. There's no reason to it and i'm finding it harder each passing hour to control myself. After looking into the side effects to this drug i have found that i have been unfortunate enough to one of the few who get this reaction. Citalopram didn't work for me and i was on 40mg a day before being moved across to mirtazapine. Looks like Prozac here i come.....will follow this up next week so watch this spot :scared15:

katylou

21-02-12, 23:40

I have been on 15mg for 3 weeks now and am glad to say that the side effects did wear off after about 2 weeks. I still get a little light-headed now and then but not as often. The side effects I experienced were feeling groggy, dizzy, which was worse in the morning time and I had great difficulty getting out of bed for about 10 days. I also had extreme food cravings but managed to control this mostly and only gained about 4 pounds overall and now the cravings are completely gone, hooray! To anyone else who suffers from cravings I would say pig out on healthy carbs like vegetables, try for the most to keep the sweet stuff locked away, go to bed early (seriously, this helps a lot) and don't lose faith!!

I still have crazy dreams but they can be quite interesting, and not what I would call nightmares.

Having previously had bad experiences with both citalopram and prozac I am very pleased now I have found something that seems to agree with me. I suffer with anxiety and mirtazapine is the first medication that actually seems to treat the anxiety, rather than depression, which in itself it only a symptom of my anxiety.

I hope this is a help to anybody; I read so many forums when deciding what medication to try and it really did help me!

stormyok10

23-02-12, 11:06

Hi everyone,
I am new to this sight but i was also on mirtazapine for about 3 months, didnt feel it was doing me much good (apart from helped me sleep which was appreciated as insomnia was a big problem)was only on 15mg but like you felt spaced out, so decided to go cold turkey on it. That was 17 days ago & am having a torrid time of things, feeling nauseous, searing head aches,chest pains & very dizzy. Anyone got any idea how long this feeling will go on? or would you go back to the GP & explain how you felt (she had told me not to come off them quickly) but thought I could cope.
thank you for reading my letter. looking forward to hearing from anyone who can help

manolo

22-03-12, 02:08

I'd been taking Trazodone for depression and my doc switched me to Mirtazapine.
It was the worst 3 weeks of my life. I felt spaced out, couldn't leave the house, was trembling and sweating.
I had trouble reading as everything seemed blurred. eventually went back to the doc and they said i may have had mild Serotonin Syndrome due to the Trazodone sill being in my blood.
Anyway, they gave me a shot of Valium and that got me feeling somewhat back to normal, but I'm never touching it again.

Keep safe.

Cheers.

MardyBum

25-03-12, 02:25

ive had very few side effects, when I first started taking them I was tired but nothing more then normal I guess, somethimes felt i had a furry tounge and had amazing light shows when I closed my eyes, soo vivid and pretty. I also now and then get the restless legs thats common with this med as well x

77Jamess

28-03-12, 00:16

I am supposed to start taking these too. I have a general fear of taking any medicine, or infact consuming anything at times as i have delusions into things being pre poisoned or contaminated which will lead to increasing anxiety attacks. I really am unsure what to do really as the doctor seems to be making it its my own fault because i have trouble accepting the fact i need to take the pills, But the list of side effects listed here is enough alone to put me off even if i did somehow convince myself the tablets were not going to kill me. How can one get better, if the only way to get better involves me doing something which i strongly feel will make me worse. Horrible feeling. Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly.

Belleblue

28-03-12, 17:08

Hi Jamess and :welcome: to the forum.
I can understand your fear, however there are side effects with all medications. If you analyzed the list of side effects on such common medications such as aspirin and paracetamol you'd be put off those too!! But they are safe and taken by millions of people worldwide without complications.

From my own experience and from what I've read, Mirtazapine does seem to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. The most common initial side effect is sleepiness, but this usually passes after a couple of days to a week. If you suffer from anxiety or sleep problems/exhaustion this can be beneficial.

If you really don't want to take medication, then no-one will force you to. Have you looked at other options like therapy, relaxation, exercise?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do :)

Belle x

Glenlosh

29-03-12, 03:02

I am now into my third week of taking Mirtazapine 30mg, having moved from taking 60mg of citaloprim which I had been on for many years and no longer helped . At first it knocked me out and my dreams were very lucid. I then experienced insomnia atReading was imossible I too put on a great deal of weight, not surprisingly as I ate for England. I was very dizzy also.
For the first time in 11 years I am now a different person. Alive, ambitious and loving life and I am no spring chicken.
I sill have some side affects though much milder. I have so much energy am so busy I don't think about food not nearly as hungry as I was at first. I always ate too much comfort food.
I am sticking with mirtazapine as long as it takes even if tha is years.

Ingenious

29-03-12, 13:07

Having been on Mirtazapine for around a year now I can confirm the side effects do gradually go over time. Also as someone very sensitive to side effects I have to say this was the easiest medication to get along with. I'm happy to stay on this as long as it takes. Amongst some of the lesser side effects I still notice after all this time are it cures my hayfever (a bonus), I still eat a lot, and once I start exercising I sweat more. The bonkers dreams stopped months ago (shame, I enjoyed some of those), the dizziness when standing up or getting out of a car went too, it no longer knocks me out at night (but does help getting off to sleep when I am ready).

wornout

02-06-12, 13:55

I've been on Mirtazapine for 2 weeks now - first wk on 15mg and now increased to 30mg. I was prescribed these as Citalipram stopped having any effect and I'm feeling so ill it's making my depression worse. I saw a Dr (not my usual as not available this week) as I have started having what I can only describe as electric shocks in my head constantly, which is leaving me disorientated, and for the last 2 days all my joints are aching as though I've been in an accident. I can only walk a short distance as my back is so painful and feel as though I need to lie down all the time. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? The Dr I saw said it's impossible to tell whether the shocks in my head are due to coming off Citalipram or starting the Mirtazapine but the aches hadn't started when I saw him. Any advice?

headinthecloud

10-06-12, 20:02

I've been on Mirtazapine for nearly three weeks now, having switched from 15mg to 30mg about 5 days ago. So far I've had a bit of ups and downs: When I was on 15mg there was a low hum of anxiety always in the background. I find that on 30mg I'm either completely calm and at ease or I'm trying to squash a panic attack. It's more...tumultuous, more extreme compared to before. Is this a sign of the drug working? It's hard to judge as when I read about people's experiences they always make it sound like a light switch. It works or it doesn't. I was told that the drug takes 2-4 weeks to take effect. Perhaps it's early days yet?

Belleblue

26-06-12, 13:55

Well I've been on these about 6 months now. I have had no unbearable side effects. BUT I do have unsightly bags under my eyes - no change that to suitcases LOL!! Eyes look like two pee holes in the snow some days. Oh and a pasty face! Small price to pay I suppose. I thought it was a stranger looking back at me in the mirror yesterday at the hairdressers! And of course some weight gain - about 5 lbs... not too bad either I suppose.
I feel ok on mirt, both mentally and physically, I'm just trying to understand why I don't LOOK ok? I sleep well, but I think it might be the lack of proper natural restorative sleep.

Think I should change my name from Belle to Mrs. Blubberface!!

Does anyone relate to this?

Belle x

Belleblue

27-06-12, 20:13

Everyone looks beautiful on these then?... yep I thought so :D

B x

heatherbynature

17-07-12, 23:01

I've only been on this drug for 3 days, my appetite is uncontrollable, my moods are worse than ever before, I keep going in to blind rages, I feel heavy , body and head shocks all day, exhausted, crying all the time, basically I am feeling absolutely AWFUL. I'm freaking out as im not finding it easy to find success stories with this drug, and my doctor said its practically the last drug he can try me on as I've been on most others and they stopped working after a year or so, im terrified and feel like giving up, should i put up with this or contact my gp?! Surely there is SOMETHING else he can try, some medication just doesnt work with certain people? Maybe this isn't for me, I dont know, im at the end of my tether, please pm if you can help?? Thankyou so much, glad I'm not the only one suffering these side effects, i mean i was already irritable and emotional but its amplified so intensely, I feel like an angry zombie! My boyfriend got put on them a few months ago and they're working for him great, I've noticed a lot of men are getting more positive outcome on them than women? Maybe I'm just paranoid, im just worried and really upset, I thought I'd see positive effects as fast as he did with his, right now I can't handle the side effects.

numbnuts

07-08-12, 14:45

Belleblue,maybe your 'suitcases' are due to 'too much sleep',I've only bin on them 5 days & noticed heavier looking eyes.which I can only put down to the heavy sleeping.
Heatherbynature like your 'quote',I would hang In for a week,as you state Its probably a hormone thing which lets guys have fewer side effects for the 1st few days,I was on Prozac for a few months,which didn't help my symptoms- head In the 'clouds' day dream feeling most of the time,but Iv'e only bin on the Mirt 5 days,yeh you sleep like a bear & dream like 'superman',but hey being superman for 10 hours Is kinda 'fun'! The med must be doing something right,as this Is the '1st' time I've ever bin able to contribute to a compatable website before!
Hopefully my brain Is getting out of 'reverse gear'!

littlefluffycloud15

07-08-12, 19:40

Hi Hannah

I have been on Mirtazapine for nearly a year, took them mainly to help me sleep. Started off on 15mg but i just felt very tired the whole time so increased to 30mg. They made me sleep for sure, I'd take them at night then hour later I was out like a light & not wake til my alarm went off, which never used to happen. So that side of it was great. Down sides, made my mouth very dry especially at night, I became very lethargic, angry & short tempered, sullen & just didn't care about anything. I put on 2 stone in weight as you have no energy to do anything & it increases your appetite. Infact they made me very depressed with often thoughts of suicide.
I came off them, more by accident as i realised I had run out of them, so thought what would happen if i didn't take them anymore.
Within about two days, if felt my life come racing back, I had energy again, I was cheerful & positive, I cared about life again. I felt like i had just woken up out of a coma. It wasn't until i had come off them what an impact they had on my life & not a good one at that. So for me they were the death pill. I'll never touch them again. I just gonna try natural remedies from now on.
Of course they all have different effects for difference people as we have different chemical balances.
Some people they work & some like me they don't. It can be all trial & error.
Best to make a day to day diary of your moods & feelings or ask family or friends if they have noticed any big changes in you to be on the safe side.
I hope you find something that works for you, but please be careful & aware of yourself.
Good Luck!
x:)

ElizabethJane

07-08-12, 21:25

Sorry you had such a bad experience whilst taking mirtazapine. They are primarily an anti depressant and your GP might have thought that the sedative effects would benefit you at the time. 15mg is too low for the anti depressant properties to have had any effect on you. The therapeutic level is usually between 30-45mg. They do tend to make people put on weight initially. For me this has been a reversible process initially putting on weight and now back to a healthy BMI for my weight and height. If you are well enough to come off mirtazapine then that is a positive step. For me mirtazapine has been invaluable in staving off a very serious depressive illness. I wish you well. Mirtazapine is just one of many anti depressants that you could try if you become ill again. I agree that the natural route helps some people but dealing with serious suicidal/clinical depression then the 'natural' route would never be enough and could be somewhat dangerous. EJ

flower33

07-08-12, 22:50

Does anyone know if Mirt slows down your metabolic rate? its just I have been on it 15mg for about 2/ half weeks and my appitite has done down? yet I feel very bloated.

Serenitie

07-08-12, 23:03

I have no personal experience, but people I have spoken to on Mirtazapine have mentioned weight gain. As you are so active, this may not affect you so much? Why not try doing some weight training which increases your metabolism by 50% even at rest periods?

JamieBing

19-08-12, 23:06

Hi guys, new to this forum. Wanted to ask some opinions. I have been on Escitalopram for 3 years now (on and off) and I have always had problems reaching orgasm or it takes way too long. However, I have found the effects of the drug really help my anxiety and the GP has told me to stay on the 20mg as its working. So I am in a catch 22. I have tried reducing the dosage and it just brought back the anxiety. I did feel ok to come off it about 2 years ago and my orgasms went back to normal. So it seems these are my side effects to the SSRIs. This is why I am looking for an altermative and it seems this Mirtazapine isn't an SSRI and on Wikepedia and all these sites no one mentions it as one of the side effects. Does anyone have any other medication they can recommend to try so that I can go back to normal sexually... appreciate any advice! Thanks for your help, James.

Belleblue

19-08-12, 23:32

oxenham

27-09-12, 22:54

Smallie

28-09-12, 18:19

Hi, I started on Mirtazapine 15mg 2 months ago and didn't feel any beneficial effects, just increased daytime lethargy and a greatly increased appetite, especially for sweet foods. I then asked my doctor to increase the dose to 30mg, which she wasn't too keen on doing, and it's made a huge difference. My depression has been greatly reduced, along with the associated anxiety and obsessive thoughts. I found the daytime lethargy and inability to concentrate also disappeared after about 4 weeks. The weight gain is a bit of a pain, but it's a small price to pay.

I've been on Mirtazapine 15mg and Pizotifen 0.5mg for a week now and i also have an appetite for sweet things like chocolate. I feel it has reduced my anxiety but i'm going to make an appointment with the doctor and ask her to increase the dose to 30mg. A bit anxious about asking her but hope she will

hanshan

29-09-12, 11:41

Hi Jamie,

You could give mirtazapine a try. It's recommended for anxiety and doesn't have the sexual side-effects of SSRIs.

Good luck.

Hanshan

karenp

29-09-12, 14:08

I'm tapering off of Mirt right now as it hasn't agreed with me either, it's made me an anxious depressed mess and I feel so much better now I'm almost off it! Just dreading coming off it altogether as I had pretty horrific withdrawal last Monday coming down from 30mg to 15. I had panic attacks, coudln't stop shaking and was even physically sick and felt like my skin was crawling but I soon settled again and the WD symptoms passed thankfully. It is meant to be a very good AD I have been told though but just wasn't for me...I've been prescribed Venlafaxine now but have heard it is even harder to come off for some people and I'm really quite anti AD now and very scared of taking something else. Good luck every one who's just started it, it is easy to start up on unlike SSRI's.

Gwyneth

25-10-12, 23:46

I started on Mirtazipine 4 years ago. Am now on 45mg daily. It made me very sleepy at the start however my mood increased a lot after a few weeks. Its gradually losing its effect now and I am waiting to see a phychiatrist next Month to review my medication as I'm also taking Pregablin Lyrica. I have been suffering of late alot of depersonalization symptoms and fuzzy head etc.

Its difficult sometimes starting new medication but I believe if you can get through the first few weeks you may notice improvement.
hi there just read ur review on the tabs i started these tabs on monday and felt weird and tired

---------- Post added at 23:46 ---------- Previous post was at 23:32 ----------

i have just started the the mirtazapine and was looking up all the side affects and have came across this site the doctor started me on the 15mg and said it would help me sleep it did the first night but not any more they make me feel dizzy and spaced out and i never managed too get up untill 9.30am and never fully came round untill 1pm i dont know if i need my dozage upped or not i go back to ther doctor on the 5th November.l f

bruceblack

04-11-12, 20:34

hi , am the same 5 days at 15 mg and 5 at 30mg and i dont function very well .when do the side effects go , fuzzy head no sleep cant stop eating swollon feet and sore joints :blush:

Natalie.m

27-11-12, 01:50

Hi
I've been taking Mirtazipine (15mg) for about three weeks. It gets me to sleep quite quickly but i have the most vivid dreams and i wake up soaking wet. Dose anyone else have theses type of symptoms?

---------- Post added at 01:50 ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 ----------

:scared15:

Mirtygirl

04-12-12, 19:17

This is something I've been meaning to do for a little while now. I'm on Mirtazapine 30mg, and have been on it just over 4 weeks. I very nearly wasn't because I came here the first night I was supposed to take it, read all the posts and panicked completely and didn't take it. Thankfully, I have good people around me who made me see sense, and I started on it the next night.

And I can honestly say it has totally changed my life! I love Mirty! Yeah, I'm a bit more of a chocolate fan at at moment, and a couple of pounds heavier, but that is such a small price to pay for all the good things its done for me, and my family by extension.

I started on the 15mg for a week, then bearing in mind the thing about 15mg not being a therapeutic dose, decided to up it to 30mg. I'd felt drugged out of my tits for the first couple of nights, had some amazing dreams for a week or so but generally felt much calmer, almost straight away. I know that its not supposed to work that quick, and maybe it was just a placebo effect, but frankly I don't care, I just know I stopped crying all the time and that was wonderful!

I've been on the 30 mg for the last 3 weeks and I feel fantastic. Better than I have for many years in fact. I suspect that I was depressed for so long, and have wasted so many years of my life sleeping or generally being exhausted. Now I can keep going steadily all day long, and function happily right into the evening, which hasn't been the case for years. This year I'm thoroughly enjoying the hectic run up to Christmas and my family are all thrilled that I'm not only coping with everything, but also able to laugh and really enjoy life again. :yahoo:

Sorry for going on a little, but I just wanted to let anyone else trying to decide whether or not to take those pills know that sometimes, its the best thing you could do. I only wish I'd gone to my doctor years ago and been given Mirty. :yesyes:

Best of luck to anyone staring out on Mirtazapine. :)

Annie0904

04-12-12, 19:24

Really pleased to hear that as my doctor wants me to change to Mirt from Dosulipin.

JT69

04-12-12, 20:05

Hello mirtygirl

Lovely positive post!! It changed my life too when I went into an awful depression just over 3 years ago now!! Long may it continue for you.

Jo.x

Annie0904

04-12-12, 20:07

I have read some reports that it is not so good for anxiety...what do you think? x

Mirtygirl

05-12-12, 10:39

Thanks Jo! :)

Annie, I don't really know about anxiety really, so can't answer your question, I'm afraid. I was just incredibly depressed. I may have had anxiety problems but I never looked into that.
I can cope with things I couldn't before, things which made me stressed, or I guess anxious, but I've no idea if that would come under any diagnosis of anxiety.

To be honest, I think that the only way to find out if it helps you is to be brave and try it. If it works, then great, and if not not, go back to your doctor and try something else until it does. Sorry I can't be any more helpful.
Good Luck!

Annie0904

05-12-12, 10:40

ElizabethJane

05-12-12, 17:13

I went from dothiepin to mirtazapine Annie. EJ

Annie0904

05-12-12, 17:15

I went from dothiepin to mirtazapine Annie. EJ

Did it help your anxiety and how did the changeover go?

ElizabethJane

06-12-12, 06:52

Hi I was on them both for a while mirtazapine 30mg and dothiepin 175mg plus lithium 1,000mg. The dothiepin was reduced quite dramatically to zero and I had few withdrawal effects.This was after being on it for fourteen years. My main problem has always been depression and when the anxiety has been really bad I have taken diazepam. I experienced severe anxiety when withdrawing from mirtazapine. I'm taking mirtazapine 45mg and lithium 1,000mg at the moment. Some people find that mirtazapine does nothing for their anxiety.It has been the best anti d for me in alleviating my depression. I hope this helps. EJ

leighandowen

04-01-13, 18:24

Hey guys
I want to thank people for their comments on here I am starting these tablets tonight and I am looking forward to getting a decent nights sleep :)

hanshan

05-01-13, 07:14

Hi Leighandowen,

Good luck with mirtazapine - it can make a big difference if you have disturbed sleep.

leighandowen

05-01-13, 18:35

Thanks I took my first tablet last felt good
Slept well but feel tired and woozy today
Second tablet tonight

hanshan

07-01-13, 10:05

Hope all goes well. Take care.

Coppernob

07-01-13, 17:13

I have been on mirtazapine for 10 weeks and I really only have one problem with it, and that is the truly dreadful mornings. I started on 30mg and went up to 45mg 3 days ago, and I have to say, after struggling through many weeks when I thought it wasn't helping much with my anxiety and depression, I do feel very much better now - except for the mornings! I wake up feeling ill, terribly sleepy and with a horrible thick head, and this takes more than an hour to start dissipating. I'm still pretty shaky for half the morning, but by the afternoon I feel really good. I am heartened to hear that lots of people say the side effects will improve, so I'm praying that this will get better because for most of the time I feel like a different person now.

I had two or three bouts of depression many years ago, which cleared up with lofepramine, which I came off with no difficulty when it had done the trick, but nothing was as bad as the present episode which started last July right out of the blue and with no discernible reason, except that I think it had been building in the background for a long time. I started with poor sleep with lots of anxiety, and when I went to the gp and asked for medication I was put on sertraline - despite me saying that I couldn't take SSRI's because they gave me dreadful headaches. I took just half a tablet and the headache started within an hour and a half, and I didn't know it was an SSRI so I wasn't expecting it. I then went into a major panic attack and ended up back at the surgery and was told I was better off with no anti-d's, and was given a week's supply of diazepam.

To cut a long story short, after a dreadful couple of weeks of panic attacks and trying several different drugs, I was put on amitryptyline 10mg, rising gradually to 50mg, which did nothing for my anxiety or depression. I had tried lofepramine again but it knocked me senseless and I only took 1 tablet, so clearly as I have got older I have become much more sensitive to the side effects. After a visit to A&E with a major panic attack I was referred to a special clinic for mental health for the 'older adult', and the psychiatrist there said he had no time for 'piddling little doses' of drugs and put me on 30mg of mirtazapine. I must admit I don't like him and he scares me, so I was probably against going on to it for that reason, but I stuck it out and he then put me up to 45mg.

I have to give it a good long trial as it clearly takes a long, long time to start working properly - although there was some benefit very quickly. Just hoping the dreadful mornings will go away or I won't be able to handle it for much longer. I was seeing a counsellor at my doctor's surgery, but after about 4 meetings she has said she really can't help me as she can't find a real reason for my depression and anxiety! But she did say I won't die of mirtazapine and to keep taking it. Would some decent counselling help I wonder? Or psychotherapy?

So glad I found this forum! :)

ElizabethJane

07-01-13, 20:57

hi Coppernob I'm so sorry that you are having such a horrible time. If you have been taking mirtazapine for ten weeks then my guess is that the horrible mornings are not the mirtazapine. It is supposed to be less sedating in the higher doses i.e 45mg. I have been taking mirtazapine for about four and half years now together with lithium. I used to get horrible mornings but I put that down to the depression. Sometimes other anti d's are added to mirtazapine to boost it's effect but it would be best to talk this over with your psychiatrist. I cannot comment about whether psychotherapy would be good. I have had lots of psychotherapy in the past. All I can say is that try to have the best you can afford and try to see a consultant psychiatrist for the best diagnosis. I'm still here and well on meds despite all the psychotherapy!! EJ

hanshan

08-01-13, 11:39

Hi Coppernob,

I hope your mornings improve.

It's long been accepted that some depression just comes out of nowhere. I think the same is probably true for some anxiety. Even when there is a trigger, it can't explain the amount of anxiety felt.

That said, a good counselor can help you focus on areas like goals and relationships, which in turn can make life more rewarding for anyone.

Take care.

Coppernob

08-01-13, 12:00

Thank you for your replies Elizabeth and Hanshan. I do honestly believe that the really awful mornings are at least partly due to the drug, although before I went on to anti-d's I was feeling pretty miserable in the mornings, they got dramatically worse with the very first tablet. I have to believe they will get better, although a friend of mine has been on mirtazapine for 2 years and says she is still having dreadful mornings, which seem to have got worse with the reduction of the dose and with the introduction of another drug.

This morning was a really bad one, it is nearly midday and I'm still shaking! I'm just going to stick with the increased dose of mirtazapine and hope for the best. I don't see the psychiatrist again until the end of February, so can't do much else. There has to be light at the end of the tunnel!

calm_one

08-01-13, 14:35

I know I've already posted this in the topic below but I too am suffering from horrible mornings.

I have been on 30mg 3 weeks and noticed my anxiety has increased over the last 2 weeks, really bad over the weekend but that could be down to drinking. Also I feel agitaged mostly in the mornings and wake up really early.

Initially I slept like a log on 15mg but that wore off. I also have chest pains and palps. I know this is all symptoms of anxiety but I seem to be getting worse rather than better.

If it is Mirts, is it worth sticking with it for a few more weeks, in the hope this wears off?

hanshan

09-01-13, 13:43

Hi Coppernob,

How are you spacing the dose of mirtazapine? Normally, people are recommended to take the daily dose just before bedtime, as it helps with sleep. However, if this is the case with you, it may be better to weight the daily dose toward mornings.

Mark13

09-01-13, 14:15

As only the 15mg (and below) dosages are sedating (in my experience) - maybe trialling morning dosage would be worth doing?

Lochness2

09-01-13, 16:12

Hi

I Started Mirtazapine on Friday and ever since then when i wake up i feel groggy nearly all day and i'm having trouble getting up at 5am to go to work is this normal? and will it get better.

Lochness2

calm_one

09-01-13, 18:40

yeah it seems to be, the groggyness wore off for me after a few days. You could always try taking it earlier?

Good luck!

Lochness2

10-01-13, 11:49

Hi

I've tried taking this medication earlier but i still get the same effect, i've just rang my dr's and i'm waiting for a call back as i'm unable to drive today due to the groggyness and this is not good as i need to go to work or they will get funny with me.

Coppernob

10-01-13, 12:36

I tried really hard this morning to do as the counsellor told me and get up much earlier, soon after I wake up, instead of lying in bed hoping I'll begin to feel better. I didn't actually get up but I sat up and drank a cup of coffee and read the paper, as well as doing some slow breathing exercises to calm the anxiety, and lo and behold I DO feel better! I haven't had to take a diazepam even though I had a dental appointment this morning.

It's only one day, but I will be trying to do this every day now, and hope there will eventually be a better outcome. I've really got to give this drug a good trial - one doctor said it can take 3 months to really get into the system.

leighandowen

14-01-13, 20:47

Coppernob

15-01-13, 09:31

Hey coppernob
I have been on these tablets for three weeks
And have exactly the same problems
Feel really good but have bad mornings like you
Say and it take till the afternoon to feel normal
Well as normal as I can be :-)

Yesterday, though I was awful first thing, very anxious and drowsy, it wore off soon after breakfast and I was fine all day, didn't have to take a diazepam, and began to feel more positive again. But this morning back to square one, and it doesn't seem to be wearing off. Don't know whether to drop my dose back down to 30mg or battle on with the 45mg. :unsure:

Coppernob

20-01-13, 09:35

Really struggling with the 45mg dose of diazepam, the anxiety in the mornings has increased so much I really dread waking up. I've also put on more weight, which doesn't fill me with joy. I'm seeing my GP next Friday for a new prescription and will discuss with her whether to go back to 30mg - I've been on 45mg for 2 weeks. I don't see the psychiatrist again until the end of February, and he'll probably want to add another drug, he's drugs mad and has not suggested any kind of therapy. He really terrifies me.

This is all making me so cross, my problems all started last year when I was put on tablets for acid reflux which made it 10 times worse, and absolutely no-one would believe me. Thankfully at my own insistence I was put on something different but less strong which works like a dream. Why don't doctors realise we understand our own bodies and are not stupid!

Sorry, Sunday morning rant over. Got things to do, so must get on with it and I'll feel better.:unsure:

Coppernob

25-01-13, 16:41

Well, my doctor agreed to put me back down to 30mg, so here goes. She also told me to read 'Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway' and see if that would help. I already have the book and haven't read it, so will try. I'm quite sure the 45mg of mirt made my anxiety worse, so I'm hoping I will feel better back on the 30mg dose, and trying to deal with the anxiety with my own resources.

I'm toying with the idea of looking for a psychotherapist on my own, as the NHS doesn't seem able to provide anything and perhaps I need to fork out the money myself. My son told me he has used a psychotherapist for several years on and off for anxiety, it has worked and he no longer needs it and has never had drugs. My GP said try reading the books first, so I'll give it a go.

buckeroo

18-03-13, 17:33

i suffer with chronic back ache as i broke my back 15 years ago in a car crash, ive lived with it so i just get on with it,the last year my back has got me right down due to pretty much disabling me,not playing golf,football, etc etc. im 39 and feel 89. Dr prescribed me mirtazapine at 15mg which ive been taking for 6 weeks now, i told him my moods are horrendous and my sleep was non existence. i now sleep straight through and am waking up around 1 pm. better than being in agony all day with my back.i feel i have no life left and feel really low,i wish i could speak to someone about my feelings but always closes up.i had an assessment with atos healthcare in January and they deemed me fit for work.they lied and made up things on there report. i told my doctor this and he was disgusted and wrote a very stern letter to the tribunal appeals saying i must not do any form of work.they did not care i had metal plates and bolts all the way up my spine,this pretty much tipped me over the edge which is why my doctor gave me these pills along with around 30 other pills i take during the day.good thing with these pills is i was 9 stone and 6 foot 2, im now 10 stone 10 in 6 weeks,so that has cheered me up a bit as i hated how thin i was.

Coppernob

18-03-13, 18:51

So sorry to hear your story Buckaroo. Glad to hear mirtazapine is helping with sleep. I'm now down to 15mg and that seems to be suiting me fairly well. Definitely less depressed and less panicky, sleeping well, but got to lose half a stone somehow, I can't get into all my clothes comfortably! My back is playing up but clearly not in the same league as yours, but it has temporarily stopped me playing badminton, which I love. Just wish I felt better first thing in the morning.

Nick33

25-03-13, 20:55

Hi everyone. I have been on Mirtazapine for over 12 months now and I can identify with so much of what I have read in this thread. I have a history of low self esteem, anxiety and panic attacks and was first prescribed Citalopram about 8 years ago after my first real bout of depression and anxiety which was exacerbated by workplace stress and less than perfect home life.
My latest bout was even worse and the Citalopram didn't touch it so I was prescribed 30mg Mirtazapine. Fortunately, or perhaps more because they wanted to avoid legal action, my employer has been very good about it. I am having regular counselling sessions and not just getting CBT to mask the symptoms but also working on the deep seated problems underlying my behaviour! I had CBT previously but my underlying problems were never dealt with so it was less than useless in the long term; there are only so many 'positive' lists you can make!
I had the weird dreams, the sleepiness (endless hours of sleep were bliss after getting very little!) and I have put on weight. In all seriousness it is about taking one step at a time and so far Mirtazapine has provided more gains in terms of getting me to work in a mood to take on some challenges. If it helps anyone I decided from the start that I would see through the first month as I had nothing to lose (I really felt like I didn't as well).
So, having stuck with it I am now working full hours, gave up smoking many months ago and have just lost six pounds in weight and I am now working to get back to my weight two years ago and hopefully, less than previous (if that happens it happens, one step at a time).

Dubai

08-06-13, 08:54

3 weeks on Mirt.
I’m contributing to this thread to help and to share my experience on Mirt.
Was diagnosed with depression over 3 months ago, my system simply shut down, no appetite and no interest in anything and fatigue was present throughout the day and night. I was prescribed valdoxan as my first AD (I’m not sure it qualifies as one, since it’s just the melatonin) I didn’t take it right away and was very frightened of the idea of taking meds that could alter how my brain works, my condition became bad and I gave in, after one full month of Valdoxan I didn’t feel much better, since my core issue is anxiety and not insomnia. Then came Remeron, started at 15mg for 8 days, experienced all the possible side effects and maybe ones that were never mentioned in the warning leaflet. I did sleep and ate well and started to gain weight, by day 8 I had a huge dip in mood and appetite and my doctor pushed me to 30mg and it has been 11 days since the escalation. I felt my body wasn’t coping well, but it felt a bit different, less sedating, less of everything except an increase of mini panic attacks that are starting to reduce. I wanted to stop on many different occasions, but my doctor warned me that stopping this I will have to be ready for the SSRIs and thanks to this website, I got educated and frightened at the same time of the possible side effects.
I have my up and down days, but I write down my moods almost 3-4 times a day and I compare my progress. I had to go back to work on day 4 of treatment and it was a big challenge.
Remeron has helped me so far, I’m not there yet, but looking back I didn’t expect to be here now.
To all of you reading this hang on and don’t set around waiting for change to take place, take baby steps and try to progress, it’s ok to fail sometimes, but be determined to win.
I will keep updating from time to time and feel free to ask for anything that can help.

Dubai

14-06-13, 17:03

Hello All,

Just to update, I completed 30 days on Mirt. The last week, I have had some joint pain and I wasn't working out. I decided to start working out and I didn't let the pain stop me, to my surprise the pain subsided and I just finished my 3rd workout in 5 days and I feel good. will update soon.

Dubai

16-06-13, 13:41

Hello All,

Had a wonderful day yesterday and a great evening.
Unfortunately today most of my day was plagued with Anxiety. Not trying to frighten anyone taking the meds for anxiety, I have had few days where they didn't do much for my anxiety, but we all differ.

Not planning to quit, let's see what my GP says, seeing him on Wed.

will update soon.

Dubai

20-06-13, 19:43

Hello readers,

Saw my GP yesterday, I was asked to keep taking the 30mg.
I explained to him that my anxiety has been very high and triggered by future events that used to be acceptable and under control. He asked me to use 10 mg of Inderal (propranolol) on need basis. Today again I had severe anxiety around 3pm so I took 10mg and shortly after that I felt ok, but the anxiety was there and I could feelt it. by 8pm I had severe anxiety and again I took 10mg. The past 37 days, I have taken .5 xanax only on 2 occasions. I hope my meds didn't stop working, Remeron has made a huge difference to my depression and anxiety the first few weeks, now I feel depression has between 70%-80% lifted, unfortunately the anxiety is ruining the good recovery I made. I will keep taking Inderal (propranolol) as needed and will update soon.

Coppernob

20-06-13, 19:55

The trouble with mirtazapine, as with some other anti-ds, is that the higher doses can actually cause some level of agitation. In the lower doses they can have a more calming effect on anxiety. I was better when I came down to a 15mg dose and have stayed on that. Although I still have quite high anxiety, it's nothing like it was a few months back.

Dubai

20-06-13, 20:17

for how long you been taking Mirtz? did you reduce from 30 to 15 or reduced gradually? My GP is good yet he lacks some info on the meds which is not great. I dont want to reduce to 15 yet, I feel I need to stay at 30 for a minimum 60 days to get the most of the meds or do you think its irrelevant and I should reduce to 15 or ask my GP about it?

Coppernob

20-06-13, 21:58

I've been on Mirtazapine since last October, I took 30mg for several months - even tried 45mg for a while, but the anxiety got worse. I came back down to 30mg and then 15mg with my doctor's agreement in April I think, and my psychiatrist thought it was a good idea too, but he put me on pregabalin as well for the anxiety, but only on a very low dose of 50mg per day. I'm okay for most of the day, but still very anxious first thing in the morning, and very dopey for a while - simply can't wake up!

Dubai

21-06-13, 11:45

Thank you for the reply. My anxiety is still high. Will hold on and see.

Dubai

22-06-13, 17:07

Mirt has helped my depression in a big way, but the anxiousness continues to be, I keep fighting the urge to take something to calm down, I'm confused with my state, not sure is it agitation or anxiety or both. Mirt has returned my energy, my appetite, my sleep and many other things that combined make me function very well during the day, yet I'm desperate to find something that will reduce the anxiety.

Coppernob

22-06-13, 17:49

Pregabalin has a very good track record and can be taken with mirtazapine. Could you mention it to your doctor? Trouble is, I think it's expensive!

hanshan

22-06-13, 20:56

Pregabalin plus mirtazapine works well for me in controlling anxiety.

Without any insurance rebate, in Australia pregabalin costs about two dollars per 300 mg capsule (= around two dollars US or 1.20 UK pounds - those are very rough figures and actual costs may vary from country to country). My take was that if it works, it's a small price to pay. (This is based on having income from a job. Without that, the cost would soon add up, especially paying for a month's supply in one hit).

Dubai

23-06-13, 13:01

Coppernob & hanshan,
Thank you for the help, I do have a job so expense shouldn't be an issue, I will be seeing my GP 3rd July and I will mention "Pregabalin". I just read a good review on that from http://www.drugs.com/comments/pregabalin/for-generalized-anxiety-disorder.html

My anxiety is lower today and I hope it stays at bay. I'm not keen on adding more meds, but if this returns, then I can't afford being like this especially due to work.

Cheers for now and will update soon.

Coppernob

23-06-13, 16:06

Meds don't cost me anything as I am over 60 and prescriptions are free. But I am aware that there is a cost to my GP's practice, and they have to watch the pennies! One thing I now do, if a tablet turns out not to suit me, instead of chucking the remaining ones away I send them to a charity called Inter Care Africa which puts them to good use.

Dubai

24-06-13, 15:06

Coppernob, that's a good gesture from you to save your meds and donate them.

Today I had a major meeting and I felt a bit tense so I took 10mg of propranolol and all went fine, in such situations I used to take xanax, but my GP advised that Propranolol could also do the trick. I did feel a bit slow 2-3 hours later. Who said life was easy, but we have to do what we have to do to survive, its a jungle in the work force and you have to be strong to survive.

Dubai

26-06-13, 14:14

Hello all,

Just to update, 42 days on 30mg, the anxiety is somehow reducing through positive thinking "if that really works". I take my meds a bit late 10pm and sleep by 11 or 11.30 and wake up by 8 or 8.30 been on such timing since the beginning. I still feel tired during the day and worse after lunch, by 5pm the mood is better. sometimes slightly dizzy, I dont get the urge to sleep during the day. I dont know how long this tired feeling will last.

later x

Sophiaaa

02-07-13, 19:43

I'm currently withdrawing from sertraline and just started taking mirtazapine for the past week.
I'm getting terrible brain zaps and feel lethargic all the time.
Same as a few people on here i'm sleeping like the dead but my head is really bothering me, it's so uncomfortable :(
Going to stick to them a few more weeks and will let people on here know how it goes...

Sophia

Mark13

03-07-13, 14:06

I'm getting terrible brain zaps and feel lethargic all the time.
Sounds like you're suffering from discontinuation syndrome from the sertraline and the start-up side effects from the mirtazapine.

That's the problem with cross-tapering or coming off a drug quickly.

Both symptoms should soon pass.

Best of luck.

Dubai

03-07-13, 14:08

Hello Sophia,

Give it some time & I hope all goes well.

49 days since started Mirtazapine, I must say the past few days have been great, my mornings are a bit slow, but I no longer have that awful feeling when I wake up, by 11 It feels as if I'm almost there and by early evening the feeling and the optimism that I have makes me confident of the progress.

Best wishes to all.

Pammyj69

04-07-13, 13:35

Hi I have been on 15mg of mirtazapine for a month now and I sometimes feel spacey and and I shake more and have had more
anxiety attacks since I've been on these tablets.
Does anyone else have the same feelings.?
I also find if I don't go straight to bed after taking mirtazapine I feel
like vomiting.

Dubai

04-07-13, 14:38

As for the anxiety, I'v had it after the first month now and then and it did get bad for few days but that reduced. feeling spaced out is a common side effect. I never experienced any side effect after taking Mirtz except the sedation and hunger. Give it more time, there is a big difference for me since my first month, I'm just few days passed the 6 weeks.

Dubai

06-07-13, 14:16

52 days on 30 mg, depression has lifted, I have energy and inner calmness, was declared in Remission by my GP and must continue the meds for 6-12 months. remaining side effects, huge appetite and sleeping a lot.

will update soon.

Madness69

07-07-13, 13:01

I'm on 45mg now, wierd dreams after reaching max dose on Monday. Not too tired through the day however I am starting to retain water and my feet /ankles swell after standing too long :mad: Don't know whether to persevere and see how it goes or go back to doctors.

Dubai

08-07-13, 17:48

I hope you are feeling better today. I have read about the swelling in many different posts, some have given up on the due to the swelling and some have continued and the swelling reduced.

Dubai

09-07-13, 17:34

last night and all of today I been having pain in both knees.

Dubai

09-08-13, 15:08

Day 86 on 30mg, After few good weeks, I'm experiencing a sudden dip in mood and energy that has been lasting for few days. I'm unable to attribute it to anything going on in my life. I hope the meds didn't stop working.

doobiesis

12-08-13, 11:33

I have just come off Citalopram and gone onto Mirtazapine 15mg, I've had the dizziness, foggy head etc which I can cope with. What I can't handle anymore is the anxiety and anger I feel pretty much all the time. Going back to doctors next week in the hope she can help me.

Coppernob

12-08-13, 11:53

I am taking mirtazapine 15mg but I'm also now taking pregabalin, and it is that which has tackled the anxiety and lifted my mood. I'm only on 75mg pregabalin but it has helped enormously. Mirtazapine gave me my appetite back and made me sleep, but it did nothing for the anxiety. But some people find it helps.

Dubai

11-10-13, 08:49

I post in here so we don't loose such a great source of info.

mbs234

25-10-13, 18:40

So I am having the side effect of eating and eating and eating!!! Anyone have any suggestions on an appetite suppressant I can take to counteract the med?

Coppernob

25-10-13, 18:48

Hi
It had the same effect on me at first, but as I had had no appetite it was a relief to be hungry and I just gave in to it - I think that's probably what your body needs at the time. It had no effect on my weight for a while, but then the pounds began to creep on. By the time I had put on nearly a stone I managed to put the brakes on by joining Slimming World and it's such a good diet because you can eat loads of things freely that I managed to lose most of it. Then i went on a 24-night cruise and put 4½ pounds back on. Just beginning to work on that now.

You will be able to curb it, but whatever you do don't try to cut down too much, that will do you no good at all. Try SLimming World.

hanshan

26-10-13, 11:01

Hi mbs,

As an appetite suppressant, I try to eat fruit like apples and mandarin oranges, and salad vegetables (carrot, cucumber, lettuce, shredded cabbage, etc) with a low calorie dressing. These foods contain lots of fibre to fill you up and reduce appetite without adding a lot of calories.

Coppernob

26-10-13, 12:06

Pears are good! I'm totally into Rocha pears at the moment.

Pearldrop

28-01-14, 11:40

Hi,
Been struggling 14 years on and off paroxetine (suffering from depression, social anxiety, sleeping disorder) and after getting hypomanic while reinstating paroxetine last year and severe sleeping problems (3 hours/night) I'm on mirtazapine (15mg/day) since about 2 months. It immediately improved my sleep and finally calmed my mind down but now I suffer from extreme fatigue. My limbs feels very heavy (not only from weight gain), I can hardly get out of bed in the morning and in the weekends I cannot resist the urge to take a nap in the afternoon and still I am tired. In the evening this gets a little better but then it is already time for the next dose...
Although my depression has lowered from very severe (42 on HAM-D) to moderate (18 on HAM-D), still I feel lethargic and do not really enjoy life.
I am on rTMS treatment and neurofeedback too. Had 10 sessions.
What else can I do to regain my energy? Should I add something to the mirtazapine or will this side effect wane after a couple of months?

Coppernob

28-01-14, 11:52

Hi Pearldrop

I'm on 15mg mirtazapine, originally on 30mg, and it immediately improved my sleep and gave me my appetite back, but after putting on weight and feeling dopey I cut the dose down myself to 15mg. I'm still very sleepy and low first thing in the morning, but better as soon as I get up and get going.

What really improved things dramatically was going onto a very low dose of Pregabalin (100mg) as well - really gave me my life back, all my enthusiasm and energy returned.

But I still struggle in the mornings - would love to come off mirtazapine but afraid I won't sleep without it!

Definitely recommend pregabalin.

hanshan

28-01-14, 13:05

I'm also on the mirtazapine/pregabalin mix, and it works for me. However, although I don't feel tired during the day, I can easily log up ten hours of sleep at night. There are other ADs that can be combined with mirtazapine - you would probably need the advice of a doctor who specialised in this area.

Pearldrop

29-01-14, 17:30

I read that pregabalin can cause fatigue on its own. How is it possible that the combination with mirtazapine gives more energy?
I forgot to mention that i also suffer from DP

---------- Post added at 18:30 ---------- Previous post was at 18:24 ----------

Today i didnt go to work because i was too tired. I stayed in bed more than 12 hours... And i dont have the nrg to go to the gym... Feel like shit

Coppernob

29-01-14, 18:41

I don't know how it works, Pearldrop, and I guess it's not the same for everyone. I'm only on small doses of both drugs. What happened when i went onto pregabalin was that I regained my interest in all the things I'm normally involved in, which all helped to calm the anxiety because I had other things to think about.

You may feel very tired and washed out in the early days of mirtazapine, but that should wear off. I could still stay in bed even longer than I do in the mornings if I let myself - I just drag myself up, drink a cup of coffee and once I'm in the bathroom I begin to feel better.

So sorry you're feeling so lousy - hope you feel better soon.

Pearldrop

30-01-14, 12:50

My social anxiety isn't very bad, it has only little influence on my social life. But the past 3 years my depression got worse and worse. Since 2 months I am on mirtazapine but still feel tired all the time. When does it wear off? Tomorrow I will see my GP. I will ask him about pregabalin but he is not the kind of doctor that likes to experiment with medication.

Coppernob

30-01-14, 18:50

Bonnibelle

31-01-14, 07:45

I've been on 7.5mg since last May. I was too scared to jump to 15mg as I've had bad reactions to meds in the past. 7.5 worked well, I slept great so I felt much better. Then 7/8 weeks ago I increased to 15mg, my gp recommended I did as my anxiety had become much worse.

In the last couple of months I suffer from occasional bouts of agitation. Well I'm not snappy or moody but inside I feel restless in my limbs, chest and stomach feel tight and my head panics I'm going to lose control and lash out. Is this just anxiety? My gp said it's anxiety and not Mirtazapine. I've just never suffered from it before.

Before Christmas I was really ill with anxiety and intrusive thoughts that crippled me. I sat crying and shaking all day, my husband had to work from home I was so scared to be alone. I'm told I'm so much better now and less scared and the mirt has helped with that so I'm worrying if the 15 isn't agreeing with me I may have to reduce back to 7.5:(

I started with intrusive thoughts in November about hurting myself or my children which hit after reading too much online. I was diagnosed with gad and OCD. The thoughts terrified me. I still suffer from them daily so the mirt hasn't helped with them. Can mirt cause intrusive thoughts or should this be put down to just anxiety?

I'm told at 15mg I'm fine and the agitation feeling is anxiety, if it were mirt related apparently it would be constant. Is that right?

I panic because my intrusive thoughts can be about hurting my kids or myself so when I get agitation I get so scared and often panic :(

I know my gp won't want me to reduce as I've calmed so much, I started mirt for anxiety. It's just worrying me if it's making me feel worse:( I feel quite numb emotion wise which I know is pretty common with anti Ds, which I also hate:/ but it's not too bad.

Any advice appreciated.

Coppernob

31-01-14, 09:27

You need specialist help with your intrusive thoughts and anxiety - it would be wrong for anyone on here to try to diagnose the problem. Mirtazapine certainly does not suit everyone but you got on with okay for quite a while. I think it is really more an anti-depressant than an anti-anxiety drug.

Pregabalin is very good for general anxiety disorder for lots of people.

It sounds to me as if you need more specialist help than your GP - are you seeing anyone else?

Chris

Bonnibelle

31-01-14, 10:57

Yes, I have been assessed by the mental health team and told I have general anxiety and OCD, the OCD is the intrusive thoughts. I have been told it is anxiety causing the intrusive thoughts and they have become obsessive.

I'm not asking to be diagnosed, I have already been diagnosed but I was just wondering about the agitation side being part of mirtazapine. It probably is just the anxiety causing it. I am only on 15mg and was told that dose is good for anxiety. I can't take other anti depressants, that is why I am on Mirtazapine.

hanshan

31-01-14, 13:05

My take with increased anxiety and the like when taking a medication to treat anxiety is that there is (1) a greater chance that it is still due to the illness, and (2) a lesser chance that it is due to the medication. Lesser, but still possible - you have to weigh up the odds.

However, just because a side-effect is uncommon doesn't mean you won't get it.

If I don't fall asleep immediately, Mirtazapine causes restless legs and hypnic jerks (like whole-body mini-shocks) for thirty minutes or so. These side-effects are very routine and predictable for me, even though they don't rate very high in patient information.

Bonnibelle

31-01-14, 13:20

I think it is likely it is due to the illness/anxiety as I don't have the agitation all of the time, it just affects me a couple of times a week really, and usually in the evenings. My GP thinks the fact it isn't constant it is unlikely to be the mirtazapine.

I have been fine on mirtazapine, the only side effects I had on start up and increase is that I was very drowsy and had a huge appetite. Both of those have worn off. I love the fact it helps me sleep, it is worth taking it for that, although it has helped my anxiety a little.

Coppernob

31-01-14, 15:44

Yes, that's why I stay on mirtazapine too - I'm terrified of going back to not sleeping! What I hate are the dreadful mornings, dopey and tearful. I definitely blame that on the mirtazapine, because it's an effect I get with all anti-depressants. I can't take any others either, and I really don't feel I was or am suffering from depression, but anxiety, which is probably why the pregabalin has made such a difference to me.

Mirtazapine gave me a huge appetite too, and I put on nearly a stone. I'm going to Slimming World now and gradually losing it, but I'm still hungry! I have the same problem as Hanshan too, if I don't drop off straight away I toss and turn and get quite wound up and that can last for an hour or more. I'm trying taking my drugs at different times to see if I can sort this problem out.

Good luck, I hope things improve for you soon.

Pearldrop

31-01-14, 16:30

Perhaps it is the depression that is making you tired all the time, rather than the drug? It may you need a higher dose. 15mg is a very small dose, most people are on 30 or 45mg. Good luck with your doctor - GPs aren't always the best source of help for depression.

Chris

I dont hink so, even while i was depressed, i had more energy than now. I feel completely lethargic. Last night slept 10 hours, took a nap in the afternoon and still feel like a sack of potatoes. Gp sent me for blood test now to exclude things.

---------- Post added at 17:28 ---------- Previous post was at 17:24 ----------

Could upping the dose help? I read that it affcts different neurotransmitters when the dose is upped. The only thing that holds me back is the fear of addiction and withdrawal while tapering

---------- Post added at 17:30 ---------- Previous post was at 17:28 ----------

Actually i'm getting depressed because i am not able to deploy activities

Bonnibelle

31-01-14, 16:46

Thanks Copper.

How long have you been taking it? I have found the drowsy feeling in the morning has worn off now, well pretty much. I can't take it in one go either at night, i have to do half at 9 and the other half an hour later, I don't know why but taking a full one makes me feel awful the next morning, strange lol!

I have some weird dreams, i am always dreaming about celebrities. One night I was kissing Harry Styles ?? (nightmare) and the next night I was on a plane to Australia and Chris Evans was flying it. Always an adventure ;-)

Coppernob

31-01-14, 19:17

I was told by the psychiatrist I see at the clinic that the lower doses of mirtazapine can cause more sleepiness than the higher ones and are therefor possibly better for anxiety as it helps to relax you more. So it may be that a higher dose would be better for you.

Bonnibelle

01-02-14, 07:24

Probably but I don't mind that it makes me sleepy as that's why they put me on it because I wasn't sleeping. The higher doses I've also been old aren't great for anxiety, so I'm happy to stay on the lower dose.

Coppernob

07-02-14, 15:46

Oh poor you! Your GP hasn't helped you at all has he - I've had the same experience with a GP telling me the very worst scenario! Not a mental health issue, a physical one, resulting in me spending weeks panicking unnecessarily until I could have hospital tests (which proved negative and were in fact totally unnecessary in my case).

I really shouldn't take it too seriously, if he says he doesn't want to see you for a month then it doesn't sound as if he's really worried. If he thought you were remotely likely to do something dangerous he would want to see you much more urgently. But I know it's especially frightening when you have young children and you don't feel you can trust yourself - wouldn't your MH team be much more help with this situation?

Coppernob

07-02-14, 16:26

If it's any help, when I was at my very worst about 18 months ago, kept trying different drugs and they all made me feel dreadfully ill, I totally lost it one day, my skin was crawling and I was crying and hitting myself and my husband took me to A&E. They were absolutely fantastic, I couldn't have had better care, they were so kind and understanding and a mental health nurse spent ages with me. She was the best person I ever saw. They then referred me urgently to the mental health clinic (who haven't been nearly so good!)

But it's just to say don't hold back from going to hospital if you really feel scared of what you might do. It really helped me. Though I suppose it depends where you live and what your local A&E is like! I live near a fantastic new huge hospital with all the linked services in place.