Mirtazapine

[Jingyd]

My GP has prescribed me 15mg of Mirtazapine but I haven't taken it, I have had them a week but too scared to start. I am scared because 9 years ago I tried an SSRI medication for anxiety but had a nasty reaction. This year I was given Dosulepin a trycyclic anti depressant and it caused a very fast heart rate. I now am terrified of taking new medication.

Can I ask how you felt when starting it and did it help with PTSD/anxiety? I am suffering from PTSD, anxiety and agoraphobia.

 

[Only 1 of me]

I've been on mirtazapine for many months now and personally I find it helps me get to sleep and I do feel it keeps my moods more steady. I started on 15mg and increased gradually to 45mg which is an effective dose. Definite side effects of sleepiness which is a bonus for me and I take it at night time to help me get off to sleep. Also known side effect of making you crave carbs and sweet things.

When I went onto mirtazapine I couldn't eat as I was having panic attacks around having things in my mouth. After a week or so on mirt plus strong doses of anti anxiety I wanted to eat and was able to. If you are concerned then talk to your doctor about your worries re side effects and previous problems. I have found it very helpful myself. Good luck.

 

[Barberian]

It's one of many I've tried, didn't really work for me. No bad reactions with it for me.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Mirtazapine isn't an SSRI. It's in a different class as it works on different receptors.

I've been on it twice. The first time it was a miracle drug for me. The second time it was the drug from hell.

Give it a chance. It could really help!

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

I was on it for three months; I just got off of it. Positives: I did get good sleep without feeling foggy when I woke up. It did help with the anxiety.

Bad news for me though: I gained almost 30lbs in 3 months. Weight I couldn't afford to gain.

Definitely weigh yourself regularly. I'm in my forties and, although I don't have a completely sedentary job, my options for keeping super active are limited. Since weight is harder to lose once one gets older, I decided it wasn't the best option for me.

Good luck!

 

[Jingyd]

Thank you all.

I know it isn't an SSRI but I guess having the nasty reaction to an SSRI, then the tryciclic causing a fast heart I am scared of any new medication.

I am 33, I weigh just over 7 stone, I have been gaining weight recently as I used to be underweight, I have always struggled to gain but it seems not anymore so the weight gain does concern me a little bit. I am not very tall, only 5ft so gaining 30lb really would make me look very over weight and I wouldn't be comfortable with that. I am not very active with battling agoraphobia either so I'm not sure how I could make sure I exercised enough.

 

[kitty_B]

Jingud
I'm just about to change to Mirtazapine from Amitriptyline and was about to post asking what people think of it, so it was nice to already find this one. I've found that on Amitriptyline I've had awful mood swings which have almost caused my partner and I to break up. I've got to take half the dose of Ami for the next week then start on the new meds. I'm really hoping that my moods will stabilise and the nightmares will go.

I am also nervous of changing medication as the last time I changed it caused all sorts of problems, but I know that I must to sort myself out.

I hope things get better for you.

X

 

[Jingyd]

Thank you Kitty. I was on Dosulepin which is the same family of drugs as the one you are on now, it made me feel awful, I had a very low mood and thoughts, it also made my heart race.

I hope you get on well with the Mirtazapine, let me know how things go for you. Good luck xx

 

[Jlso111187]

With me when I was on Mirtazapine I did not feel like a human at all I felt like a Zombie. I didn't even leave my room to get food, I barley ate and when I did it was my husband bringing me food into my room and forcing me to eat it. I didn't watch t.v., or even go on the internet. I was shut off from the world and even my family. I was to scared to even go to the bathroom because that meant I had to leave my room. My husband finally said enough and flushed them down the toilet.

But other medications have helped me with no side effects at all. You just have to find one that works for you.

 

[Deleted member 20072]

I was on it for years until I got pregnant. It definitely helped me sleep and stopped nightmares and really dreaming at all. I would still be very groggy in the am though but after a good coffee and a smoke I'd come back around. Didn't see much improvement with panic attacks though. I took Ativan through the day for that.

I found it helpful.