changing from venlafaxine to mirtazapine and confused

[PumpkinPuddingPie]

I am in the process of changing over medication and can't remember how I was told to do it, google hasn't helped either!
I have tapered down the venlafaxine from 300mg daily to 150mg every third day.
I am feeling decidedly wobbly now. I really don't want to have to go back to the go and waste an appt getting explained to me.can I just start the mirtazapine now or do I have to wait. Sorry this message is so disjointed but my brain hurts!

[AlteredState]

Have you tried ringing your gp? It might be written in your notes what to do and then you wouldn't have to wait for another appointment iyswim.

[PumpkinPuddingPie]

thanks altered, I suppose that would be the most sensible option wouldn't it. I'd just prefer to find out the protocol without the faff of even trying to getting through to the surgery :)

[tabbycat15]

You could always ring a pharmacist & see if they could advise.

[PumpkinPuddingPie]

Thanks tabbycat, hadn't thought of that and a damn site easier to see our pharmacist than to get a doctors appt

[justpoppy]

I would speak to the pharmacist just to confirm. Some psych's do prescribe Venlafaxine and Mirtazapine together tho (V in the morning and the Mirtazapine at night) so I wouldn't see any harm in starting the Mirtazapine right away (especially as you're feeling a little wobbly). Do make sure you take it at night though - about 30 minutes before you want to go to sleep because it will (for the first few days at least) have a very sedating effect.

[PumpkinPuddingPie]

I ended up going back to see my GP, my mood/mental state went downhill very quickly.
As I have had 5 days with no venlafaxine gp said I could start on the mirtazapine today, also have some diazapam to get me through the next few days. I am filled with dread at the children being off school next week :(

[chopin33]

Hi there Pumpkin Pudding pie. I have been on mirtazapine since the end of March and it has done wonders for my mental state. I was on prozac for ages but it stopped working my (new) GP then put on me onto dosulepin which did nothing for me at all so I rang in the surgery at the end of March - this was oh Mauny Thursday and said all the dosulepin was doing was giving me dry mouth and making me go to bed at the same time as my kids - about half seven to eight o clock. I was pretty desperate so he suggested changing to mirtazapine as I say I got the prescription on the Thursday took it on Thursday night - GP's parting words to me were "have a nice Easter and get a good night's sleep " I did not think either were possible as I have been feeling very depressed for so long and not sleeping lo and behold I slept like a baby and the next day Good Friday my kids were off I felt great put in a full day went to church with them went out to soft play came back and made dinner. So I would say go for it it is the best anti d I have been on - it works fast (for me) and no feeling ok one day but bad the next which I have experienced on other anti ds. I did put on some weight I had lost but ate healthy and lost some of it again So I would urge you to give it a try hth chopin