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Mental health

Mirtazapine

16 replies

calmday · 04/04/2017 17:14

Hi there, is anybody on mirtazapine? What's your experience of the drug?
Also what dose are you on?
I've been on it for a month, I'm on 30mg now. I was doing well until the last few days when the anxiety started to come back. Phoned my CPN to see about an increase but she says not just now cos my psychiatrist is on holiday.
Thanks

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calmday · 04/04/2017 18:24

Bump

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wfrances · 04/04/2017 18:26

i can only take 7.5mg have tried countless times to up to 15 mg and i get really agitated ,panicky and paranoid.
i don't think i get a therapeutic dose, but it does help with my insomnia.
im going to try amitriptyline along side.

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UnbornMortificado · 04/04/2017 18:29

I had to come of it due to anxiety, I've heard a few similar stories. I went from 15 to 30 to 45, I don't know if there is anything scientific behind it but I personally found it only effective for about a year.

There is other options if your really struggling your CPN should be able to get you in to see a different doctor while yours is away.

Sorry your struggling anxiety is shite.

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FruitCider · 04/04/2017 18:38

In terms of efficacy as an antidepressant, it's really not that great and there are others that have proved better at clinical trial e.g. sertraline, citalopram.

However mirtazepine very good at 2 things in particular - increasing appetite and inducing sleep. That's why it is often used to treat anorexia/depression induced insomnia.

Hope that helps!

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calmday · 04/04/2017 18:42

Thanks for your replies. Yeah having anxiety is awful. I've been a bit better today though, and I wonder if it's cos I missed last night's dose and took it this morning instead. Do you think it would be alright to change to taking it in the morning instead? I asked my partner and he just said "take it in the evening like you're bloody well prescribed"!
Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

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UnbornMortificado · 04/04/2017 18:43

I found that Fruit. Everyone reacts differently to different antidepressants but when I was on mirtazapine I was put on another (citalopram) at the same time as it didn't seem to manage my symptoms by itself.

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wfrances · 04/04/2017 18:47

i was told to take it just before bed as its sleep inducing for me.
i have lack of appetite and insomnia so as pp said that's why i was prescribed it.
do you find you sleep after taking it?
have you put any weight on?

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CountryCaterpillar · 04/04/2017 18:48

I wouldn't take it in the morning, it was an incredible sedative at 15mg for me.

I didn't get anxious but I was soooo bloody and just wanted to sleep/do nothing. I have cfs anyway so it's hard to know what is that and what was the drug but decided to wean off it.

I love how it's affect on my sleep, which had been disturbed for years. Lovely sleep. Not sure it affected my mood. I should have done a mood diary on it.

I am eating. I already have BED!!! Doctor thought if other issues got sorted I might binge less, so I tried it. I ended up doing nothing at all. Or sleeping.

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calmday · 04/04/2017 18:56

I just feel so much better today so I'm thinking it might suit me to take it in the morning instead. I don't find it sedated me, although I think it makes it easier for me to fall asleep. No I haven't put any weight on since I've been taking it, I stood on the scales today to check. Luckily it doesn't increase my appetite either.

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UnbornMortificado · 04/04/2017 19:02

If the sedation doesn't affect you and it's helping you I can't see it hurting till your Dr comes back. Although it might be problematic if you drive.

My DH takes one of his antipsychotics on the night instead of the morning as he couldn't deal with the restlessness it caused. That was ok'd by his psychiatrist.

Your CPN might be able to advise better.

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calmday · 04/04/2017 19:14

Yeah I think I'm gonna try it. I'll give my CPN a call in the morning. Thanks for the advice Smile

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CountryCaterpillar · 05/04/2017 22:01

Did you call your cpn?

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calmday · 06/04/2017 14:06

Yeah she said it's fine to take in the morning

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CountryCaterpillar · 06/04/2017 16:41

Yay well done. Hope it works for you. I've been cutting down mine as.it was making me overly sleepy/zombie in the day. Last night was first night without anything and I couldn't sleep!! Grrr
If I could have the nighttime sedative effects without the daytime groggy I'd love it.

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UnbornMortificado · 06/04/2017 16:47

Pleased your CPN ok'd it.

Are you feeling any better?

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calmday · 07/04/2017 12:06

I'm still feeling a bit low and anxious unfortunately

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