Mirtazapine for depression

[flowerbomb1982]

Hi,

I am wondering if anybody has any experience or advice please.

I have been on Escitalopram 20mg for over ten years. During that time I have had breakthrough depression usually resolved within 2 weeks or so this always happens during the winter months (SAD?). When summer comes symptoms resolve and remain stable on the Escitalopram - I am not numb on it have usual ups and downs eg things that would normally upset me would but I wouldnt spiral.

Since October 2020, I had a blip which worsened and worsened the GP started me on 15mg Mirtazapine to take alongside this has helped with sleep although sleep wasnt a massive problem. But it does not seem to have done much for my mood depression. I stopped taking the 15mg as felt it was hard to get up in the mornings and felt it wasnt helping my mood well after 3 days (had been taking for 9 w) I felt tearful +++ so thought hang on maybe it was working. The GP said I can go up to 30mg - I am going to go up to 30mg but if this does not work I do not know what to do.

Has anybody had no relief for depression at 15mg but suddenly found 30mg helpful for mood.

I really am at a loss I feel tearful very depressed nothing to look forward to (I am sure everybody else in the same boat due to lockdown) but I cant even plan anything or see anybody. All my plans in 2020 got cancelled and things are starting to be cancelled for 2021. I feel like there is nothing.

I am manging to go to work doing bare minimum, but all I want to do is cry, my face aches like im holding in tears. Ive broken down a few times at work. I am on waiting list for CBT, I have people to talk to etc, but nothing takes away this dark horrible feeling.

I am wondering if the Escilaopram has stopped working ? after 10 years plus on this OR my depression has worsened. I have tried in the past to swap from Escitalopram to other medications and failed massively so I am scared to try anything else but scared of being stuck like this also. I agreed to try the Mirtazapine as you can take it along side the Escitalopram hence I wasnt as scared.

Id be grateful for anybody's advice.

Hi OP, I take 45mg of Mirtazapine for depression. I got here through many dosage increases, and I've been at this level for 2 years. Mirtazapine works for me without any major side effects, but I also (now) run 3 times a week, and take cod liver oil suppliments, and I must say both of these add ons made the more noticeable difference. I like to think I wouldn't hav embarked on couch to 5k (running app) without the confidence that the mirtazapine has given me, but who knows! I do know that I am in a better place than I was 5 years ago, overwhelmed by anxiety and hopelessness. Hang in there x

I take 45mg mirtazapine for depression. I was started in 15mg my prescribing doctor said that this dose is generally just for sleep and that I would likely need 30/45mg for an effect on my mood. I have seen some improvements since moving up to 30 and then 45mg but it's not had a significant effect on my mood. We are giving it a few extra weeks but it looks like I might need an additional antidepressant.
I tried mirtazapine previously about 8 years ago, after about 6 weeks of starting on mirtazapine and with one dose increase up to 30mg I was able to return to uni having had 4 months off.
It is generally less sedating at the highest doses too.

Hi I’m on that 45mg. I didn’t really feel a benefit so they added venaflexine. There’s loads of options that your go can have. I’m still waiting for the latter to kick in and if that doesn’t work I’ll try something else. There’s always something that can be done