Mirtazapine side effects

[MrsGlum]

Has anyone experienced joint and / or tendon problems from being on Mirtazapine?

This seems to have been my major side effect. Aching and clicky feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips plus tendonitis in one of my ankles.

I also seem to have lost the ability to cry. I really want to have a good sob but the tears just don’t come.

I’ve been off it now for a month but still have these effects.

Is it just me?

Bumping for the evening crowd….🤞🏻

I was on a low dose and only really experienced drowsiness straight after dosing in the evening and an increase in appetite. Both of which stopped straight away when I stopped taking it.

My husband took it at the higher dose but couldn't tolerate it for long. His appetite went through the roof and, like yourself, felt emotionally flat. Said he felt an overall sort of apathy/numbness, if that makes sense?? His side effects did take a few weeks to abate but he also switched meds so that makes it a little murkier as to what caused what.

Sorry couldn't be of more help x

I use it. I had headaches, dry mouth, drowsiness to begin with and increased appetite. Now settled down to drowsiness and increased appetite. No increase in the joint/muscular related aches and pains that I suffered from prior to starting Mirtazapine.

@LucieLemon thanks for your reply. Did you go onto anything else after coming of it? If not did you get much in the way of withdrawal symptoms and are you AD free?

@NotMyFinestMoment thanks. I think I’ve must have just had a really bad reaction to it.

I took it for a period of around 6 months at the suggestion of my GP, to help me through a difficult time. My dose was 15mg a night and I stopped completely, no tapering, coming off ADs altogether (again under the guidance of the GP)

I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms but I suppose I was on a lower dose and it wasn't for very long.

My husband switched from citalopram to mirtazipine, then changed again to venlafaxine. Whilst I used it to help me through an acute episode in my life, my husbands indication is to treat his long-standing depression and anxiety. Hence why he switched as oppose to come off altogether.

Thanks @LucieLemon. You’re very fortunate to have had no withdrawal symptoms. I was on 15mg for only 2 months and came off cold turkey due to the horrible side effects. I am having the most horrendous withdrawal. Nearly 5 weeks off and I’ve got awful insomnia, anxiety, palpitations and a general inability to cope with anything.
I think it’s going to take me longer to get over it than I was on it.

Yes that was one of my major symptoms while I took it for 6 months. 1 in 10 will get muscle and joint pain.

I hope the effects start to fade for you soon. I didn't realise going on them what I was potentially letting myself in for, sounds like I was lucky.

I've taken 15mg for 16 years. No joint or muscle pain,no side effects apart from increased appetite really. They have quite literally saved my life.
I've tried so many anti depressants and this one is the only one that's ever made any difference and not given me awful side effects. Citalopram gave me crawling skin and restless legs,so stopped that after a few days. None of the others worked,neither did counselling,CBT or hypnotherapy.
About 8 years ago,I tried to wean myself off them and it was pretty awful. I didn't sleep for days and felt terribly anxious. My Dr said that there was no harm on staying on them long term,and when I've forgotten to drop my prescription in,I have dropped my dose to 7mg to make them last,as it's the not sleeping that I can't cope with,and I've noticed no difference between the effects of 7 and 15mg.
I hope that things improve for you soon.

@YouBoggleMyMind did your pain go away once you came off them?

Thanks @LucieLemon . Yes I think you were lucky. if I’d known what this medication would do to me I’d never have started it. The cons for me have far outweighed the pros. If only I could turn back the clock and never have taken them

I had to stay on them for 6 months minimum so they actually made a difference (which they did thankfully) but my joints did stop aching once I stopped taking them. My appetite settled too. I could eat and eat and eat ALL THE CARBS.
Do give them a little bit of time to work but if the side effects are too much, there are other antidepressants to try, just gotta find the right one for you.

@TheFnozwhowasmirage thank you. I hope so too. It just shows how it can be a wonder drug for some and a nightmare for others

@YouBoggleMyMind it’s good to know your joint pain went after you stopped. I’m already off it because I couldn’t bear the pain, but 5 weeks off and I’m still aching. I hope it will go eventually

How are you now Mrs Glum?
I'm 5 weeks in - as you were when you were posting - and I can completely relate to what you went through. I think I'm looking for some positivity, both for you and for myself. I'm really struggling and wish I'd never taken that first tablet. Reinstating isn't an option as I'm now taking another antidepressant. I hope you have healed