Anyone else on Mirtazapine?

[Toothache]

I was prescribed them for my general anxiety and insomnia!

I have walked about with a knot in my tummy that feels like I'm either constantly excited about something or dreading something... with nothin particularly to dread or be excited about. lol iykwim?

I started on 15mg at night. That was FAB and the knot disappeared. But came back about 6 weeks later.... so now the GP has doubled the dose to 30mg. I've been on that dose for 2 weeks now and still have the 'knot' the clammy palms etc. Although I am sleeping.

How come the anxiety is still there? Do I need a stronger dose???? And how will I reach a point where I don't need them? Don't I need to deal with the stress that is causing this?

Although I can't see how much of my lifestyle I can actually change.

Any advice would be fab.

OI MUMSNETTERS!! Did I mention that I'm an anxious person??

Medication will only do so much for anxiety.
Ask your GP to refer you to anxiety management classes in your area or ask for CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy.If you feel you have long standing emotional issues, maybe seeing a counsellor might help

Things you can do yourself include cutting down alcohol if you drink to excess, and take plently of exercize (sounds crap, but it's true)

Do you have ant sressors in your life atm?

Do you feel depressed, or is it mainly anxiety?

Tiredlady 0 I definitely drink too much. I always have apart from being pregnant and breastfeeding. Just seems to have been a way of life since Uni... a hard cycle to break.

I'm definitely not depressed though. I had PND after my ds (7) so I know how that feels.
I suppose I do need to learn to manage my stress and anxiety better.... and not have a bottle of wine instead!

But gawd when would I have the time for counselling? Do they do it out of working hours and provide childcare? (only kidding)

Thanks folks.

notnowbernard - I have loads of stresses. Going through a nasty divorce.... H hasn't seen the kids for 3 weeks... he's threatened to take them away from me. But I don't think that stress will ever go away as long as he is alive. Anyone help me with that? ;)

Hmmm, maybe trying to cut down the booze a bit will help (well, it will help!)

NOt sure how ADs will help you, tbh, if you dont feel depressed

What do you think you need the counselling for?

Sorry, X-post!

Wow, you have a lot to contend with

Most work places let people take time off for medical appointments. Nearly all GP practices have a consellor attached to them, so you should get it free, and be able to take the time off work.

If you think you are drinking heavily, then you should consider cutting down. Alcohol can cause depression and anxiety and also reduces the efficacy of any medication you may be taking.

Talk to your GP if you want advice on cutting down

Alcohol.. definitely need to cut down. I know I do.

fingers in ears as she sips gin and tonic<

I have alot of underlying issues that play in my mind and I don't deal with anything. The brave face, professional business woman... efficient mother and party gal.....facade....

H assaulted me. Never dealt with that. I'm holding onto SO much bitterness and underlyling insecurities I'm in danger of turning into a lonely old Spinster! And a monster of a mum that can't seem to enjoy her kids anymore... they feel like a burden most of the time. I LOVE them dearly.... but you know what I mean. I get a few hours freetime a week and cling to it for dear life. If H did his bit then I think alot of my problems would go away..... but he continues to try to scare me, doesn't take his kids when he's meant to, bad mouths me to everyone. Just generally trying to ruin me.

I think I'm probably teetering on the edge, but never ever quite tip over it. I'm not depressed, most of the time I just hold my head high and get on with things... but am I just delaying the inevitable?

tiredlady - I can take time off but I'm self employed so that would come with the added stress of worrying about money... oh and if I look unreliable... they just won't renew my contract. The fickle world of contracting!

I think I need something to help me first before I feel like I can let go of my cheeky wee drink of an evening.... it's like a vicious circle. I sit in the house alone every night.... bored and lonely. 2 babies asleep upstairs from 8pm onwards.

Get yourself to counselling toothache. It sounds as if you are having a hard time, and ?using alcohol to cope/de stress.

As for your problems with your ex - how does he still try and scare you?

Tbh I dont think ADs are going to do anything at all for you, not atm anyway

Do you think you need to 'let go' a bit? Maintaining a facade is exhausting. Is there anyone in RL you can be really honest with?

How much (honestly) are you drinking?

Out of interest - how much do you actually drink?

Oh I've analysed this before... I'm probably drinking between 50-60 units a week. bottle of wine 4 days a week.... and a few drinks after work on a Friday. I know... I'm a clever girl... I know i know i know i know.

He texts me.. from friends phones.... arrived at the house on Sunday morning demanding to see the kids... he pled guilty to assaulting me but was exonerated 6 months later for good behaviour! That was more than 2 years ago now.

I have to pay him off... another stress! I was the main earner and its my house (his name has never been on the mortgage)but coz we were married he was entitled to half the equity at the time of the assault. So I've had to borrow on my house.

Once he signs the divorce papers he won't have that power over me!

Oh dear toothache. I know you know - but 60 units is a FUCK of a lot of alcohol, and is almost certainly having an adverse effect on your mental health (not to mention your physical health). You need to cut down dramatically.

As for your ex. Given that he pleaded guilty, can't you ask for an injunction so he can't just turn up at your house. You could truthfully say that you remain frightened of him. I don't know much about this tbh, maybe you could post this in legal and see if anyone in the know is more helpful

Scary thing is.. in my group of friends...its just normal. In fact I have a couple of friends who are much worse. Going out at weekends clubbing and having complete blanks.

All have very professional successful jobs too.

Yes next move with ex is court. He's just been sent a solicitors letter telling him to stop it...but thats the 3rd.

Your friends may well drink to excess and it be considered the norm, but you can't really do that anymore if you want to lessen your anxiety.There's loads of help out there - GP good first stop.

Hope solicitor's letter does something helpful this time round