Medication Options
Posted , 6 users are following.
I'm on 15 mg of Mirtazapine and my doctor would like me to go on an ssri but I've been unable to tolerate any of them so far..
Are there any other options out there, I'm thinking of weening off medication all together but I'm apprehensive because of my depression and anxiety along with insomnia. Any thoughts on what to do going forward as I'm at a lost at what to do.
0 likes, 9 replies
PeterWilde rob03933
Posted
I am no GP. I would reccommend going to see another Doctor, and getting a second a opinion and some advise. Because some Doctors opinions vary.
I have mine appointment in half an hour.
All the best!
rob03933 PeterWilde
Posted
Thanks Peter but I think he's a good doctor it's just been tough for him because I'm so sensitive to ssri medication and I was wondering what other options that there are if you can't tolerate them. The Mirtazapine has helped me sleep better but I have a good bit of side effects from it also which is why he's trying to get me on something else. It's been very frustrating and I'm not sure what I have left to do.
Carolyn431 rob03933
Posted
Be interested to know what people come up with. I'm similar my body just can't seem to tolerate ssri although I previously responded. Has the mirtzapine increased your weight at all. Could doc not give you a higher dose as I've heard it only fights depression at 30mg. I know it's early days bit started sertraline last week and it's causing really bad insomnia which I just can't cope with. Doc said keep on taking them it might go away but nothing offered for sleep apart from a booklet. It's frustrating isn't it this meds game. Let me know how you get on
rob03933 Carolyn431
Posted
I was on 30 mg for a while and just got down to 15 mg 3 weeks ago as I had side effects to deal with such as stomach cramps, tired a lot and I became very reclusive on it. I haven't put on weight but it does make your appetite increase I'm just very health conscious with food and working out. It's very frustrating because I really have no idea what I should do moving forward but I see my doctor today so hopefully we'll finally get a solution. 🙏🏻
Mirtazapine supposedly still helps with sleep at lower doses so you may want to ask your doctor if you can go on a low dose if your insomnia is too bad. Wish you the best of luck in the future Caroline as depression and anxiety really does take over your whole life.
borderriever rob03933
Posted
If you are depressed and you withdraw from your medication you could become very ill. When your GP changes the drug you take try and take it just before bed this should help you sleep.
Before you stop tacking any medications you will need to discuss that decision with your GP. I am looking at your script above and it seems you are in a low dose, forgive me if I am wrong.
Good Luck
BOB
rob03933 borderriever
Posted
Thanks Bob,
I did email my doctor of my decision and I do see him later today. I wish more than anything that I could make the ssri that I take work for me but I'm nauseous have stomach cramps and have brain pressure and dizziness most of the day on a low dose of 2.5 mg. I can't function at work like this and I don't have a choose but to stop taking it for now. Hopefully he'll come up with a solution or have me not take it in the morning anymore but I don't know if such a low dose is kicking my butt if he'll stay with it.
borderriever rob03933
Posted
BOB
johnkov rob03933
Posted
Yes, there are other options out there, but in order to try them you would need to see a consultant / psychiatrist as a GP will not go there, period.
The class of medicines that I have in mind is called irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOi. These were the first antidepressants ever invented and they are still considered to be the most effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety weapon in the psychiatric arsenal. However, if they’re so good, you could ask – why no one prescribes them these days? The answer is related to their dangerous side effects profile, where the simultaneous consumption of a MAOi and cheese, cured meet, yeasts extract or alcohol triggers a potentially lethal reaction (hypertensive crisis). Patients treated with these medicines have to follow a very strict diet and – in many cases – readjust their lifestyles accordingly. Also, the list of other drugs having very serious interactions with MAOi is quite long and includes almost all substances that you can get over the counter. If you think you could trade your eating habits for feeling better, discuss this option with your psychiatrist!
rob03933 johnkov
Posted
Trying not to go there John if possible because of some of the side effects being really bad from what I've read. I'm just taking a week off from anything but the Mirtazapine right now to clear out the ssri medications and might try buspar after I level off just to supplement the Mirtazapine. Thanks for the reply and all the info!