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Could mirtazapine have stopped working after 3 years?

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evergreen
evergreen

Sorry posted this in the wrong section at first, so apologies to anyone reading a duplicate thread.

I have been really happy on this drug for three years now and envisaged staying on it for ever because it suited me so well. I was on 15mg at first which stopped working after a few weeks and then went up to 30mg which I have been on for three years. My depression has been controlled and I was sleeping really well. Before the mirt, I had to take temazepam every night, but for the past three years I have only had to take it once a fortnight or so, but it is very difficult to get doctors to prescribe it now. Anyway, I have suddenly stopped being able to get to sleep. I have frequent need to urinate and my heart is beating too fast when I can't sleep. This used to be only a couple of nights a month, now it is every night virtually. Also, my depression and anxiety have suddenly worstened.

Do you think the mirt has stopped working? I am reluctant to up the dose if it is going to poop out again, as it will make it more difficult to withdraw from it should I need to. Has anyone else been on this drug long term and had similar experience? I have a doctors appointment a week tomorrow, but was wanting to hear others' experiences before I go. Thanks.

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  • Mermaid3011
    Mermaid3011 evergreen

    Posted

    Oh dear Evergreen, I am so sorry to hear this. For me Prozac pooped out after 7 years. The last year I think it was more a placebo than anything else.

    There are a few alternatives to Mirtazapine (apart from Trintellix/Brintellix that I talked about in the other post). 

    I believe Mirtazapine can either be substituted by an anti depressant or by a moodstabilizer like trazodone, lithium or such. There are so many meds that are successful being used "off label" that your pdoc (if he/she's any good) can suggest an alternative. 

    And if you switch from one med to another the withdrawal from Mirt might actually not be that bad! I havent felt anything negative since last week. From 15mg to zero, but subbing with Trintellix.

    Maybe you can also just add an anti anxiety medication that keeps you a bit down. I really like the Clonazepam I"m on. It doesnt make me sleepy. Just gives me a bit more clarity and a calm sense of "think first, then do". smile

    Hope you find the right mix soon!!!

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