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GAD sufferer in serious trouble with that AND Mirtazapine

Posted , 4 users are following.

Southerena
Southerena

Hi, my story

6 MONTHS AGO I woke up in another terrifying world, the World of an anxiety disorder.

I learned all about this dibilitating disorder but never tried a med route out of it, never even went to doctors. Tried self help and I know the way out is acceptance. I wont go into the details of that if you are a sufferer you will have heard about that. Basically adding fear to thoughts, brought on by a high and prolonged period of stress results in a constantly on adrenaline rush.

The creates an illusion in ones mind, but also the hormone causes all the normal sensations in ones body to become heightened.

So you become normal but with a burned up  nervous sysytem

I am currently in Portugal, getting to see doctor is very hard, so when I was in the UK 2 weeks ago I went to see an old family friend doctor who pratices in my home town. I asked her what she thought was wrong with me and she confirmed I had GAD.

Prescribed Mert. Now all those sensations are terrible and many side effects, what to ?

My wife says I am now a jelly and to use GUMTION AND BRAVERY TO STOP THIS NIGHTMARE

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • clarkio
    clarkio Southerena

    Posted

    Well for a start your wife could be more supportive, telling you to use gumption and bravery is like telling someone with a borken leg to run it off.  GAD robs you off the ability to "just snap out of it", that's the nature of the illness.  Unfortunately I think only someone who has suffered from GAD can really understand what it is like.  I sometime explain it to people as being like when you snag a glass of liquid with your hand and it almost tips over. it's that heart in mouth feeling all day everyday.

    Anyway, that mild rant aside what dosage of Mirtazapine did your GP friend prescribe?  How long have you been taking it? and what are the side effects you are suffering from?

    • Southerena
      Southerena clarkio

      Posted

      15 mg, 15 days

      burning arms, dry mouth, twitching/jerking left arm, possible heightened anx - but since its 24/7

    • clarkio
      clarkio Southerena

      Posted

      Whilst it's little comfort those are all known side effects.  I personally didn't suffer them when taking Mirt but did when taking Citalopram so I can sympathise paticularly with the burning arms sensation (paraesthesia to give it the fancy medical term).

      However you've already been taking ti for 15 days so if you can I would try and give it a while longer.  Mirtazapine normally doesn't start to work to the point you feel a benefit till 3-4 weeks after starting, longer for some people so 15 days isn't really that long (although appreciate it feels like an enternity when each day is a struggle).

      Personally Mirtazapine didn't really work for me in the long run but it does help a lot of people

    • Southerena
      Southerena clarkio

      Posted

      Its very kind of you to reply

      I have real concerns that I might not be able to get this drug here, then what, or maybe the classic what if?

      Getting a suicide thought every now and then too, used to get them in GAD every now and then. They are just stuck anxious thoughts

    • clarkio
      clarkio Southerena

      Posted

      Okay.  If you notice the suicide thoughts getting worse or if you think they are reaching a point where you may try to take your life or harm yourself then you need to see a doctor straight away.  To me there is a big difference between a thought which is basically routed in a "I just want this to stop" as opposed to a "I want to harm/kill myself" type thought.

      Seriously though none of us on this board are experts or, to my knowledge, medically traine.  We just offer opinions and advice as best we can based on our own experiences.  So if you notice the suicide type thoughts getting more frequent or worse you must see a professional staright away.

      There is an acknowledged increased risk in suicide for patient takling ADs within the first few weeks (although it is more prevalent in the under 25s) so no-one is going to laugh at you or accuse you of wasting their time if you do have to seek help.

      Ignore your wife, you need to do what is best for yourself and your long term health.  Anxiety doesn't last forever and it may be this drug is not the right one for you.  I would advise you to try and see a GP or Doctor as soon as possible.

      Regards

  • London_ridge
    London_ridge Southerena

    Posted

    I'm so sorry to hear that you're not feeling good. Remember this won't last forever! You need to see a doctor where you live because going on a medication and then going off will likely make your general anxiety much worse.

    start at the beginning. I know it's hell to see a doctor, but ask around and get someone you can relate too. You aren't alone ...I don't know the percentages but so many people have GAD, and it's increasing each year.

    the mirtazapine helped me with my anxiety and sleeping issues, the down side is the weight gain and my own personal struggle getting off the damn stuff.

    if you are feeling worse on this med, don't just drop it cold turkey wait to you see the doctor  ( or go to an emergency or urgent care )and ask what you might be able to transfere to. I'm sure there is a medication that will help you. Maybe to with a benzo for a short while till you feel settled.

    it is really tricky, this doctor medicine thing.

    i wish you luck and I hope you post your coarse of treatment

     

  • n95192
    n95192 Southerena

    Posted

    In Portugal, you can just go at any time to any public hospital if you have a "numero do utente" and they will see you immediately and refer you to a good GP/psychiatrist. Just register in the ER and they will take it from there. They are good, professional, discrete, and I've had amazing experiences with them.

    If you have private insurance you can go to any private hospital and follow the same procedure. 

    If you don't have these insurances you could still go, and it will cost you around 120EUROs. If you have any suicidal tendencies or thoughts, this is extremely worth every cent. They will help you. Plus, you may get reimburesed later on.

    Don't leave this untreated.  

    • Southerena
      Southerena n95192

      Posted

      Hi

      I stopped taking the meds, going to fix it myself with acceptance. Those thoughts have diminished significantly

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