Insatiable appetite
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi everyone. First post here.
I've been on Mirtazapine (Avanza) since November 2015. And Venlafaxine (Effexor) since January 2017.
The Avanza started at 15mg for the first year and is now at 30mg. The Effexor started at 37.5mg, then 75mg and now 150mg. Both taken once daily.
Over the last year, I've gained about 25kg (55lbs) I went from 70kg to 95kg. Due to the never ending hunger. I crave food 24/7. Mostly carbs and sugar. This has caused even more anxiety and depression, due to the obvious weight gain. I can't fit any of my old clothes. I have stomach and back rolls. I feel uncomfortable in my body.
I have tried exercising. Meal replacement shakes. Hunger reduction pills. Nothing will work.
I think Mirtazapine is the problem. Has anyone else experienced this?
Can I stop the Avzana and keep taking Effexor to maintain my mental health and lose weight?
0 likes, 12 replies
dee61180 newmind
Posted
Hi
I would not take Mirtazapine again due to weight gain. I have heard this comment so often about this horrible drug. please try something else if you can. Good luck.
Dee
newmind dee61180
Posted
I think you've misunderstood my post I'm already taking Mirtazapine and Venlafaxine. I'm wanting to stop taking Mirtazapine so I can lose weight.
Sadiejayne newmind
Posted
Personally speaking my weight gain first became a problem with the VENLAFAXINE! I gained 3 stone in as many months back in 2005 when i started on the VEN. I started on MIRT in 2015 and yes, I agree that's when i noticed insatiable appetite, particularly late at night. I have now been off MIRT for the past 5 months (still on VEN) and have lost a little weight.
newmind Sadiejayne
Posted
Do you still have late night hunger / cravings while only on Venlafaxine?
That's what is my biggest problem. I am starving at night and binge. I can't stop myself
sarah24378 Sadiejayne
Posted
how was coming off mirt ?
i am coming off atm. did you get any withdrawals ?
Sadiejayne sarah24378
Posted
Not gonna lie it was quite difficult at times. The first bit was easy. It took me about six months to get from 30mg down to 6mg. Then two YEARS from 6mg to nil. I had a few false starts with terrible anxiety and paranoia type symptoms while withdrawing. The only way I managed was to get liquid/solution prescribed, and then reduce extremely slowly. I took my last dose (which was so so tiny it was ridiculous!) at beginning of February this year. No more withdrawal symptoms now. I am still on 150mg Ven but hoping to start reducing in the next few months. I had a hysterectomy three months ago so still recovering from that. I am taking some herbal 'tonics' which seem to be helping a lot. Hence I plan to try to get off Ven too but will do slowly. Hoping to lose some more weight eventually.
sarah24378 Sadiejayne
Posted
i have gone from 45 to 7.5 mg over 16 months.
not sure how slow to go now. it has been manageable so far. in alot of ways i feel better than i did on 45.
thinking of taking about 6 months to get off 7.5 mg.
then it will be the ven
how long did the withdrawals last after you stopped and what was the hardest part of the taper ?
Sadiejayne newmind
Posted
hi
The late night cravings do seem to have moreorless stopped thankfully.
sarah24378 newmind
Posted
i am in an almost identical situation.
started mirt on oct 2015 then ven dec 2016
i was on 45 and 150.
i put on about 28llbs.
i also don t think the mirt helps at all i feel quite ill on it. the ven may help.
i have reduced the mirt from 45 to 7.5 over 15 months.
not sure if i will loose weight when i get off it
james87669 newmind
Posted
First question -- what is Avanza (besides a Toyota model) Mirtazapine was marketed under trade name Remeron. Aside from that we all respond to meds in our own way. For me, I have not gained a pound since starting 15mg then to 30mg plus 10 mg escitalopram over three years ago. Just watch your calorie intake and maintain an exercise routine.
newmind james87669
Posted
Avanza is just another brand name of Mirtazapine. It's the same thing.
Thanks for your response. But I'm actually looking for people who are on the same medication combo as me.
karen_57593 newmind
Posted
Yes me one word huge that's what happened too me. I'm on mitrazapine 15mg for sleep mostly n anxiety and 267mg of venlafaxine and put on a lot of work a man on this called nigel has helped me so much. I will try and see if he can help you.