1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Anxiety Disorders

Mirtazapine and anxiety

Posted , 8 users are following.

BTC
BTC

Hi, for around 7 years I've relied on taking 5mg diazapam on an as and when basis for things like anxiety, panic attacks etc. It's more situational anxiety for me than general or every day. Anyway, last week doc prescribed 15mg mirtazapine and said that would help in terms of always keeping me calm. I've actually started on 7.5mg just to see how I feel. No side effects so far. Sleeping well, don't feel groggy during day and so far no increase in appetite. I'm going to up dose to 15mg tomorrow night. Just wondered if anyone else has similar type anxiety as mine and if this med has helped? Heard lots about weight gain, I haven't felt hungrier yet on 7.5 but maybe I will on 15mg. Is it the med that gains the weight or increased appetite and therefore eating more?

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

Next
  • DR-RAY
    DR-RAY BTC

    Posted

    if it's situational,  get off it. Rely on yourself to relax,   why take poisons?

    • BTC
      BTC DR-RAY

      Posted

      Hi, my doctor prescribed them because I have been developing anxiety for more and more situations so although I'm not anxious every day, I can get horrible panic attacks therefore reaching for the diazepam. I've battled with it for over 7 years so doc would like me to try something to keep me from having panic attacks.

    • lucas68081
      lucas68081 BTC

      Posted

      Hi there. I'm of 45mg and I haven't gained no weight

    • christophe69712
      christophe69712 DR-RAY

      Posted

      I used them for a few months and at the time by coincidence I was doing weight training. I noticed I grew more than normal over same time period, I have no idea why. Im putting it down to the fact there was less stress so less cortisone floating around which inhibits muscle growth, but I just dont know for sure to be fair
    • christophe69712
      christophe69712

      Posted

      This was for what they called "Nervous Exhaustion", It may have helped with that. I did notice however that it did not cure my panic attacks although I was not really in right setting to test it out fully as I had a sick line and rarely left my house

  • Adele62
    Adele62 BTC

    Posted

    Hi, I too was prescribed Mirtazapine for anxiety/panic attacks & also insomnIa. I started off on 15mg about 15months ago, I tapered down to 7.50 as I slowly started to feel better and my sleeping pattern returned. I won't say I'm completely better as I have the occasional bad spell, but just ride the storm until it passes. I also had diazepam as a standby, but rarely took them as I know they can become addictive.

    i can't say that they made me gain weight either, but I have been trying to eat more healthy. I would stick with the 7.5mg if you feel that it's helping you, no point in increasing the dose if you don't have to. Best of luck x

    • BTC
      BTC Adele62

      Posted

      Hi Adele, do you find that 7.5 helps keep the panic at bay? As mentioned I don't get it every day but certain situations that shouldn't make me feel anxious can make me feel panicky. So I'd like that to stop. Doc said 15mg was the lowest dose but if 7.5 works then maybe I should stick at that for now? It's hard to tell as I've only taken for three days so far.....x

  • simoncpz
    simoncpz BTC

    Posted

    The normal dose for mirtazapine is 15 - 45mg, lower doseage is for anxiety disorders, higher doseage is for depression.

    I don't think 7.5mg would have much affect apart from maybe making you feel a little calmer.

    Mirtazapine causes weight gain mainly because people eat more, especially food high in fat or sugar, not everyone gains weight, it depends on the individual and what other medication they are on.

    I think Mirtazapine is a good medication because it helps with anxiety depression and insomnia, most doctors are happy to prescribe it as it is safe and predictable.

    • BTC
      BTC simoncpz

      Posted

      Hi Simon, thanks for that. I don't suffer from depression, just horrible panic attacks in certain situations which then make me want to avoid that situation again or reach for the diazepam to help me stay calm etc. There are now quite a few things that get to me that really shouldn't so I'd like less of the diazepam and more general stability. I'll try the 15mg and see how it goes. I guess the med takes time to build up. Thanks for the advice x

    • simoncpz
      simoncpz BTC

      Posted

      I am pleased that you don't what to rely on diazepam everytime you are going to a situation which may cause a panic attack.

      Also beta-blockers such as propranolol can help with the physical symptoms of a panic attack, but a doctor or nurse will need to take blood pressure and heart rate before you are prescribed them.

    • BTC
      BTC simoncpz

      Posted

      I have asthma so I've been advised against propranolol. Diazepam has been amazing at getting me through things but I guess I've reached the stage where I just want an overall general sense of calm where I don't need to take them very often. Not sure if Mirtazapine can help with that as I've only really just started them and I don't know much about them or other meds. I did try citalopram 7 years ago when it first all began but they made me feel sick and even more anxious. So far no side effects on 7.5mg mirt so will up to 15mg tomorrow which doc recommended and will see how it goes. Hopefully I won't need higher than that since I'm not depressed, more frustrated that I get like this x

  • hannah50210
    hannah50210 BTC

    Posted

    Hi,

    I can't comment much on medication, I have a bit of an irrational fear so I try not to take much, but I suppose it's trial and error until you find the most suitable.

    Your Dr may be able to tell you if a side effect is weight gain 🤔

    • BTC
      BTC hannah50210

      Posted

      Thanks Hannah, I have an appointment with my doc in a couple of weeks so I'll see how things go until then. I'll update on my progress! X

    • hannah50210
      hannah50210 BTC

      Posted

      Yeah do let us know,

      Good luck 🤞🏻

  • Adele62
    Adele62 BTC

    Posted

    I needed the 15mg to start with as my panic/anxiety were through the roof and they definately helped, but I had heard so many horror stories of people trying to get back off them and I spoke with my GP about reducing the dose because I felt ready to do so. I would now like to reduce further until I am completely off them & hopefully I will attempt that soon  x

    • BTC
      BTC Adele62

      Posted

      Hi Adele, thanks for your reply. I guess I just want to try something long term because I've battled with panic attacks for 7 years and though diazepam has been great at helping me as and when, I just want to try and eliminate panic attacks. I might be too hopeful and naive in thinking that mirtazapine could help me not need Diaz so much, but if it does, I think I will probably stay on longer term, so long as I don't start experiencing horrible side effects. That's why I was wondering whether 7.5 might be enough rather than 15mg. I'm glad to hear you have been feeling better, enough to come off them. I wish you all the best with that. If you know you are ready for that then I'm sure you'll be fine xx

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.