Mirtazapine - weight gain!!!!
Posted , 67 users are following.
Hi,
I've never posted on a forum before but wondered if anyone could give me any advise.
I was diagnosed with depression just before christmas, I had quite a traumatic year with a series of bad events occurring, I was also getting married which I think was the only thing keeping me going, looking back now I realise I was slipping into a depressive state for about 2 months before I finally broke. I fell into quite a catatonic state being unable to function at even a basic level, it was as if my brain had just shut down.
The doc started me on sertraline but this made my anxiety so bad that I couldn't even go into my back garden, unable to leave the house or speak to anyone for a month, he then gave me citralopram, this reduced my anxiety but gave me insomnia, so I spent another month sleeping (or rather not sleeping) on my sofa and only getting a few hours of sleep here and there.
So my doc decided to try mirtazapine, my depression has reduced dramatically but I've have gained a lot of weight, which at first I thought was a welcome side effect compared to anxiety and insomnia but now this is really starting to lower my mood again,
When I was at the beginning of my illness and was unable to function, eating didn't even enter my head and I lost around a stone and a half (my usual weight sticks around 10 - 10 1/2 stone) to 9 stone, I looked really unwell at this weight, but since being on mirtazapine I have gained 2 1/2 stone in the first month (I'm into my second month now) and it's just staying there. I have tried changing my diet and exercising but I'm stuck at nearly 12 stone.
I look overweight, none of my clothes fit me and the worse part is that I look 6 months pregnant and because I am only just venturing out again after months of solitude, a lot of people think that I am pregnant and that's why they haven't seen me, I'm struggling to keep my smile and tell people I'm not as I am infertile and this has been one of the issues that led to my depression in the first place.
I'm not sure if anyone can help, I guess I'm just looking for advise on losing the weight or whether I should change my meds (again!!!!)
5 likes, 147 replies
KathyLBM bekstar
Posted
I had to get off it slowly, took several weeks. Since then I haven't gained any more weight, but haven't lost any either. I'm now on a different antidepressant, Bupropion (Wellbutin). It also works well for me but doesn't make me gain weight. Hope this helps.
stacey85540 bekstar
Posted
I have the same issue and am trying anything to stop it but so far nothing has helped. Hardest thing for me is that I previously struggled with an eating disorder where my weight fluctuated between 7 and a half stone and 9 and a half stone. Had not long been at a point where I was maintaining a healthy weight (8 and a half stone) and now after taking mirtazapine for almost 5 months am almost 11 stone. Am so unhappy with my weight now that it's bringing back all of the thoughts of before. Currently live alone and have no one to talk to about it and am at breaking point. If i gain any more weight I genuinely don't know what I'll end up doing but I can't take it and don't want to leave the house anymore
Is it worth continuing Mirtazapine as it did initially help with my depression or is it time for another doctors visit?
stacey85540 bekstar
Posted
I have the same issue and am trying anything to stop it but so far nothing has helped. Hardest thing for me is that I previously struggled with an eating disorder where my weight fluctuated between 7 and a half stone and 9 and a half stone. Had not long been at a point where I was maintaining a healthy weight (8 and a half stone) and now after taking mirtazapine for almost 5 months am almost 11 stone. Am so unhappy with my weight now that it's bringing back all of the thoughts of before. Currently live alone and have no one to talk to about it and am at breaking point. If i gain any more weight I genuinely don't know what I'll end up doing but I can't take it and don't want to leave the house anymore
Is it worth continuing Mirtazapine as it did initially help with my depression or is it time for another doctors visit?
kaz_52274 stacey85540
Posted
amira63330 bekstar
Posted
Groove bekstar
Posted
Hi Bekstar,
I gained 20 lbs on the Remeron that I started in February. My feet and ankles are swollen. I took 15 mgs and now it's at 10 mgs. Still causing swelling and I can't lose weight. I want to stop the meds but it helps with sleep. Waiting to hear back from my doctor.