Posted , 8 users are following.
I'm already taking Pristiq however was having episodes of anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia and so my doctor also prescribed me mirtazapine. In some ways it has been a miracle, as somebody suffering from severe social phobia it has helped me to open up a little to the outside world and even attending social outings which is not like me. I feel far less stressed as well. I WISH I could stay on it!
The problem I am having is I've put one a huge amount of weight in the month or so I've been taking it. I've put on at least 7kg but probably more by now, I am visibly much fatter, and being a bit overweight in the first place (and wanting to lose weight) means this far outweighs the benefits. I suddenly have a huge appetite and I cannot control my eating, it is becoming a real problem. I've read people say to get over it and simply control your eating but it isn't that easy, before I even try a strictly healthy diet, I need to get off these pills and give my body a chance to get over these cravings.
My first question is, if I were to stop taking mirtazapine, or even start taking one every 2nd day to eventually taper off, can I expect any awful side effects? I have big exams in a week and I don't want to risk nasty side effects, however I'm really worried I will just keep stacking on the weight even in that short week, I want to get off them ASAP. I haven't been on them all that long so am wondering if I will experience anything bad if I cut back on them. My other antidepressants cause me vertigo if I miss a pill.
Second question, has anyone had any luck with other anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication that helps with general/social anxiety, that does not cause weight gain? I know everyone reacts to medications differently but I'm just interested to see if there is an alternative to mirtazapine without this one (seemingly very common) side effect.
Thanks in advance
1 like, 14 replies
tara6744 thurain
Posted
thurain tara6744
Posted
steve1951 tara6744
Posted
I’ve gained weight on mirtazapine. What is a 5:2 diet?
tara6744 thurain
Posted
tara6744 steve1951
Posted
steve1951 tara6744
Posted
Thanks for answering. I also take 2 other meds for epilepsy and I think they cause weight gain. I’ve asked my Dr. about it, he doesn’t think it does but he doesn’t take these meds. Many people on the web complain of weight gain on these meds. I think they slow down the metabolism and I also think mirtazapine might do the same. I live in the U.S. (CA, sunny, 71F/21.7C) and do not belong to Facebook. I came across this site while looking up mirtazapine. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t found this web as people complained about getting the munchies. I don’t know whether it’s psychosomatic, but I started having a craving for candy or anything sweet with sugar after reading some of these posts. Diet sodas don’t work but I found out a little peanut helps. Part of the problem I have with mirt. is a lack of motivation. I use to force myself to go for a daily 3 mile walk and lost weight. Have to get back into that. Take Care.
tara6744 steve1951
Posted
Very jealous you live in Cali - I live in the South of England where it's currently 6C. The diet's worth a try. I've never been able to stick to diets - just the thought of them and I break them! I definately agree with you - once I think about food or something triggers wanting something I go for it. Search 5:2 diet on the internet - it's been around for a while now so there is a wealth information out there and a few books but once you understand the idea then it's easy to follow (I hope). Good luck!
Nessie91 thurain
Posted
not a good idea to,change the dose before an exam
i'm on 45 Mirtazapine and put on 2 stones in weight in 4 months. It's a sedative antidepressant and so slows down your whole,system.
philip14659 thurain
Posted
pixie22 thurain
Posted
tags66 pixie22
Posted
paula81594 thurain
Posted
tags66 thurain
Posted
Was on venlafaxine which side effects makes you lose weight. Going back to the doctors this week and going ask if I can go back on venlafaxine as well as mirtazapine?
loveta2s thurain
Posted
Join this discussion or start a new one?
New discussion Reply