Weight gain on Mirtazapine

[Bloom2021]

Hi, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression about 35 years ago and have been taking various medication on and off ever since. I am now taking Mirtazapine after coming off Sertraline gradually. As of next week I will be taking 45mg per day. I have really struggled changing medication and have been on sick leave from work for 3 months. I am trying to stay physically healthy but I have already gained 2kg , I’m really trying to make wise food choices and I swim, walk and do classes at the gym. Please can you let me know your experiences of how to manage weight gain with this drug. I’m now feeling anxious about being overweight and not able to fit in my clothes. Might seem silly but it’s another thing for me to beat myself up about.

Thanks for helping.

B

[Cb1963]

I can't give you any massive advice about how to keep your weight down, however I think your doing the right things by eating healthy and keeping to your exercise routine I also take mirtrazapine 45mg, and I found my weight found its own level, yes I put a few pounds on, but nothing I couldn't handle, and its not altered in many years, so don't get into a panic, these tablets are a great help, and I haven't had to change my wardrobe over for my clothes, they all still fit me 😃

[Bloom2021 in reply to Cb1963]

Thank you for reassuring me, everything is very hard at the moment and it just feels like one more thing to worry about. Still early days for me on this medication and trying to get to grips with all the side effects. Hopefully I’ll feel more at ease with it when I feel some benefit with my mental health. Have a good day

[PastelPink20]

Hi B!

I am also taking mirtazapine 45mg. I noticed, when I was 1st prescribed it, that it did increase my appetite. I did gain weight too! I think for me, the weight gain was at the beginning of the med adjustment.

I’d like to reassure you that changing medication is difficult physically and emotionally!! It’s a lot of change for your body and mind. It’s true that it’s a normal side effect - you’re definitely not alone.

I’d recommend you continue doing the things that you are doing! Make sure you’re taking the medication at the same times. Try to give yourself grace during all this!

[Bloom2021 in reply to PastelPink20]

Thanks so much for your reply, very reassuring to know that things will settle. I feel like I’m on a physical and mental roller coaster at the moment. People look at you and think “well, she looks ok” it’s really hard to share it all with some, especially family sometimes, as they just want you to be ‘normal’. So glad I’ve found this forum and people that understand. Have a good day

[PastelPink20 in reply to Bloom2021]

I am glad I could share my experiences with you. It’s nice to have a place to be honest about how... bad and overwhelming things can be while you’re trying to feel good and be in control and just doing your best.

My family wants me to be normal too. They care about me and they don’t understand. They think I need to be more positive and I am trying.

Anyways, remember to give yourself grace as best you can. I don’t know how long it takes for Mirtazapine to fully be in your system? I’d estimate 4-6 weeks (after you’ve tapered off your other one) to stabilize? Idk.

Keep on keeping on!!! Proud of you for taking care of yourself as you’re prepping to return to work!

[Bloom2021]

Morning P, yes I know what you mean about family wanting you to be normal. It’s quite a lot of pressure. I wrote to my partner to explain all the feelings and how exhausted I feel with it. It’s like this bag of rocks that sometimes just gets heavier. Step by step and day by day. Healing thoughts to you