Alternatives to Mirtazapine

[Rubywednesday]

Hi, I've taken mirtazapine in the past and it was by far the best anti-depressant I've ever taken but I couldn't handle the weight gain (2 stone in a couple of months). Does anyone know if there's a similar drug that doesn't cause the weight gain (and preferably no/few other side effects). I'm currently on Duloxetine and really struggling with the side effects including increased suicidal ideation. I've also heard that duloxetine is one of the worst drugs to come off of due to it's short half life (12 hours) which worries me. I'm still waiting on a psychiatric appointment which obviously I would need to get him to sanction changes to my meds.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received or anybody's experience of taking mirtazapine long term would also be helpful.

Thanks, Ruby x

[Megapanda]

I took Sertraline I didn't get any weight gain with that but was only on it for a month so I don't know long term effects in regards to weight gain as It is a listed side effects . Unfortunately side effects are common with antidepressants and you won't find any with zero side effects . However you should be able find one with minimal side effects and they some will reduce after a few weeks . I think really trial and error with antidepressants as they effect people different . I hope you don't have to wait long for you psychiatric appointment , it's definitely worth mention . Sometimes it takes several attempts to find a suitable medication . It can be a long journey but once you find the right one it's definitely worth it .

[Rubywednesday in reply to Megapanda]

Thanks megapanda, I've tried loads of ADs in the past, I've managed to google mirtazapine and didn't realise it's a tetracyclic medication. I've not tried sertraline so I'll google that, unfortunately my diagnosis has changed from bipolar to borderline (which I disagree with) but I may end up on the wrong medication as my new psychiatrist says I was misdiagnosed bipolar and many ADs invoke mania. I think they're all quacks! Thanks again. Ruby x

[Megapanda in reply to Rubywednesday]

I am not sure if seterline works for bi polar disorder . What happened with the other ADs ? Did they just not work or did you have other side effects ?. If you don't happy with your psychiatric you can ask for a second opinion . I know the mental health service is serious struggling . Or if they prescribe you different medication it might work as often they work for more than one condition

I hope you find a solution soon .

[Rubywednesday]

The side effects with some were awful, some didn't work, if I can't find anything else Prozac worked quite well, I've tried a couple of quacks, they're all bastards and tell my GP loads of lies, ie one halved my AD and antipsychotic and said I was doing really well on the reduced medication, when in actual fact I was in tears and he said I was depressed, a few weeks later I was in intensive care. I effing hate the lot of them. I'll goggle sertraline tomorrow, thanks Ruby x

[Megapanda in reply to Rubywednesday]

Oh that's pretty rubbish , sounds like you been given the run around . Is it possible to switch and go to a different practice ? I hope you get the help you need.Take care 🐼

[moggie8]

I think Lexapro

[Joeyman]

Hello Ruby, I am facing a similar issue as yours. Since being started on fluvoxamine, I have turned into a baby elephant! The interesting thing is my diet hasn't changed drastically before or after starting the medication. So logically it looks like the drug is responsible for my weight gain. I have to admit that my mental health was a complete shambles before being prescribed medication. Fluvoxamine has improved my mental health to such an extend that I am so so grateful! I am glad that my mind is in a healthier place now as I am continuing my medication. I am trying to accept the fact that society is going to label me as 'fat' but I would rather be big than suffer from mental crisis. Hope this helps. You are not alone.

[Dell12345]

Hi Rubywednesday, I had the same issue with mirtazapine, it's a shame is it works well for many people but the weight gain sucks.

I've been on venlaphaxine for a long time now and not had any weight gain issues from it, or any other side effects after a few weeks either (early ones were just headache really). It's been very effective for me for anxiety and depression.

Have you ever tried it?

[elaine2447]

I was taking 15mg of Mirtazapine and found i was gaining weight but I had lost a lot to start with. I don't like taking it as over a long period of time it can cause osteoporosis which i have quite severely anyway. However, I now take just half (7.5mg) as I learned on another group that "less is more" when it comes to using Mirtazapine for sleep. I also found a study where Mirtazapine was found to be one of the only anti anxiety that suppress cortisol. My cortisol was sky high and I would wake up every morning about 3 with a racing heart and feeling quite ill. Fortunately that has stopped now. I did read that this drug encourages people to crave for sweet things as opposed to savoury. It is difficult i know with the lockdown and not being able to get out to exercise now, but try and cut back on anything you feel might be adding to your weight.