Hello, I'm curious what other people's experiences are if taking or have taken Mirtazapine for anxiety. My doctor told me this was pretty much the last option he can offer. I'm also on Buspirone (which I don't think helps) and Gabapentin, but the Mirtazapine is new to me and I just increased it to 15 mg/day. It makes me sleep and sleep and want to sleep. Can't say I've noticed any difference in my anxiety level on the lower dose. Has it worked for anybody and if so, at what dosage?
I'm going through a tough period of life, lots of losses this year and now I'm pretty much alone and anxiety is so high I don't think I could join any kind of in-person support group. Even Clonazepam doesn't seem to be doing much for me, when I do take it.
I'm very shaky, and that doesn't help at all with my feelings of nervousness. It seems like every anxiolytic I've been on has had shakiness as a possible side-effect! If you're already experiencing that beforehand it's hard to tell if it's getting worse or just continuing...
Any feedback will be appreciated!
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How long have you been taking the increased dose? I've been wondering if I should start drinking coffee to help keep me awake, but caffeine is something that people with the jitters should usually avoid...
Thank you for your question. I have found mirtazapine to be the missing link in my medication regime for depression and anxiety.
I apologise in advance for all the details I am going to include but I feel it's important to know this info.
Here we go
Mirtazapine is known to have sedating side effects. It is best taken at night at least 6-8 hours before getting out of bed to ensure a good night's sleep and avoid daytime sleepiness. Also beware of weight increases in some people.
If you are not sure your doctor/primary care provider has your symptoms under control, ask for medication review by a psychiatrist who is the mental health expert.
Don't be scared to see a psychiatrist. You won't be judged for doing so and you may well be pleasantly surprised by how much a visit can help.
Psychiatric medication management is a crucial aspect of treating our mental health disorders. After my visit, I found that my psychiatrist can be involved in prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting medications to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
Here’s what you need to know:
Initial Assessment:
When you first see a psychiatric practitioner, they will perform an initial assessment. This includes discussing your symptoms and collecting your medical history.
Based on this assessment, the doctor will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Medication Options:
If medication is deemed a viable option for your mental health disorder, various medications, their possible side effects, and proper dosages will be discussed.
Initially, the medication will be prescribed for a trial period to observe its effectiveness.
Medication Management:
This is where the term “medication management” comes into play.
The psychiatrist will closely monitor your response to the medication. If it aligns with your treatment goals, you’ll continue.
However, different medications affect brain chemistry differently, and not everyone responds well to a particular prescription.
Trial and error may be necessary to find the right medication for you.
Collaborative Approach:
Psychiatric medication management involves collaboration between the psychiatrist, the patient, and sometimes other healthcare providers e.g. your doctor or therapist.
It ensures the safe and effective use of psychiatric medications.
To make the best use of the time, make a few notes, especially about which meds you have tried, what for, how long you took them and the outcome for you e.g. why you stopped.
Remember, that medication is often combined with therapy or counseling for successful treatment.
Regular mental health checkups are equally important for our overall well-being too.
Of the Mirtazapine? 15 mg, recent increase. I do have Clonazepam too, but had it before the Mirtazapine (1 mg). Not sure the doctor would want me to be combining them. Clonazepam helps me, but if I take it too regularly I lose the effect. Anybody else have that problem?
I take 7.5 mg mirtazapine at bedtime for sleep and have tried the 15mg and couldn't really tell a difference. I was told that the 7.5 mg dosage was more sedating that the 15 mg dose. I also used to take clonazepam .50 mg 3x a day and would sometimes take an extra pill a day if I was having a stressful day. I feel like it was a good medication that helps but maybe your body gets immune to it and your body 'depends' on it. I am happy to say that I'm completely off of it and having been on it for several years.
Mirtazapine affects people differently; it's quite common to feel sleepy initially. Some find relief from anxiety with time and dosage adjustments. Considering the losses you've faced, it might be worth discussing your experiences with your doctor to explore other options. Also, have you heard about empty nest syndrome like fherehab.com/learning/empty... ? Sometimes understanding these emotional transitions can provide valuable insights.
Harty, I appreciate your response. The link you provided seems to be more about parents with children who have moved out, who will stil have the opportunity to see them again. I can glean a little bit from the suggestions, but when you know the person won't be coming back home it's more difficult.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
xx
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