Mirtazapine

[AMBD]

My husband has had MSA type C for many years, he also has mixed dementia but this, at the moment, is relatively mild. Night times are becoming very difficult with him waking many times, arguing, having dreams I think, wanting to get up etc etc etc. I have recently spoken to a doctor at the Leicester Hospice LOROS who has prescribed Mirtazapine. Immediately, the day after taking the first tablet, his timetable and attitude altered. This medication is supposed to kick in after 1/2 weeks. Now, whether this is a co-incidence or is a result of the medication I do not know. He is sleeping for long periods and then when awake, is much more alert and amenable. It is causing complications with the carers timings but that will have to be worked around if necessary. Has anyone else experience of this particular drug.

Any info would be much appreciated. Best wishes to all. Thinking of you. Alex

[TK-67]

We have some experience - my mum has REM sleep disorder, this is common in MSA and has the symptoms you describe.. It can be made worse by the parkinsons drugs - e.g careldopa and in our case, reducing it did help. Mum has also been described sleeping medication. She is on a low dose anti depressant but this isn't for her sleep problems. The challenge with MSA is always the compromise, that something that makes one thing better, can make something else worse or more challenging.

[AMBD in reply to TK-67]

My husband has type C and as far as I know there are no suitable drugs for this. Mirtazapine is an antidpressant. Despite being on it for only a few days I am hoping the change in him is an outcome of the drug but with the unpredictability of MSA this is difficult to assess. It was prescribed for him to help with the nighttime problems and not depression. Equally years ago I was prescribed an antidepressant for my fibromyalgia which at that time was helpful. Thank you. Alex

[Mike60]

dr just started me on mirtazapine 25 mg for depression what dose did thay start your husband in?

[AMBD in reply to Mike60]

15mg. Has made him v sleepy so have spoken to doc and trying half a tab from now although he said higher doses (strangely) have the opposite effect of less sleepy. Go figure. Anything to make him feel better and be more peaceful. Has it helped you? Alex

[Floosie5uk]

Hi Alex, my husband has only recently been diagnosed with MSA but I discovered the link with REM sleep disorder late last year. Martin also suffers with memory loss which is rapidly advancing. Interesting to hear your experience and I’ve noted the drug name for my future reference. We’ve been using a Melatonin supplement 20mg of chewable gummies and this has helped take the edge off of the acting out and helps him sleep better but he still does body twitches most nights. I was trying this supplement before resorting to the medication. So far so good! Good luck with yours x

[Yanno]

Apparently REM sleep disorders are very common with MSA. Jackie suffered terribly from overnight terrors and regularly used to beat me up overnight!! I always said it was her way of giving me a good thump for my various misdemeanours and blaming MSA!Following advice from others with MSA, she was prescribed Clonazepam. This did the trick and has controlled the terrors for a number of years now. The drug also has a sedative 'side affect' which helps Jax get off to sleep.

Take care, Ian

[AMBD in reply to Yanno]

Thank you. Have spoken to Doc who has now suggested half a tablet as previously David was sleeping for huge lengths of time. Today, so far, after first night of half tab seems to be improved. So far.... We shall see. Have taken a note of your medication.

[incon1982]

My husband has MSA-C and has terrible trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. He was on mirtazapine at 7.5 mg for 2 weeks and it didn't do anything for sleep, and now is on 15 mg. So far, he is still not falling asleep for hours, but has been able to stay asleep once he finally falls asleep. So ... we are still really experimenting with this drug to see if it will help him sleep. He also takes gabapentin and melatonin to try and help him sleep. If this doesn't work we will try something else! The poor dear has got to get some good sleep soon. He also uses supplemental oxygen at night and a BIPAP machine. I am sure this doesn't help much ... each person with MSA experiences such individual and different symptoms and responds differently to these drugs. I hope it works out for you two!

[AMBD]

Thank you all your comments. What a journey. So far, after a short while on 15 mg when David was asleep for huge lengths of time, we are experimenting, upon advice from Doctor, with 7.5 mg.. He is still experiencing disturbed sleep but it's really too early to assess result. Fingers crossed. Alex