Mitarzapine, gaining weight? I was bulimic and I can’t go back there. Please tell me if you had food issues

[Aurora1991]

Hi! I am starting to take Mirtazapine. I already experienced few side effect such as dry mouth (very) diarrea, sleeping for 15 hours, not being able to do function properly like going to work or other. I definitely would never be able to exercise nether if I try. I can still wait and see it is a first reaction as it is the first week only. However, I am very worried about gaining weight as I used to be bulimic and I cannot risk to go back there. Did you apparite augmented? Did you feel swollen? Did you gain weight? Please is very important to me! Thank you so much in advance! NB being as I have been on antidepressants makes me feel even more depressed. I am literally just breathing in the sofa and that’s it.

[JayCeon]

A search shows me it likely will make people gain weight. A few people say it didn't. It seems more metabolism than appetite (read that as a comment and was that when I took amitriptyline, +6kg in 4 months, not eating more, annoying).

I've read Valdoxan doesn't put weight on people, but "it's not on pbs and expensive". Can you confide your past to the prescribing doc? Or find one where you can? You're probably trying all non-med stuff like therapy etc already?

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Morning, I would just give your doctors surgery a ring for a piece of mind and mention the side effects, have you spoken to your doctor about how you are feeling , I think it’s important to have this conversation about your fears and you might feel better for actually opening up like you have written here, it’s okay to feel scared when starting new medication, I wish you luck and hope you get some helpful advice from people who have tried Mitazapine although it’s fair to say we can all respond differently , take care let us know how you get on xx

[Gshaw]

Hiya i would say keep on them for a bit as i cant live without mine any more yes i have put a bit of weight on but after 2 years im now starting to lose it again

[agapanthus2]

I have been taking it for so long 20 years. I don’t have any side effects now but it may have helped me put on a few pounds at the beginning but so did all the medications which is why I made the decision to stick with it. I do also take melatonin as none of the medications work well by themselves. Everything settles down after awhile so keep calm and don’t stress because that is the worst thing. I did struggle a lot at first and couldn’t work but now I pace myself and that works for me. Getting your sleep is the best medicine. Take care

[LoneEra]

Hi - I am a recovered anorexic. Used to weigh less than 5 stone 😢 I totally understand where you are coming from. The fear of gaining weight never really goes away, even after recovery.

I find that if you are open with your GP about the situation - and how you cannot “go back there” at any cost - they can tweak or change your meds to make sure you feel comfortable.

I hope that helps! Xx

P.S. I’ve had to have some steroids recently for my rheumatoid arthritis and they inevitably make me feel like I’ve put on weight. I absolutely hate it - but they’re a must for me to manage that condition. I’m off them now and getting back to a body I feel comfortable with. Will help once the pools open!!

[Purplebluebell]

Hi, the side effects of antidepressants tend to be the first couple of weeks.

[Nico27]

Hi Aurora1991. I’ve been taking them 15mg every night for 6 months and I have gained 30 lbs. I’m so unhappy and miserable. I eat keto, no sugar, no alcohol and still I’ve gained so much around my midsection and arms. I’ve also dealt with an eating disorder since I was 15 years old... I’ve decided I’m stopping the Mirt starting today. I would consult your doctor and see if you can get something else prescribed. I’m SO miserable with all the weight gain and don’t feel like myself... 😩

[LoneEra in reply to Nico27]

Please be aware that it’s dangerous to stop this medication overnight. It needs to be gradually tapered off. Chat with your doctor about it and work out a schedule and a replacement.

Good luck - I totally know where you’re coming from. I can’t handle any antidepressants because of the weight gain and a history of anorexia. Please just be safe when sorting things out xx

[Nico27 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you so much, love.. yes of course! I’m tapering off. I will be safe. ❤️