Mirtazapine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2021

For Anxiety "Disclaimer: This is based on my own personal experience with mirtazapine, and I am aware that not everyone will have the same reaction and experience as myself. I would not recommend mirtazapine to anxiety and OCD sufferers. I decided to come off sertraline and try 15 mg of mirtazapine in the hopes that it would better manage my anxiety and OCD. Oh, how wrong was I? This medication made me feel incredibly emotional, overly sensitive, and angry at everything. I would cry multiple times a day, and I became depressed while taking this medication, resulting in intrusive thoughts, which are very distressing. But the worst part about this medication is the withdrawals! I decided after 4 weeks that I would stop taking this medication as I saw no improvement, and it did nothing to help my anxiety and OCD. Incontrollable shaking, high anxiety, suicidal thoughts, nausea, trouble eating, and sleeping are just some of the withdrawal symptoms I am still dealing with as a result of this medication."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2015

For Anxiety "Might try this one again someday. Was on it 3 weeks. Sleep started off OK but got worse with time, along with feeling more anxious and exhausted each day. 3rd week, I'm lying in bed and start to panic. Try to get up and collapse on the floor. My brain felt like it was being lightly electrocuted. Broken sleep and nightmares the rest of the night. Next day around 3 pm, I started to feel better. Great even and slept great that night, but the night before freaked me out so much I swore to never take it again. Withdrawals were horrific. Worst thing I ever experienced. Still, that one day and night was amazing and think it might have been the one if I stuck it out another day or two. Weird reactions, I know. It works great for my dad."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2018

For Anxiety "I find this drug very good. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression to the point I couldn't even drive, it was so bad. I was self-medicating since I was 17 to 21 with benzodiazepines, then 2 years on Sertraline, but found my tolerance built too quickly, and nothing worked anymore and got worse anxiety and depression. So when I was prescribed Klonopin, my tolerance shot up after two days, so I was prescribed Mirtazapine. After two days, amazing sleep and minimal anxiety. I have a really strong natural tolerance to all drugs, including coffee, alcohol, everything, which sucks. I'm just hoping it's not the same for Mirtazapine. I take 7.5 mg in the morning and 7.5 mg in the evenings."

• Bbb...
• June 14, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Started mirtazapine on March 8th, was taking amitriptyline 25 mg, but it messed with my heart, so I had to switch. I was started on 15 mg mirtazapine, after 4-6 weeks, I still felt awful, so I increased to 30 mg, same thing, so I increased to 45 mg. The adjustment period was rougher than other antidepressants I've been on. On 45 mg, my mood is totally stable. I don't feel anxious, which is amazing. A lot of my symptoms have been reduced. I still experience triggers, but I'm not sure any pill would remove that. I can function again, nothing but good things to say about mirtazapine! I was so anxious prior that I couldn't eat, mirtazapine completely changed that, has really helped my body image. I've tried so many SSRIs, and the side effects were terrible. With mirtazapine, I can still cry, which is really important for me, I have no sexual dysfunction. If you're struggling to adjust, please keep going! When I was adjusting, I'd come here and read good reviews to get me through. Worth it x"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2022

For Depression "I have been using mirtazapine for over 3 months now, and it has been hugely beneficial for me. I started at 15 mg (I'm 59 and weigh 120 lbs) and was super sleepy and groggy for the first 2 weeks, which improved. At 3 weeks, I started to sleep poorly and felt really anxious, which lasted about 1 week and then also went away. I didn't notice an improvement in my mood until about 7 or 8 weeks, but it was slight. My doctor increased my dose to 22.5 mg, and I went through the same issues I had when I started, but not as much. At 12 weeks, I noticed a considerable improvement in how I felt. I have a digestive issue (mild gastroparesis) and lost a lot of weight, which was why I started mirtazapine in the first place. I've gained the weight I needed, my sleep is better, and the despair I felt is now gone. My mom passed away 6 weeks ago, and without mirtazapine, I would have been a wreck. I am coping. If you've struggled with SSRIs (I couldn't tolerate the side effects), mirtazapine is an excellent second-line treatment."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking mirtazapine for 2 and a half months now, and only went to 30 mg a week ago. When I started on 15 mg, my anxiety subsided fairly quickly, and after three weeks, I started to feel pretty good (joyous). This lasted a week or so and then stopped, and the anxiety returned. My GP has upped the dose to 30 mg as a consequence, and I've been on that for 9 days, with no noticeable improvements as yet (perhaps a bit less anxious). I know that it's too early to judge, really. I think that I am an atypical patient in as much as the drug keeps me awake in the evenings (both 15 and 30 mg), and my weight hasn't changed. I am moving around a lot more in the day, like to stay busy and exercise regularly, as well as eating a healthy diet. I'd love for the antidepressant characteristics to kick in soon."

• Hev...
• October 25, 2015

For Depression "Came off Citalopram, which helped quite a lot for years but started to become ineffective, and went onto 15 mg Mirtazapine. After feeling little to no effect except moodiness and being 2 weeks late for my period, I was upped to 30 mg. Now I feel 10 times worse than I've ever felt. My anxiety is through the roof, and I can barely raise a smile. I've never felt this close to suicidal and really need advice. Has anyone else had a bad reaction to them?"

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2016

For Depression "I went on this drug for insomnia. It helped me sleep, but mirtazapine made me very depressed. I lacked motivation, and my anxiety levels were worse over time. Since switching to amitriptyline, I have never felt better. If this drug does not agree with you, go back to your GP. Personally, I think this drug is poison, it stole my life for 4 years."

• Hud...
• December 23, 2015

For Anxiety "I feel like I've taken amphetamines and Valium in one hit! I'm in my 3rd day... A different kind of anxiety!!!! Like one minute I'm rushing!! The next I'm knackered!! Does anyone get what I mean? I think I'm going to persevere and see how it settles."

• Aar...
• March 20, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "What can I say? I've suffered from major depression all my life, well, since I was 18. I had been on numerous medications, nothing seemed to work. Then my doctor said to try these, mirtazapine. The low levels didn't work. I'm on 45 mg and have been for 9 years. They help you sleep, give you a great appetite at night, basically, they stop you from thinking you're going off your rocker. I still get highs and lows throughout the day. I still think I'm bipolar with the mood swings, example: Jekyll/Hyde. They really do help in so many ways, but the withdrawals can be bad. I get severe stomach cramps, feel nauseous. Also, it feels like you're losing your mind, and your anxiety levels can go up."

• Joh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 17, 2016

For Anxiety "Well, this medication worked well for me for the first few years, but as time went on, the side effects got gradually worse. I'm now totally paranoid and suffering from severe anxiety disorder. I am trying to come off this medication to deal with these side effects. To anyone taking this medication, get off it now before you end up like I did. And despite what your doctor tells you, it is addictive! Worst mistake of my life."

• liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2016

For Depression "I've taken many different antidepressants for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and agoraphobia for a number of things, really. I'm taking 30 mg, and I've been taking it for around four months now. For the first two months, my mood improved, but I slept around 15 hours a night. After having around six months of about 1-2 hours of sleep a night, it was welcome to me. I also ate everything, which my loved ones enjoyed, as my anxiety was so bad I hardly ate. But now I've reached the point where they seem to have stopped working for me. I've become really anxious again and stressed out over anything, and my moods are the worst! I am really disappointed, as they worked so well for so long, so I'm hoping to try something else soon :(."

• liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2016

For Depression "I've taken many different antidepressants for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and agoraphobia for a number of things, really. I'm taking 30 mg, and I've been taking it for around four months now. For the first two months, my mood improved, but I slept around 15 hours a night. After having around six months of about 1-2 hours of sleep a night, it was welcome to me. I also ate everything, which my loved ones enjoyed, as my anxiety was so bad I hardly ate. But now I've reached the point where they seem to have stopped working for me. I've become really anxious again and stressed out over anything, and my moods are the worst! I am really disappointed, as they worked so well for so long, so I'm hoping to try something else soon :(."

• Hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2016

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "So far, I'm very happy as my nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and anxiety have subsided. Not much relief from depression yet on day 5, but I understand it takes time. It does make my tongue numb for a bit after I take it, and I've had vivid dreams every night on it."

• my ...
• July 30, 2016

For Anxiety "I took this drug for 10 months and have been off it for 1 year. Whilst on the drug, I became vacant over my life, gained weight, and suffered with numerous ailments, too many to list, from flu-like symptoms to an altered heart rhythm, increased anxiety. When coming off the drug on a slow taper, I suffered from suicidal ideation, low blood pressure, blood sugar problems, and a damaged endocrine system. It blocks certain neurotransmitters in the brain from working, so when you stop taking it, they do not perform correctly, i.e., digestion and thyroid problems, blocking histamine transmitters, leaving your body open to food allergies. A lot of these problems are not easy to rectify, and I still have them. Why give 10 out of 10? If you're still taking it, beware!"

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2019

For Anxiety "This medication, mirtazapine, ruined my life. Yes, it helped my anxiety and insomnia at first, very well in fact. It does make me binge eat every night, which has led to me becoming prediabetic. While effective at first, it has since pooped out, and I’m left a now diabetic, apathetic, emotionless zombie. I feel nothing. No emotions, no love for other people, no passion for anything. I’ve been on it for 8 years, with the dose oscillating between 75 mg and 45 mg. Dropping the dose below 45 mg leads to crippling depression, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms. Tread with caution and keep the doses low. You’ve been warned."

• Dan...
• April 2, 2019

For Depression "Been on mirtazapine for about 8 weeks now. Four weeks at 15 mg and 4 weeks at 30 mg. I also take citalopram 20 mg. At first, I felt good, but now I feel like that was just a placebo. It's made my anxiety a lot worse, and my depression is the worst it's ever been. My doctor has suggested I come off it because it's making all my symptoms worse. It does help with sleep and appetite, so that's good if that's what you need. Some people get on well with mirtazapine, but for me, it has made me feel a lot worse and feel like it has prolonged my recovery. Good luck."

• V12...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2022

For Depression "This drug does not work for me. Currently on 15 mg. It is causing so many unwanted side effects like sweating profusely, hot flushes, making me angry and having nasty thoughts, anxiety, feeling mentally unstable, severe mood swings. I have gained a huge amount of weight in 2 months. This drug is horrendous, but my GP insists I use it. Getting a new GP and going back to my old medication that actually worked."

• Mum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2023

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Promoted no big deal about taking this tablet to my 19-year-old son. But I was worried about the side effects. Only took 1 day, and now it's been nearly 24 hours. My son knows nothing of side effects, I do not want to sow the seeds, so to speak. He had been sleeping from early evening to getting up fresh at 10 a.m. He went straight to the fridge for his prescribed milkshake! Good sign he is hungry and needs to put on weight. He was worried he would put weight on, he needs at least a stone of weight on, and his body will be happy, and he will not stand out looking so skinny. He is 5 ft 5 and 8 stone. I am hoping his anxiety will also be reduced, I will keep you updated. I hope you will have a positive journey. I know side effects can be awful for a few weeks for the brain to adjust. And I am prepared to keep my son feeling safe with me, being calm and positive."

• Vin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I am 3 weeks in taking 15 mg of mirtazapine for PTSD. I am starting to feel a zombie-like effect (dragging, drained, and feeling paranoid and somewhat confused). The mirtazapine has helped some of my PTSD symptoms, such as sleep and anxiety. With only 3 weeks in, I know it is still early, so I will be patient. The zombie feeling just concerns me because I’m a creative person, and my creative juices aren’t flowing. Yesterday, I was outside, and everything didn’t feel real, like I was in a dream state. This is just some odd stuff, but I’m hopeful!"

• kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2015

For Depression "I have been on paroxetine 60 mg for seven years now, and in the last five months, I started to have massive anxiety, crying all the time and depressed. I did lose my friend to cancer, and I am finding employment and my relationship with my partner was not going well. My partner became mentally unwell, and that affected me too. I saw my specialist, and he said it sounds like the paroxetine is not working for you anymore, you probably have reached a tolerance to the paroxetine. So my specialist looked on his computer and said let's put you on mirtazapine (AVANZA), and on the third to fourth day, I started to feel better in myself. I am weaning off the paroxetine. It's been two weeks from 60 mg to 40 mg and now two more weeks from 40 mg to 20 mg. Good things take time."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2021

For Insomnia "After trying to work through adrenal fatigue, I had started on doses of supplements, diet change, cut out coffee. Part of this was the absolute inability to slow my brain for sleep. I was a month of no sleep or 2 hours, 4 hours. I took a break from work. I was prescribed mirtazapine for sleep and, in part, for anxiety I was experiencing due to this massive handbrake on life. I was in full flight mode, and it was a terrifying call to review my life, and it happened very quickly. I was studying, working full time, saving for a house, a breakdown was inevitable. After 5 days on 15 mg, I noticed feeling blunted and anxious. It gave me the same sleep, but a dirty/wakeful/anxious sleep. After 10 days on 15 mg, I halved it, then just stopped for a couple of nights. I'm so glad I didn't persist. I tried melatonin 2 mg. Best choice. Mirt made me feel disconnected, fuzzy, and wobbly. Melatonin at a lower dose was best. I am working with a kinesiologist on WHY I'm not sleeping, I am correcting things here, plus diet and exercise."

• Geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2022

For Anxiety "I experienced anxiety for the first time ever a few years into perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause. I was a sleepless, trembling mess who suddenly couldn't sleep, was startled by sounds, and had a reduced interest in food or ability to function. Mirtazapine is the first antidepressant I'd ever used, and it, along with hormone therapy, renormalized me. I'll be on it indefinitely through this phase of life."

• Fly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2017

For Anxiety "An update after ca. 1 month on mirtazapine: Now on 22.5 mg mirt (evening) and still 200 mg of sertraline (morning). The mirt worked very well to start with, but after 2 weeks, my anxiety has come back with a vengeance, and the body screams for benzos (but not getting any). Stopped with diazepam one month ago, so it may still be withdrawal effects? My thoughts about the past and future fuel anxiety, and then the anxiety fuels the thoughts, and there you go... Ringing in my ears and the same melody playing in my head over and over again, palpitations and feeling miserable. Any advice? Not a miracle drug after all?"

• Hen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2015

For Anxiety "I took citalopram for nine weeks unsuccessfully and mirtazapine for eight months, too many side effects, numb emotional feelings, and made anxiety worse, feeling aggressive, aching joints, big changes in weight and bodily functions, not easy to withdraw from either, worsening thoughts, (don't think relapse, think it's the drug) or you'll end up back on it. My opinion is never again, beware!"