Comparing Mirtazapine vs Xanax

For Depression I have been on Mirtazapine 15mg for about 2 weeks now and I have to admit that I have felt very different in this time. The plus side to this drug is that it really does control your sleep which is great for me. As well as this, during my low points I would be completely put off of food: mirtazapine has increased my appetite massively which is a big bonus as I am dramatically underweight. This drug has made me feel drowsy in the mornings and cloudy thoughts at times but so far it seems to be working. I absolutely would not recommend drinking whilst taking this drug as I had a recent bad experience where I had lost control over my arms legs, vision etc. As far as my work productivity, this drug has been wonders and I am feeling more confident, more relaxed and levelled. I still have low moments but they are more controlled, rather that than uncontrollable depressive states. I would rate it higher but I have to see the full effects of mirtazapine.

For Depression Was put on these 2 x 30 mg Mirtazapine over 10 years ago, for major depression, depression went but Dr's keep prescribing 2 a day, so I asked if I could stop, which was met with "WHY" and recommendations not to reduce any medications!! But after convincing my GP that taking high dose psych drugs didn't make sense to me when the initial complaint/condition had vanished, could she help me reduce and come off totally. To her credit she did a great job, and after 12 months slow reduction I am off, have also stopped 4 x 5mg Valium daily, all with no side effects. The moral to this story is Dr's are the distribution arm of big Pharma, and kept blissfully ignorant to good health care, It's up to "you" to take back responsibility for our own health

For Anxiety I had severe postpartum anxiety to the point of no sleep for 3 months, which made me lose touch with all reality. I couldn’t take benzos as I was determined to breastfeed. Once I got through another bout of insomnia when I stopped breastfeeding I was suicidal from lack of sleep and panic/anxiety. I was put on xanax, .125 to .25 per day before bed. 4 years later I still have anxiety around sleep, so I take half the lowest dose 45 mins before bed. I struggle with sleep at times but I have not increased my dose over the 4 years and don’t freak out or withdraw if I miss a dose. My doctor hired a new nurse who seems bent on getting me off it, makes me plead my case to get refills. I don’t understand this thinking-a low dose of Xanax forever is better than a strung out suicidal insomniac. I have tried all SSRIs, hypnosis, counselling, meditation, CBTI for insomnia and hormone therapy. Nothing works as well as half a xanax 45 mins before bed. It’s just reality for me.

For Anxiety This medication has helped me live a normal life well more normal. I don't worry much about nothing and I can go into Walmart and feel comfortable. My social life is improving as well. There were times I couldn't get myself to interact with people sometimes I wouldn't even answer the phone. I've only been on this medicine for a little over a month it has truly been a lifesaver. I am sleeping like a baby I can't remember the last time I've struggled to calm down and go to sleep only to wake up several times a night using the bathroom or just couldn't relax. My quality of life is getting much better.