Mirtazapine

[[Ka...]]

I have an anxiety driven illness for which I am on diazepam. 
But somehow ‘depression’ has been added to my presentation by several medics/clinicians. Whilst anxiety & depression often go together depression it is not a feature for me. 

I was put on mirtazapine initially by my GP & his reasoning was that my body is tired from the anxiety.
This med did not suit me or bring any benefit. The dose varied up & down from 15mg, 30mg & 45mg. I discovered 30mg is not double 15mg but a different formulation - I think I was told it promotes less sleep. 

After 2.5 years on mirtazapine I was guided by the then CMHT psychiatrist to stop & achieved this over 12 weeks. 30mg for 6 weeks, 15mg for 6 weeks then stopped. Far too fast. 

Only now do I read that it would have been far better to address benzo first. 



 

[[An...]]

Welcome to BB @[Ka...]

I don't quite understand what you are asking here?

You said>>>>

Quote

This med did not suit me or bring any benefit.

Why did you stay on it for 2.5 years if it was not helping you in some way? After 6 weeks and no benefit, many docs will simply try you on another one. With ADs, it can be trial and error. I can not tolerate Paxil or Prozac for example, but I am on Lexapro and I am tolerating that one really well. It is helping me taper off the valium with minimal side effects.

Edited October 7, 2023 by [An...]
grammar correction

[[Ka...]]

Hello. Thank you for replying. That’s a good question. 

My story is complex. Initially I was put on a benzo in 2018 (to date). AD mirtazapine was added. Then it got more complicated as other additional meds were tried for a time including quetiapine, venlafaxine and lamotrigine! I was over medicated, felt overly sedated and didn’t know what was working - or not. The benzo & AD were kept running by various clinicians. I feel pretty daft about that. 

I got very unwell & was overwhelmed. I reached a crisis point. 
After this I wanted to detox & gain some control and since nothing had made me better. Fast forward I did stop each med one at a time. Out of sheer willpower. Just diazepam now. 

I do agree the AD approach was wrong since I was not depressed & it was not the right med for anxiety. I am more self informed now, have my medical notes & more savvy. 

It is good to be able to share experiences with others. 



 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 7, 2023 by [Ka...]

[[An...]]

How much diazepam are you on?

[[Ka...]]

Was on 3x 2mg. Managed to reduce down to 2mg per day 2 years ago but got stuck. 
It’s low dose. But feel after 5 years in total on a benzo there’s dependence and keen to reduce & stop

 

Edited October 13, 2023 by [Ka...]