Posted by mtom on May 29, 2019, at 13:05:11
Hi, I don't see all that much in recent years posted about Mirtazapine. My Doctor suggested it as an add on or substitution for Escitalopram (Lexapro) which had little if any AD effect for me but lots of side effects, including intense anxiety, nightmares, and others.
I never got above 7.5 mg of Escitalopram because of these, and have reduced to 5 mg, side effects slightly improved but still there.
I have the impression that Mirtazapine/Remeron is not prescribed nearly as often as other AD's. Is that because of the Sedation/Weight Gain side effects, or other reasons?
I have also read very contradictory information about Mirtazapine, articles and research studies.
I read it is frequently prescribed off-label for anxiety (in addition to depression) and found to be effective. However I also have read that it can increase anxiety. This seems to make sense as it increases norepinephrine activity which has made me wonder how it could also help with anxiety as NE is stimulatory?
Research on efficacy for depression is also widely variable. Some say better than many other AD's, others say about the same.
Am interested in hearing from those now on it, or who have tried in past - whether it helped with depression and/or anxiety, or increased anxiety - and what other side effects e.g. nightmares (which I've read Mirtazapine can also cause).
I know about the sedation and weight gain, but articles on that also vary as to how many people actually experience these, and many imply these are temporary effects that decrease over time. Thanks!
poster:mtom
thread:1104640
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20190513/msgs/1104640.html