Antidepressants For Life

[nailit]

Ive been on mirtazipine for 3 years. I was put on them after been sectioned in a psychiatric hospital. To say that they have made a difference to my quality of life would be an understatment. However, before xmas I decided to leave them off for a while and see how I managed. Within a few weeks I noticed that I started to experience the same symptoms that led to my been sectioned in the first place...sleepless nights, nightmares when I DID sleep, mood swings and I started to drink more. I resumed my medication. (yes, I know I should have consulted a doctor)
However I dont like the thought of been on psych meds for the rest of my life. Has anyone been on this medication and got off it?
Thanks for your thoughts.

[237SJ]

*serotonin*

[DTCwordfan]

thanks, exactly the point for discussing with a qualified quack......

[nailit]

DTC, funny you should mention a low carb diet. I know you have mentioned this b4 on my threads re diet and its something im working towards, have already cut out bread rice pasta and cerial.
Sqad, im not whinging, just getting some different points of view. And im not 'fat and happy' Im currently fat and mentally stable.

[nailit]

//Same with erections.........there are treatments for this.//
Cant see a doctor prescribing viagra to a single bloke because he fancies a night in with a bit of porn and his right hand....

[pixie374]

Why not? Loss of libido is common with antidepressants, a different one might suit you better.

[Sqad]

\\\\Cant see a doctor prescribing viagra to a single bloke because he fancies a night in with a bit of porn and his right hand...\\\

Don't be silly, the Doc wouldn't care two hoots how you got your sexual kicks.

[Patsy33]

When on Mirtazepin, they make you crave carbs and sugar. That's why those on them put on weight. I suppose it's all to do with upping the serotonin. I came off them about 18 months ago, a relatively small dose. It was difficult, especially the not sleeping. They're brilliant for getting off to sleep ( has small amount of sedative in). By the way, I lost at least a stone within 6 months. I'm different one now, feel good but don't sleep as well. So Nailit, maybe you should try another one?

[woofgang]

why not nailit? I think (hope) that we are a bit beyond judgemental prescribing? I think if you have a doc that you can trust its worth going for an honest chat with them....and if you don’t trust your doc then find one who you can trust!

[237SJ]

Surely, you don`t have to tell him that? I would have thought that telling the GP that you have erectile dysfunction would suffice. I doubt he/she would need to know the details.

[DTCwordfan]

Sqad gets his with silky lingerie - there's hope for all of us.....

Seriously, the doc would address your overall holistic being - depression/medication/diet/side-effects and the rest.....don't poo-poo it, nailit.

[nailit]

must admit, I never expected so many replies and so quickly so thanks to all, much appriciated.

//When on Mirtazepin, they make you crave carbs and sugar.//

Thats more of a problem to me at the moment than the 'cant get a decent erection' scenario. If I die of obesity then getting 'wood' is the least of my problems.....

[Patsy33]

Yes it is upsetting. Please go back to your doctor and pour your heart out. A lot of new antidepressants will supress your appetite. It's worth a try.

[nailit]

Thank you patsy. Im due for a review with a shrink soon anyway so will see what happens. Thank you to all who replied, appreciated and took on board all replies.
Thanks again guys.

[tinkerbell23]

I think a little something from your doc to help get an erection would really help things......with regards to diet mabye discuss this with your GP. Its awful having side effects isnt it....but the alternative is much much worse...so try to work around them. X

[nailit]

Thanks Tinks,
//with regards to diet mabye discuss this with your GP. //
Have done and been referred to a 'lifestyle coach'...
Not much help though. Just tells me to move more and eat less, like I didnt know this already. No help in managing a drug that gives me intense sugar/carb cravings.

[MyShakySpaniel]

I've been taking medication for 15 years and coincidentally have just started Mirtazapine. Personally, I think I will be on medication for the rest of my life. I do hope you find peace :) x

[nailit]

have got peace shaky, and some relief from psychotic episodes.
Just havnt got my slim body and the ability to have a sexual relationship...

[tinkerbell23]

I too crave carbs & sugar.....i know dieting is a whole other thread...but, slimming world really is a great diet imo.

You can have plenty of carbs actually....and still your sugary treats .....worth a go mabye xxx

[MyShakySpaniel]

nails the sexual side effects of Prozac were why I recently switched to Mirtaz. Can Mirtaz have that effect too? :( I do hope not.

[nailit]

shaky, previous to been prescribed Mirtazapine I was on citaloprine and propanolol (