Weight Gain on Mirtazapine

[squidgster]

Hello.

I have been taking Mirtazapine for about the past 8 weeks, intially on 30mg per day, but this was increased to 45mg a couple of weeks ago. In this time, I have gained over a stone in weight. I did notice from the start that I seemed to be more hungy, particularly during the morning. But, conscious about my weight anyway, I've been careful of what I'm eating. Literally, the only difference each day at the moment is possibly one or two extra pieces of fruit a day, or perhaps a cereal bar or similar. In the last couple of weeks, I have also added some more exercise into the mix. But, I just keep on gaining.

Would weight gain purely be through eating more? Is there any chance the drug could be slowing down my metabolism or something, which would be having an impact on my weight? It seems odd to me.

Thank you!

[boxtops]

Have you still got the info leaflet which came with the medication? That might give you an idea about possible weight gain.

[boxtops]

If you Google, quite a lot of sites come up (some very clinical), but yes it seems it's a recognised side effect of this drug because it increases your appetite http://www.minddisord...u-Nu/Mirtazapine.html

[squidgster]

Thanks for your answer boxtops, I had read weight gain is a commn side effect, which, as you say, is down to an increased appetite I suppose. It just seems odd and frustrating to me that, although I've noticed I get hungrier occasionally, I have hardly increased my food intake at all, and if I have, it equates to perhaps an extra apple or two or banana a day.

[rowanwitch]

Oh thanks for posting this...just been changed to this drug... have put on a load of weight prior to starting so hope I am not affected the same way.... I feel really well on it though much calmer, sleeping better, I wonder if the weight gain is to do with being less anxious therefore less fidgety- active I'd hate to stop now as the effects within a week have been brilliant I feel normal again

[Dee Sa]

I have also had a big weight gain on Mirtazapine, they increased the dose from 30mg to 45mg and I gained even more weight but the depression and especially the anxiety became less. The GP has now reduced the dose back to 30mg but the weight gain is still there, I have tried dieting but the weight wont shift, GP seems to think that when I eventually can stop taking them then I will loose weight. In the meantime I am having to b buy clothes one size bigger and I cant bear to look in the mirror, so this is making me depressed again. Its like a vicious circle.

[squidgster]

Thanks for your reply Dee Sa, it's always useful to hear from others in a similar position. To cut a very long story short, I lost a lot of weight (9 stone ish) a couple of years ago, but still have lots of body issues, Because of this, putting on weight is something I really, really do not want to happen, as it'll make me feel worse. No amount of healthy eating and exercising is seeming to reverse or even just stop the weight gain. As I haven't seen noticable improvements on Mirtazapine anyway, I think I'd rather not carry on with them.

[Dee Sa]

squidgster I dont think its wise to just stop taking them, you have to come off gradually, uless your GP will put you on another similar tablet, but then they could be stronger and even harder to come off.! I take my dogs out to the park for about a half a mile walk most days but its made no difference to my weight gain !
Dee

[boxtops]

Squidgster, having been on this sort of medication many years back, I'd endorse what DeeSa says - don't suddenly stop them, you should grade off gradually - but please only do this under medical advice. Stopping suddenly (I know) can have horrible side effects. If I were you I would think positively - this post is very positive, you are seeking advice! - and go back to your GP soon in that frame of mind, asking for some advice re the weight gain. If (apart from the body image thing) you are feeling better in yourself, or at least not feeling any worse as it's early days yet, it's worth persevering. The doc might think a change of meds might help - one size doesn't fit all (if you will pardon the pun) with antidepressants.

[squidgster]

Thanks again Dee Sa and boxtops. I am due to see my GP again at the end of next week, so will stick with these tabs until then, and will talk to him and voice my concerns. I won't just stop taking them without seeking advice first. I'm still unable to say really whether they have made any difference to me generally - I haven't got any worse though, that's for sure. I just know that weight gain is something that may be a bigger deal to me than for some peple, plus I'm struggling with the not being able to wake up in the morning, so hopefully there may be another type of anti-depressant to try.

Thanks.