Do all antidepressants have side effect? Do they get better?

[SMH13]

Hello

I have been on mirtazapine for 7 weeks now (30mg). I have up and down days but felt better to consider going back to work again.

This last week I have been waking with an headache, I am really stuggling concentrating and I seem to be a bit lightheaded. They usually help you sleep, but at the moment I can't sleep again.

I don't know whether its me the depression , anxiety or the tablets?

I just want my clear head back!

Thank you for any replies.

[chinadog]

SMH13. Most ant deps cause headaches and sinus problems which naturally include headaches. I've been on Seroxat THE most horrific ssri and Sertraline,both left me with a 24/7 headache. All you can do is,get as much fresh air as possible,leave a window open. Lots of people I know on Mirtazapine take Tramadol. Mirtazapine is well know for it's sleeping properties so if it's not helping you sleep its telling your brain to up your dose,dont do it! Try the Tramadol,see if they help. CD

[SMH13]

Thanks CD, was wondering if the Doctor would suggest upping the dose. To tell you the truth I was in such a state when I went to the Doctors I said yes to the tablets if they help. I must have my head together now, as I am wondering if they are such a good thing! He said I would be on them for 6 months, which I understand is a good idea and I know they are the experts.

[ChuckFickens]

in my experience yes they all have side effects, and if you want your clear head back... well I'm not suggesting this for you, but the only way I could get anything like a clear head back was to take myself off them.

I found that although they stopped me feeling depressed they also stopped me caring about things that are important. they are very much a double edged sword!

[SMH13]

Thanks chuckfickens, I know what you mean.
Since getting my head together I wonder about coming off them. My neighbour keeps suggesting loads of herbal remedies.

[daffy654]

You really shouldn't just take yourself off any anti depressant tablets without your doctor's advice and help,they can cause dangerous mood swings and suicidal feelings if stopped cold.Your GP might try and wean you off them if you really want to stop taking them.

[SMH13]

Thanks daffy, no I am going to stay on them for the 6 months. I will have to get used to the weird feelings!
Do you eventually get used to them I wonder?
Thanks again

[terambulan]

they are addictive.......there's a thriving market flogging them - a clutch of notes will soon get your head back together?

[daffy654]

You do eventually get used to the tablets,your body has to adjust and this can take several weeks. Any other medication taken alongside them can also make the anti depressants act differently.For the headaches I would recommend sticking to plain paracetamol or ibuprofen.The sleep problem is another matter however-I think your GP needs to advise on that one!
Good luck with it all :)

[SMH13]

Thanks daffy, last few days I have been sleeping for about 5 hours which for me at the moment is great again. Because this is the first time I have ever been on tablets I keep thinking is it the depression symptoms or the tablets! Its good to talk - Thanks