Mirtazapine - Weight Gain - Alternative meds *updated*

[Colour Blind]

You ask if he can help with the weight issue. Tell him that it's affecting your mood and everyday life and ask if he can set you up with a dietician or even if there is a weight loss clinic at the surgery or something.

I hope they listen to you *hugs*

[Ami]

I have not been on mirtazapine but I think weight gain is a cause for wanting to change meds as it can not only make you feel more down but comes with health consequences such as increased risk of diabetes, heart disease etc etc.

I am on venlafaxine and would recommmend it. Maybe this is an alternative as venlafaxine does not cause weight gain, it is highly effective too. The only potential downside is i have heard people having severe withdrawal and difficulties coming off it. I have missed doses and found no withdrawal effects, and when I come off it, i will deal with it.

But so far, this has been the best thing I have been on (with aripiprazole, zopiclone, propranolol and promethazine). x

[Steel Maiden]

I've been on Olanzapine 20mg for three years (although a month ago I finally was able, with the agreement of my psych, to decrease it to 15mg). I put on quite a bit of weight on it (I can't say numbers I know), but tbh I was underweight to begin with.

Exercise helps but it is not the answer alone.

I am a cross-country runner but I still put on quite a bit of weight on Olanzapine, despite keeping up with training. My fat % also went up (I had it measured as part of the training).

While I agree that exercise can help (I probably would have put on double without the exercise), it is not the answer alone.

Have you considered an appetite suppressant medication?

EDIT: although may I add that continued exercise means, that despite putting on weight, I am still muscular, physically fit and have good stamina.

[MrsNutkin]

Added update to front page but good news. Usual GP changed me straight away..

[Steel Maiden]

What medication are you on now?

[Stellata]

^ Yes, I'm also curious. [Though I have no probs with mirtaz myself].

[MrsNutkin]

Not started yet but assuming blood test for thyroid problems comes back ok then it will be Fluoxetine

[Aardbei]

I'm glad you managed to get it switched over :)

I'm currently on mirtazapine and haven't noticed a huge amount of weight gain, but I was overweight to begin with and I think the difference would have been more noticeable if I'd been very thin. I definitely had serious munchies in the first week though :P

[MrsNutkin]

Am I likely to lose any of the weight gained on mirtazapine on prozac? I seem to remember my appetite being decreased when on this previously