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649598 tn?1239117215

Mirtazapine and Weight Gain

I just started taking mirtazapine and I'm very worried about the "weight gain" risk.  How big is this risk really?  I mean if I only eat fruits and veg all the time anyway, how can I gain weight?  Is there anyone out there who has been on mirtazapine awhile and can help me out with my questions?
10 Responses
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599945 tn?1240382354
my fervent wish would be to hav medical researchers take these drugs for a while and realise that even eating healthily does not, not, not, keep the weight off. the only times in my my life that i have gained weight have been when pregnant and on any meds! talk to your pdoc about a combo that is at least 'weight neutral'. sorry you had such a bad experience and yes the munchies are worse than the 'real' ones and very hard to resist!
Helpful - 0
649598 tn?1239117215
Thank you all for your help.  I'm off mirtazapine, increased my manic episodes tenfold and made me dead during the day.  Thanks for the advice anyway!
Helpful - 0
607502 tn?1288247540
Portion size is irrelevant on Mirtazapine - its massively increases appetitite and is one of the worst AD drugs for it - you will have the munchies all the time as a common side effect and portion size is not remotely going to help.

There are better and safer choices for bipolars that Mirtazapine.  See your doctor.
Helpful - 0
649598 tn?1239117215
thank you for your comments.  unfortunately, i've already started feeling the munchies, especially at night soon after i take it.  now i just try to fill up with water instead of food when it hits.  i can't believe i'm saying this but its worse than the real "munchies"...
Helpful - 0
663901 tn?1232649671
*sigh* all these drugs have a high incidence of weight gain... sad but true... sounds like you already live a very healthy lifestyle so you should just be cognizant that you may have the "false hunger" moments.... I gained 20 pounds on Seroquel and it's a real b*&#h to get rid of.....
Helpful - 0
627145 tn?1230305626
This drug was a huge help for me.  I couldn't gain weight after gallbladder surgery, so my psychiatrist thought it would be perfect for me.  I just stayed on the 30-mg dose for about 1 month.  I was able to eat and gained about 9 lb in a month.  It just calmed my nausea down and increased my appetite.  I'm off it now and kept most of the weight, thank goodness.  I had no side effects when I came off it, either.  

So I would say it may increase your appetite, but just be conscious of portion size and exercise and weight yourself every couple of days so it doesn't sneak up on you.  
Helpful - 0
607502 tn?1288247540
I put on weight in just a few months on it, hated the drug as it made me feel worse however it is very good for sleep issues.

Watch out when/if you come off it - its got some stings in the tail they do not tell you about.

Mirtazapine causes weigh gain by increasing appetite and ultimately that can be a big problem, diet and exercise can help but in a lot of cases not really and of course most people on an anti depressant do not much feel like exercising anyway do they...
Helpful - 0
671942 tn?1234864203
I was on this drug for about  a year and put on loads of weight it was awful...just felt hungry 24/7.  Just been back 2 dr and was recommended again I said no.  If u eat well it shouldn't be a problem.  Good Luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think you are doing all the right things, already have a good healthy diet (I presume),
any AD and MS has the chance to do that. When I first went on Lamactil, I was sooo hungry, but it seemed to dissipate to the exact opposite. I've making myself eat, and only craving good food :) The smell of fast food makes me green around the gills! Just make sure you have a balance with protein which have essential fatty acids which fruit n' veg don't have. You're brain needs them. I would also suggest taking Omega-3, if you are a vegetarian, or the Omega3-6-9.

Hope this helps,
Cheers
LCC
Helpful - 0
603015 tn?1329862973
Hi

I dont know anything about this drug but from my understanding these types of drugs can cause you to feel hungry but if you have already in place a goods healthy lifestyle it shouldnt be a problem, if you are aware from the start you can increase the excersise you do and ensure if you are additionally hungry use healthy options that are filling and tell yourself, I have eaten enough, its the medication making me feel hungry easier said than done I know. Good luck and stay positive
Helpful - 0
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