1. < Depression & Anxiety

Effexor and Mirtazapine: Any experience with this combo?

Posted by doorman @doorman, Aug 31, 2019

Been on 7 different meds for anxiety. None have worked. In fact, the last one ( Zoloft) caused me to have WORSE anxiety. It sent me to the ER, and a voluntary commitment to a psych ward. One of the worst 3days of my life. I’m now on Effexor and Mirtazapine ( California rocket fuel). Been on it for 3 weeks. Still feel like crap. I’ve been told it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to start working. I’m not looking forward to the next 3weeks. Anyone here have any experience with this drug combination?

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pankaj | @pankaj | Aug 31, 2019

@doorman: Mirtazapine is very effective in calming anxiety. But Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not suit everyone, so one has to be careful with it. It did not suit me and I suffered a terrible withdrawal reaction when I stopped it after taking it for just three weeks. At what dosage are you taking it? How is your body reacting to it? Please indicate the dosages of both meds. Also, are you taking any benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety meds for immediate relief?

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3 replies
doorman | @doorman | Aug 31, 2019
In reply to @pankaj "@doorman: Mirtazapine is very effective in calming anxiety. But Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not suit everyone, so..." + (show)
@pankaj

@doorman: Mirtazapine is very effective in calming anxiety. But Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not suit everyone, so one has to be careful with it. It did not suit me and I suffered a terrible withdrawal reaction when I stopped it after taking it for just three weeks. At what dosage are you taking it? How is your body reacting to it? Please indicate the dosages of both meds. Also, are you taking any benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety meds for immediate relief?

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OCCASIONALLY a .5mg Clonazapam. 30 mg. Mirtazapine, 75mg. effexor. I’ve read about the horrible withdrawals, and it concerns me. I’ve been on it for 3 weeks, and it’s causing MORE anxiety. Probably because of the norepinephrine .I hope this works...I don’t look forward to the Effexor withdrawal.

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doorman | @doorman | Aug 31, 2019
In reply to @pankaj "@doorman: Mirtazapine is very effective in calming anxiety. But Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not suit everyone, so..." + (show)
@pankaj

@doorman: Mirtazapine is very effective in calming anxiety. But Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not suit everyone, so one has to be careful with it. It did not suit me and I suffered a terrible withdrawal reaction when I stopped it after taking it for just three weeks. At what dosage are you taking it? How is your body reacting to it? Please indicate the dosages of both meds. Also, are you taking any benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety meds for immediate relief?

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Why did you stop taking it after only 3weeks?

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pankaj | @pankaj | Aug 31, 2019

@doorman: Because it caused a severe adverse reaction. My anxiety skyrocketed; I could not even sit still. I was pacing up and down. I told my doctor I had to stop it. He didn't agree but I did it anyway. That saved my life, though I had to go through hell for the next 3 weeks.

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1 reply
doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @pankaj "@doorman: Because it caused a severe adverse reaction. My anxiety skyrocketed; I could not even sit..." + (show)
@pankaj

@doorman: Because it caused a severe adverse reaction. My anxiety skyrocketed; I could not even sit still. I was pacing up and down. I told my doctor I had to stop it. He didn't agree but I did it anyway. That saved my life, though I had to go through hell for the next 3 weeks.

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Are you on something else now that works better? What exactly did you feel with the withdrawal? I’m sorry it didn’t work for you.

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pankaj | @pankaj | Sep 1, 2019

@doorman: I am on a cocktail of drugs which include Mirtazapine and Escitalopram, which I took after stopping Venlafaxine. It worked wonders for me. Stopping Venlafaxine after just three weeks caused me very severe anxiety. I was tossing and turning on the bed; I could not sleep for almost ten days. I had become suicidal. Finally, only Clonazepam 2 mg worked to bring me relief. I got a new life. Hope Effexor works for you.

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1 reply
doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @pankaj "@doorman: I am on a cocktail of drugs which include Mirtazapine and Escitalopram, which I took..." + (show)
@pankaj

@doorman: I am on a cocktail of drugs which include Mirtazapine and Escitalopram, which I took after stopping Venlafaxine. It worked wonders for me. Stopping Venlafaxine after just three weeks caused me very severe anxiety. I was tossing and turning on the bed; I could not sleep for almost ten days. I had become suicidal. Finally, only Clonazepam 2 mg worked to bring me relief. I got a new life. Hope Effexor works for you.

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I know what severe anxiety is, believe me. So sorry for you. I tried Lexapro. It didn’t work for me. The Mirtazapine in the evening is a godsend. Be careful with relying on the clonazapan......I’m sure you will not let it get ahead of you. Best of luck to you my friend!

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2 replies
mkm | @mkm | Sep 1, 2019

I was on Effexor for 5 years. With my Dr. guidance I’m in complete withdrawal now. It’s horrible even though I weaned down.

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1 reply
doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @mkm "I was on Effexor for 5 years. With my Dr. guidance I’m in complete withdrawal now...." + (show)
@mkm

I was on Effexor for 5 years. With my Dr. guidance I’m in complete withdrawal now. It’s horrible even though I weaned down.

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Why not stay on it?

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1 reply
mkm | @mkm | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @doorman "Why not stay on it?" + (show)
@doorman

Why not stay on it?

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It wasn’t helping anymore.

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