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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @mkm "It wasn’t helping anymore." + (show)

What were the withdrawal symptoms?

mkm | @mkm | Sep 1, 2019

I’m trying to find a chat group with advice about managing withdrawals.

doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @mkm "I’m trying to find a chat group with advice about managing withdrawals." + (show)

Good luck

mkm | @mkm | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @doorman "What were the withdrawal symptoms?" + (show)

They flu like symptoms and dizziness. Less than a month ago but still miserable.

doorman | @doorman | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @mkm "They flu like symptoms and dizziness. Less than a month ago but still miserable." + (show)

Either get off very very slowly, or how about changing to another SNRI? Sometimes no withdrawal is needed. I went from 6 weeks of Zoloft immediately to Effexor.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 1, 2019

In reply to @mkm "I’m trying to find a chat group with advice about managing withdrawals." + (show)

@mkm Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We are not medical professionals here, but as patients/caregivers/family members we can offer support, and share our own experiences to others and give our thoughts.

Here is a discussion that may help you regarding withdrawing from Effexor
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-on-minimising-withdrawal-symptoms-from-effexor-aka-venlafaxine/
I hope this helps. I personally do not have any experience with any of these medications.
Please check back with us and let us know if this helps you, or how you are doing. Can you do this for us? We all learn from each other, and here at Mayo Connect, we care.
Ginger