Mirtazapine and side affect of gaining weight

[Palmolive]

Hi.

I've just been started on a new anti-depresent, Mirtazapine and it says one of the side affects is weight gain. However, it says increased appetite so I was wondering whether the medication itself makes you gain weight or whether it is because of the increased appetite, leaving the person eating more due to cravings etc which then leads them to gaining weight? Does that make sense?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
Jessie

[Magical Forest.]

I've been on Mirtazapine, and for me, it both increased my appetite AND made me gain weight. I made sure I ate healthily, even though i was hungry all the time, but gained weight. It's the reason I came off it.
But it affects people differently, I know a few people who take it and have had no problems with it. Kinda like the pill I guess, some people will get the side effects, some won't and could get completely different ones.
I'd advise you to keep taking it, because you never know, it could really help you. If you notice SIGNIFICANT changes in weight, then talk to your doctor about it. But if it's barely noticeable you could easily just lose what you gained.
xx

[LeapOfFayth]

In my experience when a medication says weight gain it is because of increased appetite. What I was told to do was avoid munching on carbs (one pill made me crave just plain bread with butter on it which isn't that great for you in large amounts). Drink lots of water to offset your appetite and eat leafy greens like lettuce to fill you up.

Like the person above me said, you might not even get that side effect.

[Anatidaephobia]

When I was on it I found it increased both my appitiate and made me again weight even when I didn't eat anything. But the side effects are different for everyone. As Hannah says if you notice that it does cause weight gain then talk to your doctor about it,but it effects everyone differently. So it may not even affect you.

[Palmolive]

It might not affect me but it also might. Don't think I'm going to take them.
Thanks.

[Dream]

I didn't gain weight when I was on it. I went all the way up to the max dose as well.

I'm pretty sure the weight gain comes as a result in increased appetite and increased eating. I don't think it messes with your metabolism or anything, but it'd be good to check for certain because I'm not a doctor and don't really know.

But it is a good reason to try and eat healthy and slowly so you don't over eat. I'd say if you're struggling with hunger because of it, get some healthy snacks.