Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline and Mirtazapine — Best Alternatives to Lexapro and Zoloft?

[Barry33]

I've read here that Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline and Mirtazapine - are best non-chance of making tinnitus worse alternatives to Lexapro and Zoloft for bad anxiety. I've never heard of those anti-depressants.

Is that considered pretty accurate those are best non-tinnitus affecting? I'd rather not take the chance of taking a SSRI drug based on what I've read about possibly making tinnitus worse.

Any input is much appreciated.

 

[Emily Lown]

I am wondering this same thing. My anxiety and depression has been debilitating. I have 4 kids to take care of. My therapist appt. is Monday for the first time and wondered what has worked for everyone that does take something.

 

[Samantha R]

@Barry33
Yes, Mirtazapine seems to be safer - but there are always people who have had a problem with it.
However, I used to take Mirtazapine at a dose of 30mg and have now weened off.
For me, it changed my situation as it is useful for sleep. The higher the dose though the less it helps with sleep. It did not effect my tinnitus either way.
The two tricyclics you mentioned are also useful for sleep however have some side effects such as dry mouth, that you might find unacccptable.
I have a bottle of Nortriptyline in my medicine cabinet that I haven't tried.
I'm pretty much habituated now so I will leave well alone.
If you search the 'Treatmemts' section of the forum you'll find threads on these drugs.
There will also be links to studies on these drugs and tinnitus.

 

[Emily Lown]

I can't figure out how to respond to your message ahh.

 

[bob bauer]

Samantha how did you ween off mirtazapine?

 

[Barry33]

@Barry33
Yes, Mirtazapine seems to be safer - but there are always people who have had a problem with it.
However, I used to take Mirtazapine at a dose of 30mg and have now weened off.
For me, it changed my situation as it is useful for sleep. The higher the dose though the less it helps with sleep. It did not effect my tinnitus either way.
The two tricyclics you mentioned are also useful for sleep however have some side effects such as dry mouth, that you might find unacccptable.
I have a bottle of Nortriptyline in my medicine cabinet that I haven't tried.
I'm pretty much habituated now so I will leave well alone.
If you search the 'Treatmemts' section of the forum you'll find threads on these drugs.
There will also be links to studies on these drugs and tinnitus.

thx for the reply....my issue is much more with extreme anxiety pertaining to my T than depression. i think Mirtazapine is strictly for depression

 

[Samantha R]

@Barry33 I mostly wanted the help with sleep and it was amazing for that.
I'm not really not that informed on what's best for anxiety, just wanted to share my experience.
I did however just do a search on mirtaz and anxiety and there are quite a few links there that suggest it is also helpful for anxiety.

 

[Samantha R]

@bob bauer
It was relatively easy to wean the mirtazapine.
I was not depressed prior to tinnitus and my biggest issue with tinnitus was insomnia.
The doc had me on Oxazepam but no way was I taking that regularly!
I chose M due to its effect on insomnia and it saved my life.
I started on 30mg and cut down to 15mg after about 4 months. Then to 7.5mg after 6 months, then 3.25 in another 3 months, then nothing.
I have a stash of Clonazepam for the rare nights where my tinnitus 'spikes', thanks to my awesome psychiatrist who is very supportive of my tinnitus management.
I do wonder if I was able to wean easily due to the fact I haven't been on the drug that long)

How are you doing?