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Newly diagnosed at 58 and antidepressants

Tulip52

Hi 

I have recently discovered that i have an ASD. It all makes sense. One of my concerns is about medication. I have been very slowly tapering off venlafaxine for the past 3 years from 150mg to my current dose of 94mg. I am doing this because i wanted to experience life free of the side effects and to feel more me. Now i have discovered my diagnosis, i am wondering thatbit is likely that my behaviours and symptoms associated with asd will become more apparent. X

Parents

  • I am 53 and about 7 years ago went through a low period and was prescribed anti depressants which I took for a while but never massivley helped. It is only now I know I have ASD that I could see that it was actually a mimi meltdown that I suffered. At the time I saw my ASD symptoms maginified in that I didn't want to go out, see anybody or do anything, just sleep. I hope finding out about your ASD will bring some clarity to how you feel. I think it is just much easier for GP's to give out anti depressants than to look deeper. For me knowing I have ASD has ment I am less tough on my self to be perfect, I give myself time when I need it. Good luck.

  • in reply to NAS65321

    At 67, I have only just realised that I am Autistic. I suspect that being on 1/2 a15mg tablet a day of Mirtazapine helped me function, not that others should try this without discussing with thier GP/ psychiatrist etc. The stress of enforced retirement due to Covid, put me back up to 15mg per day. Now I realise the issues I have had are due to my Autism I am considering reducing again with GP advice. Can a professional tell me if there is any evidence to explain why Mirtazapine seems to help?

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  • in reply to NAS65321

    At 67, I have only just realised that I am Autistic. I suspect that being on 1/2 a15mg tablet a day of Mirtazapine helped me function, not that others should try this without discussing with thier GP/ psychiatrist etc. The stress of enforced retirement due to Covid, put me back up to 15mg per day. Now I realise the issues I have had are due to my Autism I am considering reducing again with GP advice. Can a professional tell me if there is any evidence to explain why Mirtazapine seems to help?

Children
  • in reply to VLD

    I find it fascinating that at last we are at last able to understand ourselves better. I dont know the answer to your question about mitrazapine im sorry, but i suspect many psychotropic drugs may help with some symptoms, behaviours etc. But also come with unpleasant side effects, and wont help for some with meltdowns etc. I saw a psychiatric nurse this week and she said the medication may be making things worse for me. I have rarely felt well on medication throughout my life, and struggled to understand why. My meltdowns pass with rest and the medication doesnt prevent them from happening. So although not taking antideppresants is likely to come with some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and bring to light the true me and associated ASD behaviours, challenges etc. I want to at least try and manage.