Insomnia: How to take Mirtazapine (Remeron) 7.5 MG for best results?
Question posted by AmandaU on 4 Sep 2014
Last updated on 15 January 2020
I have insomnia, under what conditions should I take Mirtazapine (Remeron) 7.5 MG to get the best sleep results? On an empty stomach or with a meal? Right before going to sleep or a few hours before?
I ask because I recently tried Ambien, which did nothing to help me. I was so desperate for sleep that I even took several Ambien pills over the recommended dose and still, I didn't get any sleep. Luckily, my lack of sleep lead to a serious loss in appetite and I took the Ambien on an empty stomach when before I had been taking it right after dinner. BIG DIFFERENCE!
My doctor has me trying out Remeron now. It worked the first night I tried it, but not the second night and I can't remember what I did differently those two nights. So, I was hoping that instead of using the trial and error method (while loosing sleep for every wrong attempt I make) to figure out the specifics, someone that already has some experience with this medication could tell me what works best? Any and all helpful information is welcomed. Thank You!
I take the full 45 mg. Have been in it for years. I take half 2 hours before bedtime then get really sleepy and hungry. I take the other half at 3 am if I can’t get back to sleep. Combined with Vistaril and .5 mg clonazepam it should knock you out with or without food. I gained almost a hundred lbs on this medication but lost half of it by switching to water and avoiding the pre-bed snacks (which is hard because it makes you really hungry!)
Votes: +1
BL
Bloodylimey123
15 Jan 2020
I am so glad I read your comment.I was afraid to start taking the Remeron due to the gaing weight.I am only on 15mg to start.Water and no snacks is what I will do and give this medicine a try.Thank you.
CH
chaotik178
25 June 2019
I actually had insomnia for years because my brain never stopped. I currently take 30mg of Remeron with 10mg of valium right before I lay down usually watching positive television as a distraction. Usually asleep within an hour. and its my prescribed dosage.
Votes: +2
DK
dkay1412
6 Sep 2014
Hi, AmandaU. Ive been weaned down to 7.5 mg mirtazapine from 45mg. Ive been told that mirtazapine works better for sleep at lower doses. I was taking my dose (on an empty stomach) at 9p.m. and falling asleep a bit after 10. Because ive been waking up early and not being able to get back to sleep i have adjusted the med forward to about 9:30 now and fall asleep after 10:30. Unfortunately, that trick isnt helping me stay or get back to sleep. My healthcare provider and i are working on adjusting other meds to help me, though.
Ive been on mirtazapine for around 9 months now. The best med combo that helped me sleep well was mirtazapine and pristiq. But that didnt control my anxiety, so it was on to other things.
Best wishes to you on mirtazapine. I sure hope it helps you get the much-needed and much-elusive sleep.
Votes: +0
EL
Elleraechic
24 July 2019
I also take half before bed and half in the night to get back to sleep. Most antidepressants are SSRI and or SNRI but this one is not. It just boosts these chemicals so it works right away not after a few weeks like your standard Prozac etc.
KM
kmbsrs
6 Sep 2014
I take 15 mg, about a half hour before bed. Doesn't take long & I'm sleeping. During that 1/2 hour, you may not remember things the next day. You'll crave carbs. Works like a charm, I have epilepsy & also take Xanax. The Remeron/Mirtazapine, is definitely a good sleep med! Maybe have a few side effects for a bit, they will get better.
Votes: +1
ME
megabear
4 Sep 2014
Hello, I started taking remeron 7.5 three weeks ago,I also suffered some real bad insomnia, Everybody is different, but me personally find it better to take it if my stomach isn't so full,I take it at 9:00 every night it usually takes about an hour to kick in, some nights longer,but I made some diatary changes and stay off phone and computer an hour before I take it, I eat alot of foods that contain good amounts of tryptophan which produces natural melatonin such as walnuts,jasmine rice,cherries,garbonzo beans... also I drink more milk with food, I couldn't conquer my insomnia and depression by myself I am so happy that I have a Med that is giving me my life back, hope this helps,
Votes: +6
ME
megabear
4 Sep 2014
You can also take melatonin if you feel like you need to along with the remeron I take 2 mg on nights when the Med has taken longer to work, it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks to adjust to antidepressants,
