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Mirtazapine and Brain Fog: What Users Say (Page 2)

Brand names: Remeron, Remeron SolTab

Reviews for Mirtazapine

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • J F...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 12, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was diagnosed with severe PTSD a year and a half ago. Started on mirtazapine 15 mg, which stopped my tremors, helped me get my appetite back, and initially helped me sleep. Because I had additional complications of multiple benign tumors in my womb, which were misdiagnosed as a stomach ulcer, I was prescribed lansoprazole and ranitidine together, which gave me anorexia. My dose of mirtazapine was upped to 30 mg to combat the stress of this, but I feel like the other meds made it less effective. In the end, the lowest dose of mirtazapine, 7.5 mg before bed, was the most effective to help me sleep, reset my body clock, regulate my appetite, and generally made me feel better. It was also the dosage with the least brain fog. It takes some time to get used to, as it dulls your emotions a little bit, but I couldn't have recovered without it."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2021

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "Just wanted to give an update on Remeron 15 mg taken nightly. I'm a diabetic type 2 and spoke to a few doctors regarding its safety and efficacy with diabetes. Although most SSRIs somehow interfere with diabetes, I took the plunge and decided to still try it again because it worked so well. Could not have made a better decision. I sleep much better, though using 75 mg Seroquel and Stilnox MR as well. I've had a bit of brain fog in the morning, but it subsides at about 10 in the morning, and then I'm great to go."

10 / 10
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  • Sea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 25, 2018

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I took this because I was severely suicidal and depressed due to seasonal MDD. I started it because my mother was worried, and I thought if I went on medication, it would let her relax a little. It helped me sleep and completely erased my suicidal thoughts and urges. I got a restful full night’s sleep every night. At the start, the downsides were an inability to focus, feeling extremely tired during the day, and having my suicidal thoughts and urges increase drastically. These only lasted like a few days, then everything was okay again. The only side effect that didn’t go away was weight gain, but I’d rather be heavier and alive than skinny and dead. I only went off of it because my depression is seasonal, so I don’t need it at this time of year, but I will definitely start again in the fall."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Ins...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 13, 2022

For Insomnia "I am a 40-year-old male with lifelong insomnia. As I've gotten older, it's gotten almost unbearable - 4 hours a night, tops. Any depression/anxiety I have ever felt has truly only been about my insomnia. I have gone through meditation therapy, CBT, anti-anxiety meds, antidepressants, CBD, Ambien, benzos, everything to try and help. The only thing that ever directly helped me sleep was Xanax, and the addiction potential terrified me. SSRIs made it worse, both CBT and meditation were helpful tools, but I was still struggling. Mirtazapine has been a big help. Yes, the first week is bad - you will feel foggy and lethargic ALL DAY. But it wears off. It is not a miracle drug, but it is a HUGE HELP. I finally feel sleepy at night and can easily fall back asleep when I wake up. Now I have great nights and occasional OK nights. The terrible and zero sleep nights are over. This combined with CBT-I has been more potent than any other treatments. I hope this helps - there IS a way out of it!"

8 / 10
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  • sly...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 7, 2019

For Insomnia "I was prescribed this as more of a sleeping aid than anything. The first time I took it was around last week and near midnight, so I could fall asleep, it kicked in about 30-34 minutes later. It didn't make me drowsy like taking other sleeping aids do, more like comfortable and relaxed, so I was able to fall asleep. I ended up waking up 24 hours later around 1 a.m. the next day XD, it sort of defeated the purpose of helping me sleep at night by making me sleep all day! I did, however, have a really good sleep. I didn't take it that night, but took it the next with the same experience. When I am awake, I feel like I'm in a foggy state, like I'm living in a dream. Hopefully, the longer I'm taking it and the more my body gets used to it, this feeling will subside. But so far, it has been a week of a wacky schedule, fogginess, but really, really good sleep."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 3, 2021

For Insomnia "After trying to work through adrenal fatigue, I had started on doses of supplements, diet change, cut out coffee. Part of this was the absolute inability to slow my brain for sleep. I was a month of no sleep or 2 hours, 4 hours. I took a break from work. I was prescribed mirtazapine for sleep and, in part, for anxiety I was experiencing due to this massive handbrake on life. I was in full flight mode, and it was a terrifying call to review my life, and it happened very quickly. I was studying, working full time, saving for a house, a breakdown was inevitable. After 5 days on 15 mg, I noticed feeling blunted and anxious. It gave me the same sleep, but a dirty/wakeful/anxious sleep. After 10 days on 15 mg, I halved it, then just stopped for a couple of nights. I'm so glad I didn't persist. I tried melatonin 2 mg. Best choice. Mirt made me feel disconnected, fuzzy, and wobbly. Melatonin at a lower dose was best. I am working with a kinesiologist on WHY I'm not sleeping, I am correcting things here, plus diet and exercise."

1 / 10
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  • mos...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 20, 2018

For Depression "STAY AWAY. Withdrawing is a complete nightmare. I've been on 30 mg mirtazapine for 4 years now, and my greatest wish is to withdraw from it. It's making me feel like a zombie. I've tried a few times only to fail. The withdrawal is the worst experience one can have. Basically, total panic lying on the floor sucked into a black hole of misery. I was off of it for 6 months, and I still felt terrible withdrawal and had to go back on it. Please take this into consideration before starting this drug."

1 / 10
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  • Sim...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 27, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "Just started 2 weeks ago on Remeron 7.5 mg and upped to 15 mg last night. 50 mg of Sertraline worked really well for me for 10 years but seemed to start wearing off. Maybe should have upped the dose but decided to stop Sertraline due to night sweats and delay in climax. Too early to tell how this will work, but sleep has been better. I feel a bit spaced out the next day, but hopefully will wear off. Hope this works as having bad thoughts!"

7 / 10
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  • pon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 28, 2016

For Depression "Just under two weeks in and not noticed a massive difference (gone from despair to dysthymia, mind you - but mostly due to avoiding stress; being signed off). I'm sleeping a whole lot better than I used to and generally have more energy during the day instead of having a deep desire to nap. Apart from the 'bouncy castle effect' one hour after taking it, can't say I've had any side effects - though like most people (from what I've read), any food I see I want to devour. That and I've had bizarre patches of feeling spaced out. I suspect I might need a little more than 15 mg."

7 / 10
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  • Tif...
  • August 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I have fairly severe anxiety and depression, as well as some insomnia. I've only been on this medication for a few days. I have tried Lexapro, Buspirone, Zoloft, Gabapentin, Trazodone, and Topamax. I was on Lexapro for about three years, and it worked wonders. All of the others either had little to no effect or had terrible side effects. I am now coming off Zoloft and starting Remeron (mirtazapine) combined with Effexor XR. Although I have not been on it long enough for it to improve my mood, I have noticed that it makes me feel almost zombie-like. It helps me sleep, but I have to force myself out of bed, and I am constantly tired throughout the day. I am going to give it some time and see how it goes."

5 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 8, 2018

For Insomnia "I take 7.5 mg each night for sleep. I take other meds for anxiety that are sedating, but they don't help with staying asleep. The mirtazapine allows me to sleep through the night, and I wake up refreshed. I do find I sometimes feel a bit groggy or spaced out on it, and I might weigh a bit less if I didn't take it, but any time I stop it, I start waking up during the night again. Maybe when I retire (not any time soon!), I will see if I can sleep without it. But it certainly helps me live a full life - full-time job, working out, creative writing, spending time with friends - all the things that make for a good quality of life. I recommend trying it for insomnia."

9 / 10
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  • Mra...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 17, 2017

For Depression "This drug saved my degree and life. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for nearly 15 years, I’ve tried all the SSRIs, which didn’t help much. Then I found this, and it’s changed my life! The first few couple of days were rough, I felt completely spaced out, and not in a good Valium-ish way. It wasn’t great, but it passed pretty quickly, but bear that in mind if you start this while you’re in employment. It can take a while to start working. For me, it was instant for insomnia, 4 weeks for mood, and 3-4 months for anxiety. But it far surpassed my expectations, I feel something like “normal” now. If you’ve not had much hope from Citalopram, Sertraline, etc., I’d highly recommend it. The downside is hunger, but less so at higher doses, so stick with it."

9 / 10
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  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 29, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed Mirtazapine when I was sectioned for trying to end my life (unfortunately). At first, I hated it! I woke up feeling like a zombie, but after about 3 weeks, I was so calm and didn’t feel spaced out, if anything, more active! The only reason I’ve stopped taking this is because I work in a hospital and have night shifts on occasion (oh, it makes you sleep lol)."

10 / 10
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  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 29, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed Mirtazapine when I was sectioned for trying to end my life (unfortunately). At first, I hated it! I woke up feeling like a zombie, but after about 3 weeks, I was so calm and didn’t feel spaced out, if anything, more active! The only reason I’ve stopped taking this is because I work in a hospital and have night shifts on occasion (oh, it makes you sleep lol)."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 22, 2020

For Depression "Mirtazapine is ultimately a good medication for depression. You have to persevere with it, though; this means feeling very cranky for a few days and feeling like a zombie. It is a godsend for sleep anxiety at 15 mg. Pros: Very good for sexual function; great for sleep. Cons: Not very motivating!"

9 / 10
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  • D88...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 13, 2022

For Depression "I've been taking mirtazapine 15 mg after experiencing severe seasonal affective disorder, which left me feeling like I was going to end my life. I took mirtazapine 15 mg years ago for insomnia, which cured it after 3 months but made me gain weight, so I was hesitant about it this time. The first 3 days, I felt like a zombie, and it actually had the opposite effect on my sleep, I couldn’t sleep well. I surprisingly didn’t have the appetite increase either. Then on day 4, it was like a light switched on in my head. My mood improved, my suicidal thoughts finally went, and for the first time in months, I felt like my old self again. It was like feeling the sunrise after the longest night of my life. It’s been about 6 weeks now, and I cannot state enough that this medication has been an absolute godsend, my mood remains incredible, and I haven’t gained weight. And the best bit is, I only need to stay on it for 3-6 months total, as per the recommendation for SAD. Thank you, science."

10 / 10
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  • Yan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 8, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I took this medication, mirtazapine, for about a week for major depressive disorder. It made me EXTREMELY tired and foggy. I could barely do anything except sleep the entire time I was on it. The doctor said it would pass, but I couldn't wait for that to happen because I had to have the energy to go to work every day."

1 / 10
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  • fly...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 7, 2021

For Depression "Horrific! I was on this drug for two days, and it completely knocked me out, it was horrid. Now I’m off it, and its side effects are still hanging around due to its 4-5 day half-life! Horrible anxiety and completely spaced out, out of touch with reality feeling! Like someone has hit me over the head or something! 0% recommend, it is terrible!"

1 / 10
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  • Ech...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 27, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was referred to this medication due to my depression and insomnia, it left a horrible taste in my mouth all day. For sleep, it did help me sleep, however, I experienced the feeling other people on here have described as a foggy feeling all day, forgetfulness, and just a ‘zoned out’ feeling. The big thing for me I felt with this medication was the dark thoughts. I’m an ex-self harmer. I felt awful, thoughts of deep negativity and wanting to hurt myself. So for me, I’ve stopped this medication in under a month of taking it. However, every individual is different and will have their own experience. But for me, it was a no go."

3 / 10
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  • Vbf...
  • March 26, 2017

For Insomnia "Take as prescribed, 1/2 when required for sleep. Helps to sleep, strange dreams and recalls of conversations from months ago. Hangover and zombie feeling next day. Head-to-toe numbness, but okay. Just related. Don't take it all the time."

10 / 10
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  • Jbl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 9, 2019

For Anxiety "Been on mirtazapine for my anxiety for about 3 weeks. It worked for sleep! As I was unable to get any due to night panics (the worst thing ever) and helped me eat. Felt completely spaced out and depersonalized, which has subsided a bit. My crushing depression remains, I just can’t stop overthinking, so I will have a chat with my GP about this."

8 / 10
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  • Dar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 8, 2013

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "This medicine made me sleep so well and, like others, found it hard to get out of bed. When I did get up, I was in a surreal state of mind, very zombie-like, pupils so full, looked like I was high. That was on 1/2, so I tried 1/4. The effects did lessen, but I still felt weird."

4 / 10
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  • Bet...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 20, 2016

For Depression "Overall, this has helped. I can handle most things far better than I used to, it takes the edge off things. Sleep is better. I used to get such a dry mouth, but letting the ortho disposable tablet dissolve a little, then taking water helps. I do still occasionally feel spaced out, and I have put on weight."

7 / 10
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  • Ray...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 9, 2021

For Depression "I left a review about a month ago regarding 15 mg mirtazapine. In 2 days, it will be a month I am off of it. I see a lot of good reviews and bad, I was one of those who gave a bad review. And here is why: this medication, at the beginning, will knock you out, and if you can fight it, after 2 weeks it starts working, but after a month, all those good feelings disappear, and you feel like a zombie and numb. The vivid dreams felt so real, sometimes, when I was awake, I questioned myself if I am awake or still asleep. This medication should not be recommended for anxiety or depression. It is for insomnia or someone who has an eating disorder. I still freak myself out when I think about how it made me feel - and it's been a month, and I don't think it's out of my system yet..."

1 / 10
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  • Sle...
  • October 8, 2015

For Insomnia "I'm in the UK. I've taken mirtazapine for 3 nights, and so far it has had no effect on my insomnia. It has perhaps made it worse, as 2 of those nights I couldn't lie still but was fidgety and restless. I end up taking a temazepam, otherwise, I literally lie wide awake all night. But I can't do this indefinitely, as docs at my practice just refuse to give scripts for temazepam and other benzodiazepines, even though I have never abused these drugs. I don't want to lower the dose, as the main reason for taking mirtazapine is my chronic anxiety, which I'm still hoping this med will help. Apart from the restlessness at night, there have so far been no side effects. Felt a bit spaced out yesterday, but nothing serious. But wish I could get a good night's sleep."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.