Mirtazapine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Do...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2021

For Anxiety "I became obsessed with a single thought and could not probably function. This pill actually drove me insane, I thought I was going crazy, losing my mind. I would be scared to go to sleep because I had horrible nightmares and woke up sweating and confused. I felt dizzy spells every few minutes and nearly passed out in public. I would cry randomly and then feel pain in my brain. I felt like I was in a personal hell. Please stay away from this drug."

• Bur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2018

For Anxiety "Worst hell I ever experienced. Worked okay at first for sleep, then the side effects got worse. Started making me feel more agitated, depressed, trashed my immune system, respiratory issues, horrid body pain in muscles and joints, made me more allergic to foods, bad eyesight, horrific nightmares, suicidal thoughts, skin sensitivities, akathisia, fogged head. Worst withdrawals: shaking, diarrhea, vertigo, sweating, passing out feelings, vomiting, severe panic attacks, akathisia, terror, derealization, sensitivities to lights, sounds, smells, worse depression, agitation, anxiety off the charts, hard to eat because you want to vomit and food just sits in your stomach if you can eat, hard to walk some days at all. Itching and rashes, painful headaches, burning skin, neuropathy. Lost half my hair and skin like sandpaper. I was a beautiful woman before this drug. I have no idea if I will ever be the same. BEWARE, this drug can change on a dime and destroy you!"

• Zar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2013

For Depression "I have suffered from severe depression over the past 12 years and was on citalopram, which was not controlling my depression at all. Now, having had my meds changed two months ago, I am like a new person-no, I am like how I should be. I had a change in my mood after less than a week, and now I can look forward to a hopeful future. Unfortunately, I did suffer side effects, including very weird vivid dreams, feeling exhausted, confused, dizziness, vertigo, and increased appetite. All of these symptoms have now subsided, and I feel they were worth battling with to get to where I am now. However, I would not have been able to work during this period or make responsible decisions. Overall, I would recommend."

• Zar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2013

For Depression "I have suffered from severe depression over the past 12 years and was on citalopram, which was not controlling my depression at all. Now, having had my meds changed two months ago, I am like a new person-no, I am like how I should be. I had a change in my mood after less than a week, and now I can look forward to a hopeful future. Unfortunately, I did suffer side effects, including very weird vivid dreams, feeling exhausted, confused, dizziness, vertigo, and increased appetite. All of these symptoms have now subsided, and I feel they were worth battling with to get to where I am now. However, I would not have been able to work during this period or make responsible decisions. Overall, I would recommend."

• Its...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2022

For Depression "Ok. Got a bad health diagnosis and am self-employed, so needed something to keep my emotions in check so I can work with the public for a couple of days. Lost 4 family members to suicide, 2 directly as a result of antidepressants, so that makes me nervous. Was given 6 months' worth of mirtazapine. Reluctantly took 1 pill. Slept 14 fitful hours. Woke up and felt suicidal. Couldn’t answer basic questions, dizzy, angry, falling asleep. Can’t think, depressed. Told my partner to go away for the day. Anxious, unable to function. These tablets will be taken back to the pharmacy pronto. I’m not depressed or anxious normally. Just in shock and wanted something to get me through this week. Think carefully about taking this drug. In my opinion, it’s pure evil. If I could give it 0, I would."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

For Anxiety "I took 15 mg of this med for 2 1/2 weeks. The first week was fine. Never felt happy or sad, I was like in a void. The second week started feeling nauseated every morning. The last night I took it, I woke up at 5 am very nauseated. Went to the kitchen to make coffee, and I just didn’t feel right. I was wobbly and felt like I was out of my body. Went downstairs to the TV room hoping it would pass. When I started to go back upstairs to the kitchen, I felt completely out of it. My last thought was, “How am I making it to the kitchen?” I can’t remember anything after that until I woke up on my kitchen floor with an egg-sized bump on my head and a bruised arm! It was scary! I would be careful taking this!"

• Gil...
• February 22, 2016

For Insomnia "Prescribed 7.5 mg (half a 15 mg pill) at night for sleep. First night, I accidentally took a whole 15 mg dose when I was supposed to take half a pill. Experienced some shortness of breath at first and felt what I can best describe as being drunk for the next two days off that single dose. Stumbling and dizzy with a tiredness I have never felt in my life. It did what it promised and knocked me out, but for two days in a row. I realized I took the whole dose but was nervous to try it again. After 3 weeks of bad sleep, I tried it again at the prescribed 7.5 mg and was much better. It does take time to adjust. I am now on week 4 and for the most part, sleeping through the night. I did gain 7 lbs, though, induces a crazy appetite."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "My life was about to end a few years back due to OCD. I wished to die a couple of times. I had lost all hopes of recovery, but this medicine came into my life as a miracle. I took it for 5 months and have now gotten rid of it. I have stopped taking it more than a year ago, and I am a completely healthy person now and enjoying a wonderful life. It does not have any special side effects except weight gain or dizziness."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2022

For Insomnia "This medication did not help me sleep. I took it as directed, after about one hour, I started to feel dizzy, nauseous, and unwell. I did sleep eventually but not properly. I was waking every hour and feeling more sick each time I awoke. I had strange, very ‘realistic,’ almost ‘disturbing’ dreams. I could not get out of bed the next morning, and each time I tried, I felt more and more dizzy. I couldn’t drive and would not have attempted to. It’s now 19 hours later, and I still do not feel normal. I took 7 mg of the medication. I am most angry with my GP, who said this will certainly help you sleep. NO, it did not, and I’m not happy with my GP’s statement that it would help. I would say DO NOT take this… end of!!"

• Jon...
• January 14, 2016

For Depression "Very strange antidepressant with severe side effects. I've been on many different SSRIs over the years, finally settling on sertraline, which has served me well. It did, however, cause me to sleep too much, so my GP suggested I try mirtazapine. I'm only a few days in, but I have to say this stuff is more like a powerful sleeping pill than an antidepressant. Far from solving my sleeping problem, this stuff has exacerbated it! It hits you really hard and sends you to sleep for 12 hours! The rest of the day I feel like a zombie: dizzy, exhausted, and with strange visual disturbances (everything looks several shades darker and somewhat fuzzy). I'll keep trying for a few weeks, but I can't imagine it will be worth sticking with them."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been taking mirtazapine for approximately 3 months, and I’m up to 15 mg. I had it prescribed because I was having PTSD, stomach issues/digestive problems, weight loss, and not sleeping. I was very hesitant to try it, my anxiety was telling me it would only add to my problems. After several doctors told me to take it, I gave it a go. At first, it would knock me out for 10 or 11 hours, now I sleep 8 or 9 hours. It still makes me a little dizzy sometimes, but overall I think it’s worth trying. Haven’t gained any weight because of it."

• Duc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

For Depression "I'm 18 and taking mirtazapine for depression. I've been on it for about 1 month now at 15 mg. So far, I've experienced a few side effects such as dizziness and shaking/muscle spasms, but the worst side effect is the extreme anger I've felt. Yes, it helps me sleep, but it's making my depression lows much worse, and the anger is terrible. It's the kind that if you don't let it out, it eats away at your insides, but I don't want to let it out as I know I'm not supposed to freak out at every little thing. The smallest things can set me off, even the dog just being in the way. I've had to restrain myself from yelling at the dog so many times now. I don't want to hurt her, I don't want to hurt anyone. That's why this is so difficult, because I'm usually a very reserved and unemotional person."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2018

For Insomnia "Didn't have depression till I started taking this drug. I would suggest that if you wake up feeling very, very depressed, it could be this. I was given this to help me sleep, but beware, it has some terrible side effects, for me anyway. A) as above B) it makes you sleep but hangs around for about 18 hours with intermittent depression C) zombie in and out of semi-consciousness D) brain has a warping feel every 15 minutes. Makes you off balance. E) makes you aggressive I took 15 mg on two nights and would not touch this again... the morning depression is horror... and I don't even suffer depression."

• 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."

• Pin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2022

For Depression "I understand this isn't supposed to work right away, however, the side effects I experienced were worse than the depression I was dealing with. I hope my review helps those going through this to not give up, but to consider speaking to your doctor to change type if you are experiencing the same, as I am now feeling better than ever on Lexapro. After a day of using this, I felt woozy, after three days, I could hardly get up and felt drunk and dizzy all the time. When I read these reviews on day six, I stopped taking it and went back to my doctor asking for something else. They put me on Lexapro, and I had zero side effects, and one month on this, I feel so much better. This type might be great for some, but if you're having side effects worse than the problem, please speak to your doctor, as I don't think it should be this way, and different medication works for different people, so never give up!"

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2019

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this medication due to anxiety problems that I had finally had enough of. I also suffer with insomnia. The doctor suggested this as it treats both. I can honestly say it was the worst experience of my life. I could barely get to my bed 40 minutes after taking it, and I slept for 14 hours but in and out of consciousness. I spent the next two days completely zonked, weak, shaky, and barely able to speak. I will never, ever take this medication again. If you have a job or kids, I don’t know how they expect you to function. Awful."

• Bub...
• May 20, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Post update from 3 weeks ago, I'm now 4 weeks in on 30 mg but have decided to taper off due to the weight gain and dizziness. I'm now 203 lbs after gaining another 8 pounds from increasing to 30 mg from 15 mg. In a total of 10 weeks from starting this medication from 7.5 mg, I gained 20 pounds and 3 inches on my waist. The side effects, unfortunately, outweigh the benefits. This medication just makes you want to eat anything in sight. I feel like a fat blob where 10 weeks ago I was somewhat fit. I can't control the carb and sugar cravings. Onto the next med, I guess!"

• jus...
• May 7, 2023

For Anxiety "I am on this for poor appetite, panic disorder, and depression. 15 mg tablet 1 hour before bed, but literally couldn't get out of bed once I'd taken it as, for the first week, it hits hard. I felt like I was drunk, woozy, and had double vision. But I've never had better sleep. I was fine waking up a little tired but eventually came around. This does not last, though; maybe for the first week, you feel rather groggy. I was on mirtazapine for 3 weeks before coming off it. They literally are amazing for sleep, anxiety, and to gain weight. My anxiety literally went. Now to the bad side of my experience: mirtazapine made me very angry and irritable, and I was constantly shouting and getting annoyed very quickly. I started to question my 13-year-long relationship when there was nothing wrong with us. I felt nothing... I was a completely different person. For this reason, I came off it after 3 weeks. Please don't just stop them. I'm currently having nightmares, barely any sleep, not eating, throwing up, and headaches. Good luck!!"

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I was on 40 mg of citalopram, which was working a treat, but I wasn't sleeping, so I was given mirtazapine 15 mg. I've been on them less than 2 weeks now, and the change in myself is simply terrible. The first couple of nights, I got an amazing sleep but found it hard to get up in the morning. But things have just gone from bad to worse. I have bad anxiety, can't sleep, feel like a walking zombie, dizziness is terrible, crazy dreams/mares, compulsive sweating, itching/burning sensations, and the worst for me is my anger, it's unexplainable. I can fly off the handle for someone looking at me. This drug might work for some people, but I'd say avoid at all costs, I've never felt so unhappy and downright miserable."

• Ar7...
• August 26, 2017

For Depression "Worst psychiatric drug I've ever taken. I've had bad side effects from regular SSRIs, so I was put on mirtazapine 30 mg. It knocked me out and turned me into a depressed zombie. I had severe sedation, confusion, and dizziness, which lasted all of the next day. This continued for 4 days. It also made me extremely suicidal, and I had to get an emergency ketamine infusion, which instantly lifted my depression and suicidal thoughts. Never taking this again."

• Big...
• May 24, 2010

For Anxiety "I was previously on escitalopram (10 mg) but was experiencing sexual dysfunction as a side effect. After discussing this with my psychiatrist, I was put on 30 mg of mirtazapine. After reading some of the reviews, I was reluctant about changing but started my new treatment 5 days ago. So far, so good. My sexual functioning has returned, I'm feeling generally more relaxed and carefree, and am also fine in the mornings. I used to suffer in the mornings, which would destroy my whole day and result in severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and massive anxiety. Drawbacks are that I'm getting some really weird dreams and feel hungry a whole lot more, also dizzy, and it sometimes takes me a while to sleep."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2016

For Insomnia "I started taking this drug 5-6 years ago. At first, it made me really dizzy, like I was going to pass out. It still makes me dizzy, but I had really bad insomnia where I would hear people when I was sleeping. Plus, I used to be anorexic. Like I was 60-65 lbs before taking this. I was on 30 mg of this drug, and it made me throw up. I have always been tired even before taking this drug, so that doesn't bother me. I am now on 7.5 mg, and it works great, except that sometimes I cannot sleep. When I have alcohol on the weekends and at night I take this drug, I sleep really well. Sometimes I still feel dizzy, but I do not feel like I could pass out. My hands have always shaken even before taking this pill."

• 170...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on an SSRI for 2.5 years to treat depression and anxiety. The SSRI worked for a couple of months until my life took on more responsibility. I started to feel depressed and anxious again. One major side effect of the SSRI was a significant reduction in sex drive. Being a male, that lowered my confidence even more. I've been on mirtazapine for 2 weeks now, still early days. However, since being on it, I immediately experienced improvements. My sex drive has returned to normal, I sleep much better, and I am more excited about life in general. The only real side effect I've experienced is dizziness on a daily basis. Hopefully this will go away in a few weeks."

• Jay...
• July 10, 2016

For Depression "I've had a lot of success with this drug. I was always distracted, unmotivated, anxious, and down. Remeron gave me clarity of mind, a healthy appetite, and nice sleep through the night (and great, vivid dreams). My only negative comment is when you mix this drug with the wrong thing, you feel like you are going to die. If you're relatively healthy, not on many other drugs, don't do any drugs, or drink a lot, it's very helpful and basically side effect free. But one time I was an idiot and drank quite a bit and took it as usual before bed. I was on the ground crawling to my bed-I felt awful. I also tried to quit smoking with a Nicoderm patch and I woke up feeling so dizzy, shaking and lightheaded-very scary."

• bhk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Insomnia "I also have had to cut the Remeron 15 mg way down. The first time I took the whole 15 mg, I woke up so groggy and dizzy. I now take 1/8th of a pill, it works and is still hard to wake in the morning, but no longer dizzy."