Mirtazapine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Cre...
• December 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I wanted to leave a review in the hopes of helping someone similar to me. 7 years I suffered with anxiety on and off, the last year has been unbearable! I suffered with extreme anxiety attacks over the silliest of things, I would be physically sick! I went a week without eating and constantly being sick, I was really low to the point of thinking I’d be better off not being here, I went to the doctors and was given sertraline which made me worse, I then tried citalopram which did help with my mood but didn’t help with the extreme anxiety, I was about to give up but my doctor suggested mirtazapine 15mg, I can’t explain the relief I feel! Side effects were drowsy in a morning, sleep like a baby, constipation, which lactulose solves and weight gain, but they soon wore off, for me this drug has given me my life back, I can now cope with any situation, for anyone suffering, please don’t give up, the right medication for you is out there."

• Geo...
• March 22, 2021

For Insomnia "I was suffering from chronic insomnia. No problem falling asleep around 9:30-10:00 pm, but by 2 am, I was wide awake & up for the day. I tried Trazodone 50mg once & it wiped me out. Then I tried a Valium 5mg tablet & it was not very helpful either. I tried Melatonin 3mg & that was useless for me as well. I talked to my doctor & she prescribed Mirtazapine 7.5 mg. That dose totally wiped me out, so I skipped a day & took 1/2 of the 7.5 mg tablet. Once again, it wiped me out & I tried a 1/4 tablet and that was just the right dose for me. I sleep well throughout the night, but it does take some coffee in the morning to get going. FYI, it's the only pill I take other than occasional Tylenol or Motrin. Hope this helps someone out there."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

For Anxiety "After reading the comments, I thought I would share my experience of mirtazapine. After suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, I finally went to the doctor and was prescribed antidepressants - I think they were citalopram, not sure of the name, but they made me worse. I was then prescribed mirtazapine, they took a good few weeks to kick in. I've been taking 15mg for nearly 2 years now and feel miles better in myself. I am now able to go to the shops on my own, get a bus alone, and even got a full-time job. Here comes the downside: I've put a stone and a half on, gone from 9 and a half to 11. The actual drug doesn't make you gain weight, it's the food you crave. So I'm determined to try and combat that with a healthier diet. She says haha...also, the dreams are horrendous, and it does take me a good hour to come round when I get up. Saying this but it is all worthwhile as I now feel I have my life back. I hope this helps. Keep at it as it will be worthwhile in the end. Wishing you all well, Paula x"

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I'm a 35-year-old male with a history of panic and anxiety. I have tried a number of meds, including SSRIs and Benzos. Today is day 14 on this medication, the dose is half a tablet (15mg) of mirtazapine. I have been taking it around 8 pm every night, and it certainly reduces the amount of time it has taken to get to sleep every night. I am also sleeping throughout the night. Some sleepiness and flu-like symptoms during the day. On day 11, I woke up with a desire to clean my house. I haven't had a desire to carry out any activities to completion for a while. On day 12, I went and had coffee with a friend and proceeded to spend the entire day away from the house, seeing a movie, doing some grocery shopping, then having dinner with another friend. This kind of desire to get out and do things, or complete tasks, is a fairly new thing for me. I am also finding that this is having an impact on reducing pain. I have a separate chronic pain issue and have had zero desire to take my opiate medication for pain."

• ano...
• July 6, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed mirtazapine for GAD and OCD. Over the last 20 or so years, I have tried most of the SSRIs, and they have either stopped working for me after a time or the side effects made them unsuitable for me. My psychiatrist suggested I try mirtazapine as I have issues with sleep as well, and also chronic gastritis, so I needed something that wouldn't make my insomnia worse and also wouldn't cause gastric side effects. I started on 7.5mg before bed, and will increase slowly. The first few days I was very drowsy, but after a week I feel back to normal. I haven't had the munchies yet, that may come at a higher dose, I'm not sure. But overall, I feel great so far, and haven't felt the effects of coming off my previous medication either, which is great. I am really sensitive to medication, so I was really relieved to be feeling like myself again so quickly. Overall a great experience so far."

• Amm...
• March 21, 2021

For Anxiety "Mirtazapine got me out of a suicidal depression/anxious spiral! I was sleeping less than 2 hours a night - my anxiety was escalating and my mood was plummeting at an alarming rate. Mirtazapine stopped my breakdown in its tracks! I took 1 x 15mg tablet & slept through the night for the first time in months. I woke up feeling 40% better but I was sedated until midday - this faded over the next few weeks. I had a big appetite for the first month but that eased off. I started exercising again which was a result of both my boosted mood and energy levels. The sedation still stays with me until 10 or 11 am but my quality of life has improved so much!!! I've put on 5 lbs but I had lost half a stone. You have to weigh up the pros & cons. I'd rather have more of an appetite than be unable to eat because I'm shaking with unbearable anxiety. I've tried all the SSRIs & SNRIs and mirtazapine was the fastest acting plus no gastro or sexual side effects."

• bla...
• July 14, 2014

For Anxiety "After a run of horrific life experiences, I had terrible panic attacks and went to the hospital emergency several times thinking I was having a heart attack. Interestingly, I started on 15 mg and could hardly stay awake during the day, missed meetings and appointments as I'd sleep through them. My doctor told me that paradoxically, the drowsiness tends to stop at a higher dose. I started 30 mg and almost immediately my energy in the morning came back. I haven't had any panic attacks and have achieved more in the last 6 months than I had in the 3 years prior. I'm laughing and enjoying life. If you feel tired and low in energy on the low dose, then ask your doctor about a higher dose. Don't give up on this. This medicine has given me my life back."

• Gor...
• May 19, 2013

Mirtazapine for Depression "I'm a 43-year-old woman and I've been on 30mg Remeron for over 10 years now. It was prescribed for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I was NOT sleeping at all. When I first started taking it, I was a walking zombie for about 2-3 months (got some much-needed sleep), however, after that, it's like someone opened a window in a dark room. I was feeling 80% normal (prior to taking it, I was in the negative). I'll take 80% any day. You should take it an hour or so before bedtime because it has a huge sedative effect. Take care in the beginning because it's potent to begin with. It takes time for it to start really working, so don't be put off by the zombie state, it does go away."

• Coc...
• February 19, 2020

Mirtazapine for Depression "I was taking mirtazapine for around a year and had I been in a better space I would have gotten off it as soon as I realized it was causing certain effects on me. Minor side effects: sluggishness, major weight gain. I was prescribed this medication due to having poor sleep, but it made me have vivid awful dreams - sleep paralysis multiple times a night. I used to sleep for 14+ hours, usually in the day due to being worried about falling asleep for the nightmares. It caused me to miss lots of university - I was so tired and drowsy I could not physically get up. I wish I had been able to understand the effect it was having on my body and stop them sooner. I was severely suicidal. I made plans almost daily, even walking to the shop I thought about walking in front of buses. It was a truly awful time in my life, made worse by a medication which did not suit me. I’m glad it has worked for some, but if anyone I knew personally were to tell me they were taking it, I would advise them not to."

• Fin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 22, 2024

For Insomnia "I’ve had insomnia and GAD my whole life. I remember my first sleepover at 5 years old - I didn’t sleep a wink. I’ve tried lots of meds over the years and to some extent I’ve had success with high doses of melatonin, benzos, and doxylamine, however these drugs are not good for you if you use them daily so I always felt guilty. Finally I went to my GP for extreme fatigue and brain fog and she started me on Mirtazapine 15mg. She suggested I try just a few times a week as needed. It knocked me out cold for 10 hours straight and I was very groggy for 2 days after, and like my emotions were just numb. However, I was expecting side effects so I persisted. After a few weeks, the weirdness went away completely and I was advised by a different GP to just have it every night to let it build up in my system. I feel like a completely new person!! 36 years of nighttime hell and now I sleep 8+ hours every single night with no anxiety and wake up feeling fresh and great. Amazing!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2022

For Depression "I have been taking mirtazapine 30mg for now 3 years and it’s extremely beneficial for me. SSRI didn’t work well for me and/or gave me unacceptable side effects. Mirtazapine helps me sleep well, calms my anxiety, makes me more optimistic and positive… without any sexual side effects, weight gain, and now I’m not sleeping 18 hours a day or feeling sleepy at all during the day. Health care professional myself, I can’t warn you enough about all the bad reviews. People who left bad reviews seem to forget that the medication is not the only factor to consider. They were not well before taking it so there is a lot happening outside the meds."

• Vix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Insomnia "I WANT TO SHARE on 2 Feb 2020 said it all. I have also been on Escitalopram for depression for a few years now. But my biggest issue became insomnia, firstly after working night duty as a nurse, then I was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Had it out Jan 13, 2020 all good, but awake all night then fell asleep at 9 or 10 am, slept all day and so awake again all night. This week, my doctor gave me Mirtazapine 15 mg (but taking half tablet) then up to 1 as from next week. She told me that it seems to work better for sleep on lower doses of it, rather than taking higher doses. Took my first dose last night, after 20 min felt dozy, then fell asleep, woke once for about 15 min, then fell asleep again for the rest of the night. A little groggy today but then again I am still recovering from my brain surgery, so a bit foggy most days, overall feeling fine. Hope it continues, and good luck to everyone else."

• 25y...
• March 3, 2020

For Insomnia "I've been taking mirtazapine for almost a year. I've had insomnia since high school, and it's gotten worse the older I've gotten (I'm 25). I tried 4 different sleeping pills before this one, and started with a 15mg dose of mirtazapine. It didn't seem to help at all, and I was still up all night and day. So I decided to take 2 at a time, and it actually worked great. I called my doctor and got switched to 30mg. I've seen a lot of reviews on here saying lower doses work best, but 30mg has worked best for me. I sleep through the night, and wake up feeling fine. No grogginess, or dizziness. Just remember everyone reacts differently. I've tried many different sleeping pills, and this one by far works the best, and it's super affordable. $12 for 3 month's supply? Done. (My doctor is one of those sticklers who won't prescribe anything that can be addictive like Ambien.)"

• mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 20, 2021

For Anxiety "In 2009, I had a severe anxiety attack with increased symptoms over the next year. My family doctor tried so many anti-anxiety/depression medications, none of which worked. I wasn't sleeping, and thus began with my downward spiral. I live in Canada, and Mirtazapine/Remeron was very new, so no doctor was prescribing it. Things got so bad with me that my husband decided to admit me to a clinic in Arizona. That's where I was started on Mirtazapine. When I first started it, I had such bizarre dreams but had the best sleep I had had in over a year. Because of the medication's sedative effect, it did calm me and helped me to sleep, which was exactly what I needed. Once I was able to sleep, it was easier for me to deal with the anxiety attacks - which were not as severe after that. I did have to slowly decrease the dosage, and now take 15mg one night and 30 mg the next. I can honestly say that Mirtazapine saved my life. No other antidepressant/anti-medication helped, and I tried a lot."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2014

For Anxiety "During a really worrying period with one of my children, I found I couldn't sleep and would lie awake with a pounding heart and shaking. This meant I felt terrible during the day, and it just got worse and worse. I eventually was referred to a psychiatrist who prescribed Mirtazapine 15mg. Well, the first night I slept all night! I was very groggy in the morning. Gradually, the grogginess lessened. I found that because I was getting a good night's restful sleep, I started to improve. It really was like a miracle for me. I have been on it now for about 18 months, the family crisis is over, and I want to get off now if I can. So, I have started taking just 7.5mg, will see how I go with that for a while, then hopefully stop altogether."

• RC1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2013

Mirtazapine for Depression "I had been taking Remeron for about 6 months. I am 23 years of age and have had sleep problems my whole life. For 6 months, my life was great. Everything seemed just perfect. 2 months ago, I decided to stop taking it cold turkey. BAD idea. Within the last month, the side effects began to kick in. Extreme anxiety, anger, sleeplessness, overall feeling of worthlessness came upon me. It was absolutely terrible! Today, my doctor put me back on the medicine and tonight I'll be taking it again. I am so excited to see what lies ahead. If you take Remeron, PLEASE do not quit taking it cold turkey on your own. Seek a doctor's advice."

• Bil...
• November 5, 2014

For Insomnia "What it's supposed to do, it does very well. I was put on it for sleep and weight loss due to anxiety and depression after a stressful event in my life. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my adult life. What can I say? It was a literal life saver for me at the time. Gave me sleep and appetite back immediately and I turned around. I still take 7.5mg at night for sleep, appetite, and mood, and it works very well. For the first time in my life, I am at a healthy weight. That being said, it does not induce the crazy sweets cravings anymore. I just take it and go to bed. I sleep enough but do sometimes wake up feeling a bit groggy, but that usually goes away during the course of the day. All in all, a great medication that helped me immensely."

• Joh...
• April 22, 2014

For Insomnia "Most people should consider exercise and a better diet to help with sleep and also depression. Exercise can help. Also, get away from the TV and computer before sleep. Mirtazapine is probably the best sleep aid I have ever used. The more expensive sleep drugs are less effective, especially if you are worried and mind is racing. You can wake up groggy, but it sure beats not getting any sleep. I try to not rely on it that much, but it can be a godsend. It is also very inexpensive. I usually take the 15 mg tabs and cut them into quarters. The only reason I am posting this is hopefully it will help someone with insomnia. It is highly effective."

• Iva...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2020

For Anxiety "I have experience with using mirtazapine for over 5 years, where I have gone on and off every time I relapsed into anxiety/depression. I noticed a few people blaming this drug because it did not help them on the first night with sleep. Don’t do that! In my experience, this drug helps with sleep, but not always on the first night. I find that sometimes it takes a week or longer before I sleep better when taking this medicine. Also, I have more energy from this medicine. It does not always make you drowsy. If you are depressed, it will give you energy but still let you sleep at night. Lower doses are better for sleep, 7.5-15mg is best for sleep. Don’t judge this drug after one day of no success."

• mar...
• April 4, 2015

Mirtazapine for Depression "I've been taking this medication for approximately 3 years now. For all who are upset with the weight gain and sleepiness, it doesn't last forever. I think I gained about 10-15 lbs in my first few months, but I've managed to lose it all. Now I am only sleepy right after I take it (at bedtime) and I wake up feeling rested without the hangover. It's definitely levelled off my depression, and I feel normal. If you can get past the first few weeks, this medication is a life saver. I truly forgot that this medication even has side effects, since I've been on it so long. Also, I tried the SSRI/SNRI route first. On Zoloft, I would've made a great cast member for the Walking Dead. I've never felt more like a zombie. Remeron is the best!"

• sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2013

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "I have been on Remeron for 3.5 years. I started out on 15 mg and now currently on 30 mg. I have tried every sleep medication available. This is by far the best medication I have ever been on for sleep. Yes, I get the ravenous hunger, and it takes about 2 hours to make me sleepy. An hour after I take it is when the hunger kicks in, and I eat for the entire day before bed. I have gained about 30 lbs over the time being on it, but it has now tapered off, I hope! However, for me, sleep is so important, so it's a matter of what's more important, the perfect body or being so tired and depressed due to lack of sleep. If you start watching what you eat prior to bed, which I do now and wish I knew or realized this early on, you can help keep the weight."

• Kil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Before taking mirtazapine, I had been on sertraline for several months, with awful side effects. It turned me into an emotionless zombie. I didn't care about anything. They took me off when it triggered a hypomanic episode at 100mg. Mirtazapine compared to sertraline is night and day. This drug is wonderful. I started out at 7.5mg and had no initial side effects aside from grogginess after taking it (which went away after a few weeks) and dry mouth. Upped to 15mg after the first week. I sleep soundly (vivid sometimes crazy dreams but no nightmares) and wake up feeling energized. The 'dark cloud' of my depression started going away within the first couple of weeks. I have this newfound mental clarity... no more intrusive, negative thoughts and focusing on the horrible things of my past. I feel motivated and productive and joy in doing things again. I have not yet noticed any change in appetite or weight gain. Overall, mirtazapine has changed my life. I love living again!"

• Nev...
• May 14, 2020

Mirtazapine for Depression "I literally split a 15mg down to into 8ths because my body is so sensitive. Wow... I have been out of it for DAYS. I cannot stop sleeping. Put me in a horrible weird state like I don't know what's going on or like I'm truly awake. Just feel 'out of it'... Off of a sliver! I have read contradictory things about dosing. I would indeed say and agree with that the lower doses are VERY sedating. Very weirdly vivid (not nightmarish) dreams... I had a gene test done and this medication was on my 'lower doses maybe be required'. I can't even imagine what a high dose would do! This is completely staying on my 'NO!' list! Be careful of this medication because it is POWERFUL. I feel like I've just been high for days. Like I've just been smoking the most dank weed and I've just been stuck in this high. When I wake up, I feel like I'm manic, like I just have a huge rush of anxiety. I wanted to try this because I am experiencing 'heartburn' like chest pain that isn't acid-related at all."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2014

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Remeron for about 2 years before. Helped very much with my depression. But although I often felt very sleepy near the beginning of the treatment, the massive fatigue eventually subsided to an acceptable level. 20 mins after taking it, I'm ready for bed. I can't keep my eyes open no matter what. I just restarted Remeron two days ago after more than a year being on it. As I type this, I feel fogged over, sort of sleepy, and immensely 'munchie'. As before when I took it, I'd find myself waking up several times a night going to raid the fridge and cabinets for munchie or sweet foods (and meats! definitely craved meat all the time). So again, on Remeron: eating again, sleeping some, more relaxed, less sad."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

For Insomnia "Honestly, thank God for mirtazapine. I usually don't review drugs, but this one really, really helped me. I took the full dose, and it knocked me out. I also slept for 13 hours, but it made me a zombie for the first day and I had extreme difficulty staying awake. It also lasted about 3 days where I was pretty out of it. I cut the dose into fourths, and I still fell asleep within 15 minutes of taking it and slept through the night. I woke up, and I was still groggy, but the benefits far outweighed a little fogginess. It led to me getting 7-9 hours of consistent sleep, whereas it had been taking me between 3-5 hours in bed before I fell asleep. I had been waking up multiple times in the night, and I was only sleeping between 4-6 hours. I've been taking it for about a month since then, and some days are better than others, but it has been pretty consistent and helpful for me, in particular with the sleep onset time."