Mirtazapine and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2019

For Insomnia "I took only 3.75 mg of mirtazapine last night for the first time to treat insomnia. I fell asleep pretty quickly and slept for 8 hours. But when I woke up, I felt extremely groggy and could not drive and felt unsteady even just walking. I love this drug, but how can I deal with this grogginess as it lasts all day long? Should I further cut the dosage or give up on it?"

• Sod...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 11, 2025

For Anxiety "I have been taking 30 mg of Mirtazapine for a number of months since my anxiety took a turn for the worst following life events. I was spiraling badly and decided that enough was enough, so I asked my doctor about my options. I was started on 15 mg and very scared to start medication, having had so many negative experiences with SSRIs (tried 3 of them at different stages of my life, and they did nothing positive), and I can truly say that this medication works. I feel calm and able to get on with my life. I have not gained any weight, in fact, I've lost weight due to now having the motivation to exercise daily and get out more. Don't let the negative reviews put you off! This medication has given me my life back. The only negatives for me were consistent nightmares for around 2 months, sometimes waking me during the night, but this did stop, thankfully. It is a little harder to get up in the mornings because it makes me sleepy. But a small price to pay for feeling better."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "Having failed most SSRIs, Remeron was a real surprise. It calmed me, helped me sleep, helped me focus, but most importantly had almost no side effects. My appetite went crazy the first week but mellowed out afterwards. I get pretty drowsy about an hour after taking it, so I only take it at bedtime. I had to drop from 45 mg to 30 mg due to it amping me up rather than sedating. Works fine, no tolerance type effects unlike Z-drugs."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 6, 2023

For Anxiety "Worked absolute wonders for me. I was on 15 mg. I asked for it because I was getting early waking insomnia - waking up at 4 a.m. sometimes and no chance of getting back to sleep. From day one, I was getting at least 8 hours of sleep. The only side effect was daytime drowsiness, but that wore off after about a week. It really balanced my mood as well, I felt really stable and calm. The sleep benefits never wore off even after a year on it. No withdrawals at all when I came off it, not a single one. Wonderful drug."

• nol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2016

For Insomnia "I started mirtazapine a little over a month ago. I played with the dose at anywhere from 7.5 to 15 mg and settled on 3/4 of the 15 mg or about 11 mg as my sweet spot for getting anywhere from 7 to 8.5 hours of sleep a night. I have not gained weight on it and have had no side effects except for feeling a little groggy the first half hour after waking. I was able to successfully taper off Lunesta, which I had been taking for about six months after a bout with severe insomnia, with the mirtazapine, and I prefer the more natural mirtazapine sleep over the Lunesta. It also works every night without fail. Great drug for insomnia!"

• Anonymous
• June 5, 2024

For Insomnia "I was placed on 30 mg to start. Big mistake! Bad dreams, sweating through the sheets, a zombie! Cut back to 7.5 mg and went to sleep peacefully for 8 hours, but woke up groggy. Will be reducing the drug to 2.5 mg and expect to have a 'perfect 8 hours of sleep'. I am a 100 lb female with low drug tolerance."

• em8...
• November 30, 2014

For Insomnia "I love this med, literal life saver! Having trouble sleeping for many years, only sleeping every 2 sometimes 3 nights. I was like the living dead, a real life zombie, couldn't think or function & could not deal with stress. Since the first night I took this, it's turned my life around. I feel alive again. I only take one after trying to sleep naturally. If I don't fall asleep within an hour or two, I take one 15 mg tablet. Usually half an hour later & it's lights out, don't remember a thing. I do notice if I try to go to the bathroom before I've fallen asleep, I do feel slightly groggy, a little drunk, but that's long gone by the morning & I function & deal with stress better than I ever have before. No weight gain yet, need to gain some anyway."

• Hqu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2024

For Depression "I’ve been on different SSRIs and Seroquel low dose for a decade. I had migraines, low libido, and convinced myself it was the price to pay for curing my social anxiety and depression. I was wrong. Mirtazapine is highly effective with zero side effects for me. When I first took it, I gave up on day 4 due to the drowsiness. I tried again a few weeks later and hung in there, and after 10 days, I woke up one day feeling very good and still do 3 months later at 15 mg. It helped me fall asleep the first 2 weeks, but not anymore. The drowsiness totally disappeared. I have hope for the future now as I can focus on my work and socialize. So my advice: hang in there, there’s a light at the end of the initial zombie tunnel."

• Lac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2022

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I started taking mirtazapine after I was suffering from PTSD and waiting for CBT. I wasn't sleeping, and my intrusive thoughts and flashbacks meant I couldn't do basic tasks. After the initial 2 weeks getting over the side effects (headaches, sleepiness), I was back at work, sleeping and functioning normally. They were an absolute lifesaver. I did feel a bit hungrier at first, but that has gone away now. My experience has been very positive. I'm from the UK, so I can't help with insurance experience."

• Goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2025

For Anxiety "I worried for days waiting on test results, so sleep, appetite, and well-being affected due to anxiety. With losing weight, I went to the doctor, and now on day five with 15 mg mirtazapine and much improved. Only felt groggy on day one and back to normal appetite. Test results good too."

• Spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "After taking this one week, I have to say I am totally sedated. If we had an earthquake (CA), I wouldn’t be able to get off the bed. I am quitting now. I am a fall risk, new widow, and anxious. I feel like this drug is changing my heart rate and I have a horrible headache. Almost ER time. Please tell me someone, how long is this in my system? I am worried I’ll be in bed all day. Literally can’t stand up, and this is after 12 hours of sleep."

• Anonymous
• April 15, 2012

Mirtazapine for Depression "I've been on Remeron for nearly two weeks now, and I can feel my mood elevating and depression decreasing already. Also, I'm now getting full nights of sleep, which is also an amazing feeling. The only downsides I've seen so far are some grogginess in the morning (though that has been less and less noticeable) and ravenous hunger (this has not gotten less). Luckily, because now I'm starting to actually want to leave the house and do stuff, I've been able to work out pretty consistently this past week, and hopefully that will counteract the effects of me eating the weight of a horse every day. I've tried more antidepressants than I can count on one hand, and this is the first time in a long time I've started to feel better."

• Jan...
• October 13, 2015

For Anxiety "I was previously on Citalopram, which I didn't think was doing me any good, so the doctor changed me to Mirtazapine, which I am very glad about. It's helped my sleep and appetite, which were both very up and down. It has also helped my anxiety and racing negative thoughts. In turn, I feel more upbeat and positive. The only slight downside is feeling groggy during the day, which I hope is just a small side effect while I get used to it. Overall, I'm very happy with this so far."

• exc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2024

For Insomnia "I began taking mirtazapine after discovering that the gabapentin I was taking caused me to lose hair. I was initially prescribed 15 mg of mirtazapine nightly, but discovered that it was too much, so I began cutting each dose in half. It works better than gabapentin. As a matter of fact, it works too well. I get a sound sleep every night. I wake up somewhat groggy, but not overly so. There have been no adverse effects thus far that I have noticed."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "On 15mg of this for the last 3 months for depression, OCD, and sad anxiety disorder. It didn't sedate me at all, helped with sleep straight away, took away anxiety after 3 weeks, helps with OCD thoughts/harm. All in all, it's a brilliant medication which worked for me immediately, keeps you calm and stable, and just makes you happier. If you can get through the first 2 weeks of side effects, you're laughing. It's a great medication, been on 2 before which sent me crazy. Please do give it a try, but do not miss doses as withdrawal symptoms appear quickly on this drug and are horrific to say the least."

• Nig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2014

For Insomnia "I experienced insomnia due to the stress of repeated night wakings from my baby coinciding with my husband leaving for a week at a time for work. I began with 7.5mg and it worked like a charm from the beginning. Some drowsiness in the morning but nothing a cup of coffee wouldn't cure. I gained 7 lbs but I am keeping track of calories now and that is almost off again. Could not say for certain if it was a result of this medicine because that happens if I am not paying attention anyway. Baby still wakes at night at times but I can go right back to sleep on this. I would recommend it to anyone with sleep issues."

• scc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2023

For Anxiety "Thank God for this drug. After 6 months of trying Lexapro, Prozac, and Valdoxan, I have finally found a drug that is working, and fast! I have anxiety, PTSD, and recently lost a close relative. My anxiety turned to panic attacks, and I was turning to benzodiazepines far too regularly to manage my anxiety. My GP tried me on SSRI, and I vomited for days until I had to stop. Our last resort was mirtazapine. I wish we had tried this first! I took it (7.5 mg), and I slept incredibly well, and, most importantly, my anxiety was reduced the very next day. I’m on day 5, and I’m not nauseous. I have zero side effects, I’m not groggy in the mornings. I can have a large coffee and go train and not get the caffeine jitters. The only thing I notice is, as soon as I take my tablet (7.5 mg) at this stage, I fall asleep within 30 minutes. So far, I have slept 8-9 hours every night. Most importantly, when an anxious thought comes in, it goes very quickly."

• mfs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2014

For Depression "This has seriously been my miracle. After trying 5 different SSRIs with horrible side effects, Remeron literally saved my life. I was given it during a hospital stay (I was suicidal). The only side effects I've experienced were sleepiness (in the first few weeks) and increased appetite (ongoing). Personally, my depression caused me to have no appetite at all, so the increased appetite was a welcome effect, although it may not be for others. I can sleep, I can eat, and - most importantly - I can live. I can get out of bed in the morning and live my life. I am on 45 mg once a day (at night). With this medication, in combination with CBT and mindfulness meditation, my depression is almost completely gone."

• Ivy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2025

For Depression "I have only been taking Mirtazapine 15 mg for almost 5 weeks. Been suffering depression/anxiety/insomnia. The first 3 mornings I woke up feeling spaced out, but very soon it all abated. I’m eating better, doing my own shopping and cooking, organizing my life again. I’m only taking 15 mg but will ask my doc to increase my dose to 30 mg… I've heard you don’t feel so dopey in the morning. Good luck to anyone starting. They’ve saved my life and given me my confidence back."

• gar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2014

For Depression "I was seriously depressed! Thought I would never be the same. Remeron has been a lifesaver! It took 2 weeks before I started to feel the effects and at 5 weeks I feel like my old self. Side effects for me were sleepiness in the first week and has not been bad since. A few headaches and a lot of eating, but I need the weight anyways. Don't let the weight side effects keep you from trying Remeron. They will subside. Give this medicine a try. Well worth it."

• sam...
• August 19, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "Once I got over the initial cravings and grogginess (they both passed after a few weeks) it was like a dark cloud was lifted, and I could finally see clearly - completely without the classic numbness and lack of personality that other common antidepressants have. Absolute life-changer."

• arn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been anxious, paranoid, and depressed since puberty (10 years). Doctors have tried SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzos, but nothing seemed to be working. The doctor wrote a script for Remeron. I was skeptical at first, and the initial side effects scared me (slurred speech, drowsiness, blurred vision), however, I kept with it and I feel so much better. It is relieving being able to live without thinking I am about to get fired or if I am getting fat (which is ridiculous). I actually have an eating disorder, and I am clinically underweight. My neurotic paranoia seems to be somewhat cornered, and I no longer depend on alcohol to keep me under control. I have only been on the drug for a week at 15 mg. Hopefully, this journey is almost over."

• Bir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 21, 2018

For Insomnia "When I first took Remeron, I was knocked out cold for about 18 hours, which was insane! I almost quit, but decided to give it a real chance, and I am very glad I did. After a couple of weeks, the initial negative impact diminished, and my sleep settled on about 8 to 9 hours per night. My sleep was restful, and the next day I was sometimes slightly groggy, but I was that way anyway due to the insomnia. Ten years later, I am still taking it, and I sleep about 7 to 8 hours on average. If I wake up, I fall right back to sleep. Since my worst depression is in the middle of the night, it keeps my mood stable. If I forget to take it, I almost inevitably wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. I am slim, and after some initial weight gain, I lost the weight and have not gained it back. (I am 51 years old, 5'7" and 123 lbs). Only the dissolvable tablets work for me. I take 30 mg tablets right before bed. I would recommend that you give it a good trial period (one month) before giving up."

• G-D...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2017

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "This medicine is a godsend. Being 100% honest, I didn't like it because of the vivid nightmares, but they do stop with continued usage. Don't give up too soon. The vivid nightmares stopped after my 5th day of taking this drug. Now, 2 weeks later, my nightmares are gone and I have normal dreams that don't involve death, violence, or carnage. I sleep well and awaken rested. Some days there is a little grogginess in the morning, but it wears off as you start moving. A cup of coffee helps as well. My appetite has increased, and several people complain of weight gain. You will gain too much weight if you stay sedentary. I started lifting weights and doing planks and push-ups. That keeps the weight gain at bay."

• Tri...
• October 21, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Mirtazapine for 2 months now. I have a history of major depression, suicidal behavior, and anxiety. I was on Sertraline (Zoloft) for 1 year but discontinued after I felt 'better.' 6 months later, in April this year, I relapsed. But Sertraline didn't work, and I needed a new antidepressant. Mirtazapine helped with my sleep from the first night I took it. Within a week, my mood was much better. 2 months on, and I am elated, sleeping better, and in general, feel amazing. And this is only on a 15 mg dose! My appetite has also improved, and the only side effect I have been having with Mirtazapine is drowsiness, which was a benefit in my eyes, as it helps me fall asleep. No more insomnia, no more depression, and no more anxiety!"