Mirtazapine and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 5)

• big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2015

Mirtazapine for Depression "I've been taking Remeron for a few weeks. The doctor prescribed it for major anxiety and sleeplessness, as well as depression. He also thought it would help with weight gain, which I needed. It has helped with everything but the depression. Anxiety has mostly subsided to the point where I'm not paralyzed. I have gained about 5 lbs in the past two weeks, and my sleep is uninterrupted. I was very groggy in the morning at first until 10 or 11 am, but that's gotten slightly better over time. Depression has not subsided, considering asking for something else to help with that."

• Anonymous
• June 14, 2010

Mirtazapine for Depression "Had a deep depression combined with insomnia. I was helped from the first day with Remeron, it was an incredible feeling! The side effect is increased appetite. But since I know it's a side effect, I can control it. It's better to feel hungry than to feel like the end is near... Have been on it for a month now and still fall asleep like a baby after less than 30 minutes when taking the pill. My doctor recommends that I continue with it for approximately 4 more months and then lower the dose (from 30 to 15 mg) and phase it out after a month or so. Let's see what happens, but it's really great now!"

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2011

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been on mirtazapine for almost 2 months now at 15 mg for anxiety and PTSD. I take it before I go to bed because it does make me very drowsy. I get a good night's sleep with some crazy dreams, but not anything bad. It has helped my depression well, and I don't get as anxious when going to certain places. Although, I do take half a pill for certain situations if I have to during the day. My appetite did increase greatly, which was a benefit for me. Especially before bed, I can kill some donuts, but I have been able to control it better now over some time. All in all, it has worked well for me, and I recommend it for others with the hope they experience the benefits I have."

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2008

Mirtazapine for Depression "Taken in conjunction with Effexor (Effexor in the morning and Remeron in the evening) definitely helps with sleeping through the night. For me, I needed 8-10 hours of dedicated sleep, any less and I felt groggy. Sleep aid definitely. Don't mix with alcohol or anything else to aid in sleep."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2022

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I suffered near 30 years of having nightmares and night terrors. Violent abuse and sexual abuse led to addiction. I came off illicit substances 17 years ago, but from then onwards, I lived with dystonia, severe depression, and FND. I became so used to living this way that it became me. I tried sertraline initially and stayed on it for over 2 years, thinking that was the only option. This caused motor agitation and made my neurological symptoms more intense and painful. Five weeks ago, I asked my doctor if I could take mirtazapine. I started on 15 mg. Immediately, I slept better, I felt calmer most of the day, but my panic and despair would kick in around 3 or 4 pm. I started taking 30 mg. The sedative effects and mild side effects were gone, and gradually the bad feelings were replaced with contentment and hope. I could go out, make phone calls, I wanted to write and draw. I even resolved things with my partner after a 2-month break. I realized he had suffered alongside me."

• And...
• October 8, 2013

For Insomnia "I was prescribed 15 mg mirtazapine to help with insomnia and have been taking it for about 3 weeks. Mostly I've slept very well but am still struggling with severe grogginess and am concerned that it's negatively impacting my mood and anxiety. Trying to be patient for now and let it do its thing since there are so many positive reviews."

• cel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2015

For Depression "I was prescribed 15 mg mirtazapine one month ago for the symptoms of depression, in my case low mood, insomnia, lack of appetite, and anxiety. Sedative effects were immediate: the first three nights I slept 12 hours, which then settled into a more restful 8. Depression also lifted immediately, in large part, I suspect, because I was able to sleep. I also started eating anything that could plausibly be considered edible! For many, this is an unwanted response, but in my case, it was a welcome relief. As with the sedation, this effect diminished and stabilized quickly. The only negative effect was zombification for the first few days. And while mirtazapine essentially cured my depression, it significantly reduced but has not eradicated my anxiety."

• No...
• May 12, 2016

For Anxiety "Having taken citalopram for 6 weeks, my anxiety was awful - every morning from 3 or 4 am onwards. First mirtazapine tablet was like a miracle - I slept well and for far longer and had zero early morning anxiety. Taking 15 mg, which makes me a little drowsy (just 6 days in), but nothing too bad and well worth it to feel normal again."

• JJi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2016

Mirtazapine for Depression "Excellent for obsessive thoughts, best depression lift in many years...BUT...I am going off of it after five weeks. The initial side effects I could deal with, the normal headache, grogginess, irritability, but then after the fourth week, I noticed a rare side effect of edema (water retention) of an average of 2.5 lbs a day and on my last days, 3-4 lbs. It was serious. It also caused extreme sugar/carb cravings. That I can control, the water I cannot."

• Hap...
• March 5, 2012

For Insomnia "For years, I suffered from anxiety attacks, depression, and severe insomnia. I was prescribed many different drugs in the past, but nothing helped me sleep. I was started on 30 mg at bedtime. It helped me sleep a bit better, but still not all night. After 1 month of taking 30 mg of Remeron, my doctor decreased the dosage to 15 mg. Amazing! A full night's sleep. Waking near sunrise! What a gift! The increased appetite was much worse on 30 mg. Since the dosage is now 15 mg, the increased appetite is not nearly as bad. My anxiety attacks are few and far between, and I don't feel groggy when I wake now. In the beginning, I did. I have been on the medication for about 4 months and am very happy with it. Just wish a doctor had prescribed it to me a long time ago. Best of luck!"

• res...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 4, 2023

For Insomnia "I had slept poorly for over a decade. My sleep pattern was to wake with elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar 4-5 hours after getting to sleep and never getting back to sleep. Was a walking zombie from chronic sleep deprivation for years. A doctor finally identified my sympathetic nervous system was triggering a fight/flight response that caused me to wake. Tried multiple meds, even sleeping meds, which only made it worse due to the grogginess they piled on top of the sleep deprivation. I also had high-level adrenal fatigue. Started on a 15 mg dose of mirtazapine and slept through the whole night every night since. An absolute life changer. Feel better than I have in over a decade. Adrenal fatigue symptoms and cortisol levels are all recovered!"

• Gre...
• August 28, 2017

For Anxiety "I've been taking the drug for about 5 years for anxiety. It was an absolute godsend for me. It takes a few days for the body to settle in, but it's worth it. It allows me to function normally. Yes, it does have a sedative effect, but I take it at night, which only helps me get to sleep. Yes, I still suffer from mild anxiety occasionally, but it is manageable. This allows me to focus on the cause, which is usually procrastination of life issues such as money/health."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2020

For Anxiety "I'm a 19-year-old male, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. Prescribed by GP who told me mirtazapine would help me sleep. Yeah, they make you sleepy in the first minutes. But I have terrible vivid dreams and nightmares. I get really angry at nothing, easily annoyed. Had discussions with my partner after the 1st dose. Then I took my 2nd dose yesterday, and today I woke up with suicidal thoughts, I don't wanna die. I woke up and felt so depressed and anxious! This drug is awful. I'm supposed to keep taking these, and today I should take my 3rd dose, but I won't. I don't want to harm myself."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

Mirtazapine "I did not experience any improvement on this medication. I was on 45 mg daily for about 2 months. I did not have any side effects when beginning. It did help me improve my sleep, which was nice. However, in terms of my anxiety and panic disorder, I did not find the relief I was looking for. I also felt pretty groggy most of the days. Based on the positive reviews, it might be a good fit for you, it simply didn't work for me. I'd recommend it since I found the transition periods easy. Best of luck, and I hope you find the right solution!"

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2016

For Depression "My first week experience taking Mirtazapine 15 mg nightly. Night 1 - Slept for 14 hours straight. Woke up groggy, mind foggy with dry mouth, lethargy, and a voracious appetite. Not a good start. Nights 2-4 - slept really badly each night. By day 5, I felt like a zombie, slurring words and forgetting even the basics like people's names. Thought about calling the doctor and getting off this medication. Nights 5-7 - decided to take medication an hour before bed (instead of just before bedtime) BIG improvement. Woke up day 6 feeling refreshed, clear of mind, and full of energy. Still had the appetite and dry mouth, but I wanted to do things and the things I always enjoyed doing! Great feeling. This seems to be working for me. I will continue taking it."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2020

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have MDD, and my anxiety used to be really bad. The first week I took Remeron, I was knocked out on the first night and really groggy in the morning, and I remember being really hungry. I used to have a problem with my appetite, and I could never finish my food. I was at least 42 kg. But now I can finish my food, my appetite is really good, and I get enough sleep! Dreams are kind of weird, though. I read some bad reviews, but my experience has been great, and I’m on my 13th week, and the dosage is 30 mg. Just give it a few more weeks, and everything starts to get okay, and moods will start regulating like normal. If anyone else is taking this, do know that your appetite will increase, so get more exercise and watch what you eat!"

• 123...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2021

For Insomnia "Been taking this for sleep for over 6 months. I had anxiety-induced insomnia for the first time last spring and didn't sleep for almost a month. It was rough and led to terrible depression. Started at 15 mg, went up to 30, combined with 100 mg Zoloft until the depression cleared. Now I am weaning off Zoloft and am down to 7.5 mg mirtazapine about 1 hour before bed. Sometimes I take another 7.5 mg if I get up to pee in the middle of the night, but mostly the first 7.5 mg works. I take about 3 mg extended-release melatonin with it. A little groggy each morning until I get my coffee. I am about to cut the 7.5 mg down to 3.75 mg and see what happens. Wouldn't mind having a prescription for the rest of my life. Male, early 40s, 210 lb. Hope this helps!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 5, 2018

For Hot Flashes "I have taken mirtazapine since 2006, both to reduce my severe face flushing (rosacea) as well as to help with depression and anxiety. It works very well for all of those three for me. I noticed an improvement within weeks, and I love how it took away the deepest depths of my depression without numbing me or altering my personality. My anxiety is also significantly reduced, and I no longer flush and burn all the time (I'd say it helps reduce about 50% of them). I also sleep like a log on it, typically 8 to 9 hours straight, with very pleasant and lively dreams. It took a good few months, however, to get over the side effects of drowsiness, tiredness, itchy legs, and even some 'brain zaps' in the beginning. The only side effect I notice is increased appetite, never feeling full, always being hungry, and despite sticking to the same amount of calories as before, weight gain. I know that is the biggest fear of many people. But the quality of life this med gave me outweighs (lol) the downsides."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2016

For Anxiety "I had been losing 1 lb per week for 6 months with a constant stomach ache until I was put on 15 mg Mirtazapine. My stomach ache went away by 85%, and I was able to start eating again. Also sleeping better, but groggy in the morning."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2019

For Depression "Been on mirtazapine for about 8 weeks, started on 15 mg, which helped me sleep but made me super groggy and zonked out in the morning. Despite the grogginess, I started to feel like my old self again, so I decided to up the dose to 30 mg to see if it changed the morning grogginess. I regret doing this because it seems the higher dose has actually set me back. I’m not falling asleep as easily at night, and the depression has worsened. I’ve even had a few days in bed due to a horrible feeling of dread and gloom, so I’m going back down to 15 mg at night again, so hopefully I’ll get back on an even keel. My advice is to take it slowly, try and stay on the low dose if you can, the higher dose just seems to numb me, which worsens the anxiety and depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2014

For Insomnia "It works very well for sleep as I have chronic insomnia due to severe anxiety and major depression. I didn't take it yesterday and barely slept well. What I hate is the drowsy feeling it causes during the day, does it go away? This pill made my birthday a fine day, I spent a day outside feeling okay."

• PSe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Anxiety "I was on sertraline but was struggling with sleep, the doctor prescribed 15 mg mirtazapine, and it was great. It helped me sleep and was also great for anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Like many other users, I did feel groggy in the mornings, and I also noticed some minor restlessness, but the positives are far more numerous than the negatives."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 5, 2016

For Insomnia "I've been prescribed mirtazapine for the last 12 months now. It certainly helps me sleep, and I can sleep for 12 hours easily. Only criticism I have is the grogginess and drowsiness the next morning. That lasts for around an hour. For some reason, I crave junk food while I'm taking it. So I can see why people can gain weight. I gained a stone, but being disciplined and exercising has changed that. I can't say I feel any different taking it regarding depression, however, it is very effective for insomnia."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 5, 2016

For Insomnia "I've been prescribed mirtazapine for the last 12 months now. It certainly helps me sleep, and I can sleep for 12 hours easily. Only criticism I have is the grogginess and drowsiness the next morning. That lasts for around an hour. For some reason, I crave junk food while I'm taking it. So I can see why people can gain weight. I gained a stone, but being disciplined and exercising has changed that. I can't say I feel any different taking it regarding depression, however, it is very effective for insomnia."

• kat...
• May 16, 2019

For Depression "I was started on 15mg mirtazapine for depression, and for the first week, I felt so out of it, literally like a zombie. I slept almost constantly, and when I was awake, it was like I was in a dream state, nothing felt real. After a week, this dreamlike state, grogginess, and fatigue started to wear off, and I started to feel the benefits. It took about two weeks to feel back to 'normal' again. I experienced a temporary increase in dark depressed feelings, but that happens with most antidepressants, and it went away. I felt it was working, but only slightly, so I was put up to 30mg, then 45mg, which is usually the highest dose given. Since the increased dose, I've noticed a massive increase in my mood, I feel stable now, my mood doesn't swing around like it used to, and I only have dark thoughts occasionally. My anxiety has only gone down slightly, though. If you can get past the initial week or so of being sleepy constantly and grogginess, it's definitely worth it, but I'd advise you to start these meds in a week where you don't have much to do and you have someone around you to support you when you feel down."