Mirtazapine and Increased Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2013

For Insomnia "I love Remeron so far. I have been on so many sleeping pills since I began to have terrible insomnia 3 years ago. I was taking Seroquel at 50 mg but it took forever to put me to sleep and made me foggy during the day. I switched to Remeron 15 mg two months ago, and it works a lot better. It will make you hungry after you take it and you will feel foggy the first couple weeks, so tell your doc to start you off slow, maybe 7.5 mg at first. I have had a few pounds put on me but I am eating more and I stopped exercising, so that might be it. On Seroquel I tried to eat healthier and exercise and I gained 12 pounds on it anyways. Remeron works way better and helps with depression and anxiety too, it also gives me very vivid dreams."

• Med...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2012

Mirtazapine "I was having a very hard time with the anxiety of thinking something was wrong with my heart (which turned out to be nothing), when I was put on Remeron. I had virtually stopped eating, and just felt very anxious and not myself. It helped a good bit with the anxiety, but it turbocharged my appetite. Would not recommend this to anyone who is overweight, but it's great for anxiety sufferers who lose their appetite when they get anxious. It does make you very sleepy the first week or so you take it, so I would take it before bed. I didn't notice any sexual side effects though, which was another big selling point. The sedation seems stronger at lower doses, and I had some bizarre dreams at lower doses as well."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on mirtazapine for four years. It saved my life. I fall asleep within thirty minutes of taking the medication. I had anxiety with agoraphobia for five years. I can come and go as I please now. I am not able to lose weight, and I do have an appetite all the time it seems. Give yourself time to get used to the medication, and make sure you are taking enough of it. I had to take 60 mg at one time, I am now down to 45. Please do not drink alcohol, it will reverse the effects of the anti-anxiety, and alcohol is just not good for anxiety or depression ever. Good luck!"

• -Ca...
• April 22, 2012

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "After 10 years on SSRIs, my doctor switched me to Remeron. It works well for me for anxiety and depression. It does give me ridiculous levels of restless leg syndrome about an hour after I take it, but that's really the only bad side effect. It does not kill libido or cause delayed orgasm like Lexapro did for me. I think it's a good medicine and surprised that it isn't more of a first-line medication. It does make you want to eat everything in sight, so you have to have willpower to control that urge, but I am able to keep that in check."

• Ali...
• December 16, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I wanted to share my experience because I have been an avid review reader and often only negative experiences are shared. I tried Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Lamictal, and the side effects from all of these were too much for me. Remeron helps me sleep and gives me a feeling of general wellness and an ability to cope. It takes away that crushing depression that tells you you aren’t good enough and doesn’t allow you to get out of bed. The big story on this drug is about the weight, and I want to share with you that I may be a pound or two heavier with this drug than without it, but this drug actually helps me eat less. I used to feel hungry all the time and wake up at night from hunger, but now I can sleep through. Take the lowest dose you can if you are worried about this side effect and know that not all people gain weight on this drug."

• la ...
• July 29, 2009

Mirtazapine for Depression "Taking this medicine in conjunction with Lamictal. Doctor gave it to me because I wasn't eating/had no desire to eat for a week and I wasn't sleeping at all, and also for depression. This drug gives me crazy hunger cravings. I have been on it for about 2 1/2 weeks now. When I first started it, I was eating everything. Buttered toast is still my favorite. I notice I crave salty and sweet foods. I am sleeping all the time, and I am on 15mg at bedtime. I have to drink coffee so I can get up and function, if I have nothing particularly important, I sleep until 3 or 4 o'clock. So it definitely has helped with the insomnia and the not eating, but it makes me feel high."

• cat...
• January 19, 2012

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "Been on it 2 weeks for anxiety, insomnia, and depression, 30mg at night. Love it. Sleep like a baby, wake up refreshed and energy levels have risen, feel so happy, not feeling high or anything, just seem to feel normal, which I haven't felt in 10 years. Only kind of downside is that I can't stop eating! And not sugars and carbs! I eat almost anything that is available to me, if there is only a bag of salad in the fridge I will eat the whole thing! The last time I had an appetite like this I was a very active teenager. I've already gained half a stone in 2 weeks and I was 11 stone to start with. My family are all overweight and I'm just a little worried I won't be able to control it! Help please."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2013

For Depression "Started on 15 mg, which I highly recommend. The first 3 days I slept 10-11 hours and felt a little vacant in the mornings, but not like a zombie. Appetite does increase, especially for sugary food. Weight control is good as I do exercise regularly, which is great for the natural serotonin kick to the brain. Two weeks in, and the vacant feeling has gone, but I do seem to have lots of dreams, which isn't bad. I do recommend you stay away from alcohol, though, as you will feel completely monged if you mix these. But I highly recommend this medication."

• sar...
• November 5, 2013

For Insomnia "I have been taking Remeron for a year for my severe insomnia. It works great for sleep for the first 2 days for me. I now take it with melatonin, and I'm able to sleep. The downside is that I gained 37 pounds on this medication in a year. Eight pounds were put on in the first 12 days. I barely eat now, and my weight still increases. So I have begun tapering off of this medication and will be going back to Vistaril. The Remeron isn't worth the damage to my overall health. I am a naturally skinny person who can eat anything I want and not gain. This medication affects your metabolism. It is not just increased appetite. I was a size 0-3 when I started, I'm now size 11. I would only recommend this as a temporary fix."

• Kiw...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have struggled with depression all my life, and mirtazapine is one of the few medications that seems to level me out and make life a little bit more bearable. I started on 15 mg probably about ten years ago and quickly went to 30 mg, which made a big difference. If you suffer from severe depression like me, I truly believe the dosage is crucial. Eventually, I increased to 45 mg recently, but after being on 30 mg for several years, the extra 15 mg seemed to reignite my urge to eat everything in sight, which I don’t like, as you just end up overeating. But overall, once you get used to the dosage you have been prescribed, you can generally control the food cravings, but if you increase the dosage, the cravings will increase. Still, I would rate this drug much higher than other meds, as it doesn’t interfere with your libido like the others!"

• xby...
• October 25, 2009

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "I have a panic disorder and my doctor put me on Remeron. I thought it was great at first. It caused my panic attacks to slow down and my anxiety to die down. Then the side effects started. I had an increased appetite and put on nearly 30 lbs. I didn't mind that, but then it also began causing me to become very irritable. I started feeling like I was going into blind rages. I immediately contacted my doctor and switched medicines. Use caution."

• 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."

• Dya...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

For Insomnia "I've been taking this for 4 weeks. The positives: falling asleep faster, rested after fully waking up, feeling motivated the next day. The negatives: waking up with a headache, slight constipation, increased appetite, forgetfulness. I'm on 15 mg, and it seems to be working. Make sure that when you feel hungry, drink something first. I find I am just thirsty, not really hungry. Going to take Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol like pain reliever when I take this medication at bedtime to see if I can avoid the morning headache. Don't give up!"

• ajs...
• December 28, 2016

For Insomnia "Extremely effective at curing my insomnia. I struggled to sleep, probably due to anxiety related to my job/future for over a year. It took over 2 hours to sleep, and even then sometimes I couldn't. I was continually getting under 5 hours of sleep, and sometimes only 2 a night. It really cost me big time! If you are suffering from a similar case, give the drug a try. My appetite increased a lot, so I am expecting weight gain."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

For Depression "Previously on 150 Wellbutrin SR for about 1.5 years, then stopped for 4 months and started 15 mg mirtazapine. Used for insomnia, depression, and anxiety. I must say that for only being on this med for about 10 days, it sure does help. Definitely knocks me out about 45 minutes after taking it. The 'lagging' feeling the morning after has started to subside. Anxiety is now well managed, and I am taking my Valium much less frequently. I can majorly tell it's working-things that would have bothered and upset me before don't seem so bad. The only downside to this is I definitely have a bigger appetite, and my stomach is pretty bloated. I've been looking into bloat reduction tactics rather than stopping this medication because of how great I feel."

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "So I’ve been taking mirtazapine for a while after being hospitalized for anxiety and depression, and it helps knock me out to sleep good and stop waking up in the middle of the night. It makes you sleep a lot, and it’s hard for me to want to get up to go to classes. It makes me feel really tired throughout the day, but it does help with anxiety and depression. I’m overweight, and I’m kinda scared it will make me gain even more. It makes me more hungry all the time."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2009

For Anxiety "Started taking mirtazapine a month ago for generalized anxiety disorder. This drug really helped me in a number of ways. My insomnia disappeared, my anxiety was greatly reduced allowing me to carry out day to day activities without living in constant fear of my anxiety raising its ugly head. The first two weeks I felt very tired and hungry, but after that my mood was greatly lifted and I could enjoy life once again."

• 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!"

• Lew...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2013

For Depression "Mirtazapine is amazing in the fact that it has no negative effect on libido, and positive if your libido was low due to the depression. I also take ADHD medication, so the side effect of hunger is not an unwelcome thing. Should note that at higher doses (30 mg), it works more as an antidepressant, and around 15 mg, it has a nice effect on appetite stimulation and sedation to sleep. You don't feel as if you're in a fog, you just feel 'balanced,' I suppose. You feel emotions, but they're not as extreme, doesn't have that zombie effect. Good for keeping a clear head and keeping it up in general."

• Str...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 8, 2022

For Anxiety "I’ve taken mirtazapine on and off for years for GAD and insomnia. It’s been a lifesaver for me - yes, it makes me hungry, but I’ve been strong and not given in to those feelings, I really have to control my eating! Initially, you may feel a little hungover in the morning and not be able to gather your thoughts, but stick with it - this wears off after a week or two. It doesn’t affect my sex drive, and I feel my best when I’m on it, and I’ve tried most things over the years! On 30 mg at night, but definitely start on 15 mg and work up if needed - less sedating at the higher dose, bizarrely!"

• sus...
• July 7, 2011

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "I just started this medicine two weeks ago. I'm 5'5" and 99 lbs. I was suffering from extreme anxiety. I've used one to two mg of Xanax to sleep for years. The sleep doctor I see decided to add Remeron to the Xanax, and I'm so pleased with the results in so far as anxiety and especially my appetite. I've gained 5 lbs in the first two weeks and would like to get back to about 118 lbs or so."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2010

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "Remeron is great for insomnia. Start with very small doses and work up. I use the dissolving tablets, they are easier to break up. It immediately stopped my anxiety. The drawbacks are increased appetite, and after prolonged periods of consumption, it can affect your blood pressure regulation, mostly noticeable when you stand up fast. It is excellent for stopping the racing thoughts. It can be difficult waking up in the beginning, but this gets better with time. It also suppressed my sex drive. All in all, it is excellent for those who have tried everything, gotten hooked, suffered withdrawals from the 'pines,' and need something for sleep."

• Sha...
• February 11, 2017

For Depression "I have been on mirtazapine 30 mg now for 3 months. I have BPD and Asperger's. I have depression, anxiety, and OCD. I have tried all antidepressants you can think of, and all gave me increased sweating, insomnia, and a stuffy nose. My psychiatrist even tried antipsychotics and mood meds, all had really bad side effects, including massive weight gain. He put me on mirtazapine, and I slept really well, no side effects whatsoever. It does cause increased appetite, but I take 2 Phenergan 50 mg with it, which is an OTC antihistamine, and that stops the increased appetite because the main side effect of Phenergan is decreased appetite. I'm from the UK, and I know you can't get it in the US. But I'm sure you can buy it online. Hope this review helps."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I switched from being on sertraline (Zoloft) for 4 years to mirtazapine because sertraline caused a stomach ulcer. It was hard to get used to mirtazapine as I felt dizzy and very tired for almost 2 weeks. I slept 12-14 hours a day, and even more over the weekend. I've always struggled with sleeping too little, this only got a little bit better over time, and therefore I decided to stop as there was little left of the day. Also, I was constantly hungry, particularly for chocolate, and gained probably about 2 kilos over 6 weeks' time."