Mirtazapine and Increased Appetite: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Ana...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 9, 2017

For Anxiety "Loved this medication. Particularly loved the sedative side effect because I had been unable to sleep more than an hour or two at a time prior to taking mirtazapine. The only drawback was that my appetite and consequently my weight increased dramatically over time. After taking it for 10 years, I had to find a medication that would not make it so difficult to lose and maintain weight, but I have never found a medication that made me feel so good, relaxed, and able to sleep."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 30, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Mirtazapine is a great medication. It was my first antidepressant. I would say it's very mild compared to other antidepressants. The only problem was that I was eating too much, waking up at night to eat chocolate, and I put on weight a lot! I think that I had restless legs syndrome too. Apart from that, I was happy, no sexual dysfunction, great sleep. But after a couple of months, I had panic attacks again. My body got used to it, and my doctor increased the dose, even that couldn't help. I was on the highest dose... So I had to change my medication."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2017

For Anxiety "I'm rating this drug bang in the middle because I do believe it will help some people. I took 15 mg twice a day, only lasted 10 days because of the side effects. Pros: Slept instantly every night just after taking. So much energy... this did become too much, will explain in cons. Lift in mood almost straight away. No groggy feeling in the morning. Cons: The munchies were INSANE. I couldn't stop eating sugary foods. Increased appetite too extreme. I became too 'high', experienced shaking hands and severe twitching. Feeling manic and hyperactive became too much. So, although at first it was a wonder drug for me, it quickly became problematic with the side effects. I was prescribed mirtazapine for severe anxiety and depression."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

For Anxiety "The first couple of doses of mirtazapine make you extremely sleepy to the point of not being able to get up the next day, but getting past that, it does relax you, and my anxiety has somewhat eased. After about 2 weeks, I've noticed that yes, I am also more hungry, but that is good for me as I'm skinny, so I need a few pounds added. So all in all, I'd recommend, but you have to get past the initial stage of extreme sleepiness."

• Chr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 24, 2019

For Insomnia "Very effective for insomnia. I fall asleep dramatically faster than without any medication. It's almost as good as alprazolam (Xanax) but can be used for longer durations of time. I took doses of 7.5 mg, 3.75 mg (1/2th), and 1.875 mg (1/4th). The lower doses are less effective, but sleep was improved at all doses. I mainly used 1.875 mg to 3.75 mg. Sleep was still better for 2 months after dropping off because of decreased sleep anxiety (but, as expected, my sleep regressed slowly over 4 months back to how it was without medication). Cons: -> Inevitable weight gain. You must watch what you eat. Hunger cravings happen even at low doses. -> Groggy in the morning that lasts for several hours. You have to take it at least an hour before going to bed. -> Effect decreases over time. Sleep was still better at 8 months than without, but the effectiveness declined by about 50%. -> Takes at least a month or two to get off it by tapering dosage."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2018

Mirtazapine for Depression "Remeron 15 mg worked so well for me! Stick with it - it takes a few weeks, but it works. The only reason I can't give it a 10 is because I'm hungry all the time and have no libido. Thank you, God, for helping me get through this time and for this medication."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2009

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "Really good for sleep. I don't like it as an antidepressant, however. It makes me too hungry, and when I took it for an entire month, I did not like the effects it had on me. I only use it for sleep occasionally, however, I do begin to build up a tolerance if I take it too many nights in a row."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 23, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on a bunch of antidepressants - sertraline, fluoxetine, fluoxetine + mirtazapine, venlafaxine + mirtazapine - but about 5 months ago, I changed to just mirtazapine and increased the dose to 45 mg, and it has been amazing! I didn't really believe that any antidepressants would actually work until I went on mirtazapine. I've been hospitalized about a dozen times for psych reasons in the last two years + a couple of suicide attempts, but I haven't even been to the emergency department since I've been on mirtazapine 45 mg. I hear a lot of people talking about weight gain on it, but I've actually lost a fair bit of weight on it because I actually want to get out of bed and go do things. I'd previously been on quetiapine, and that made me hungry & caused weight gain, but I haven't had that at all on mirtazapine. Love it so much, don't plan to ever stop taking it."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2019

For Insomnia "Been taking mirtazapine since October for insomnia, my doctor said he would rather give me this than keep giving me Ambien. I take 15 mg a night, and this does a fairly good job at helping me sleep, but it doesn't work as fast as Ambien. On the mirtazapine, it takes about an hour to kick in. Also, if I wake up in the middle of the night, I can usually fall back asleep quite easily, which is good. The only side effect at first was a huge increase in appetite during the first couple of months, but this intense hunger seemed to level off, so it's not as much of an issue now. Daytime sedation was another side effect, but this has also reduced over time."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2011

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "Remeron worked great for my insomnia and also eliminated anxiety better than any other medicine I have tried. However, it made me hungry constantly. The resulting weight gain resulted in diabetes and high blood pressure and exacerbated my sleep apnea. I had to stop taking it because of these adverse effects. Unfortunately, I've not found an acceptable alternative."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2019

For Anxiety "I have taken Mirtazapine 15 mg for a week. My sleep has improved greatly. I don’t feel anxious, but I’m always hungry! I’ve gained 5 pounds in a week. My doctor said that my appetite will decrease soon as my body gets used to the medication. Hopefully, he is correct. However, I’m to a point that I’d rather be fat than not be able to sleep due to anxiety."

• Ck9...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2023

Mirtazapine "I had a very mixed experience with Remeron for insomnia. I’ve been on it for three years now. It’s been a godsend for my insomnia. I had tried Seroquel, Trazodone, Ambien, melatonin, Benadryl… no luck. I’m on 30 mg taken at night. Without fail, an hour after taking it, I feel INTENSELY tired, I have to fight just to stay awake - which is good. It puts me to sleep every time. No morning drowsiness either. Here’s why I’m discontinuing my Remeron: every single time, right when the Remeron sleepiness kicks in, so does an absurdly intense and uncontrollable hunger. The kind of appetite that physically can’t be ignored. It’s agonizing to try and resist it. So, I binge. Every single night, Remeron causes me to binge. I have gained a significant amount of weight over the last year (50+ pounds) due to this insatiable appetite. It was life-changing for my insomnia and helped a bit with depression too, but I must say… farewell, Remeron. Thanks for the good sleep."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2011

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "I have been taking Remeron for about two months now, and it doesn't help me go to sleep, but it does help me stay asleep. I have to literally force myself to get up in the morning. It does make me eat more, though, and that is the only side effect that I have noticed so far, but overall, it's been working great."

• Jml...
• November 12, 2016

Mirtazapine for Depression "I was prescribed this medication for insomnia and depression. It worked great for the insomnia the first six months, but then it no longer worked. I'm too sensitive to SSRIs, so I thought this would be a great match until it stopped working. Also, it makes you perpetually hungry and prone to gain weight."

• Pre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2017

For Depression "I have been taking 15 mg a night of mirtazapine for about a month. I did have some of the well-known side effects at first. I had an insatiable hunger and was extremely groggy in the morning. However, for me, these went away after about a week and a half. I am now able to eat normally and wake up feeling refreshed and not groggy. I also work out 5-6 times a week. I'm not sure if that helps the symptoms or not, but it obviously slowed the weight gain as this medicine is prone to cause because of the increased appetite. It has absolutely helped with sleep and with my depression."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 19, 2022

For Depression "After previously having success with Sertraline for anxiety and depression, I was prescribed it again after a breakdown due to work stress. It didn't help this time, so I was prescribed Mirtazapine and increased to 45 mg daily. Initially, things went quite well, I was able to have a full night's sleep again, and my mood improved. After that, things went downhill fast. I was still getting the sedative effects, but I needed 10-12 hours of sleep to feel any kind of rest, and I would be lethargic for hours after waking. My anxiety and depression returned with a vengeance to the point that I could barely get out of bed most days and was having very dark thoughts. I also had a huge appetite, particularly at night, when I would snack repeatedly but never feel full. After 6 months, I decided I can't take it anymore, and I have now stopped the Mirtazapine and started Venlafaxine. Apart from insomnia, the withdrawal wasn't too bad, and I hope the new meds will help."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2019

For Insomnia "Taken for insomnia. Started on mirtazapine 7.5 mg because I am very wary of meds in general. That worked, then didn't, so I went to 15 mg. Great stuff. A deep night's sleep, BUT very vivid dreams (not nightmares) that I can recall to such an extent I found myself wondering if I had actually been awake! But I wasn't. Now 1 month in, and they still continue to work well. Yes, your appetite will increase instantly, but just eat fruit and be disciplined and never eat before bed."

• tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2016

For Depression "Mirtazapine worked extremely well for me. Quite the miracle drug. It starts working straight away, so you know if it is right for you in a short period of time rather than waiting weeks/months only to find it hasn't worked. I got a great night's sleep after the first dose, depressive and suicidal episodes greatly reduced in frequency. Side effects are sedation, increased appetite, and constipation. It is very safe in overdose, and any other serious side effects than those listed above only occur in less than 0.01% of cases. Great medication, highly recommend. PS: I had different reactions to two different generics, Medreich worked great, Actavis didn't work. You can get the branded version 'Zispin soltabs' cheaply; they are on the NHS BNF formulary."

• twa...
• March 6, 2010

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "I suffer from insomnia and anxiety and was prescribed this as a sleep aid in a hospital once, which is when I discovered the pill's wonderful added bonus as having a slightly noticeable anti-anxiety effect. Usually, doctors mention that when prescribing a new medicine, but this really was a great bonus. I just didn't like the weight gain, total mind/body grogginess, and increased hunger all the following day. So I appreciated the anxiety effect and the help with sleep, but those effects (when the pill is taken for a few months) slowly fade and no longer help. I pop one every so often when I need sleep now, but cannot rely on sleep medicines anymore due to such hangovers, so I am off all nighttime medicines now. But this drug wasn't too bad for a while. Just be prepared to lose your tiny figure!"

• Bla...
• January 20, 2020

For Insomnia "Mirtazapine is amazing. It works great for my anxiety. I'm on 45 mg at night along with 900 mg of gabapentin, and I'm out cold. I also think it is effective for depression. I've taken Ambien and everything else, and this medicine is by far the most effective. The only problem is it causes me to eat everything in the cupboards. Can't stop eating. But worth it."

• Pot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Depression "So I was on mirtazapine alongside my citalopram for approximately 8 weeks. If you are triggered easily, don't read on. First week, extreme fatigue and hunger, and couldn't wake up the next day. Second week, a bit of depression hit, but wasn't too concerned as it can make it worse first. Basically, by week 8, I was a zombie, in a very dark place in my mind, walking around in a daze, crying nonstop, feelings of dread and despair, adrenaline rushes, and bleeding from my butt. It poisoned me. The withdrawals weren't too bad, but that's because I was in such a mess. Been 9 months since I stopped and still now am suffering from the adrenaline rush feelings, they are leaving and getting a lot better, just very slowly. Please, please be careful with it."

• Q_9...
• December 31, 2019

For Depression "I have tried many antidepressants that have always failed me, however, this one - mirtazapine - has worked so well for me. It has helped me sleep, as well as lift my mood. The downside is my appetite has shot right up, and I'm putting on weight."

• DJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2019

For Insomnia "So I finally took mirtazapine last night (15 mg). I have been addicted to zopiclone sleeping tablets previously and was taking sertraline. Now off both the zopiclone and sertraline, I take the mirtazapine and I can report much better sleep, probably got 7-8 hours. Some strange dreams, but I’d rather that than no sleep at all. It’s now half past 1 in the afternoon, feeling drowsy still and really hungry. Weighing things up, I would much rather feel like this than before when I was having panic attacks and not sleeping. Hopefully, these side effects stop soon, and then I will be really impressed :)"

• ExC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Anxiety "After the birth of my daughter, I suffered with extreme anxiety-anxiety about anything and everything. My anxiety increased to ridiculous amounts and I was hospitalized twice with severe panic attacks. I went to my GP, who strongly advised me not to go on medication. I had lost 5 stone in just under 18 months due to how awful I felt mentally. I looked bad, felt awful, and honestly thought I was going to die. I went against the doctor's advice and remembered that a close family member had been on mirtazapine for similar issues and it worked wonders for them, so I asked another GP if I could try it as a last-ditch attempt at fixing myself. They agreed, and 8 weeks later I am back to my usual self. It worked on my anxiety within 48 hours, felt very tired in the mornings to begin with, and my appetite really increased, so I have gained 1 stone in the 8 weeks so far, but I look well and feel human again. I've also found my pain levels have reduced with my chronic health condition too."