Mirtazapine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I’ve been taking mirtazapine 15 mg for 5 days, and I feel less anxious. I was previously taking amitriptyline and pregabalin, but only for 3 weeks. I had a very fast heartbeat with this combo and became more anxious. In turn, I had insomnia. The first dose of mirtazapine slowed my heart rate and made me feel more relaxed. I take it between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and feel very rested after an hour. The doctor has given zopiclone prn because of insomnia. So far, no bad side effects, a little groggy in the morning, but it soon wears off."

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2019

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this medication due to anxiety problems that I had finally had enough of. I also suffer with insomnia. The doctor suggested this as it treats both. I can honestly say it was the worst experience of my life. I could barely get to my bed 40 minutes after taking it, and I slept for 14 hours but in and out of consciousness. I spent the next two days completely zonked, weak, shaky, and barely able to speak. I will never, ever take this medication again. If you have a job or kids, I don’t know how they expect you to function. Awful."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2016

For Depression "I must say from the start, English is not my native language, so sorry for mistakes I might make. I never wrote in a forum, but this time I felt the need to because we all know people with bad experiences tend to report more. So, here's a positive one :) First time I took it, at night, for insomnia, I felt like a zombie the whole day and I threw all the pills in the garage. I must mention I wasn't on any other antidepressant. Second time around, I was put on 90 mg of Cymbalta (duloxetine) and I just couldn't eat at all and sleep really badly. So my Dr. suggested taking 60 mg of Cymbalta, and for sleep, 10 mg of Remeron. I felt better the next day, so calm and at ease with myself like I never felt. A week later, I keep feeling like this."

• bsa...
• April 1, 2010

Mirtazapine for Depression "Remeron at low doses worked beautifully for my insomnia. At high doses (I was on 90 mg at one point for depression), it was useless for me. As my doctor once put it, 'For depression, Remeron is not a heavy lifter.' But for insomnia, it was a Godsend. The only problem came when I tried to wean myself off of it. I had little trouble until I got down to a quarter pill (0.375 mg). I got terrible rebound insomnia and eventually had to go back on. It also made me gain 14 pounds."

• Nat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2018

For Anxiety "Been on this medication for years. Consistently, it is able to knock me out (had insomnia my whole life), even though it's years down the road, amazing for anxiety. Not 100 percent free of anxiety, but unlike Lexapro, I still have my sex drive."

• Joe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2019

For Anxiety "Not sure how others have felt, but started this drug on May 19 for anxiety and to help me sleep. First 4 to 6 weeks trouble sleeping. Eight weeks in, I was having the darkest thoughts. Started on 30 mg. Emotional mess between 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Started tapering down and finally off it for the last two days. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia and headaches. Never again. Hoping to feel normal again soon."

• Flo...
• May 2, 2021

For Insomnia "I didn’t want to take this medication for many years due to reviews on weight gain and also how drowsy it makes you the day after. I can say in the first two weeks I put on around 3 pounds. On the third week, the hunger went, and also the weight is dropping off! The daytime drowsiness has gone, also, I feel like a different person, less anxious and a lot better mentally. The crippling insomnia has gone. I just wanted to post this review. If you need medication, please don’t be scared about the horror stories. Everyone is different. Even making healthier choices in eating. A healthy brain is so much better, that’s what I have learned, and I wish I would have given this medication a chance a long time ago."

• Ell...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2019

For Depression "This drug, mirtazapine, made my husband sleep all day and be apathetic. He wouldn’t get out of bed. He was on it for a few years. Initially, it seemed good, but he put a lot of weight on, got speeding tickets, and started gambling without telling me. Eventually, he weaned off it over 3 months, but then a few months later became extremely anxious, suicidal, and insomniac. He is now back on it with sertraline 50 mg, but he has cut back to just 3.75, and it seems to be enough to take the edge off the sertraline and help him sleep. Wish he never started on it. He has Parkinson’s now, and I can’t help wondering if these drugs and the antibiotics they had him on for rosacea helped to bring on his condition. He is in his 50s. If you aren’t on it already, try Hardy’s daily essential nutrients before trying antidepressants, as you may just be deficient in B vitamins and minerals."

• Hea...
• March 2, 2019

For Insomnia "I was initially prescribed mirtazapine in the ER after a psychiatric emergency situation. It made me sleep for 15 hours, and I was afraid to take it after that as I have full-time work and family obligations. That was 3 years ago, and I have a new psychiatrist who said that at low doses it hits sleep receptors in the brain, but at higher doses, it is an effective antidepressant that also helps insomnia (severe for years now). Starting with 30 mg today, and she said to increase right away to 45 mg if I am overly sleepy again. No luck with a dozen other antidepressants throughout my life, and currently clonazepam with clonidine for sleeping. Fingers crossed."

• Anonymous
• June 10, 2011

Mirtazapine for Depression "I had taken Effexor XR for a year or so and wanted to see if there might be something else out there that may work better. My doctor suggested Remeron. Unfortunately, I had a severe reaction on two separate occasions (six months apart) after my first dose. I had trouble falling asleep, then could not get out of bed the whole day. I also had very severe mood swings, to the extent of screaming at my small children when they asked a question too many times. I had terrible rage."

• Gon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2021

For Insomnia "I've been on and off mirtazapine a few times. At first, it was great for sleep, but be aware that the first time you take it, the next day will be a complete write-off, but it will get easier over the next couple of days. Initially, it didn't do much for my depression, and the effects on sleep wore off after a couple of weeks on each increased dose. I am now on 60 mg, and it is no longer managing my insomnia, but for the first time in my adult life, I'm living without depression. I do have bad days trying to manage impossible insomnia, but no longer have to roll up in a ball hoping to die. I will press on and find something that eases my insomnia. Anyway, I would consider this a mild choice of drug and encourage anyone to add it to their combo. I wish you all the best and encourage you to keep on pushing on until you find what works for you."

• Zip...
• March 21, 2019

For Insomnia "I have been on mirtazapine now for four months and recommend it, although when on 45 mg, I developed really sore pains in my legs. I told the doctor and got put back down to 30 mg, which has helped. It is a side effect. I was previously on citalopram, which worked well, but insomnia kicked in now and again, so these new tablets are totally agreeing with me."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed Mirtazapine when I was sectioned for trying to end my life (unfortunately). At first, I hated it! I woke up feeling like a zombie, but after about 3 weeks, I was so calm and didn’t feel spaced out, if anything, more active! The only reason I’ve stopped taking this is because I work in a hospital and have night shifts on occasion (oh, it makes you sleep lol)."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 13, 2019

For Anxiety "I started Remeron at 15 mg and 150 mg of Zoloft (by the way I’m 18). I had major anxiety and panic attack disorder, as a result, I wasn’t eating and lost 35 pounds. I became depressed and couldn’t sleep. So I gave Remeron a shot, this helped with eating (I gained all the weight back and more), but this didn’t really help with sleeping because I have major insomnia. If you’re curious about what it feels like when you take Remeron (or if you get nervous about how this would make you feel), it’s like taking Benadryl. Be aware that after a couple of days, you’ll feel tired and most likely sleep in. I hope this helps you! I wish you the best of luck."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Insomnia "I have had to deal with MS for more than 25 years. When I have a flare, I have severe insomnia. Years back, I was given Seroquel for the insomnia. I had gotten off of it but had to use it again for a flare with bad insomnia again. It didn't work as well. Then I developed depression from a change in MS drugs and just the disease itself. Doc put me on mirtazapine, and I've only used 7 mg the past 4 nights. It worked amazingly well. Slept 8 plus hours straight each night and didn't use Seroquel at all!!"

• Bak...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2018

For Depression "This medicine made me completely lose my personality, gain 30 pounds, and feel awful. But the icing on the cake comes when you are ready to come off of it. Absolute nightmare. Anxiety, sweating, vomiting, and this was after a very, very slow taper... like six months. Got down to a few crumbs every 3 days. Felt fine for a week, then it hit. Abdominal pain, joint pain, unbelievable sweating, and shaking... and NO sleep. Absolutely NONE. So this “wonderful” drug that’s helping so many? There’s a catch. A big one. This drug is awful. When you decide to come off, PLEASE do your research. There are many things you can do to help the discontinuation. Just research “stopping Mirtazapine.” Good luck!!"

• Ake...
• April 20, 2016

For Depression "45 mg. Taking this med for depression and anxiety. Insomnia is my main issue. Mirtazapine doesn't help with insomnia at all. To me, it's kind of a joke that this actually helps people sleep. I'm very happy for those people. For myself, however, mirtazapine doesn't work at all for sleep, and if anything, just gets me in this weird grogged state with confusing thoughts and waking up from them constantly. It seems to have a very modest effect on depression and anxiety. It seems that I have had less anxiety overall, and I have random times where I get really depressed and then I snap out of it for an hour or two and attempt productive stuff. But honestly, I think it's just my own attitude change and not the med. Not many noticeable bad side effects otherwise."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2016

For Insomnia "I started taking this drug 5-6 years ago. At first, it made me really dizzy, like I was going to pass out. It still makes me dizzy, but I had really bad insomnia where I would hear people when I was sleeping. Plus, I used to be anorexic. Like I was 60-65 lbs before taking this. I was on 30 mg of this drug, and it made me throw up. I have always been tired even before taking this drug, so that doesn't bother me. I am now on 7.5 mg, and it works great, except that sometimes I cannot sleep. When I have alcohol on the weekends and at night I take this drug, I sleep really well. Sometimes I still feel dizzy, but I do not feel like I could pass out. My hands have always shaken even before taking this pill."

• Rox...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 11, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking mirtazapine for 8 months at 15 mg. I had major depression with anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. I was struggling to work as the lack of sleep made me feel ill at work and often faint. After 1 month of taking them, my panic attacks stopped, and I slept. I have, however, reduced them to 7.5 mg as I had issues waking up in the morning with a bad headache and feel a lot better now. I am also able to work. So, a really good antidepressant for insomnia and panic attacks. However, I have put on some weight, but it’s worth it for the positive benefits it gives."

• G28...
• February 8, 2018

For Anxiety "First week: drowsiness and hunger, ate loads craving food. The drowsiness made the days difficult to go through. I started my course of meds 2 days before the weekend, and those two days of work were difficult. Everything did settle down, I only got drowsy before bed and had a small increase in appetite than usual. 2-3 weeks: slight increase in suicidal thoughts and a more depressive mood. Although my doctor had discussed this with me, it wasn't fun. After a few months, everything did get better with my overthinking and my anxiety. Worrying all reduced, I feel safer going outside. It's made life better. I've been on meds for almost a year now. My dosage has gone all the way up, and I'm on my way back down currently. I've personally coupled this with CBT therapy. Withdrawal effects for me have been as bad as not sleeping due to accidentally missing doses. Overall, I'd say being persistent with meds for months or years will be good. I'd like to think I'm not ashamed of being on meds, and I know I will get better now."

• ava...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2021

For Insomnia "It worked for a while on insomnia. The sedation effect calms the racing mind when you go to bed. However, the body gets used to it over time, you might be back to square one while 'hooked' on it. It did nothing for my depression, maybe it made it even a bit worse. It works somewhat on anxiety. I withdrew slowly over some 7 months from mostly 15 mg (peaked at 30 mg). At 30 mg, it made me very dizzy and depressed. Better on 7.5 mg. During the lower part of the tapering and after jumping off, my insomnia got worse, like my hopelessness. I thought I would never be able to sleep again or feel happiness. Today, some 9 months after my last dose, I can sleep through the night, wake up refreshed, and I feel motivated. Feeling great now! There's hope, never give up."

• Man...
• February 2, 2018

For Anxiety "I’m on week 2 of mirtazapine and have gone from 15 mg in the first week to 30 mg in the second. I was prescribed it for anxiety and low mood. I’ve found that it has definitely started to help, as I don’t feel utter terror on waking in the morning. My sleep is very disturbed, and I wake up a lot, but I do feel refreshed in the morning. I know it’s early days, but I hope that the glimmer of light that I can see at the end of the tunnel gets bigger as the days go on. How long have other people found it takes to feel okay and function again properly? Thanks."

• Min...
• June 7, 2018

For Anxiety "I am taking mirtazapine 15 mg for acute anxiety since February. I was on Citalopram before that, but got insomnia. Then I went on sertraline, but the side effects were worse, and I got more anxiety. So along came mirtazapine, at first, I thought it was a wonderful medication. I slept like a log and worry-free for 6 weeks. But anxiety returned, so my dose was upped to 30 mg, plus 40 mg propranolol 3 times a day. I couldn’t sleep, and things seemed a whole lot worse. So then I was upped to 45 mg. I was simply not able to “do life,” so yesterday after 60 hours without sleep, I was told to go back to just 15 mg mirtazapine and was given 14 Zopiclone and told to take 1 at night to get my sleep back in check. I am so confused, for 6 weeks, I was brilliant, no symptoms, sleeping and eating. Now I don’t know what to think. Has anyone else experienced similar? I don’t really want to try yet another anti-anxiety medication."

• Anonymous
• June 2, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was diagnosed with PTSD. At first, I was on 15 mg of Valium a day (this kept me calm and clued on), then my doctor put me on 15 mg of Mirtazapine. I found it turned me into a moody, brain-dead zombie the next day, even if I had it at 6 pm at night, I wouldn't be out of bed until at least 12 pm the next day, and I would still be tired. I ended up putting on heaps of weight, having worse mood swings, and trouble falling asleep when I was on Mirtazapine. I have PTSD, but I am NOT depressed. I tried to explain this to my doctor, but she didn't pay much attention. I'm wondering if that may have something to do with the way my body reacted. Personally, I prefer 15 mg of Valium, I'm calm and can still function 100%."

• Hon...
• June 24, 2019

For Depression "Well, I have cut mine down to half, 7.5. Seeing Dr. tomorrow to see how long on that before I can stop. It doesn't make me sleep at all, nor put on weight as most people do. It has affected my eyesight too, so don't think it's for me. Been on it 6 weeks."