Mirtazapine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Cee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2018

For Insomnia "Mirtazapine has helped me immensely through my cannabis withdrawals, hot flashes, insomnia, and depression all gone, even at a low dose of 7.5 mg per night. I don't think people need to take such high doses as I have read online."

• No ...
• December 15, 2015

For Anxiety "I was prescribed mirtazapine after a 10-week treatment of citalopram. Side effects outweighed any gains in taking it. It will make you sleep and create more anxiety, weight gain and change in personality are to name a few. When you're depressed and down that black hole, the withdrawal effects of the drug are far worse. I slowly tapered off this drug and haven't taken any for 4 months. Partial side effects are still with me, I know this as I didn't have them in the first place. I'd research the myth of the chemical imbalance theory before you take this drug."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2011

Mirtazapine for Depression "I was given Remeron for depression, although my diagnosis remains mood disorder, I was given Abilify as well because I have some psychotic symptoms, and bipolar runs in the family. Remeron does not help with my sleep, which is disappointing. I still have trouble with my self-esteem, but I have noticed improvements in my attitude. I can control anxiety much better and feel more relaxed going about my day. I have only been taking it for three weeks. I wish I felt better about myself, but maybe medicines are not the help I need for that."

• Jos...
• January 8, 2018

For Depression "I was losing weight at such a rapid pace during the worst months of my PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I couldn't sleep, and I was basically transformed into a hermit. My psychiatrist had noticed me slowly morphing into a stick figure because of my weight loss. She could tell that I wasn't sleeping well either. I started out with a normal 15 mg dose, and it worked wonders but wanted more. I was kicked up to 45 mg, and it has worked. I like that I can get a good night's sleep jam-packed with a roller coaster ride of dreams. I also wake with an appetite."

• Amy...
• October 13, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Vile, absolutely vile and addictive. If you're struggling in life and have an addictive personality, they make you sleep and give you some relief. The need to eat is intense. Please don't drink with them, you will black out and not remember a thing. Take with caution. Much love, keep strong."

• mac...
• December 7, 2015

For Anxiety "I have had mild depression on and off for 3 years and have been taking 10 mg Vivactil. A recent change in my circumstances means I have been experiencing anxiety attacks, not sleeping, and very tearful. I took a 15 mg tablet for the first time last night as directed and slept 9 hours solid. However, I felt 'drunk' all day. Didn't feel safe to drive, unable to concentrate at work, and eventually had to come home. I slept another 7 hours and only just feel 'normal' again. This drug is not for me! I wasn't able to function. Although I slept well and didn't have any panic attacks, I couldn't remember where I had parked my car, and I also forgot to eat. It's back to the GP for me."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2021

For Insomnia "I like the stuff, it puts me to sleep, and I stay asleep at 7.5 mg. It's very sedating at lower doses. I have strange, very real, weird dreams and feel very busy. It's way better than trazodone for me, as that gave me a sleep disorder. Sleep paralysis."

• Cru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2021

For Insomnia "I have anxiety, depression, ADHD, borderline, and OCD. I took it yesterday for the first time, worse sleep than usual. My other meds finally got me to a point where I was kinda able to have a sleep schedule. I woke up at 2 am craving sugar so badly and just absolutely starving. Usually, when I wake in the middle of the night, I'm exhausted and can pass right back out, but it happens a bit often. This time I woke up after 4 hours of sleep ready to start my day at 2 am. Struggled to go back to sleep, woke up in a really volatile mood, and the longer I stay up, I feel like I can't function whatsoever, I can barely drag my body off the couch. Tried to eat, but my stomach is hurting and I can't find energy to cook."

• Ema...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2021

For Anxiety "Mirtazapine really helped my extreme anxiety and made me sleep like a baby for 8-9 hours a night. But after 3 years, I felt my ability to feel joy or emotion had gone. I also found I was never satisfied after eating and craved junk food even after eating huge meals. I gained 3 kg or so and constantly struggled with craving (be wary if you have a history of binge eating!). On my doctor's advice, I halved my dose from 30 to 15 mg then stopped completely over 6 weeks. This was a BIG mistake as I am now suffering intense withdrawal symptoms. Shortness of breath, feeling flushed, sweaty hands and feet, insomnia, nausea, chest pains, itchiness, tearfulness, nightmares, dizziness - pretty much every anxiety symptom and a few more thrown in. Had x-rays, ECG, and blood tests which were all clear, so I am certain this is withdrawal. I think mirtazapine is very effective for anxiety but is also a potent drug that should be taken with caution and tapered VERY gradually."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2017

For Depression "The drug did well for me to decrease anxiety and increase my appetite. I had lost a lot of weight because the anxiety kept me from eating. However, I got terrible leg muscle spasms at night and was unable to sleep at all some nights and only partial nights on the nights I did sleep. Lack of sleep created its own problems. When I went off it for a day, the muscle spasms decreased, but the anxiety returned."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2018

For Anxiety "Firstly, I used mirtazapine 3 years ago for a period of 3 months. During that period, it worked for my anxiety and sleep. However, ever since I stopped it, my sleep pattern was kind of erratic. I noticed that my REM sleep was badly affected and thus have ever since suffered from various forms of insomnia. I'm still struggling 3 years post-treatment, but vowed to never get back to any form of medication to address my anxiety/insomnia."

• chl...
• April 7, 2016

For Anxiety "So, I started taking 15 mg of mirtazapine, but only half, 7.5, as at the time (6 months ago), I was under 18 years of age, and my doctor was extremely cautious about me taking this pill. Anyway! I started taking them maybe just over 6 months actually, and my behavior and attitude & anxiety have gotten much, much worse. I wouldn't recommend anyone take this pill, as I have stopped sleeping as much, I have felt like I can't go out, just altogether I feel like a zombie. Having to deal with the insomnia as well as the anxiety as well is not a good combination. I've had to start taking sleep aid as well as this drug because I feel constantly tired, I'm very pale all the time, and I don't feel the benefits of this drug."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2022

For Insomnia "Be careful with the mirtazapine dosage. 15 milligrams made me feel good for a few weeks, then I felt that it wasn't there; I wanted more and doubled the dose. As a result, I cannot sleep anymore, got insomnia and depression. Later, I learned that if you want more results from this stuff, you have to reduce the dose. In addition, withdrawal syndrome is difficult. It will pass; otherwise, suicidal thoughts are severe."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

For Depression "Been on it just over a week. It's not helping me sleep at all. I do feel tired all the time, but I don't get a good rest. I've not felt any different emotionally. If anything, the lack of sleep is making me feel worse. And so, his constant hunger."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2018

For Depression "After suffering from anxiety, sleep problems, and depression for a prolonged period, my GP prescribed me Mirtazapine 15 mg initially and then onto 30 mg for the past 2 years. I can say that as soon as the dosage was upped to 30 mg, I found sleeping issues were gone fairly quickly. However, I don't feel as though the issues with anxiety and depression have been helped any from taking the pills. I still feel extremely anxious at times, so much so that I feel afraid to attempt things. And as far as the depression and mood control are concerned, I still feel angry a lot of the time, mostly internalized and kept to myself. Or I can be sitting watching TV and find myself welling up and crying at everything. So, needless to say, I am not feeling the benefits that others have. I do have the weight-gain issues others have mentioned and have gained almost 4 stone over the time I have been on them."

• mut...
• March 12, 2013

For Depression "During the early weeks, insomnia was a problem, and Dr. was okay with me splitting the 30 mg into 15 mg in the morning and 15 mg in the evening. Weight gain is my big problem (up 2 sizes). This worried me, so even though this medicine made me feel so much better, I tried to switch to Pristiq-BAD move, anxiety went through the roof. Back onto mirtazapine and after 6 months dropped to 15 mg daily. I felt heaps better, and after 6 more months quit again in order to get rid of the weight. Another BAD move. Sure, I lost a few kilos and felt okay for 3 months until the original old stressor loomed, and now here I am starting up again. 2 wks at 15 mg daily, then 2 wks at 30 mg. I'm not feeling any benefit yet, very depressed and anxious, though getting more sleep."

• Old...
• August 4, 2017

Mirtazapine for Depression "Have been on a combination of 60 mg Cymbalta and 15 mg of Remeron for 2 years, the latter for insomnia, which I had when on only Cymbalta for GAD. This has reduced my symptoms almost completely. I do dream frequently, but nothing that causes a problem. I do move about while sleeping and have fallen out of bed on occasion. Pillows on the floor eliminated the danger."

• hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2017

For Depression "I have heard mixed things about this drug, different people having very mixed experiences. From my personal experience, it really wasn't the right drug for me. I have suffered from major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder for 3-5 years (I'm 18), and it didn't seem to help as much as sertraline/Zoloft did. And not to mention how mind-numbingly tired I have felt, I was told the sedation would go away, but for me it stayed. Also, strangely, my insomnia got worse when my doctor thought it would help? So I guess if you already suffer with insomnia, it might not be for you either, but it's worth a go, I guess. If you're not on a high dose, it's reasonably easy to quit, easier to stop than Zoloft, I'd say. Thanks for reading and good luck!"

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 14, 2019

For Anxiety "Been on mirtazapine for over a year for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It does work well on all those things, but at first, I had an insane appetite - I could eat a fully loaded 12-inch pizza and still feel hungry, or I would eat a large meal at McDonald's but then go back to grab a double cheeseburger. I put on almost 30 pounds in 2 months, thankfully, this crazy appetite waned considerably and I have a more normal appetite now. The only issue I have is if I get fed up with taking the mirtazapine and try to stop taking it, I literally do not sleep a wink. I close my eyes, but nothing happens, it's a very long night and I just lay there until the birds start singing. So I end up going back to taking it so I can get some sleep."

• whi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2021

For Insomnia "I've experienced insomnia and anxiety for years. I prioritize psychological strategies, but some nights I just can't downregulate and sleep. I've tried Valerian, Melatonin, Valium, Trazodone, and antihistamines - for me, the cons outweighed the pros. Then I started on 15 mg of Mirtazapine, and it worked immediately - got 9 hours of sleep, then every night. I felt a bit more chilled out during the day too, no difference in mood. After about a month, I increased to 30 mg - no difference in anxiety/mood, but great sleep continued. I put on 1-2 kg in the first 2 months, which I just couldn’t shake, so after about 4 months, I trialed gently tapering off, and alas, my old friend insomnia returned. I lasted a few weeks before returning to 15 mg, and I’m so glad I did - sleep is back on track, and I’ve even lost about 1 kg over the last month. While not overlooking sleep hygiene, anxiety management strategies, a balanced diet, and daily exercise, Mirtazapine has been a game changer. Hope this helps."

• ski...
• November 21, 2011

For Depression "Have been on mirtazapine for nearly 6 months now and must say it is helping. Started off with citalopram but not much good and had terrible headaches to start off with. Came off and went on fluoxetine 20 mg. Eventually increased to 60 mg. Lost loads of weight and had chronic insomnia. Now on 45 mg mirtazapine and 20 mg fluoxetine. At last, I have started to put on weight. Really look forward to going to bed as I can sleep and have really weird, exciting dreams. Depression is lifting too. Would recommend this, but you do get restless legs at night and the munchies!"

• bal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2017

For Insomnia "I have suffered from diagnosed depression and anxiety for years. The last 6 months, I have insomnia that keeps me awake all night. I have tried many meds with limited success. I have now been put on 1/2 tab (7.5 mg) for one week, and then I am to go to the full 15 mg for one week and see my doctor. After my first 6 days, I sleep all night and all day. I am retired, I do not like the all-day dizziness and sleepy feeling. I am on other meds too and suffer from chronic vertigo related problems from a TBI (traumatic brain injury). I don't like being too sleepy during daytime, though I will try the 2-week formula. The comments from others have been very helpful. TY."

• Lux...
• November 20, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication as an inpatient in a psychiatric unit for EUPD. I started on 15 mg, which gave me side effects such as restlessness. I was severely agitated, feeling sick and unable to sleep. I went from 15 mg to 30 mg, which is when the real side effects came into play. I was told mirtazapine was to help insomnia, which it did the first few days. I was able to get up to 8 hours of sleep; however, after a couple of days, I started not being able to sleep. The struggle was getting to sleep. I also had side effects: sudden muscle spasms, shock-like symptoms all over my body, my anxiety increased, and my mood just fluctuated again."

• Gof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2022

For Insomnia "I have a sleep disorder leading to anxiety. I wanted to put up a review because I found all the others very helpful and comforting. I started having compulsive intrusive thoughts that then led to insomnia and eventually terrible anxiety over the whole thing! Despite therapy and mindfulness practice, I couldn’t overcome it. This wasn’t the first antidepressant I tried, but the others made my anxiety worse! This worked from the start by helping me sleep without feeling groggy the next day. I’m only taking 15 mg but starting to feel so much better. Find it tricky to settle my mind sometimes, but that’s far better than the awful insomnia and anxiety. Not sure how long I will stay on them, but they’re helping so far. I plan to leave another review in a few months' time. I hope this helps others decide before taking them."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking mirtazapine about 5 months ago, beginning with 7.5 mg and eventually 30 mg. My doctor prescribed this as I had MDD, which caused severe unintentional weight loss of 25 lbs and insomnia. The most positive benefit I felt from this medication was that it actually gave me the desire to eat again. My doctor instructed me to take it before bed, which I initially tried, but I am used to taking medications like Ambien right before getting into bed because of how quickly they take effect. However, mirtazapine has never caused drowsiness for me. I think it helped me fall asleep easier for a while, but it never directly caused drowsiness. Mirtazapine was most beneficial to me when I learned to take it in the early evening rather than at night, so I had a few hours to eat before getting ready for bed. Mirtazapine no longer worked after a few months. I noticed that it made me very antisocial and apathetic. It definitely impacted my relationships. Some positive and some negative results."