Mirtazapine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• JS8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed mirtazapine by my VA physician and took it yesterday evening for the first time. I slept for about 12 hours and woke up feeling awful. I felt lethargic and not myself. I was very irritable and felt like I was occupying someone else's body. I know it sounds strange, but that's the best I can describe it. The worst part was waking up at 1 a.m. after a terrifying dream that demons were attacking me. I seldom have dreams like that, but it scared the poop out of me. I also heard my phone alert me that I had an email from a co-worker, but when I woke back up, there was no email whatsoever. Am I losing my mind?"

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I was given 7.5 mg Mirtazapine 14 days ago for depression and anxiety. I take it at bedtime. I stay very sleepy until around noon the next day. I've been having terrible nightmares since taking it. I had two last night that I remember vividly. I'm stopping this medication, and I'll call my doctor Monday. It's now Saturday, and I can't risk another horrible nightmare. I'm wearing a heart monitor because I spent six days previously in the heart hospital for my heart condition, and I recorded symptoms after the nightmares. I feel sure the Mirtazapine is causing the nightmares, and I'm praying they stop when I stop this medication. I'm an 85-year-old woman who recently lost my beloved husband. Now I'm actually afraid to go to sleep for fear of having another horrible, stressful nightmare or night terror! I know this can't be helping my situation because now I'm having trouble clearing my head of these terrible dreams, and I'm feeling extremely tired and weak during the day!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2013

For Depression "This medicine made me gain a lot of weight. While I was on this medication, I was constantly hungry. So, aside from being very tired on the medicine, I put on the weight too. So, I had to change medication."

• Nic...
• February 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I was previously on 30 mg citalopram for anxiety and depression but had suffered with insomnia for years and the last year and a half with breathing problems (which can be a rare side effect of citalopram). I still take 10 mg citalopram every 3 days as I'm weaning slowly off and have been taking 15 mg mirtazapine nightly for nearly two weeks. It's really helped my sleep, but I struggle to get up the next morning and feel lethargic and groggy throughout the day, which makes it kind of pointless to me. I know I've not been on it a long time, but I will be telling my doctor I don't wish to continue when I see her this week."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 23, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed 15 mg of mirtazapine for depression and anxiety, as well as insomnia. A lot of people take it one night and quit because it does leave you very tired the next day at first. This goes away after a week or so as your body adjusts to it. I continued taking it for a year, and it proved to be quite effective for insomnia. It definitely helped me get through some really tough times last year. Now that I’m in a better place and not having panic attacks every day, I have begun tapering by 3.75 mg at a time (quarter of a dose) with no unpleasant side effects so far. Overall, I’d say it was a very helpful drug, but I don’t want to remain on it forever due to the noticeable appetite increase. After being on it a year, I still get very hungry during the day even after full meals. If you have insomnia or anxiety or depression, I think you should give it a try!"

• Emm...
• June 3, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Seemed to help the depression, but the tiredness left me unable to function. I was on this for a year and was unemployed for most of it, this meant it didn't matter that I found it impossible to wake up before lunchtime. No matter how early I took the pill (6 pm), I would be sound asleep 20 minutes later and could easily sleep 15-16 hours on these. I recently got a job and could not wake up enough to function at work. I had to stop taking them, and now I can easily wake at 7 am and last the entire day at work. I would consider these more of a sedative than an antidepressant."

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

For Depression "Brilliantly effective for the first 2-3 weeks if suffering from insomnia as well as depression, but honestly, it made me feel worse! Between increased appetite, massive weight gain, and constant tiredness/sleepiness, this drug has honestly been a dreadful experience. Pretty disappointing for a newer generation drug."

• jxe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2022

For Insomnia "Been on Zopiclone the last few weeks (twice or three times weekly) and thought it just wasn't keeping me down as it used to. Dr. has moved me onto mirt, and I tried 7.5 mg last night... I had the sensation of tiredness pretty quickly, within 30 mins, had to turn the lights off, but for the next hour and 30, I felt like I was on the cusp of sleep, but it never took me. After that, I felt tired in my eyes as I lay in bed but was unable to fall asleep. Shall I try 15 mg tonight and hope it puts me down? I feel fine in myself today, apart from severe tiredness as always, as I have not slept properly for 3-4 weeks. I often lay in bed relaxed, eyes closed, focusing on breathing, but my mind won't go to sleep."

• jxe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2022

For Insomnia "Been on Zopiclone the last few weeks (twice or three times weekly) and thought it just wasn't keeping me down as it used to. Dr. has moved me onto mirt, and I tried 7.5 mg last night... I had the sensation of tiredness pretty quickly, within 30 mins, had to turn the lights off, but for the next hour and 30, I felt like I was on the cusp of sleep, but it never took me. After that, I felt tired in my eyes as I lay in bed but was unable to fall asleep. Shall I try 15 mg tonight and hope it puts me down? I feel fine in myself today, apart from severe tiredness as always, as I have not slept properly for 3-4 weeks. I often lay in bed relaxed, eyes closed, focusing on breathing, but my mind won't go to sleep."

• Ten...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 8, 2018

Mirtazapine for Depression "I tried various antidepressants for years, including therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I also took clonazepam for anxiety. For about two years, I was a mess, extremely tired, very anxious, and miserable. Thoughts of suicide were very frequent. My psychiatrist told me to get a second opinion. Very hard to do when you feel awful, but keep on trying, hoping there will be a better cocktail around the corner. I now take Zoloft 100 mg in the morning and Remeron 30 mg before bedtime (clonazepam very seldom). It makes me very tired, and I feel strange, although there were a few times that it really helped. Zoloft and Remeron did it for me. I sleep great and feel much better. Keep alcohol at a minimum. Best of luck."

• Wea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this mirtazapine medicine primarily for depression, which is so bad at the moment. I only stayed on it for about 7 days. The reasons were that it interfered with my DHC (opioid pain reliever), and thus I awoke every morning in far more pain than usual. I also read about bad nightmares with this medicine, but until about day 6, I never experienced them, however, on the sixth evening of taking them, I had the most incredibly real and horrifying nightmare I have ever had. I could not turn out the light for a long time. I also had some mild open-eye sort of hallucinations too, like seeing lights moving around my bedroom. And finally, the constant feelings of being really tired and exhausted all the time. It did take a little edge off the extreme feelings, but I was just too dopey all the time. I believe this medicine could help some people, but not for me."

• Wea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this mirtazapine medicine primarily for depression, which is so bad at the moment. I only stayed on it for about 7 days. The reasons were that it interfered with my DHC (opioid pain reliever), and thus I awoke every morning in far more pain than usual. I also read about bad nightmares with this medicine, but until about day 6, I never experienced them, however, on the sixth evening of taking them, I had the most incredibly real and horrifying nightmare I have ever had. I could not turn out the light for a long time. I also had some mild open-eye sort of hallucinations too, like seeing lights moving around my bedroom. And finally, the constant feelings of being really tired and exhausted all the time. It did take a little edge off the extreme feelings, but I was just too dopey all the time. I believe this medicine could help some people, but not for me."

• BCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Anxiety "I have pretty much every type of anxiety, some more severe than others. I was on sertraline for 4 weeks before I had a bad reaction to them. I have now been on mirtazapine for 2 weeks, and I'm unsure if any noticeable changes have happened. I did feel so tired for a few days, but that quickly went. I'm happy that I'm slowly putting on weight, but I haven't really felt much for my anxiety. I'm starting a double dose tomorrow, so hopefully that all goes smoothly..."

• rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2016

For Depression "Only been on mirtazapine for a few days, only on 7.5 mg to start. First night I took it, I was very drowsy after 45 minutes of taking it. However, the following morning, I could barely keep my eyes open all day, and with a 4-year-old around, it's challenging. Last night, it took a bit longer for me to get drowsy but slept well, of course. But my days now consist of weakness feeling, isolation-in ways I don't really want to speak to anyone or go anywhere. Lethargic, just an overall crappy feeling. Just want to take another one and go to sleep. In saying all that, it's the only medication that's taken away my racing thoughts, it's nice that my brain feels like a cloud. However, I struggle with normal conversation now as I cannot think properly! See how the next 4 weeks go."

• Tif...
• August 13, 2016

For Anxiety "I have fairly severe anxiety and depression, as well as some insomnia. I've only been on this medication for a few days. I have tried Lexapro, Buspirone, Zoloft, Gabapentin, Trazodone, and Topamax. I was on Lexapro for about three years, and it worked wonders. All of the others either had little to no effect or had terrible side effects. I am now coming off Zoloft and starting Remeron (mirtazapine) combined with Effexor XR. Although I have not been on it long enough for it to improve my mood, I have noticed that it makes me feel almost zombie-like. It helps me sleep, but I have to force myself out of bed, and I am constantly tired throughout the day. I am going to give it some time and see how it goes."

• Rhi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2018

For Anxiety "I have been on mirtazapine 30 mg for about a year, and I just find they make me worse all around. I'm paranoid, I'm ratty, I'm tired all the time, and now the last 6 months my anxiety has been the best it has ever been. I have paid to go to the Priory for an appointment, and he is switching me and giving me other options (letting me pick a new one, which doesn't make sense. I'd rather have more guidance!) but I don't know, I give up with them. Yeah, they make you sleep, that's it! I eat more and always put on a stone or two, lol. I have no sex drive, and I just can't relax or just see the good in life at the moment, so for me, they just haven't worked. Do your research before trying them and good luck, peeps! x"

• Him...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Insomnia "I was on this at 15 mg at night for insomnia. Knocked me out but woke after 4-5 hours, and although I felt really tired, still could not get back off to sleep! I got taken off this and put onto sertraline. I tried it for 16 days, and it didn't agree with me one bit, so now back on Remeron. Just took 7.5 mg to see if this works better for me, as I've read on here that less is better for sleep! Fingers crossed. I just hope everyone gets over their insomnia soon. Nothing worse! I've tried all sorts of them, Z sleeping pills had the same effect. Knocked me out, but not for as long as I wanted!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2022

For Depression "I have depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and slight PTSD. This medication is amazing. It helps me eat and sleep. Usually, I never have an appetite. I was afraid of people saying, “This medicine makes you gain a lot of weight,” but for me, it helps me stay at a healthy weight! I am nowhere near being obese, nor am I gaining more weight, I simply stay at a healthy weight. I initially wanted to be on mirtazapine years ago, my doctor kept trying different SSRIs and wouldn’t listen to me. I finally got put on mirtazapine, and it’s great. For me, there are no side effects at all. Initially, I was tired during the day, that faded with time. I’m on 15 mg. Absolutely love this medication. I’d recommend it for people who are depressed or anxious and have trouble eating and sleeping."

• Meg...
• May 2, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was put on 15 mg of Mirtazapine about a month ago, and it was the best decision ever. I've been very depressed and underweight (unintentionally due to stress and high metabolism) almost all my life. I went to my doctor at the end of my rope, having been off any type of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, etc. for 5 years - I told him that all the previous SSRIs and SNRIs I'd been on hadn't worked because they made me both suicidal and lose more weight (I generally have a BMI of 15-17 max). He recommended this, and if it weren't for me giving medicinal treatment one more shot, I wouldn't be sleeping, eating, or in the process of finally getting my degree and my own place! The only downside was that in the first 2 weeks, I had some dry mouth/tiredness."

• lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2022

Mirtazapine for Depression "Remeron helped me sleep right away, and I took 15 mg for 6 months. I decided to lower it to 7.5 mg because I suspected it was causing high blood pressure. I put on 20 pounds while taking this medication, but I also take lithium and losartan, and they can also cause weight gain. I was on 7.5 mg for 4 months and still slept well and had no major side effects. Then I noticed my sex drive was less, and I could not reach orgasm. When I complained about that to my psychiatrist, she offered a switch to trazodone. I decided not to switch, but rather to end my use of antidepressants. I feel the lithium I take is enough to keep me from being manic and losing sleep. I tapered to 3.75 mg for 5 days and then quit. I felt tired and had a dull headache for that week. Then, 7 days after stopping all the Remeron, I had an awful night. I sweat, I was nauseous, and I felt unwell. The strangest symptom of withdrawal was/is the vibrating in my eardrums. It's already easing up after a couple of days."

• Pum...
• November 3, 2019

For Depression "My general practitioner put me on this as my outpatient psych funds from my medical insurance were depleted. It helped with the severe anxiety and depression a lot initially. My appetite increased drastically in the first week. I would even wake up at night because I was so hungry. After a week or so, my appetite seemed to go back to normal. I had caught up on my sleep debt and felt great. The problem, however, was that the first week of taking this medication I was on leave from work. Once back at work, using this medication while still trying to maintain a job was impossible for me. I felt so groggy all the time. I slept 12-14 hours a night but still woke up feeling tired. Not tired like I wanted to sleep tired, but tired like drained. Everything was an effort. I just had no energy. I was falling behind on work, and that made me more anxious. I took it last week for insomnia, and it took 4 days for the tiredness to wear off. I'd say it's a good drug if you can tolerate the side effects."

• Za0...
• August 11, 2009

For Depression "I have just started taking mirtazapine, and it is great. I am sleeping 6 to 8 hours a night (without waking up). When I do wake up, I feel refreshed and ready for the day (I found that if I take too much, I will feel sluggish and tired for at least a day). I no longer need Valium or Stilnox. I am borderline bipolar and have HSP (highly sensitive personality). This medicine has made me feel like a normal person again, with the ability to express all my feelings in a normal way. I no longer keep things inside or explode with rage. I am more tolerant and basically a more sane person to be around. I have found I have an increase in appetite and headaches, but I will gladly pay this price for the benefits."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2020

For Insomnia "Took half a 10 mg for my insomnia. I’m 60 kg, and sure, I had a good sleep, but throughout the entire day and sometimes the day after, you never feel completely woken up. You can fall back asleep very easily too, and I probably slept the entire day and night. Maybe take a quarter, but I won’t be having it again. Not worth the feeling the next day. Only take it if you’re willing to have a day after when you're completely written off."

• ica...
• November 16, 2011

For Depression "I was in a hell of a state, with thoughts of suicide constantly. I had never experienced feelings like this before. With help from a crisis center and my G.P., I was put on mirtazapine, increasing the dose gradually to 45 mg. It has helped me immensely. I am back to my old self. I have put on a couple of stones, and I do feel lethargic sometimes, but all in all, a small price to pay to get your life back."