Mirtazapine and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Cre...
• December 24, 2019

For Anxiety "I wanted to leave a review in the hopes of helping someone similar to me. 7 years I suffered with anxiety on and off, the last year has been unbearable! I suffered with extreme anxiety attacks over the silliest of things, I would be physically sick! I went a week without eating and constantly being sick, I was really low to the point of thinking I’d be better off not being here, I went to the doctors and was given sertraline which made me worse, I then tried citalopram which did help with my mood but didn’t help with the extreme anxiety, I was about to give up but my doctor suggested mirtazapine 15mg, I can’t explain the relief I feel! Side effects were drowsy in a morning, sleep like a baby, constipation, which lactulose solves and weight gain, but they soon wore off, for me this drug has given me my life back, I can now cope with any situation, for anyone suffering, please don’t give up, the right medication for you is out there."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

For Anxiety "After reading the comments, I thought I would share my experience of mirtazapine. After suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, I finally went to the doctor and was prescribed antidepressants - I think they were citalopram, not sure of the name, but they made me worse. I was then prescribed mirtazapine, they took a good few weeks to kick in. I've been taking 15mg for nearly 2 years now and feel miles better in myself. I am now able to go to the shops on my own, get a bus alone, and even got a full-time job. Here comes the downside: I've put a stone and a half on, gone from 9 and a half to 11. The actual drug doesn't make you gain weight, it's the food you crave. So I'm determined to try and combat that with a healthier diet. She says haha...also, the dreams are horrendous, and it does take me a good hour to come round when I get up. Saying this but it is all worthwhile as I now feel I have my life back. I hope this helps. Keep at it as it will be worthwhile in the end. Wishing you all well, Paula x"

• Amm...
• March 21, 2021

For Anxiety "Mirtazapine got me out of a suicidal depression/anxious spiral! I was sleeping less than 2 hours a night - my anxiety was escalating and my mood was plummeting at an alarming rate. Mirtazapine stopped my breakdown in its tracks! I took 1 x 15mg tablet & slept through the night for the first time in months. I woke up feeling 40% better but I was sedated until midday - this faded over the next few weeks. I had a big appetite for the first month but that eased off. I started exercising again which was a result of both my boosted mood and energy levels. The sedation still stays with me until 10 or 11 am but my quality of life has improved so much!!! I've put on 5 lbs but I had lost half a stone. You have to weigh up the pros & cons. I'd rather have more of an appetite than be unable to eat because I'm shaking with unbearable anxiety. I've tried all the SSRIs & SNRIs and mirtazapine was the fastest acting plus no gastro or sexual side effects."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 5, 2020

Mirtazapine for Depression "I really like this medication. I'd always been wary of antidepressants because of the well-known side effects, but being an SSRI, I gave this one a shot. Never looked back. Gained maybe 8 pounds, but you can't tell because I look and feel so much healthier and happier. Little to no side effects other than that 8 pounds, I can finally sleep again. Woke up a little dizzy in the morning for the first 2 or 3 weeks, but it doesn't happen anymore. You probably won't ever forget to take it, and you won't be able to sleep without it once you're on it, but my quality of life is so much higher I don't mind."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been taking mirtazapine 30mg for almost 2 years. This was following anxiety, lack of sleep and finally psychosis from no sleep. This led to hospital admission. The medication has saved my life from the point I was trying to commit suicide. I haven't experienced any weight gain whilst taking it."

• Coc...
• February 19, 2020

Mirtazapine for Depression "I was taking mirtazapine for around a year and had I been in a better space I would have gotten off it as soon as I realized it was causing certain effects on me. Minor side effects: sluggishness, major weight gain. I was prescribed this medication due to having poor sleep, but it made me have vivid awful dreams - sleep paralysis multiple times a night. I used to sleep for 14+ hours, usually in the day due to being worried about falling asleep for the nightmares. It caused me to miss lots of university - I was so tired and drowsy I could not physically get up. I wish I had been able to understand the effect it was having on my body and stop them sooner. I was severely suicidal. I made plans almost daily, even walking to the shop I thought about walking in front of buses. It was a truly awful time in my life, made worse by a medication which did not suit me. I’m glad it has worked for some, but if anyone I knew personally were to tell me they were taking it, I would advise them not to."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2020

For Anxiety "This antidepressant is something else. It has changed my life for the good. I finally found a medication that actually works for me. Anxiety gone within a few days, sleep is blissful, you might gain a few pounds but nothing you can't manage. The hidden reason why this is the best medication = 0 side effects. Literally. No emotional numbness, no sexual side effects, no excessive sweating. It has been a life changer. I take 7.5/15mg before bed and sometimes 30mg in the morning if I need energy. Fantastic medication. Also cheap!"

• Jul...
• March 9, 2020

For Anxiety "Started taking Mirtazapine December 31st because of my eating disorder that makes me picky with food and lack of appetite. My main goal was to get rid of my major anxiety. First month: nothing major happened with my anxiety. More headaches than usual. I wasn't depressed in the first place, but Mirtazapine made me feel like my life actually got more manageable and that I had more energy to do things, like study. They increased my dose every 3 weeks because I was still having anxiety. I am now on 40mg and my anxiety is better. I do, however, think it's because I have a better outlook on life. My appetite is a lot better, during these 3 months I have gained around 4kg. I never have bad eating days now so I eat regularly. About my sleeping habits: I've always been a night owl. Nowadays, if I take it around 8 PM, then I am asleep by 11:30. On the weekends I wake up around 8-10 AM on my own. I don't feel tired throughout the day."

• Ano...
• September 10, 2019

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "30mg every night for PTSD, panic disorder, and major depression. Dealing with childhood trauma like physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault from a young age. Mind doesn't race as much, don't have dangerous thoughts anymore. I still experience panic attacks, occasional chest tightness if I think about it, but panic attacks have significantly gone down to at least maybe once a month if not every other month. I have gained a few pounds. If you have a sensitive stomach, eating right before or after taking this medication else you'll feel bad waves of nausea. My parents hid panic disorder as a child and lied to me about it, so I started experiencing them much more often in high school. Have I honestly never felt better mentally. I can't say enough good things about this medication! Wait it out if you really think this will work for you. I had tried over 6 medications, this one works miracles, and my mental health is 70-75% better."

• BBG...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety "Mirtazapine is the only antidepressant I can tolerate (tried all of the others). I need it for GAD, PTSD, and insomnia. My usual effective dose is 30mg, but I can either go up to 45mg or down to 15mg depending on where I’m at. It 'can' make you put on weight, but it doesn’t have to if you watch your diet and exercise. Also, be aware when the carb cravings hit, try to be mindful and have some protein instead. The fog should wear off after a few weeks. I find going to bed an hour earlier most nights helps waking up a bit easier."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2022

For Depression "I have been taking mirtazapine 30mg for now 3 years and it’s extremely beneficial for me. SSRI didn’t work well for me and/or gave me unacceptable side effects. Mirtazapine helps me sleep well, calms my anxiety, makes me more optimistic and positive… without any sexual side effects, weight gain, and now I’m not sleeping 18 hours a day or feeling sleepy at all during the day. Health care professional myself, I can’t warn you enough about all the bad reviews. People who left bad reviews seem to forget that the medication is not the only factor to consider. They were not well before taking it so there is a lot happening outside the meds."

• Twe...
• November 5, 2019

For Anxiety "Came off Citalopram, slow taper. Realized quickly that I couldn't survive PTSD, GAD, and OCD without medication. Was put on mirtazapine 15 mg. But I did my research! My fear was weight gain, it almost stopped me from trying it. However, I came across research regarding how mirtazapine crashes your cortisol (which is why it works so well). Apparently, this is what causes the carb cravings. So, I dropped the carbs. It was a tough 2 weeks, but RESULT! Zero craving and rather than gaining weight, I am losing. I gained three stones on the Cit, so that's even better news. I thought that I had to choose between being fat and happy or thin and crazy. Instead, my choice is between carbohydrates or protein. It's important to make sure to get a good multivitamin that includes minerals. Also, eat plenty of green leafy veg (after transition). But apart from that, which is NOTHING compared to cravings, weight gain, or coming off meds, it's a small price to pay. Do your research, it's a total game-changer!"

• Sch...
• April 8, 2016

Mirtazapine for Depression "This medication is one of modern medicine's true miracles. I started taking it 7 months ago after a devastating benzo/opiate relapse, and I have suffered from MDD and insomnia for 19 years. During that time, I have literally tried everything - legal AND illegal. Thank God for this medicine. I did gain a ton of weight at first but consider it a small price to pay for high quality/quantity of sleep, energy, a positive mood, and an all-around 'good' feeling. Everyone reacts to medicine differently, don't give up. I am so thankful to have my sanity and my life back - all thanks to this medicine."

• SCA...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2020

For Insomnia "Been on Mirtazapine 30mg for 5 years. It works really great for my insomnia. I have not experienced any side effects such as weight gain. It helps me stay focused during the day too. I will say though, that I feel addicted to this medicine. I tried to stop taking it for 1 day (cold turkey) and I was doing really bad. So withdrawal after a long use has to be planned, while lowering the dose from 30mg to 15mg to 7.5mg."

• Peg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2012

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "For many years I've been juggling medicines from Lexapro, Xanax, Zoloft, along with Lunesta for sleep. I had anxiety along with depression, couldn't sleep, and was losing weight. Three weeks ago, my doctor prescribed Remeron to me, and within a week, I was like a new person. Depression and anxiety lessened, and my sleep is great. This has been a miracle for me. Yes, I am gaining weight, but I needed to. My quality of life is so much better."

• mar...
• April 4, 2015

Mirtazapine for Depression "I've been taking this medication for approximately 3 years now. For all who are upset with the weight gain and sleepiness, it doesn't last forever. I think I gained about 10-15 lbs in my first few months, but I've managed to lose it all. Now I am only sleepy right after I take it (at bedtime) and I wake up feeling rested without the hangover. It's definitely levelled off my depression, and I feel normal. If you can get past the first few weeks, this medication is a life saver. I truly forgot that this medication even has side effects, since I've been on it so long. Also, I tried the SSRI/SNRI route first. On Zoloft, I would've made a great cast member for the Walking Dead. I've never felt more like a zombie. Remeron is the best!"

• sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 13, 2013

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "I have been on Remeron for 3.5 years. I started out on 15 mg and now currently on 30 mg. I have tried every sleep medication available. This is by far the best medication I have ever been on for sleep. Yes, I get the ravenous hunger, and it takes about 2 hours to make me sleepy. An hour after I take it is when the hunger kicks in, and I eat for the entire day before bed. I have gained about 30 lbs over the time being on it, but it has now tapered off, I hope! However, for me, sleep is so important, so it's a matter of what's more important, the perfect body or being so tired and depressed due to lack of sleep. If you start watching what you eat prior to bed, which I do now and wish I knew or realized this early on, you can help keep the weight."

• K8a...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2020

For Insomnia "I started taking Mirtazapine about 6 months ago to assist with treatment for postnatal anxiety which eventually led to insomnia. No history of mental health issues or sleep issues. Started on 15mg, slept well from day 1. Once I felt better after about 3 months, I reduced my dose very slowly over 3 months, and now I'm on less than 1mg with no bad side effects, so I'll be off it soon. The medical recommendation for tapering is far too quick, I believe, take it slow. Mirtazapine has been positive for me to get through a rough patch. In regards to weight gain, I never weighed myself, but I think I may have put on a few kgs in the beginning, but nothing significant, and it didn't continue. No major appetite increase. Please don't let that put you off if you need help."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2025

For Anxiety "I had anxiety and panic attacks for about 20 years before seeking help. I started therapy and was prescribed an SSRI. It made me sick every time I ate. I kept losing weight. After several attempts at different SSRI medications, I was prescribed 15 mg of Mirtazapine. When I started Mirtazapine, I had lost 12 pounds in about one month from the previous SSRI. Day one of Mirtazapine, I had an appetite. I slept calmly the entire night. Within a week, I was able to try new things out in public, like going to restaurants by myself and signing up with a volunteer organization in which I did not know anyone. I felt like myself for the first time in 20+ years. However, within two weeks, my weight gain was more than what I had lost originally, so I was prescribed a 7.5 mg. Even with the lowest dosage, I gained 40 pounds in one month. I was told to stop taking it. I haven't had a medication that's helped since I stopped taking this in 2023. It was an amazing medication for me except for the weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2019

Mirtazapine for Depression "I've been on Remeron for several years now. Primarily for insomnia but also for anxiety and depression. This medication helps me tremendously like no others I've tried. No side effects besides hunger and weight gain. Highly recommend"

• Jer...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 18, 2025

For Anxiety "After losing my son, I was overcome with anxiety and insomnia. My doctor prescribed several medications, none of which helped with my symptoms. A second doctor prescribed mirtazapine 15. That was 5+ years ago, and it made all the difference. I now regularly fall asleep quickly and sleep through the night. Weight gain occurred but is controllable for me. A couple of years back, I wanted to get off of it and read that a gradual tapering is recommended. I cut back to 7.5, which still helps with the insomnia. I have read where people have great difficulty trying to quit altogether, so I have remained on the 7.5 dosage. I continue on, as I enjoy the sleep cycle, and my current doctor does not tell me to quit. This medication rescued me from a very difficult episode in my life."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been taking mirtazapine for three months now, started on the 7.5mg then increased to 15mg, and now I'm taking 22.5mg. I was a wreck and hospitalized with anxiety symptoms when I started mirtazapine. They saved my life. I have gained weight, but that was needed as I had lost too much due to nervous stomach. I still have wobbly days on and off and the odd panic attack, but seriously not like as I did before using this drug. I couldn't take Prozac, citalopram, or sertraline, but this drug has been amazing. I'd rather have a bit of weight on me than suffer the anxiety. I'm thinking of upping to 30mg as recommended optimal treatment for anxiety. Please don't be afraid to try this drug if others have failed you. I wish my GP had prescribed this one first, it might have saved me months of bedridden anxiety. Good luck everyone x"

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2012

Mirtazapine for Depression "I have been on Remeron for 3 years now and it's the best antidepressant I've ever been on. I have tried Prozac, Celexa, Wellbutrin, and Effexor. Remeron is the only one that made me happy to be alive. I did gain about 3 pounds but then was feeling so good I decided to become a vegan and improve my physical health, which before I could have cared less about. So now I've lost the pounds. Plus, a few pounds is definitely worth the improvement in mood and sleep. I have found it's really important how much I take and at what time. I did get restless leg syndrome which made it hard to sleep so I tried breaking up my 30 mg pill and taking 1/2 at 7:30 and 1/2 at 9:00 pm. That wasn't helping my mood. For best results, I take 30 mg at 6:00 pm and go to bed at 9:00."

• lae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2023

For Depression "Mirtazapine almost killed me. I was severely depressed and put on a low dose to help me sleep. It did not sedate me at all but made me dangerously suicidal. I tried to take my life repeatedly. The doctor said the low dose was the issue, so he upped it, which did not make a difference, except that I put on 2 stone in weight. I was on it for 3 months and then refused to take it anymore. I came off it 3 weeks ago. Suicidal thoughts have gone, I have lost half a stone in weight, and feel so much better. Nobody warned me that I could become dangerously suicidal, and my life was put at risk. I will never take antidepressants again. Be very careful when taking this stuff, make sure you know all of the risks!"

• Cam...
• December 3, 2014

For Anxiety "I suffered from awful anxiety for years. I tried a wide range of antidepressants and nothing ever worked. This medicine saved my life. Within days of trying it, I was off of Ambien and Ativan, which I had needed to sleep and function. It did make me super hungry, and I did gain weight. But what's a few pounds to trade in for happiness? If I ever suffered severe anxiety problems again, I would try it in a second. It was actually one of the very first medicines my doctor recommended, but I did not try it due to possible liver side effects. That was a big mistake. I wasted years on the antidepressant roller coaster. If it wasn't for the increased appetite, I would gladly pop one of those little miracle pills every night for the rest of my life."