Mirtazapine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Pha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2021

For Insomnia "Mirtazapine is amazing for sleep. It’s the only antidepressant that actually increases REM sleep, the deeper restorative part of sleep. I was on a low dose of amitriptyline for sleep, but with long-term use, there is a risk of dementia due to anticholinergic effects and also heart damage due to QT prolongation. Mirtazapine has none of these, and can be safely prescribed with SSRIs as it doesn’t increase serotonin but rather blocks certain serotonin receptors. Anyway, the biggest risk is weight gain, but I found I didn’t gain any. Yeah, you do get cravings at times, but what I did was reach for an apple rather than a chocolate bar. The effect does reduce with time. If anything, it forces you to eat more healthily. Take it a good 2 hours before you go to bed so you can get up in the morning. I take 3.75 mg and sleep well every night."

• Bir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 21, 2018

For Insomnia "When I first took Remeron, I was knocked out cold for about 18 hours, which was insane! I almost quit, but decided to give it a real chance, and I am very glad I did. After a couple of weeks, the initial negative impact diminished, and my sleep settled on about 8 to 9 hours per night. My sleep was restful, and the next day I was sometimes slightly groggy, but I was that way anyway due to the insomnia. Ten years later, I am still taking it, and I sleep about 7 to 8 hours on average. If I wake up, I fall right back to sleep. Since my worst depression is in the middle of the night, it keeps my mood stable. If I forget to take it, I almost inevitably wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. I am slim, and after some initial weight gain, I lost the weight and have not gained it back. (I am 51 years old, 5'7" and 123 lbs). Only the dissolvable tablets work for me. I take 30 mg tablets right before bed. I would recommend that you give it a good trial period (one month) before giving up."

• med...
• September 7, 2018

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken this med for over 2 years. I've been suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and depression my whole life. I found that nothing could help. Every night I tossed and turned, waking up every 2 hours. The first night I took this, like magic, I slept a whole night without waking up. And every night since then it has worked. However, BEWARE, it will make you binge eat. You have NO control over it. Studies say weight gain from this med only affects like 15% of people. Use look at the reviews on here and across the internet–it's more like 90%. I've always been skinny, and I put on 14 pounds within a month of starting it. I quit for a week, which made me extremely depressed and unable to sleep, but I immediately lost all the weight. But I was so depressed, it hurt, so I got back on it. That's why I give this a 7, it's a conundrum, it helps so much with insomnia/depression/anxiety, but it makes you FAT. Don't try this med unless you've tried ALL other SSRIs and sleep meds."

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

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been taking mirtazapine 15 mg since August 2022 for my PTSD and anxiety disorder. I was prescribed this after trying sertraline and venlafaxine, neither worked, and I felt like I was losing my mind. This medication has saved me in a way, I never thought I would say that about medication, as I used to be very much against it. But life gets hard, and sometimes we need help, even if it is from a tablet. The main side effect for me is my appetite and weight gain, but to be honest, it isn’t the end of the world, and as long as you’re eating healthy foods, it’s not much of an issue. I also didn’t take them for 2 weeks as I couldn’t pick up my prescription. I had the worst anxiety and panic attacks I have ever had in my life. I don’t know if this was a side effect, but it was horrendous. So please, don’t make the same mistake as me and suddenly stop taking them."

• Lov...
• April 26, 2021

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was taking this medication for six years, and it was life-changing. I was struggling to gain weight, I never had an appetite, and I was depressed, and no medication seemed to work, but Remeron was the only pill that worked for me. Unfortunately, I put on 40 pounds, and I have an almost overweight BMI, so I will have to stop this medication. This medication won't 'cure' your depression, but it's as if nothing seems like a big deal when you're on it, so therefore you feel less stressed and anxious."

• AL ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2021

For Insomnia "Don't listen to the horror stories. This is a very good medication that significantly helps alleviate insomnia if all the natural remedies don't seem to work. Yes, you can come off of this medicine and sleep normally again if you taper very slowly and have a game plan: exercise, eat right, take natural calming agents like chamomile tea, banana, fish oil, magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, GABA, and melatonin if needed. Get into meditation. I did all this, and I've been off this med for almost two weeks, no problem. I took 7.5 for a few months after deaths in the family caused severe insomnia and slowly tapered off. This med helped me get great sleep with no side effects. It does cause weight gain if you don't exercise or eat lots of carbs, that's the only thing to watch out for."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 4, 2024

For Anxiety "I had chronic problems with sleep associated with anxiety and obsessive behaviors around sleep. I tried citalopram for anxiety years prior, which made me loads more anxious with panic attacks, etc., so I came off after 7 days. I decided to start myself off at 7.5 mg as I was so scared of taking them. The first few nights I needed to sleep so hard after 30 mins of taking it. That has worn off after a while. I’ve been on it for 2 years now. I increased to 15 mg after 1 week, then 30 mg after 6 weeks, which I have stayed with. Initially I felt no anxiety about anything, which was like being on holiday after being anxious for the last 10 years. I also didn’t feel much. My libido disappeared for a few months, but slowly it came back. The emotion came back too, and generally, I am a less anxious person. I also sleep 70% better than I did. I did gain 6 kg in the first 3 months, but that has stabilized now. I feel much better and not intending on coming off. If you are struggling, then try it!"

• cjo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "No matter how much sleep I got, I was constantly tired. I could barely function during the day. And when I was functioning, I wanted to eat everything. In 2 months, I ended up gaining 15 lbs, which definitely did not help with the depression."

• Raj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 23, 2019

For Insomnia "I was suffering from insomnia for at least 10 years. Dr. prescribed many other drugs, but nothing worked. In 2014, Dr. prescribed mirtazapine 15 mg. It worked. It gives me sound sleep of 7 to 8 hrs. Now, I am on 7.5 mg, and have been using this drug for more than 5 years with good results. The only side effect is some weight gain. But it is okay for me because I was underweight."

• Liz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2016

Mirtazapine for Depression "I am using Remeron to help with nausea, depression, and anxiety as I taper off 1 mg of Klonopin after several years of using that drug. It was hard in the beginning; I had headaches and crushing fatigue for weeks. Now, I feel this drug has been a godsend; it helps with all and ensures that I sleep well most nights. This is my third attempt to get off of Klonopin and I have never been able to reduce my dosage so much. I do notice that my weight is now creeping up, so I need to watch that more carefully, but that side effect is one I will have to tackle as I will not give up my Remeron."

• Dyl...
• June 11, 2015

For Anxiety "I must say, mirtazapine was extremely helpful for my anxiety and depression, along with taking fluvoxamine for anxiety, depression, and OCD. A lot of the physical symptoms of anxiety as well as mental symptoms have diminished. Concentration has also improved. Although the weight gain from increased appetite and the sluggish feeling in the morning have become problematic. I have my mind set on discontinuing."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've had major depression mostly every day for the last 2 years, and this medication is a lifesaver. After being on mostly every SSRI and on several different dosages, I never got complete relief from them. They helped to give me a slightly better mood on most days, but the depression was always there. After doing a lot of research, I told my psychiatrist I wanted to try mirtazapine. After roughly two and a half weeks on 30 mg (15 mg didn't help), I've never felt better. It also took away most of the night sweats that I was getting from SSRIs. I've read some people complaining about weight gain as a side effect, I would advise not to worry about weight gain if you actually have major depression. Once the depression lifts, you will be able to eat healthy."

• jbu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've been taking mirtazapine 30 mg for about four years. It has been effective for me in managing OCD symptoms-has enabled me to put things in perspective much better. Positive help with sleeping. Weight gain has been a challenge, but I've managed fairly well using exercise and limiting refined carbs."

• Lif...
• May 17, 2019

For Insomnia "Remeron (mirtazapine) truly saved my life. I was ready to give up after trying 32 meds prior over 4 years. The catch in my experience is the less you take, the better. While I was told by doctors that the more you take, the less tired it makes you- I disagree. 7.5 is the smallest instant size, but I personally cut it down to 5. I can tell a huge difference. Also, it has a long history of making people want to eat compulsively, in which you gain weight- the med itself does not make you gain weight. Again, the less med you take, the less the compulsive eating side effects. Mentally, I just feel like me. I’m calmer about things and feel more capable of doing things, and it’s hugely helped with my movement disorder. The difference between this and Prozac or Zoloft is those two made me impatient and always had to be productive, so if for some reason I wasn’t able to be productive, I many days thought I should be productive and end my life. So mirtazapine has been a blessing."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2020

For Depression "I've been taking 15 mg for a year and 8 months. Right away I felt better because I slept right through anger and woke up rested. Previously I took 40 mg of citalopram, and I still suffered bad episodes of depression and delusions. Since taking mirtazapine, I've had much longer periods of productivity, much calmer, less intense periods of sadness and distorted thinking. I stopped the citalopram about 7 months ago, so I'm very happy with it. The only drawback is that I went up at least a dress size, and I can't shift the weight, even though I'm healthier than ever and don't drink."

• Dav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 27, 2021

For Anxiety "Been on this for over 3 years now, and it's been good for me. I take 30 mg at night, and I sleep much better, and my anxiety is a lot lower. I used to have terrible panic attacks in public, so bad that I sometimes had to leave the store halfway through grocery shopping. So my doctor put me on this, and it's stopped the panic attacks in public places. I'm 36 now, and I wish I had found it sooner as I've had debilitating anxiety my whole life, but being a guy, I thought I would tough it out. In the end, it got too much, so I look to the future now, and so far so good on this medication. I actually live a normal life now, and I'm a more productive person. Only side effects have been a bit of weight gain and grogginess when I first wake up, but these are much better than the train wreck I was before taking this med."

• She...
• March 6, 2010

Mirtazapine for Depression "Great medication, worked like magic for me. However, the major side effect that makes me stop it is the weight gain aspect. It makes me eat all the time and have cravings for sugar all day long. I have been on and off Remeron for the last 5 years, and the only reason that I am off it is the weight gain. I have tried many medications, but nothing worked for me. Remeron is the only antidepressant that gives me back my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2022

For Anxiety "I have been struggling with anxiety and lack of sleep (waking up having panic attacks, etc.). I’m a 46-year-old female and also have ADHD. So, in a nutshell, I started mirtazapine at a very low dose to test it out. I started at 7.5 mg but felt zonked the next day, so I halved that, and this works for me. I have slept all night for 2 months now. I still only take 3.25 mg, which is half of the 7.5 mg, half an hour before bed, and I sleep all night. No anxiety either now. Occasionally, I wake to go to the toilet, but I go straight off again. It’s been amazing for me. I read all sorts of reviews on here that put me off - weight gain, etc. Maybe that’s at higher doses. If anything, I’m eating a little less. I have more energy, and probably because I am sleeping 8 hours a night. My mother-in-law also takes this, she’s 72. She is on 7.5 mg for anxiety, and her doctor has said she doesn’t ever need to stop because the benefits are so good. Go for it."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 7, 2019

For Anxiety "I’ve been on mirtazapine 15 mg for almost 2 years for anxiety linked to menopause (and relationship worries) and have been taking it nightly to help mainly with sleep. Excellent for sleep as I was struggling massively before starting this, although I do tend to feel a bit tired during the day, particularly at weekends. I’m a teacher, so tiredness during the weekdays is usually negated by the demands of my job! As I’m naturally thin, I haven’t noticed much in the way of weight gain apart from normal middle-age tummy increases. I think that this is a great medication for use to support sleep issues and has gotten rid of the awful tummy butterflies I used to experience. I recently decided to reduce down to 7.5 mg, but anxiety began to creep in again, so I went back to 15 mg. If I have to take it long-term, so be it as it’s worth it. One negative is dreadful dry mouth first thing in the morning, as well as a bad taste, but it soon disappears."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on mirtazapine for four years. It saved my life. I fall asleep within thirty minutes of taking the medication. I had anxiety with agoraphobia for five years. I can come and go as I please now. I am not able to lose weight, and I do have an appetite all the time it seems. Give yourself time to get used to the medication, and make sure you are taking enough of it. I had to take 60 mg at one time, I am now down to 45. Please do not drink alcohol, it will reverse the effects of the anti-anxiety, and alcohol is just not good for anxiety or depression ever. Good luck!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2020

For Insomnia "I was only on mirtazapine for a week. The second day, all I could think about was food! All day! It did not help at all for my insomnia. I was thinking about what I was going to eat next while I was. I gained 5# in a week. I had to get off."

• cat...
• January 19, 2012

Mirtazapine for Anxiety "Been on it 2 weeks for anxiety, insomnia, and depression, 30mg at night. Love it. Sleep like a baby, wake up refreshed and energy levels have risen, feel so happy, not feeling high or anything, just seem to feel normal, which I haven't felt in 10 years. Only kind of downside is that I can't stop eating! And not sugars and carbs! I eat almost anything that is available to me, if there is only a bag of salad in the fridge I will eat the whole thing! The last time I had an appetite like this I was a very active teenager. I've already gained half a stone in 2 weeks and I was 11 stone to start with. My family are all overweight and I'm just a little worried I won't be able to control it! Help please."

• Wei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2023

Mirtazapine for Major Depressive Disorder "Gained 20+ pounds in a month on Remeron. I work out every day and always maintain a calorie deficit but still excessively gained weight. I took a DNA test, and it turns out I’m not compatible with this medication and experience significant symptoms. I would suggest to everyone to get a DNA test to see which medications will or will not work for you."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

Mirtazapine for Insomnia "I suffered from insomnia for over 10 years. I tried everything under the sun from behavioral modification to herbal supplements to prescription drugs. I started 7.5 mg of Remeron and 7.5 mg of Restoril 5 months ago, and I have never slept better. I am so thankful to have found these medications. The first few days I was a bit dizzy and disoriented. And, yes, I have the 10 lb weight gain but that is slowly coming off with proper diet and exercise. This medication literally saved my life."

• Ali...
• December 16, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I wanted to share my experience because I have been an avid review reader and often only negative experiences are shared. I tried Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Lamictal, and the side effects from all of these were too much for me. Remeron helps me sleep and gives me a feeling of general wellness and an ability to cope. It takes away that crushing depression that tells you you aren’t good enough and doesn’t allow you to get out of bed. The big story on this drug is about the weight, and I want to share with you that I may be a pound or two heavier with this drug than without it, but this drug actually helps me eat less. I used to feel hungry all the time and wake up at night from hunger, but now I can sleep through. Take the lowest dose you can if you are worried about this side effect and know that not all people gain weight on this drug."