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Original poster

Mirtazapine

21 replies

glasgowmistybluegirl · 11/08/2023 15:55

I've just begun a course of mirtazapine and am looking forward to enjoying a good night's sleep having heard great things about sleep quality. Only trouble is it's giving me an upset stomach (diarrohea) only once a day but it's kind of draining me. Only been on it 5 days but am hoping my stomach will settle down soon as I really want this to work. I was on Escitalopram for 18 months and my sleep was practically non-existent on it. Does anyone have advice to give, I would really appreciate any help.

OP posts:
allthepeaches · 12/08/2023 15:20

What dose are you on? Took me about a week for side effects to settle on 15mg for me

Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 12/08/2023 17:46

Thanks for replying x I'm on 15 mg. Did you have to wait a few weeks before the better sleep kicked in? I'm awake most of the night and usually make a cup of tea about 3 ish then read for a while. After reading all the good stuff about great sleep I can't wait to just have a normal night. I think being on the Escitalopram really knocked my night routine for six, took me hours to drop off.

OP posts:
Annaishere · 12/08/2023 17:48

I’ve really stubborn insomnia so my experience with it might be different to other peoples. It didn’t help me to a great extent but there was a definite sedative component to it

Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 12/08/2023 18:32

The doctor recommended this one because of the sedative effect but I think it may take a few weeks for the benefit to show judging by what others have said. Sorry about your insomnia, it's a rotten thing not to have a good night's sleep, night after night, hope you've found something to help a bit at least.

OP posts:
Annaishere · 12/08/2023 18:42

Yes it probably will take at least a few days to be more effective. I’ve been on benzodiazepines for nearly a year and unfortunately they’re being tapered off by my psychiatrist now. It was nice while it lasted, hoping to be referred to a sleep specialist for it

Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 13/08/2023 17:34

Thanks for getting in touch, I can't wait to have a night when I can sleep right through. I really hope your referral comes through soon.

OP posts:
Annaishere · 13/08/2023 21:47

Thanks, hope this works for you

bluecorn · 15/08/2023 17:35

I've read that even smaller doses than that help for sleep in case that helps?

Like you, I started 15mg to help with my sleep and unfortunately in my case I'm still stuck on it a few years later - anytime I try to stop, I get terrible insomnia. I wish I hadn't started really.

BMH73 · 15/08/2023 20:33

Awful reaction to Sertraline - any alternative?

BMH73 · 15/08/2023 20:35

Had terrible side effects after taking Sertraline. Can anyone recommend an alternative anti depressant for terrible anxiety. Thank you

LauderSyme · 15/08/2023 20:50

I found that Mirtazipine's sedative effect, really knocked me out; I felt very lethargic and was nightly sleeping deeply for 12, even 14 hours after taking it for less than 2 weeks. Sorry I don't recall my dose.

It didn't suit me, but we all react differently and it's not uncommon to cycle through a number of medications and dosages before hopefully finding our even keel.

Annaishere · 15/08/2023 20:50

@BMH73 I found citalopram really really effective for anxiety. They can also prescribe antipsychotics for extreme anxiety/ insomnia etc which work great

Xrays · 15/08/2023 20:53

My dh took this for a while and had to stop as it was completely zonking him out to the point he was falling asleep in the chair at work and snoring all the time…..! He also put on about 2 stone very quickly and he hated that. I’ve heard other people say good things about it though. He stopped it and went on a high dose of Citalopram (60mg) and has found that’s really worked for him.

JustCarryOnWalkingPast · 15/08/2023 21:04

I'd say persevere with the Mirtazapine. I started on 15mg, then it was increased to 30mg, then 45mg. I've been fine on it. I take mine at about 10.30pm, am asleep within an hour.

Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 15/08/2023 22:07

That's really helpful, thanks. After taking Escitalopram for 18 months my sleep is awful, Doctor recommended Mirtazapine because of the sedative effect it has, think I have to wait a few weeks to feel the benefit though.

OP posts:
Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 15/08/2023 22:11

I will stick with it and hope for the best. Thanks everyone, it helps talking it through.

OP posts:
allthepeaches · 20/08/2023 14:58

Sorry for late reply! Yes it took a few weeks for sleep to be fully settled, maybe about 4-5 but I noticed sleep improving gradually every day from day 1. Talking therapy was also very helpful as I was fixating on my insomnia. I was prescribed mirtazapine for post natal depression/anxiety with insomnia being my worst symptom. I'm about to try coming off it - doctors advice is terrible about this as they don't really understand the withdrawal but just so you know if you ever want to come off it then a harm reduction taper is a good idea. But that's for another day far away in the future. Hope it's starting to work for you - how are you doing?

Original poster
glasgowmistybluegirl · 20/08/2023 18:20

Hi ,,,allthepeaches.

That's so kind of you to reply, it's really reassured me as I've been on it now for just 10 days and two nights ago I suddenly just slept properly for the first time in about two years, last night the same so hoping this is a sign of good times ahead! The difference sleeping all through the night makes to your well-being is huge as you know I'm sure. The insomnia kicked in when I started on Escitalopram it just knocked my sleep for six and even though it helped greatly with the anxiety/depression and I knew I had to talk to the doctor about stopping it thank goodness she prescribed this as I had no knowledge of it at all before. I'm feeling a bit more optimistic about things now, I know it's early days but I feel if the sleep thing keeps going well then I can cope better generally. Have you just decided to come off it yourself or have you been advised to? I hope you're doing well now. Take care of yourself.

OP posts:
Dani217933 · 20/08/2023 20:03

How long did it take to kick in ?

ClematisBlue49 · 11/09/2023 20:00

@glasgowmistybluegirl , glad you are getting on well with it. I started taking it a week ago and now I have the most awful jaw pain and facial swelling. Googled it and found that it is a known side effect (for many anti-depressants not just this one). I think as I've only been taking it for a short time, and it hasn't had the sedative effect I was hoping for (I fall asleep but then keep waking up), I will stop taking it. Am going to try magnesium.

Olivia199 · 11/09/2023 20:14

I had Mirtazipine for a while and really enjoyed the sleeping side of things. It also increased my appetite which was a great side effect thanks to my previously non existent one.
I soon started getting restless legs though so switched to Trazadone which was my miracle drug. I felt perfect on it. I've been off it for around 5 years now and everything has totally settled. I wouldn't think twice about starting again if I needed though!
Good luck with it all!

@BMH73 - It's so difficult finding a medication that works but do stick with it. I tried Citalopram and it sent me over the edge, Sertraline was fine but needed ever increasing doses and then noticed hair loss. Prozac just didn't really do anything. Venlofaxine was AWFUL. Mirtazipine eventually gave me restless legs. But trazadone was the one for me and it was incredible. Equally I've heard people with totally opposite feelings on these drugs, ones that have suited me have been others worst nightmares. You've just got to preserve in finding what works for you, as tough as that is. Good luck. X

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