Mirtazapine Alternative - Insomnia

[bobbin]

Yes, i agree with starting low....i cannot afford a bad reaction now nor anymore sleepless nights! I have battled anxiety issues (which was why they attempted the SSRIs) but i wouldnt say worsening of anxiety was part of the reaction i had, im aware that is pretty usual thing.

thanks for the reply

Initial aggravation of anxiety is common when starting SSRIs, although they are frequently useful in the treament of anxiety disorders in the long-term. Less commonly, agitation and physical restlessness can occur. Some patients have a manic-type reaction eg. racing thoughts, pressured speech, excitation, overactivity, reduced need for sleep and profound changes in mood. Hallucinations and psychotic symptoms occur rarely. Manic reactions are much more common in patients who suffer from bipolar disorder.

[Balibalo]

I have experienced something very similar. For me, Mirtazapine has been EXCELLENT for inducing sleep. However some days I become so lethargic (sometimes fighting to even keep my eyes open while at work) that I regret my insomnia.

I noticed though that when I stopped taking it, the benefits persisted (I can sleep decently although the quality decays day after day after having stopped the medication). So I'm considering taking Mirtazapine for some time until I become too drowsy, then stop taking it until my insomnia re-appears, then start again...

I often read that Mirtazapine causes weight gain, is it because it makes you eat more or because of something else?


About myself: I'm 23 years old, started having severe insomnia (could not fall asleep at all - literally) one year ago (before then my sleep was very bad but nothing comparable). I then took Eszopiclone, Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Ambien in turn. They did help me find a few hours of sleep per night, which was great, but it always stopped working after some time. I then took some Lorazepam which is supposed to be a bit more serious (but addictive), which helped me to sleep quite a few decent nights, until the effects ceased and I wanted to stop taking it to avoid addiction (after 1 month use). I didn't want to try SSRIs worried about the side effects, but tried Mirtazapine instead. By far, the Mirtazapine was the best sleep inducer and apparently its safer (less addictive) and the body doesn't get used to it. However I feel more lethargic than with the Lorazepam when it worked. That lethargic state caused by Mirtazapine has affected my productivity at work and has made it difficult to live in relationship (poor mood and sexual drive). I continue to take it because some days are better than others, and insomnia isn't much better anyway.

[Shwampa]

If you only rely on Wiki you'll be disenchanted...don't forget you don't die from withdrawal but you might from metabolic syndrome caused by the weight you'll pile up while on mirtazapine.