Could Mirtazapine for sleep help your insomnia?
Achieving a good night’s sleep is no easy task. Some of us turn to relaxing teas and meditation to get the z’s we need. Others look into treatment options to tackle things like stress and anxiety.
Eventually, we all need to find something to work for our sleep issues. After all, the human body (and mind) just can’t survive without sleep.
The threat of significant sleep deficiency means your doctor may even recommend certain medications to help you sleep. Sedating antidepressants are just one option of many, and they have proven to be effective in the past.
Mirtazapine for sleep is a common treatment strategy for people who suffer regularly with poor sleep patterns.
So, will Mirtazapine and sleep be a good mix for you?
Using Mirtazapine for sleep
Treating insomnia with medication is a delicate process.
Many doctors are now reluctant to turn to various “traditional” sleeping tablets, because of their addictive qualities, and issues with tolerance. This has led to an increase in practitioners using antidepressants for sleep.
Mirtazapine is, first and foremost, an antidepressant.
Doctors often prescribe this substance for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and various other anxiety issues. However, a side effect of mirtazapine (sometimes called Remeron for sleep in the US), is its ability to improve sleep quality.
Mirtazapine works like many antidepressants, by increasing the concentration of specific chemical messengers in the brain.
Because Mirtazapine can have a sedative effect, it’s also a powerful tool in treating insomnia. You’d generally take your sedating antidepressants before bed to improve your sleep pattern.
Mirtazapine was developed by a Dutch pharmaceutical company and approved for major depressive disorder way back in 1994. For years, doctors have regarded the treatment of Mirtazapine or Remeron for sleep as a safe and effective solution.
How long does it take for Mirtazapine to work?
When people start a course of antidepressants like Mirtazapine, it’s common to have questions, such as “how long does Mirtazapine stay in your system?” or “how long does it take for Mirtazapine to kick in for sleep?”
Notably, the results you have with any sedating antidepressant can vary based on a number of factors. It can often take between 6 and 8 weeks for Mirtazapine to begin working for depression and poor mood. However, for people with insomnia, Mirtazapine kicks in a lot faster.
Experts have seen improvement in appetite, energy and sleep within one or two weeks of starting the medication. If you feel Mirtazapine isn’t working quickly enough for you, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about your dosage.
Keep in mind your sleep will improve further after Mirtazapine starts having an affect on your mood. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, Mirtazapine will have a bigger impact on you when it has settled fully into your system, within about 8 weeks.
How much Mirtazapine should I take for sleep?
Choosing the correct Mirtazapine dosage for sleep can be tricky.
People respond to antidepressants in different ways. Often, experts will start you on an extremely low dose of Mirtazapine, to see how it affects your sleep. The drug is most commonly offered at low doses for sleep problems, to avoid any unwanted side-effects.
The typical dose of Mirtazapine or Remeron for sleep starts at around 7,5mg a night and may increase up to 45mg per night in some cases. If you feel you’re not getting the right results at low doses, you shouldn’t take more without guidance from your doctor.
As with all anti-depressants, there can be side effects associated with Mirtazapine use. This includes possible weight gain and drowsiness during the day.
If you’re using antidepressants for sleep, it’s important to find the right balance between Mirtazapine sedation at night and maintaining energy levels during the day.
Will Mirtazapine help me sleep?
If you’re struggling with sleep, Mirtazapine can help in a variety of ways.
For people with depression or mood problems, mental illness can often lead to reductions in REM sleep density, and slow wave sleep. This could mean you have a lighter sleep without as much opportunity for overnight recovery.
Mirtazapine is effective at reducing stages of hyperarousal which prevent people from getting a good night’s sleep. Research also shows Mirtazapine has a positive impact on various insomnia symptoms for people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Taking Mirtazapine won’t cause you to sleep all day, but it could improve the amount of time you remain asleep in bed.
One study revealed after simulating insomnia by distracting participants with traffic noise, mirtazapine could improve sleep quality and time considerably.
Studies have also extensively examined the results of using Mirtazapine for sleep in people experiencing depression. However, there are limited studies available into Mirtazapine used exclusively for insomnia.
Researchers have found Mirtazapine can boost the quality of your sleep, and potentially enhance REM sleep, though further insights may be necessary.
Using Mirtazapine for sleep FAQ
The best way to determine whether Mirtazapine is effective for you is to speak to a doctor. Your medical professional will be able to advise you about antidepressants for sleep, and what kind of sedating antidepressants are available in your case.
Q: What are the Mirtazapine withdrawal symptoms?
Many medications can have withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms associated with Mirtazapine are often regarded as less severe as those for typical sleeping pills.
If you’re suffering from Remeron withdrawal, you might have issues with headaches, vomiting, dizziness, irritability, and nausea. One of the most common symptoms of withdrawal is unfortunately insomnia.
Q: Is Mirtazapine weight gain a common problem?
Mirtazapine weight gain can be a real concern for some people starting this sedating antidepressant. However, your doctor will weigh the pros and cons of Remeron before giving you your dose. A lower dose of Mirtazapine might help you to avoid weight gain.
Q: What are Mirtazapine side effects?
Mirtazapine, like many medications, can come with certain side effects to be aware of. People have noticed feelings of continued drowsiness after taking this medication, as well as increased appetite, weight gain, constipation, and lack of energy. You might notice a sense of weakness, and dizziness from time to time with Mirtazapine.
Q: Mirtazapine and alcohol: a good mix?
You can drink alcohol when you’re using Mirtazapine for sleep. However, it’s worth noting alcohol can increase the sedation feeling you get from taking your medication. You may be more unsteady on your feet after combining mirtazapine and alcohol. Additionally, doctors suggest drinking alcohol frequently with Mirtazapine can make symptoms worse.
Q: Are there other sedating antidepressants?
There are other antidepressants for sleep which can offer a similar outcome to Mirtazapine. When deciding how to treat your sleep problems, your doctor will assess all of the available medications that may be suitable for you.
Q: Is Mirtazapine addictive?
Mirtazapine shouldn’t be addictive when you’re using it as a sleeping pill at a very low dose. When giving Remeron for sleep, most doctors will provide a low dose to reduce the risk of addiction. However, many sedating antidepressants do carry a risk of addiction.
Q: Do people on Mirtazapine sleep all day?
Mirtazapine is intended to improve your sleep quality at night, and give you additional energy throughout the day, so you feel more comfortable with your routine. However, it can take a while to determine the right Mirtazapine dosage for sleep that doesn’t influence your regular life.
Should you use Remeron for sleep?
Studies into the effectiveness of Mirtazapine for insomnia have been positive so far. If you’re suffering from insomnia on its own, then Mirtazapine could be a good solution for overcoming your issues, without as many side effects and addictive qualities as other sleeping pills.
If you also have symptoms of depression, Mirtazapine can assist with both your sleep and mood at the same time.
Low-dose mirtazapine is often the best choice for people who want Mirtazapine sedation without any other side effects.
If you’re thinking of using Mirtazapine, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options first. This won’t always be the right sedating solution for you.
Keep in mind there are also various other ways to improve your sleep patterns without a reliance on medication.
To learn more about medical treatments for sleep disorders, check out our other guides:
https://siestio.com/category/wellness/medication/
Siestio. Sleep matters.
Medical disclaimer
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