Mirtazapine is an FDA-approved prescription medication used for the treatment of depression. It goes by the brand name Remeron, and it belongs to tetracyclic antidepressants. Mirtazapine increases the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, thus causing a calming effect. For the same, licensed mental health practitioner can only prescribe Mirtazapine for sleep as well.
Mirtazapine has the following effects- antiemetic, reducing anxiety, and sedative effects. For all these reasons, mirtazapine also has off-label uses, like helping with panic disorder, anxiety, and insomnia as well. If you suffer from the above, please visit a healthcare provider and discuss your case. Mirtazapine is a prescription drug, and it should be used as directed.
If you have insomnia or suffer from sleep problems and want help but don’t want to wait in long queues, then beat the traffic and book an online consultation at Therapy Fleet now.
Get Started Now From just $50/week
Our online medical healthcare providers can help with your diagnosis, and our prescription is just a click away.
Mirtazapine for Sleep
As mentioned, mirtazapine is an antidepressant and is only approved for that. However, due to its soothing effect, many mental healthcare providers use it off-label for treating insomnia as well. Thus, it is used as a sleep medication, too, for the treatment of insomnia. Plus, studies suggest that Mirtazapine increases REM sleep ( rapid eye movement). Mirtazapine for sleep is especially useful when sleep disorders are caused by depression. In the end, the prescribing doctors know better.
Many studies were conducted, and articles were published that studied the benefit of Mirtazapine for sleep. In one of the studies, data was collected, and >20 studies suggested that it did improve sleep efficiency and increase total sleep time, thus improving the overall quality of sleep.
Another study was conducted on people with major depressive disorder. The results showed that Mirtazapine enhanced sleep quality drastically, resulting in a decrease in symptoms of depression.
Note: As Mirtazapine for sleep is not FDA-approved, not many clinical trials and testing have been done on its effectiveness, use, and safety. It is therefore recommended to talk and consult with your mental health provider about any precautions and risks of Mirtazapine. They will always start at a lower dose.
Back in 1996, Mirtazapine was approved by the FDA for treating major depression disorder. Some off-label uses include;
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Insomnia
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Mirtazapine Duration to Show Effect
The time taken for Mirtazapine to work depends on the treated condition and the individual response. If you are using Mirzatapine for sleep, the soothing effect follows in half an hour to an hour. Therefore, your healthcare provider will prescribe Mirtazapine for sleep at bedtime. The peak time is 2 hours.
In the long run, expect around 1 to 2 weeks to see visible results in sleep quality and energy levels. If you are taking Mirtazapine for depression, the symptoms will take around 6 to 8 weeks before you see results. Mirtazapine is usually used long-term for depression, and so far, there are no severe side effects related to it. However, a healthcare provider will keep track to ensure the patient is not suffering from adverse reactions.
The off-label use of Mirtazapine is on a need basis. Your doctor can guide you better on when and how to use it off-label. For depression, it is a daily drug with a different dosage. Please consult with a doctor for more information.
Beneficial Effects of Mirtazapine for Sleep
As a sleep aid, Mirtazapine has different benefits. For instance, the sedative effects of Mirtazapine make sleep come quickly; the person stays put all night, resulting in enhanced overall sleep quality.
Potential Side Effects of Mirtazapine
Taking a Mirtazapine tablet leads to drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive because it hinders your ability to think, react, and make wise decisions.
Some people feel agitated when taking Mirazatapine. You may feel the need to move around, unable to relax. If this happens, do not worry; the feeling will pass.
Mirzatapine common side effects
The more common side effects of mirtazapine are;
- Sleepiness
- Weight gain
- Weird dreams
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Constipation
These side effects will go on their own. However, if you feel the side effects are not passing after a few weeks, call your prescribing doctor.
Get Started Now From just $50/week
Severe Side Effects of Mirtazapine
Sometimes, Mirtazapine leads to some severe side effects. Call your doctor or 911 in case of a life-threatening situation. Some adverse effects are;
- Suicidal behavior/thoughts
- Manic episodes
- Serotonin syndrome
- Weak immunity
- Eye issues
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
- Low sodium
- Severe allergic and skin reactions
- Increase in cholesterol levels
- And, rhabdomyolysis
Our aim here is to offer you relevant information on the medicines. Please note that each drug affects people differently. The abovementioned list needs to be completed, and you may also encounter other side effects. Mirtazapine is a sleep medicine, and other side effects are common. However, lower doses do not lead to a problem.
Remember, although correct and up-to-date, our information is not the alternative for medical advice. We recommend you discuss your concerns with your doctor and do not keep any medical conditions from them.
Mirtazapine Drug Interactions
Mirtazapine is processed in the liver and interacts with other drugs, which block/stimulate specific liver enzymes. The list of medications are;
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Itraconazole
- ritonavir
Try and avoid these medicines along with MAOIs- monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and warfarin when on Mirtazapine.
Do not stop Mirtazapine abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, irritability, nausea, seizures, and confusion.
We always recommend talking to a healthcare provider for further detailed information on the side effects, drug warnings & interactions of Mirtazapine. Remember to list all the other OTCs, herbal supplements, prescription medicines, and your health conditions.
Dose of Mirtazapine for Sleep
For depression, a 15 to 45 mg/day dose of Mirzatapine is given. Mirtazapine for depression is used in the long term. For insomnia, there is no hard and fast dose. However, all medical healthcare providers usually start with the lowest dose to help with sleep. According to studies, 7.5 to 30 mg/day before bedtime is the recommended dose for sleep.
However, each person, as well as the treatment plan and dose, varies. Factors like;
- Age
- Medical history
- Weight
- The severity of the conditions affects the final dose.
Only medical professionals can pick the correct dose of Mirtazapine for sleep.
Regular Tablet vs. Orally Disintegrating Tablet
The latter dissolves with your saliva, while the tablet needs to be swallowed with a fluid. As per research, the ODT form shows more promising results with fewer side effects than the re-fee gular tab of Mirtazapine.
Alternatives to Mirtazapine
Several other medications are available to replace Mirtazapine for sleep. Some are simple OTCs, while others are prescription drugs. Standard medicines for sleep disorders are melatonin receptor agonists, sedative-hypnotics, and orexin receptors. Antihistamine and benzos can also be used for tackling insomnia.
Different medications mean differences in their mechanism of action, dose, side effects, costs, and drug interactions. Your healthcare provider will need to try and test different drugs to find the best treatment plan for you.
Always start a new medicine under the supervision of your doctor. Before starting the treatment, clear all your concerns and doubts about the risks of Mirtazapine. The final medicine option depends on the health of the patient. Note that this is not the complete list of medicines that replace Mirtazapine for sleep.
Natural Alternatives for Sleep
You can find many natural ways to cope with insomnia. For starters, herbal supplements like chamomile and valerian have sedative effects, helping the mind relax and sleep. However, if you decide to turn to herbal treatment or Mirtazapine for sleep, speak with your doctor. Both of these drugs can cause serious drug interactions.
Some other ways to help with sleep are;
- Eat healthy, say no to caffeine
- Try to sleep simultaneously and build up the atmosphere to sleep.
- Stay away from gadgets.
- Try relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calm nature sounds.
- Go for regular walks to enhance the sleep pattern
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Bottom Line
In conclusion, as we have seen, Mirtazapine is an FDA drug prescribed by the mental healthcare provider for clinical depression. Off-label has shown promising results for treating insomnia. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to say that Mirtazapine helps with sleep. The sedating effect of the medicine aids sleep and allows the individual to get better sleep quality.
Likewise, do not start a medication without prior consultation from a mental healthcare provider. Seeking medical advice before using a prescribed medicine is crucial to keep the side effects and drug interactions at bay. Only a professional can suggest the correct dose and treatment plan for you.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Mirtazapine is often prescribed for its sedative effects, making it a helpful option for those struggling with sleep issues. Many medical experts praise its dual benefits for both sleep and depression symptoms.
FAQs
1. Can Mirtazapine be used as a sleeping pill?
No, it is not classified as a sleeping drug. However, some doctors do prescribe it to aid in sleeping due to the soothing effect, especially if insomnia is a symptom of depression. Just like antihistamines are used off-label for insomnia, Mirtazapine also interferes with the histamine h1 receptor.
2. Can Mirtazapine affect REM sleep?
Unlike the other antidepressants, Mirtazapine does not restrict REM sleep, thereby increasing it. REM sleep is essential for memory and thinking.
3. What if I overdose on Mirtazapine?
If you overdose on Mirtazapine, do not panic. You may experience relatively benign side effects. Side effects are as follows- mild hypertension, tachycardia, and drowsiness. In case you don’t feel well after an overdose, please call 911 and seek medical emergency immediately.
4. Is Mirtazapine working? How to know?
If you are using mirtazapine for sleep, your sleep quality should be better, and if you are using it to treat depression, you should be feeling happier and enjoying life. To see visible results, wait for at least 4-weeks. Note- Use the medicine as the doctor directs to see its full effect. Do not alter the dose yourself.
5. How fast does Mirrazapine for sleep works?
At least two weeks must be given for the sleep cycle to improve. Look out for high energy levels and better sleep patterns, the first signs of Mirtazapine working. For depression, give around 8 to 12 weeks for visible results.
6. Will mirtazapine affect my memory?
Although rare, Mirtazapine affects concentration levels and memory. So, if any of you experience frequent headaches and memory loss, contact your doctor right away.
