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Mirtazapine and lethargy and possible aternatives?

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sunsin
sunsin

I have been taking Mirtazapine for about 7 months now, I have had sleep problems, rooted in anxiety, for years and was taking amitriptyline for nigh on 20 years for it. After a course of cbti I was prescribed mirtazapine while simultaneously being gradually weaned off the amitriptyline which I have been off for 4.5 months now. This has had a drastic improvement in my health - no heart palpitations, generally feeling healthier and the reversal of impotence.

The mirtazapine has removed my anxiety around sleep, I have always been terrified of not getting to sleep, waking up and not getting back to sleep, never having enough sleep and being unable to function fully at work and at home. I don't have the same issues now with sleep although I seem to need more than I used to before I started taking it which is frustrating if I don't have enough time in bed to get what I need, which can happen sometimes with work and being away. However, what I'm now most concerned and frustrated about is that I'm feeling lethargic throughout the day even when I've slept fully the previous night. It's affecting my ability to think clearly and just generally feel in a slump even after exercising. It's really irritating as I thought I had solved a problem I had for 20 years, my anxiety is the total opposite of what it was a year ago and barely registers most days. 

Can I ask if anyone has a similar experience of Mirtazapine and if there are any non pharmacological alternatives or even pharmacological ones that don't have the same effect? Also, how easy is it to come off it? My understanding is that reducing is not necessarily the way to go as I'm told reducing the dosage can have a more sedative effect although I'm not sure if that is in relation to just sleeping itself.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • sasical72
    sasical72 sunsin

    Edited

    Hi Sunsin,

    What dosage are you on? I take a low dose, 15mg at night, I sleep very well at night and don't feel lethargic during the day.

    I have dreadful insomnia for years and Mirtazapine has been a godsend for that, my only issue with it has been weight gain.

    • sunsin
      sunsin sasical72

      Edited

      Hi Sasical72,

      Thanks for taking the time to respond.

      I am on 15 mg. My sleep is much much better since taking Mirtazapine. It has also been a godsend for me, potentially saving my marriage, just frustrating with the lethargy and the fact I seem to need a bit more sleep than prior to taking it. No issues with weight gain personally.

    • sasical72
      sasical72 sunsin

      Edited

      When I first started taking it I was VERY lethargic for the first few days and then it slowly got better. Another suggestion, if you don't already, is to do some exercise when you wake up.

      I would wake up a bit tired, but for some time now, the minute I wake up I get on my static bike, as soon as I've been going 5 minutes I'm well awake and after 20 mins I'm ready to take on the world, well sort of, haha

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