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mirtazapine doses

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simone26396
simone26396

Hi,

I started taking mirtazapine 4 weeks ago whilst weaning off amitriptyline which I have been on and for 18 years but stopped working for me. Started on 15 mg mirtazapine which really helped with sleep initially and mood. Then the effects wore off and I'm now on 22.5 mg. Although I feel sleepy shortly after taking the tablets when I'm on bed I feel wired and can't get to sleep for ages. Gp wants me to go up to 30mg but scared of feeling even more wired. Has anyone else experienced this? Of course I can't be certain what might be withdrawl from amitriptyline!

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  • evergreen
    evergreen simone26396

    Posted

    I need to take my mirtazapine at least 1.5 - 2 hours before going to bed else I won't sleep. I get restless leg syndrome for a while about 45 mins after taking it too.
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    • evergreen
      evergreen simone26396

      Posted

      Yes I feel quite spaced out if I try to do anything soon after taking them, but there is no way I could sleep until 1.5 - 2 hours has passed. Sometimes I still have difficulty. I don't know if it's the mirt, but occasionally (around once a fortnight) I just cannot switch off. I get palpitations and frequent need to urinate. It's very odd. On those noghts I have to take a temazepam to be able to sleep. But all other nights I am fine so long as I leave the right amount of time before attempting to sleep. I am on 30mg and have been on it for 3 years. It has helped me no end. My deppression is mostly gone, so have my migraines, allergies and IBS. So it has been a fantastic drug for me. I will probably be on it for a long time to come.
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    • simone26396
      simone26396 evergreen

      Posted

      Thanks evergreen! You have been so helpful! I really was starting to wonder whether this drug was right for me but I will now persevere and even up the dose to 30mg tonight. I also have ibs and now that I think about it, it has been so much better recently. Thanks again
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  • karin65289
    karin65289 simone26396

    Posted

    Hi Simone,

    Maybe what's happening is that you still have some amitripyline in your system - I don't know what it's half-life is. I've been taking the Mirtazapine for several years primarily for sleep. There are the odd that I feel sleepy but can't fall asleep (wired). I hope you get this sorted out soon, there are lots of good posts.

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  • karin65289
    karin65289 simone26396

    Posted

    Simone,  I just remembered that I started something new when I can't sleep. I take 15 mg Mirtazapine at bedtime and 45-60 minutes I'm sleepy. If I fall asleep and wake a short time later, or as you described can't sleep - I wait 3 hours and take a second dose of the 15 mg. -that usually works. My doctor feels strongly that 7.5 mg. or 15 is the best dose for sleep - but we are all different.
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    • simone26396
      simone26396 karin65289

      Posted

      Hi karin,

      thanks for your comments. I did read that lower doses were better for sleeping but after 10 days on 15mg I started to find it difficult to fall asleep and feel wired. I'm taking it primarily for depression and it did seem to be really helping until yesterday. I must admit it's really shook me that I can suddenly feel really low again. I know I'm probably being too hard on myself and iis still early days, so my plan is to go up to 30mg tonight and give it at least 4 weeks. patience isn't one of my strong points! Thanks again

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    • cathy123
      cathy123 simone26396

      Posted

      Hi Simone I hav been 2 weeks on mirt. Saw doc on Friday and I have been wary of going up to 30 mg ,I have felt drowsy eyed and foggy headed on the 15 mg..so I am trying out one day on 15 one day on 30..if i knew for defo 30 mg wouldn't make me as drowsy I would go up..it's kinda confusing..
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    • simone26396
      simone26396 cathy123

      Posted

      Hi cathy,

      I know what you mean. That's why I only went up to 22.5mg. I plan on going up to 30 tonight though. However people do say the higher doses are less sedating. Good luck! Please keep in touch. I'd love to hear how you get on with the 30mg.

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  • karin65289
    karin65289 simone26396

    Posted

    Hi Simone, 

    I hope that the higher dose will help your depression - maybe longer days and sunshine will help too. It's difficult to be patient when depression is nipping at your heels. Remember to come back here for support there are lots of good people who can relate to your situation. 

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