Can Remeron (Mirtazapine) Help You Sleep?

Can Remeron (Mirtazapine)
Help You Sleep?

Home

30 December, 22

Content

Medications Can Remeron (Mirtazapine) Help You Sleep?

Not getting enough sleep each night can directly impact your mood, cognition, and productivity. To enhance your sleep, you can use several strategies. For example, setting up a sleep routine or taking sleeping pills: if chosen correctly, they will help you nod off and stay asleep longer. One such drug is Remeron, commonly known as mirtazapine.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Remeron (mirtazapine) to treat major depression (MDD). It may also be prescribed off-label for insomnia because it has sleep-promoting side effects.

This article will explain how mirtazapine works, its possible side effects, and its commonly prescribed dosage.

Our experts at MEDvidi will prescribe the right sleep medication for you.

Book An Appointment

A Brief Review of Insomnia

Insomnia is classified into two types: acute and long-term. The most frequent cause of acute insomnia is external stress, which might include pressures from work, school, the family, or traumatic experiences. Once the stressful stimuli are removed, it normally subsides after a few days or weeks.

On the other hand, persistent insomnia can last for years or even months. In addition, persistent insomnia frequently develops as a side effect of another ailment, such as depression or another health issue.

Can You Use Remeron for Sleep?

Remeron relates to the class of antidepressants and is used to treat depression. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and, therefore, can help one elevate mood and overall sense of well-being.

Unlike other antidepressants, Remeron has a different mechanism of action. In addition to increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, it also inhibits histamine H1 receptors. Histamine receptors can disrupt sleep when they are hyperactive, so decreasing their activity leads to sedative effects and promotes sleep.

Although Remeron medication isn’t formally classified as a sleep aid, some medical professionals do use it to treat insomnia. It’s unclear whether the drug itself affects insomnia or whether lowering the severity of depressive symptoms has the unintended consequence of allowing the person to sleep better.

Medications or psychotherapy? Our doctors will choose the most suitable treatment to help you overcome insomnia.

Start Treatment Today

The Efficacy of Remeron for Insomnia

Remeron was found to be more effective than a placebo at improving sleep duration in a small 2002 study. It reduces the amount of time a person is awake while improving sleep quality.

A number of other studies have examined how mirtazapine affects sleep and found that it can:

Increase deep sleep.
Help a person fall asleep faster.
Decrease nighttime awakenings and improve sleep consistency.
Enhance levels of melatonin.

Upon receiving a prescription for mirtazapine, you should speak with your doctor about its potential benefits for sleeping.

Remeron Dosage for Sleep

Remeron (Mirtazapine) comes in doses of 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg in both standard and dispersible tablet forms.

Remeron is initially prescribed to treat depression or anxiety at 15 mg daily, taken at bedtime for two to four weeks. If 45 mg of mirtazapine is required, it can be given once daily or divided into two doses throughout the day.

Remeron can be prescribed at lower doses for sleep disorders. Generally, a starting dose of 7.5 mg of mirtazapine is given at bedtime, but a dose of 3.75 mg may be the best option for some people. However, the appropriate dose and use of any medication are determined by your doctor based on your condition.

For sleep problems, only a doctor can prescribe the right medication. Contact our experts today to schedule a consultation!

Get Professional Help

When Does Remeron Start Working?

Mirtazapine’s effects can take several weeks to become apparent. For example, when used to treat depression or anxiety, the drug’s benefits may take 4-6 weeks to become evident.

The effects will differ from person to person. Some people may notice an improvement in their sleep after the first dose, while others may notice a more gradual improvement. When taking mirtazapine for sleep problems, it may take 1-2 weeks for the medication to take effect.

Side Effects of Remeron

Although Remeron is effective in treating depression and improving sleep, it is not without potential risks. Common side effects include:

Daytime drowsiness due to sedating effects
Daytime grogginess or “brain fog”
Increased appetite and possible weight gain
Strange dreams
Constipation
Dry mouth
Dizziness

Surprisingly, another Remeron side effect is rebound insomnia. This is likely to happen when you stop taking the medication. However, this should even out after a few days.

In a Nutshell

If you’re having trouble sleeping and OTC remedies aren’t helping, sleeping pills can be your suitable option. Remeron may be a safe alternative as a sleep aid, particularly for those suffering from depression. A doctor, on the other hand, can advise you on the best course of action. As a result, it is critical to consult with a health professional.

MEDvidi has clinicians certified to offer medical guidance in your state and prescribe medications online. Book an appointment to see a doctor in 24 hours, get your symptoms assessed, and determine whether mirtazapine is right for you.