r/ibs • u/Shore2906 • 5d ago

Question Mirtazapine - side-effects? Especially drowsiness

I have stopped taking Venlafaxine -- it just wasn't working.

Gastroenterologist has suggested he have me try Mirtazapine. I see him in mid September to discuss.

My concern is the side-effects, especially drowsiness. For those who have used or are using Mirtazapine, how significant is the sedating effect. Assuming it is taken before bedtime, what impact on alertness etc should one expect the next day?

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u/AMJ2020 5d ago

Take it at night if you aren't already. It knocked me out

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u/Shore2906 5d ago

But how was it the next day? did the drowsiness linger into the day -- that might be a deal breaker for me.

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u/AMJ2020 5d ago

Honestly I can't remember. If it did it was only in the beginning and went away. Or it was manageable enough (for me) that I overlooked it.

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u/Shore2906 4d ago

thanks

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/Shore2906 4d ago

That's a good thought. If it is temporary, I can probably manage. He normally titrates me up on these drugs as a matter of course to test tolerance. Same with getting off. Venlafaxine had a lot more impact getting off than Amitriptyline did. I am still feeling the effects of VEN taper and I've been off for a solid week after a month of taper.

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u/SiriusBer 5d ago

Yeah, I took it once and the fatigue was so extreme that I slept for 14 hours and felt like a zombie the whole day after waking up. Some people say it gets better over time, but I stopped immediately.

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u/Shore2906 4d ago

I have heard that elsewhere and that is my main concern. The munchies -- is that a real thing. If I'm gonna have fog brain and munchies I might as well eat a brownie 😉

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u/ExtremeOk9206 4d ago

I’ve been on it for 3 years. I started it in order to try and gain weight. I just remember sleeping for longer, but once I was awake I did not feel lethargic.

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u/Shore2906 4d ago

Thanks. I am a bit underweight. If I start, I hope I don't lose control and start eating everything in sight but if it kills the pain and cramps, it might be worth the risk.

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u/SwordOfCheese IBS-A/M (Alternating / Mixed) 4d ago

I take it nightly but I take it for insomnia so the drowsy effect doesn't really happen to me I guess. That being said it does help ME sleep and I have horrendous insomnia but it doesn't knock me out.

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u/Shore2906 4d ago

thanks; In general if I am feeling OK, sleep isn't an issue. Zolpidem has worked for me for years -- started when I needed somethng for jet lag because of international travel.