Does Remeron cause major weight gain?

Remeron (Mirtazapine) is often used for patients with depression who have experienced a weight loss or poor appetite, because of it's appetite stimulating characteristics. How long have you been taking this medication?

I have been taking a low dose (half a 30mg tablet each night) for insomnia for about a year and half. I have slept wonderfully well on it, but have gained over ten pounds. I must add that I am very self-disciplined and watch what I eat in spite of the cravings. I did go off it for a few weeks to try something else that would not make me fat, and noticed right away that I was not craving to eat all day. What a relief! Unfortunately, the other drug gave me insomnia and nightmares, so I went back on Remeron. I want to get off it so I can lose some weight and am looking for natural alternatives.

Depression was not my problem, but exhaustion from lack of sleep sure was.

WDH