Mirtazapine - does the grogginess wear off?

Battes

My mom sundowns at night (gets agitated, scared, confused, dellusional) and then has a terrible time sleeping. She had been prescribed 5mg of Melatonin, which did nothing to help her sleep.  I asked her doctor if he could prescribe something that might help her feeling of wellbeing and help her sleep a little better.  He prescribed 15mg of Mirtazapine (Remeron). We tried it for the first time last night. At the pharmacist's suggestion, I cut it in half.  I'm not sure how well she slept, but this morning she was extra groggy and out of it when she got up.  She went back to bed and is still asleep at 11am.  I know this is a common side effect of mirtazapine, but what I am not clear on is whether this will last or wear off.  I'm tempted to give up on the drug immediately but am wondering if we should continue with it for a while longer and see if the grogginess wears off as she gets used to it.

Anyone know and/or have any experience (good or bad) with mirtazapine?

Cynbar

My DH didn't do well with this drug (also known as Remeron.) He stayed groggy and it didn't seem to help much with the evening sundowning. His doctor took him off it, he now takes Zyprexa which has helped him without the side effects. Of course, everyone is different and it often takes some trial and error, but that was my experience.

MN Chickadee

We have had good luck with mirtazapine, though it did take a couple weeks to have the desired effect. I would give it 2 weeks if possible. My LO takes it at night and is not groggy in the morning. You might also see if you can give it a bit earlier, so the sleepiness wears off by morning. It may take some time to get it right. Everyone reacts differently, so if it doesn't work out by all means ask for something different so you and your LO can sleep.