I have also been prescribed mirtazapine as a sleep aid. It is by far the most effective sleep medication I have ever tried and I have experienced no side effects. I would not bother looking for a natural alternative...from my experience, there are no ill effects from mirtazapine use. It is not addictive. It is actually an antidepressant with one of the side effects being drowsiness. I have been taking it for about 3 years, but only as needed. I sleep normally when I do not take it, but if I have an occasional bout of insomnia, it is definitely my drug of choice. I have not experienced any problems such as tolerance or dependence. Natural alternatives can be dangerous because herbs are not regulated as medications are. Just take it and sleep well.
