Posted by allisonm on May 18, 2000, at 19:44:43
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Berl on May 18, 2000, at 12:34:04
Berl,
I have said this in earlier posts, so forgive me if this seems like deja vu. One of the primary reasons I sought treatment for my depression was my insomnia. The way I found out I had depression was through a screening when I signed up for a drug trial at the university for folks with insomnia and depression. I went through the trial, which meant sleeping for three nights with wires glued to my scalp while two guys watched my brain patterns all night. They paid subjects a small amount, but I figured my real reimbursement would be to be given the answer to end the insomnia. So when I asked when/how will the insomnia go away, I was floored to be told "when the depression goes away."How's your depression, Berl? Is it gone?
I've been on Remeron for more than 2 years. From what I have read and from what I have experienced, I don't believe it's addictive, but I do notice that when my sleep patterns change, it takes me several days to readjust and in that time I'm extremely moody, weepy, sad, unhappy and tired. I went to a timezone 12 hours ahead of mine for 2 weeks last summer. I felt in a stupor, slow, retarded even, and unable to control my emotions. I spent the first three days trying to act normal among normal people -- try to carry on a conversation in more than a monotone, act like I was having fun, try not to weep at the dinner table...when my friends wanted to go out at night, I had to decline. I was exhausted and just too irritable.
One other thing I have learned since my depression was diagnosed:
At first I didn't want to take drugs. I started out of desperation because I had become suicidal. For a long while I thought I would get off them someday, but the more I read this board and other sources, the more I am becoming accustomed to the idea that I may be on these drugs for the rest of my life. For whatever reason, it may be that my brain chemistry never will be normal (in fact, now I often wonder whether it ever was) and that I will need some chemical supplements to avoid the downward spirals or at least keep them from being so severe.This doesn't sound optimistic. I suppose I am resigned. Perhaps your mileage will vary. I wish you the best.
allison
poster:allisonm
thread:1924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/33950.html