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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pinkeetoz on March 2, 2006, at 12:29:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on February 27, 2006, at 2:43:03
Updating! Went to new phychiatrist. He has me splitting the 15mg in half and he put me on a low dose of lexapro. No longer taking Seroquel. Said to take .5 klonopin in a.m. and 1mg at bedtime along with 7.5 Remeron. pinkee
Posted by musky on March 4, 2006, at 0:20:10
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » musky, posted by johnnyj on February 25, 2006, at 13:08:14
>hey no problem
I have been taking over a year to taper.. very very very slowly as I do not want to get side effects and have to be able to function. Yes I am cutting my pills. I had the pill form . I was on 45mg at one time if you can imagine. they kept giving me more and more thinking more is better.. ya right. Terrible side effects with jerking and almost like a seizure, frightening daydreams, numbed out all the time etc. I never felt joy, happiness, or could even cry. I was constantly aggitated, scrunching of the face, and marching on the spot (couldnt stand still). I have never had these symptoms before until taking this drug.
I am now down to about 3.25mg per day. I would cut down about 10% and stay on that dose for 2-3months which is why it is taking so long.
I have found an acupuncturist that is helping me to get off and this I believe has helped with withdrawl. Yes even tapering as slow as I have has given me side effects. These drugs change you brain chemistry and it takes time for your normal brain chemistry to return, Im told in the literature and people that have come off meds that it could take up to 2yrs for the body to return to normal. The longer you are on a drug the longer it takes to get your own biochemistry back. Sounds like you are doing the right thing. And like me, be careful when you come off as to not interfere with certain other events in your life.. just be patient. some of my side effects have gone down.. still restless though , but not as bad, and the jerking has gone away almost completely.
my emotions have been up and down but I just keep hanging in saying to myself its not the depression or anxiety but rather withdrawl .. its been hell , but I want to be OFF of this Remeron and be back to the way i was.
Oh ya, I use to take ativan for panic and have not touched one in over a year and a half,, again thanks to acupuncture and meditation... it really, really works!!!
Hang in there... keep going and dont believe all the dr.s... only you know how you feel you live in your body , not your drs..
Oh yes, the insomnia i had too at the beggining . I just rode it out... your body does manage without sleep... dont take another drug to offset the first.. its a vicious cycle.. I just accepted it and started exercising more,, it passed. I am now sleeping not too bad and not as many horrific nightmares either since tapering...
keep posting...
muskyThank you very much for posting. I am at a point where I need some encouragement.
>
> How are you tapering? Cutting pills in half? I talked to a pharmacist about mixing the sol-tabs in a little water and taking it that way. She thought his was good but said to call the company. She thinks it is stable so it should be ok.
>
> I am 7.5-mg and things are day to day. I am actually feeling depressed but I am almost 100% sure it is the med. This drug really affects my head and makes in very heavy and the physical feelings are depressing me. Sometimes I get the sharp pains in my head and it feels like someone is sitting on my brain. I have nausea today also. I just hate this drug but I cannot wean off until April 21 as I have something important coming up. I hope I can last until then. I want to be free of this drug.
>
> The thing I fear the most is the insomnia when I go down. I don't know if you read my earlier post but I was off this for almost 2 weeks and my sleep was so light and nausea was terrible. I guess I should get something to help with sleep, but my doctor said we should limit what I take because we don't want to have withdrawal from that too.
>
> I wish we could get people to post on this drug more. Have you found any other sites that have any good info?? Thanks and good luck. Please keep us posted and I will do the same.
>
> johnny
Posted by jules354 on March 6, 2006, at 18:14:09
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 4, 2006, at 0:20:10
Has anyone experienced cold symptoms after discontinuing Remeron? Also mood swings - from feeling slightly manic to weepy?
I had a good experience with this medication for the past 5-6yrs but have been in a long process (2+yrs) of going off it to see if I can do OK without it. I had my last dose almost a week ago and my insomnia has almost disappeared since then but the first few nights were rough.
Posted by johnnyj on March 6, 2006, at 21:41:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 6, 2006, at 18:14:09
YES! I weaned off my 15-mg to 7.5-mg for about two weeks and then to 3.75-mg for three days and then none. I only lasted 10-days. At times just watching tv or thinking about something in the past I became teary eyed. I am a guy and althought things tend to tug at my heart this was very pronounced. I did feel almost manic. I did find some literature that talked about some manic behavior. I do think if I would have stuck it out it would have slowly subsided but at this time in my life I couldn't take the time to wait the insomnia out.
Now, I know I must take it very slow and stay on a dose for about 3 weeks to a month before reducing again. I will say my teary episodes were not negative and I didn't feel bad, tears just flowed when something struck a nerve.
I think it is just your brain trying to adjust to the reawakening. I feel remeron blunts many things with me.
What doses were you on? How did you wean off? What other side effects did you have? The insomina when I went off was the worse symptom.
Please post how things are going for the rest of us remeron users. Thank you and I hope this helps a little.
I have found that eating and especially drinking lots of water to be one of the best things.
johnnyj
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 7, 2006, at 15:43:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 6, 2006, at 21:41:41
Hi guys, updating! Still on 7.5mg of Remeron. Also have been on 5mg of Lexapro for 7 days now. Taking .5mg klonopin in a.m., 2.5 at around lunch and than the Remeron and .5 klonopin at bed time. Anxiety is kicking harder. Can't figure out if it's the Remeron withdrawals or if the lexapro is adding to my anxiety. What a mess. So tired of feeling like this. Will be seeing my phychiatrist in 3 days. Keep posting, we can get each other through this, God Bless, pinkee
Posted by Jon90211 on March 7, 2006, at 18:02:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 7, 2006, at 15:43:41
So glad to read these posts. Called in new prescription for Remeron today for ANXIETY/depression and sleep trouble, but after reading what you guys are saying - I'm not going to pick it up. I'm resolved to beat this crap w/o "anti-depressants".
I stopped Prozac a year ago after weaning for a year. It's been hell. I am certain the Prozac created more problems with anxiety and sleep than I started with. It may have had an adverse affect on adrenals and/or blood sugar. Who knows! That's a good question, huh? Does anyone know the long term affect of these drugs?
I appreciate the info, support and encouragment provided here. No one needs to go through this crap alone. I am resolved keep clear of "anti-depressants" and rely on exercise, diet, meditation and God to restore my balance. Despite the dangers of "anti-depressants", I have total confidence in the human body and mind's ability to heal itself.
My heart is with anyone going through this struggle. thanks for sharing your experiences!
God Bless!
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 8, 2006, at 5:51:46
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 6, 2006, at 18:14:09
Yes, cold, weepy, anxious. Horrible. I've been weaning from 15mg down to 7.5mg for a week now. Also started low dose of Lexapro a week ago. How's it going for you? Still on it or weaning? Please keep in touch, I'll let you know how I'm doing as well. We can support each other, thx, pinkee
Posted by jules354 on March 8, 2006, at 20:14:02
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 6, 2006, at 21:41:41
johnnyj and pinkeetoz,
thanks so much for the responses. here's some more info about me.
It's been a little over a week, and my weepiness has subsided, although I still feel like I'm mood cycling a little bit - slightly manic to feeling depressed. Not serious, but def. noticeable. I also feel kind of withdrawn from other people, so it's nice to have this board. I actually think I have a "real" cold, but I also feel like I have hot flashes (way too early for menopause) and I think they and some of the cold symptoms must be connected.
I like your description of the Remeron blunting things - I'm so grateful for its AD effects (this med saved my life), but I do feel like they came with a fog.
My other side effects have been a loss in appetite and insomnia, though miraculously, I have been sleeping at least 6.5 hrs straight for the last several nights and I actually took a nap yesterday!! I was actually sipping some Nyquil in the beginning just to help me fall asleep and was waking up several times in the night. That seems to be much better as well - after about 4 nights of interrupted sleeping, no other substances to help me.
My doses used to be high. For about 4 years I was on 90mg and then 2 yrs ago I started working with a psychiatrist to see if I could go off the meds, but he'd had negative experiences with patients in the past (including a psychotic break) so he was super cautious. Every 3-5 months I'd reduce the dose by about 15mg, more as the doses got down. Last April I started taking only 15mg, and since I started grad school in the fall we decided to wait even longer before stopping altogether until the transition had stabilized a bit. for 2 weeks I was on 7.5mg, and that was it.
I've been eating carefully, exercising and keeping in touch with my support network: everyone's on alert to make sure I don't start slipping into depression again.
I think the best thing is I feel like I have so much more energy, and it's easier to wake up in the morning. I've also been limiting my caffeine intake.
How's everyone else doing?
-jules
Posted by jules354 on March 9, 2006, at 13:58:17
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 8, 2006, at 20:14:02
Oh, by the way, apparently I also have a short temper! :(
Posted by johnnyj on March 9, 2006, at 20:48:29
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 8, 2006, at 20:14:02
I have a a real good two weeks. It seemed that it took about 3 weeks after reduction to 7.5-mg for things to get better. The "sponge" brain pressure stuff was horrible. I will half my dose around the start of May. I am confident that I will be able to stop it but I have to go slow. I think it is very wise to wait a few weeks after side effects diminish before weaning down more. Last time I just went too fast and the rebound effect of feeling again was overwhelming.
Good luck and if you take it slow I think it helps. I do feel that when I went back on after 10 days off it made me more depressed. The deep headaches were terrible.
Posted by jules354 on March 11, 2006, at 18:06:30
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 9, 2006, at 20:48:29
I'm glad to hear things are going better! Have you thought about even waiting longer than a few weeks? I think going at a really glacial pace helped me a lot.
today I went to see a massage therapist who also did healing energy work and I walked out feeling so much more centered and calm. I really recommend some kind of bodywork...it helped so much.
Posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 22:51:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 8, 2006, at 5:51:46
>Hey hang in there... watch out you dont wean too fast... most drs give the WRONG way to wean.. too fast .. I researched that you only wean 10% at a time for months at a time... Thats what has helped me get down to my doses... Im at about 3mg now... very slowly.. I only cut back after I have stabilized my mood, etc .. for me it is about every 2months i cut back ... acupuncture has helped tremendously with withdrawl sypmptoms..
Keep going... its withdrawl ..not the other way around that docs try to tell you to stay on or even go back up a dose...
Good luck, and keep me posted..
Yes, cold, weepy, anxious. Horrible. I've been weaning from 15mg down to 7.5mg for a week now. Also started low dose of Lexapro a week ago. How's it going for you? Still on it or weaning? Please keep in touch, I'll let you know how I'm doing as well. We can support each other, thx, pinkee
Posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 23:01:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on March 11, 2006, at 18:06:30
> I agree with other things to center ones energy.. As I have commented on other posts.. acupuncture works well for getting off meds.
this one I go to gets people off Crack Cocaine.. thats how powerful acupuncture can be...
I hope this helps people out there that want to get off completely and stay clean..no drug to replace another drug crap....
and also Remeron just numbed me out.. never felt good.. it did nothing for my depression but numb it so that I didnt cry... couldnt actually, no feelings... thats totally wrong. But when drs. think you are not crying all the time they then think you are better... ha thats a joke.. you may appear calm on the outside to them and to your family but on the inside you are numb... Thats NOT normal!!!
I hope when im completely off that I do feel normal thinking again..
Hey has anyone out there had any foggy brain sensations while weaning??? or feeling mood swings, like sometimes I just laugh at nothing almost then sometimes you just want to run and cry..
be glad when Im off this..musky
I'm glad to hear things are going better! Have you thought about even waiting longer than a few weeks? I think going at a really glacial pace helped me a lot.
>
> today I went to see a massage therapist who also did healing energy work and I walked out feeling so much more centered and calm. I really recommend some kind of bodywork...it helped so much.
Posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 23:12:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Jon90211 on March 7, 2006, at 18:02:24
>Right on!!! you are right.. DONT pick up your prescription... I totally agree with you on the body's own healing... Thats what God gave us..
And hey, thats a very good question about long term effects... I dont even think they have done studies on this, which really scares me now.
I have been on Remeron for 3yrs.. I have been weaning ever so slowly for over a year now.
They had me on 45mg (for a 107lb woman), like i found out later that that is a dose for a 200lb man.
Dr.s dont think about that now,,, they just prescribe more and more , thinking more is better,,da!! When i was at this dose I gained 40lbs!!! was puffy and had terrible jerking. Then eventually I cut back like I say.
I am happy to say I have lost 20 of those pounds, just cutting back. I was always lean and in shape, and after this it ruined my whole body and self image.. and they call it an "anti" depressant????? ha ya right.
Well good luck to you and stay clean..
I figure I should be off mine in 2months because thats how much med i have left.. and then thats when I plan to do the last cut.. I like you am NOT renewing my prescription..
Unless one takes the drug themselves, they have no idea what it does, let alone long term effects
Gee... I wonder if the drug companies would ever fund the research for that eh??? probably not as they may find out things they dont want to know..
God forbid they might loose sales!!!!Musky
So glad to read these posts. Called in new prescription for Remeron today for ANXIETY/depression and sleep trouble, but after reading what you guys are saying - I'm not going to pick it up. I'm resolved to beat this crap w/o "anti-depressants".
>
> I stopped Prozac a year ago after weaning for a year. It's been hell. I am certain the Prozac created more problems with anxiety and sleep than I started with. It may have had an adverse affect on adrenals and/or blood sugar. Who knows! That's a good question, huh? Does anyone know the long term affect of these drugs?
>
> I appreciate the info, support and encouragment provided here. No one needs to go through this crap alone. I am resolved keep clear of "anti-depressants" and rely on exercise, diet, meditation and God to restore my balance. Despite the dangers of "anti-depressants", I have total confidence in the human body and mind's ability to heal itself.
>
> My heart is with anyone going through this struggle. thanks for sharing your experiences!
>
> God Bless!
>
Posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 23:17:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 7, 2006, at 15:43:41
>
Hey PInkee
just read this post and wondering why you are substituting one drug for another... maybe your anxiety is from the lexapro .. Im tring to remember is klonopin a sleeping pill??
it sounds familiar.. Id say the remeron withdrawls could very well be the source of your anxiety.. I had more of this too
do you trust your pychiatrist?? just wanting to know as usually they will just prescribe another drug to combat the other, etc, etc... thats ALL they seem to know. I hope it works out for you ,, hang in there..Musky
Hi guys, updating! Still on 7.5mg of Remeron. Also have been on 5mg of Lexapro for 7 days now. Taking .5mg klonopin in a.m., 2.5 at around lunch and than the Remeron and .5 klonopin at bed time. Anxiety is kicking harder. Can't figure out if it's the Remeron withdrawals or if the lexapro is adding to my anxiety. What a mess. So tired of feeling like this. Will be seeing my phychiatrist in 3 days. Keep posting, we can get each other through this, God Bless, pinkee
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 13, 2006, at 20:22:35
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 23:17:44
I'm changing from Remeron to Lexapro because I really do need something for depression and anxiety. Decided I will take Lexapro again tonight and tommorrow night I will try to go without the Remeron. I have the klonopin if it gets to bad. What do you guys think?
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 13, 2006, at 20:32:57
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 12, 2006, at 23:01:27
Definitly feeling the mood swings while weaning. Anxiety is the worst for me. Also irritable and kind of wanting to stay away from everyone, not even really wanting to answer the phone, yep, this is fun, but we will get through it! pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 15, 2006, at 13:30:17
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 13, 2006, at 20:32:57
Well, I've been on Lexapro for a few days. Last night I cut my 7.5mg of Remeron in half. Really scared, already having so much trouble with anxiety and depression from cutting it down from 15mg. I'm hoping that I won't feel so bad since I'm lexapro and klonopin. Support would be greatly appreciated, thx, pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on March 16, 2006, at 13:03:14
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 13, 2006, at 20:32:57
I've had lots of mood swings since going off my last 7.5mg dose. A little slight mania, but also anxiety, weepiness, and social anxiety, not wanting to leave the house. But it feels like it keeps changing, so I have faith it will even out.
Again, a plug for bodywork - and exercise. Even if it's just a walk around the block, it helps so much to get moving (also help move the last bit of drug out of your body). If you have cable TV, there are lots of free exercise programs on demand. Drink lots of water too.
Hang in there everyone.
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 17, 2006, at 17:05:35
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 16, 2006, at 13:03:14
Update! I took the last of the Remeron 2 nights ago. Also down to 2.5mg of klonopin in the a.m., -PHEW-!!!! Have been on Lexapro for about 9-10 days, think it's probably helping a little. Still anxious when a stressor pops up. I don't really know how to handle it. I used to just pop a pill. Scarey to have real feelings, don't know what to do with them! Anyhow, you guys have a great weekend, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 17, 2006, at 17:24:34
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 17, 2006, at 17:05:35
Musky, I apologize for not answering your post. I'm just starting to really get the hang of it. I did not really want to go from one med to another but I'm having alot to deal with right now. Klonopin is an anxiety med. that you have to be really careful with as to not become dependent on it. The Lexapro is helping me to get off of the Remeron and the Klonopin, thx, pinkeetoz
Posted by yarn23 on March 18, 2006, at 8:52:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 16, 2006, at 13:03:14
Hey folks. I’m really glad to find this thread. I had no idea others were having so much trouble getting off Remeron.
I’ve been on it for about 5 years (60mg). When I was 18 I was feeling depressed and asked for help. I ended up with wicked medication and multiple hospital stays. Eventually I calmed down with the Remeron. It put me to sleep and I liked the sedated feelings. And over 5 years you just get used to it.
I’ve felt for a while now that pills were not the right way for me to get well in the first place. And now that I have no insurance I’ve got a big incentive to get off finally.
I cut down from 60mg to 30mg for about a week. Then 30mg to 15mg for about 3 months...These reduced amounts were basically to stretch my rx, I still wasn't sure Id go off for good. Anyway, I had no problems with these reductions.
For the past 2 weeks I’ve been at zero. Went from 15mg to 0mg. If I had read this earlier I likely would had gone to at least 7.5mg before I quit. But I felt ok the first week. I wasn’t sleeping as much, but I felt a little more lucid, and I liked that. I’m surprised I could even go to sleep. (I tried about 6 months ago to go off, but couldn't make it, the sleeplessness drove me mad.)
This past week has been rough though. I’ve got a the depressive things going on (angry, anxious, twisting my jaw, scary thoughts, etc.) I have confidence that my state of mind will improve with time and as my life improves, though. What is bugging me like mad, and has got to go way is this wretched itching. My body itches all over. Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks for sharing yall. I hope my bit is not too scatterbrained for your reading. -yarn
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 18, 2006, at 13:56:40
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 15, 2006, at 13:30:17
Anxiety and depression creeping back up really bad, went back to .5mg klonopin this a.m. Can't believe Remeron can be so powerful. Really nauseated,but, my daughter had stomach upset yesterday too, don't know if its the Remeron on the bug. Anyhow, just wanted to throw this out there, please pray for me, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 22:45:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 17, 2006, at 17:24:34
me too pinkee
I am just trying to figure out this message board
let me know if it gets to you ok?I understand that you are trying to get off remeron. just remember one drug is just replacing another... then you will have to get off the klonopin.. etc.
I dont know how you feel, but what has been working for me is acupuncture.. since I have been doing this I havent had any anxiety meds... none for almost 2yrs.. I just made up my mind to do it. I realize that the best way to overcome anxiety is to face it head on! yep head on.. like if you take say ativan or something else to combat anxiety then lyou never really feel the anxiety, right? the pills calm u down til the next time.. I know this doesnt really sound inviting, but I have been also going to cognitive therapy and it taught me that you really want to feel anxious so that you will fight all the harder to overcome it... but hey whatever works for you. but if you truly want to be free of meds. then look into acupunture. It has really , really helped me... and I am able to so far come off the remeron(slow taper) without too much side effects that take over. I think that I would be alot worse off without the acupuncture..Good luck and keep me posted, Sorry for rambling,, just want to help
musky
Posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 22:54:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 18, 2006, at 13:56:40
> Hang in there pinkee!!!
Are you still taking ANY remeron?? it could be the withdrawl as well as drug to drug interaction.
Like i say whatever way you can manage,, doit but again I stay firm on trying to overcome anxiety without meds... try to stay strong in your mind.
I do alot of distraction techniques too that help me if i get bad..
like listen tou your fav. music, or take a hot bath, or read a good book, eat a fav. food, go for exercise, challenge your mind (with something that takes full concentration), if possible. ANYTHING to distract u from thinking or sprialling into the anxiety /depression.
hope this helps!!
and ya, believe it.... Remeron is a VERY powerful drug,,, the docs dont warn you though(figures). It is a dual action drug , unlike other antidepressants which only mess with the serotonin, Remeron affects BOTH serontonin and norepinephrine(which is the oppposite of serotonin, basically). therefore I can see why there is much more side effects, and withdrawl hell...
God 'Bless.. p.s. Try gingerale to offset the nausea,, worked wonders for me when I first started to wean...
muskyAnxiety and depression creeping back up really bad, went back to .5mg klonopin this a.m. Can't believe Remeron can be so powerful. Really nauseated,but, my daughter had stomach upset yesterday too, don't know if its the Remeron on the bug. Anyhow, just wanted to throw this out there, please pray for me, pinkeetoz
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