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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:22:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:11:42
just a quick note to all who are are trying to get off remeron.. when i was at my acupuncturist and was quite scared to try to wean off in fear of a relapse,, he just said this.. He said that "you have more chance of crashing if yu stay on the antidepressant than if you come off it" and you know what I believe him
I am now starting to psyche myself up for what is yet to come as I hear it can get the worst once you are completely off. I am trying to get it timed so that my first week off will fall within the long weekend(lol) so Im not at work as much..
but I will cross that bridge when i get to it.
The countdown begins for me in 2months.. thats when my rx runs out... and I finish my last little "bit" of 2mg dosage of Remeronhmmm... I think they should rename the drug RemerWRONG... meaning its totally wrong!!! haahah
]
Hang in allMusky
Posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 10:16:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 19, 2006, at 11:08:38
Hang in there pinkeetoz. I'm sorry to hear things are so tough. did you decide to go back on the Remeron till the Lexapro kicks in? I'll keep you in my thoughts, jules
Posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 21:58:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 18, 2006, at 8:52:51
Yes, on the itching. It's maddening! My scalp especially was horribly itchy in the beginning. Seems to be up and down now. I've been drinking tons of water, cutting down on my dairy intake (it exacerbates skin irritation) and using mild soap and lotions. I hope it gets better for you too -jules
Posted by musky on March 20, 2006, at 23:00:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » yarn23, posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 21:58:41
>
I too got the itchy scalp.. and before that I have had this stupid rash under the eyes.. finally got that under control with cortisone cream.. lately its been better since ive been on the lower dose of remeron.. even the scalp itchy has improved a fair amount... I think its the drug getting out of the system.. Im told its all part of detox.
Good luck
muskyYes, on the itching. It's maddening! My scalp especially was horribly itchy in the beginning. Seems to be up and down now. I've been drinking tons of water, cutting down on my dairy intake (it exacerbates skin irritation) and using mild soap and lotions. I hope it gets better for you too -jules
Posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 20, 2006, at 23:00:36
Hey everyone. Just wanted to say I've had a really tough several days. Very down on myself and what I'm doing, feel totally incompetent at work, convinced everyone hates me, feel ugly. In my head I know these depressed feelings will pass, but it's hard to remember sometimes. I hope it's just the withdrawal...I'm on week 3 of being totally off the Remeron. sigh... -jules
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
Hey guys, just wanted to drop in and let you know that I haven't given in to the Remeron. Anxiety is still pretty rough, depression off and on, still feel like isolating myself. I function only when it's absolutely necessary. Did notice that when I drink anything with caffine it tends to get worse, will post later, let me know how you guys are, pinkeetoz
Posted by johnnyj on March 22, 2006, at 17:42:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
Hi all. Hang in there the remeron withdrawal can be so rough. I am stable at 7.5 mg but I am not myself on this med. I am sort of numb to a lot of things and weepy at others. I know this are fleeting moments and not me so I just tolerate them.
I will start to wean off the 7.5 mg in a little over 4 weeks. I will go very slow and I know there will be big ups and downs but I will fight through it.
Just remember you are not the depression or anxiety. It is just a one moment in your life and there will be better days too.
Johnnyj
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:15:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
> Hey Jules:
Hang in there... From what I have researched ,, it takes time.. months sometimes.. not to sound discouraging , but some people i know have not felt right for almost a year or longer.. but hey even then there's hope... Good for you for coming off... I am psyching myself up too for when I plan to quit.. im on the lowest right now(about 2mg) that i can manage... so far managing.. its been almost 2months at this dose..
Remember it took weeks or even months for the antidepressant to get into and CHANGE your system ,, just remember it will take that much time to get it back... Try to stay positive and keep working!!!! its good therapy... and IGNORE the negative self talk...Good luck
Keep us posted
Musky
Hey everyone. Just wanted to say I've had a really tough several days. Very down on myself and what I'm doing, feel totally incompetent at work, convinced everyone hates me, feel ugly. In my head I know these depressed feelings will pass, but it's hard to remember sometimes. I hope it's just the withdrawal...I'm on week 3 of being totally off the Remeron. sigh... -jules
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:19:43
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
>
GOOD on ya pinkeetoz!!! Dont go back on it!!!Keep going.. I was kinda wondering where you got to, after the last post you sounded in dire straits... and ya avoid as much caffeine as you can during this period... it contributes to anxiety... Try to exercise... and DONT isolate yourself... I was isolating too , and it just makes things worse...
Hang in there
muskyHey guys, just wanted to drop in and let you know that I haven't given in to the Remeron. Anxiety is still pretty rough, depression off and on, still feel like isolating myself. I function only when it's absolutely necessary. Did notice that when I drink anything with caffine it tends to get worse, will post later, let me know how you guys are, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:26:50
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 22, 2006, at 17:42:41
>Hey Johnny:
I can relate to your stuff too, I have never felt good on Remeron Either... numbed out... cant even have the feeling of looking forward to things... remeron has made me worse and also gave me frightening fantasies... I am now on about 2mg( I use a pill cutter).
And you are very right to go very very slow taper...I stayed on 7.5mg for about 2months , then went to 3.75 for another 2months,,, now i am at the 2mg.. I plan to be on this for another 6weeks , then I too will be OFF. Im seeing from other posts that the worst may come after the first week off.. makes sense, Remeron has a long half life... and everyones system metabolizes at diff rates... Good luck and keep goingHi all. Hang in there the remeron withdrawal can be so rough. I am stable at 7.5 mg but I am not myself on this med. I am sort of numb to a lot of things and weepy at others. I know this are fleeting moments and not me so I just tolerate them.
>
> I will start to wean off the 7.5 mg in a little over 4 weeks. I will go very slow and I know there will be big ups and downs but I will fight through it.
>
> Just remember you are not the depression or anxiety. It is just a one moment in your life and there will be better days too.
>
> Johnnyj
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:36:22
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:26:50
Hey all:
Just some more info:
I have been seeing an acupuncturist for helping me through this.. and I will go more often if need be when I am completely off
If anyone wants to try it I suggest go to the chinese ones.. they are the pros.Also a detox after stopping as well is supposed to help get it out faster
I would rather do all this than ever take another anxiety med again!
Good luck to everyone weaning or thinking about it.
Sorry im posting so much lately,, but I am just sick of hearing so many people stuck on these a/d.
Its such a raquet..
hopefully we all can stay strong for one another to get through and get our own bodies back..and minds!!!
Musky
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 23, 2006, at 16:48:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 9, 2006, at 13:58:17
P.S.: I'm still taking 15mg of Lexapro and .5mg of klonopin in am and at bedtime, I can't go without anything at all right now, too much going on, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 11:25:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 23, 2006, at 16:48:15
Still no Remeron! Doc upped my Lexapro to 20mg. He said we will start weaning from klonopin soon. Taking .5mg in a.m. and .5mg in pm. Have a great weekend guys, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 15:33:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
Jules, are you still around? How are you? pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on March 25, 2006, at 19:53:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 15:33:39
hey everyone, thanks for checking in and for the updates. continue to hang in there...
i'm still up & down. my new pdoc (changed insurance) is very nice, but doesn't really seem aware of the possibility that this will be a long w/drawal, just suggests i go back on a baby dose or stick it out. i'm taking your advice and believing it could be a long time before all the chemicals are out of my brain. i'm sleeping more and having a hard time getting myself to exercise and have lost some appetite. i'm going to go back and see the bodyworker and try some acupuncture, too, i think. for those of you who've used it (musky and pinkeetoz i think?) did you have to do much explaining to the acupuncturist or did you think they pretty much knew how to handle your withdrawal?
ok, take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend as much as you can!
-jules
Posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 11:06:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 25, 2006, at 19:53:24
Are you completely off righ now? If yes, how many days since the last dose?
I would think that it is something that just has to be endured. If you are sleeping better that is very good. I am still on 7.5 and slept 9 hours last night but my head is so heavy today it makes me feel depressed and anxious. A few more weeks and I start my reduction. I dread the withdrawal but I just can't see myself staying on this med. It is just no way to live.
I see a acupunturist in April to discuss my case. Do you think it has helped your withdrawal? How often do you have treatments? My insurance does not cover it so I may not be able to continue but I want to give it a try though.
Take it day by day and good luck to all of you trying to beat the remeron beast.
johnnyj
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 26, 2006, at 12:09:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 11:06:15
Well, the itching has started with me as well. Scalp, chest, back and arms. Still not going to give into the Remeron though. On 20mg Lexapro and the klonopin three times daily. I'll be glad when it's time to wean from the klonopin as it makes me so groggy, but, without it the anxiety is impossible, talk soon, pinkeetoz
Posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 16:25:50
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 26, 2006, at 12:09:44
How long have you been off? What have been the symptoms of withdrawal that have been the worst? Have all of the symptoms started about the same time or after a certain time has elasped?
Hang in there.
johnnyj
Posted by Missy2552 on March 27, 2006, at 8:46:22
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 26, 2006, at 12:09:44
I can't believe your doctor up the Lexapro. I quit taking the Lexapro 3 weeks ago and I feel nuts. I've been trying to talk about it to my family and friends, but they don't know what it feels like. I told my husband yesterday, I feel so alone. It's really nice to read all your post and how you support each other. It gives me hope. Good Luck Pinkee, Feel better to know that weaning off HAS TO BE BETTER than going cold turkey or staying on meds forever. You'll be in my prayers.
Posted by jules354 on March 27, 2006, at 10:03:31
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 16:25:50
pinkeetoz, sorry to hear you're having the itchies. ugh!!! mine are coming and going now, so i hope yours get better too.
at one point i actually wondered if ADs are a good remedy for dermatitis since i had it when i was younger. but since so many of us are itchy when going off the meds i'm thinking it's a true side effect.
johnnyj, i have been completely off remeron for 4 weeks now. my last dose was 7.5mg for two weeks (before that i was on 15 mg, down from 90mg originally two years ago). i haven't seen an acupuncturist yet but i did see a massage therapist/bodyworker/healer (who works with flower essences and does some psychic healing) who was really helpful. i'd like to find an acupuncturist too if i can afford it.
-jules
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 27, 2006, at 12:24:55
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 27, 2006, at 10:03:31
Missy, why are you suprised that my doc upped my Lexapro? You're scaring me!!! pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 27, 2006, at 13:30:43
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 27, 2006, at 12:24:55
Jules, how are you feeling now? Did you switch to another med? thx, pinkeetoz
Posted by johnnyj on March 27, 2006, at 21:46:58
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 27, 2006, at 10:03:31
I have been on 7.5 for some months now. I tell you that when I was off for about 10 days I felt much more depressed AFTER I went back on. But, when I was off I slept very little and that took a toll. It was pretty bad for quite a few weeks. I have been up and down and I wonder if it is because I split the soltabs? It feels like side effects right now, but I am feeling more anxiety at this time. It is so frustrating and I really want to wean off.
It is so hard to know if it is more harmfull to wean from the 7.5 or just to stop it and hope I can survive the withdrawal. I just can't see how 3.75 mg is going to be of much help but only in the sense of withdrawal. I just hope it doesn't cause more harm than good.
Good luck and let's keep posting. I wish Larry Hoover would weigh in on how he resolved the sleep issues with remeron. I do fear that the lack of sleep will cause me to become depressed though.
Posted by jules354 on March 28, 2006, at 12:36:48
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 27, 2006, at 13:30:43
hey there. no, i'm still totally med-free, except for some coffee and lots of vitamin C. i have another appt w/ the pdoc in a few weeks & am going to try to stick it out. the depression feelings have gotten a bit better in the last couple of days. thanks so much for asking.
how long do you think you will be on the klonny? indefinitely or do you plan to wean off it? i'm just curious- are the klonopin and lexapro just for depression or also for something else? i only ask b/c i heard they were for anxiety disorders. i hope you don't mind me asking.
hope everyone's hanging in.
-jules
Posted by jules354 on March 28, 2006, at 12:39:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 27, 2006, at 21:46:58
hey johnnyj,
given that rem's side effects are worse at lower doses, i wonder if you're right, doing 3.75 would make your sleeping after discontinuing even worse.
i've been really up and down too. i don't know if it's b/c you split the soltabs or just a feature of the withdrawal?
i was terrified that the lack of sleep would make me crazy. but in my experience the sleeplessness DOES get better, hang in and take extra good care of yourself, do nice things for yourself that are a comfort. let us know how you're doing...
-jules
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