![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 63 to 87 of 488. Go back in thread:
Posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:11:52
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 28, 2006, at 12:39:51
Thank you for the kind words. It was very needed today.
It is so hard when you feel you are alone. I talk with my wife but sometimes if you haven't been on these types of meds it is hard to communicate what the problems are. I just want to be free of the numbness and be a good husband again.
Yes, going down to 3.75 might make the depression worse. I really haven't stablized on the 7.5 mg. Today was terrible. I had to sit through presentations at a conference and it was brutal, but it may have been brutal without being on drugs ;) The heavy head stuff was very bad. I have started to get a heavy chest too. Kind of like anxiety but different. I know this is drug related. I do find some uplifting in my mood during the day and it is when the heavy head lessens some. When I feel down again the heaviness increases. Nausea too. Then followed by extreme hunger. I really need to wait about 3 weeks because I have something important but I don't know if I will be worse by then.
I am glad you are med free. How long did the sleep problems persist after going off? Any anxiety?
johnnyj
Posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:18:11
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by little mommy on March 28, 2006, at 14:02:00
Just my two cents but years ago when I first tried remeron I quit after a few months and after a week experienced the worst anxiety ever. I took extra benzo and I don't think that was a good thing. If it was me, I would ask the doc for something for sleep or something for the anxiety on a as needed basis. I fear benzo's now so this recommendation is the last resort.
I would talk to somebody and try to use techniques to distract your mind and just let it come naturally. If I fight panic it gets worse. Just remember, today is one day, tomorrow or the day after will be better. I think remeron takes a lot of time to get over. Read some other posts and one person said the anixety was on and off for a few months. I don't know you diagnosis so I don't know if it is your original disorder of not. Besides, who says we will always be sick? Today, I am not the most hopeful person as today was bad for me but I am trying to go day by day.
Best regards
johnnyj
Posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:21:17
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 28, 2006, at 16:38:54
Pinky,
I think you may have answered you own question. You said upping the lex caused anxiety to go through the roof. Maybe that with the remeron withdrawal, if any, is the cause. My bet it is the combination, but probably related to the lex as I tried it for a few days a while back and it caused anxiety.
johnnyj
Posted by musky on March 28, 2006, at 23:38:12
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 11:25:00
>
thats great Pinketoz! no remeron.. but remember you may just be replacing one drug with another. why did the doc increase the lexapro?? dont mean to sound negative... but remember you will now have to come off of this ... but at least you are not on the remeron... and trying to get off klonopin...
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 musky on March 28, 2006, at 23:44:47
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 25, 2006, at 19:53:24
>
Hey jules:just checking my posts.. wasnt on line most of weekend.. As far as my acupuncturist goes, he is an amazing man and knows a heck of a lot about withdrawls,,, especially from meds... he has worked with a number of pts this way,, including me.. I didnt have to explain much at all... He seemed to understand fully and warned me to go VERY VERY slowly in weaning.. He Told me seriously that no matter what to NEVER EVER go back on it.. or that I would be trapped forever on this antidepressants... He said that the body takes a very long time to recover from this drug..
The brain has to make its own neuro receptors again and this takes time..
But of course the psyche docs dont tell you this when you are on it or when they are writing the rx.
figures.. oh well hope this helps
STICK IT OUT..
my time is coming too(about 6 weeks left) then IM completely off mine.
Muskyhey 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 musky on March 28, 2006, at 23:56:31
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 11:06:15
>
Hey JohnnyNo im not completely off yet... still on about 2mg. Been at this dose for 2months... mood fairly stable.. I know I would have been worse without acupuncture.. I definitely feel better after trt.
I am lucky that I have insurance.. I was going 3 times a week and yes it gets expensive,, but my acupunturist is so sincere that he has been giving me a 50% discount on the price.. he is so understanding.. even with this it still adds up fast.. that was some time ago, now I only have to go about every 3 weeks and am holding my own between visits... we will see how it goes after Im completely off( in about 6 weeks).
Already i am preparing my mind and body for this.
this sounds silly but I am getting myself a "survival pack" for when Im off
It will contain everything from ADvil(for the flu symptoms), to aroma oil , mediatiion tape, positive affirmations, contact phone numbers for emergency.. but only those number of people who are FOR me going off not for people who believe in meds... , treat(like a mint candy) to change your mind... and the list goes on..
I know it sounds silly , but when you are in the heat of a panic or anxiety or say you are spiralling depression,,, I will be ready..
I am preparing all of this now and a list of so many things to occupy myself while I am still feeling clear mind
Maybe I wont have any trouble and it will be smooth sailing as I have done a VERY long and slow taper.. but im not taking any chances of crashing and ending up in psyche ward again back ON MEDS!!!whew!!!! sorry its so long winded
take care
keep me postedmusky
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 musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:00:50
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 26, 2006, at 12:09:44
> hang in pinkeetoz:
my itching is finally passing.. i think!! after a couple months at least!!
please try to learn other ways to manage anxiety.. acupunture is GREAT for this...
and meditation and exercise..
otherwise you get addicted to the klonopin.
I was on ativan for anxiety before acupuncture, and thanks to it, and some cognitive therapy,, I havent taken ativan in 2yrs now or ANY anxiety meds... so it can be done... you have to just keep fighting and believing.. Ifeel so much better off the ativan... not as groggy, etc.musky
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 musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:06:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 27, 2006, at 21:46:58
>Johnny:
try to hang in.. I went from 7.5mg to 3.75mg each for 2months.. then now to 2mg.. I think this way is safer.. I did have some insomnia when i went from 7.5 tp 3.75mg but just sucked it up.. and didnt let the tirdness suck me in.. again I just told the acupunturist and he did treatment for insomnia and it straightened it right out..hang in there
musky
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 musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:15:06
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by little mommy on March 28, 2006, at 14:02:00
>Hey little mommy:
yes from what i know now about a/d it can take months of withdrawls,, good days bad days etc.
why are you on paxil??? sorry , dont mean to scare you but the stupid family doc put me on that when i was extreme anxiety after my one and first experience with my first a/d called amytriptylene..Paxil made me absolutely so badly agitated I ended up in hospital... thats when my remeron story begun.. so you see, nothing was ever solved with my experience with meds... it only added to the mess... ALL I had 3yrs ago was a stiff neck and dizzyness(which now a chiro and massage has helped me) and it all led to this and where I am at now
my suggestion is to hang in... stay OFF the remeron and slowly wean from paxil,, unless you have other issues..
Im not a doc,,, just trying to give some friendly advice.. until someone takes the drug themselves they will never know what it really is likeMUsky
I have been off remeron for about a month, using only a half of the 7.5 and then finally just stopped. I have slowly been experiencing more wakings with my heart pounding and my mind racing and not being able to get back to sleep right away. These last few days have been quite bad with anxiety and panic. Could this still all be from remeron withdrawal? I have been on 10 mg of paxil since September and have been keeping on that. I would appreciate any comments, info that anyone has. Thanks so much.
Posted by musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:18:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 28, 2006, at 16:38:54
>
hey pinkeei still dont understand why you dr. wants u to stay on the lexapro... the longer your body stays on it the more it changes it... like really try to get rid of the cause of the anxiety.. sounds to me like the lexapro only makes you worse for anxiety...
seems all these docs know is pills!!!!
try to talk to him/her about this issue.,
MuskyJules, I don't mind you asking. I'm taking the lexapro for depression and anxiety and the klonopin for anxiety as well. Although I think the klonopin may be causing more depression. Not able to tell if it's Remeron withdrawals are new side effects from the lexapro/klonopin combo. Upped my lexapro from 15mg to 20mg four days ago and the anxiety went way high. Would love to get off of this klonopin. Doc says that once I've been on lexapro for a while we'll start weaning, keep posting, glad to hear from you, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:23:29
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:11:52
>
Hang in there
yes, when I weaned my acupuncturist told me to ONLY go to the next dose when stable mood for a least 1month!
He said that it may take weeks, or even months( as it did in my case) to feel stable mood before i cut back..
hope this helps
i know what you mean by heavy headed, etc. I still get this foggy brain when i wean,, but the episodes are less often.. soo hard to work sometimes but i make myself as i think work is good thereapy in my casemusky
Thank you for the kind words. It was very needed today.
>
> It is so hard when you feel you are alone. I talk with my wife but sometimes if you haven't been on these types of meds it is hard to communicate what the problems are. I just want to be free of the numbness and be a good husband again.
>
> Yes, going down to 3.75 might make the depression worse. I really haven't stablized on the 7.5 mg. Today was terrible. I had to sit through presentations at a conference and it was brutal, but it may have been brutal without being on drugs ;) The heavy head stuff was very bad. I have started to get a heavy chest too. Kind of like anxiety but different. I know this is drug related. I do find some uplifting in my mood during the day and it is when the heavy head lessens some. When I feel down again the heaviness increases. Nausea too. Then followed by extreme hunger. I really need to wait about 3 weeks because I have something important but I don't know if I will be worse by then.
>
> I am glad you are med free. How long did the sleep problems persist after going off? Any anxiety?
>
> johnnyj
>
>
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 29, 2006, at 16:05:14
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 29, 2006, at 0:23:29
I put a call in to my doc about the lexapro possibly causing more anxiety. It may be the cause of the itching too. Someone mentioned on another post that I should lessen whatever it is thats causing my anxiety. Well, I have three adhd kids!!!!!!!!!!!! Worry about them 24/7. I don't know how to not worry. It just consumes my every waking minute. They're always crying because they can't meet everyday tasks at school like other kids or they're being picked on, very sensitive children, very loving, but, very very sensitive. Finally, today I decided to enroll 2 at a Christian school where they will work at their own pace. I can't help but feel like my kids are being branded. Anyhow, thats why I've leaned so hard the med crutch. Please keep me in your prayers, having a really bad day, oh, and I think I will reduce the lexapro myself tommorrow morning if I have not heard anything from my doc. Thanks for letting me ramble, pinkeetoz
Posted by johnnyj on March 30, 2006, at 14:28:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » pinkeetoz, posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:21:17
I have been having terrible "sponge" head or heaviness that has actually made me more depressed and caused some anxiety. I took 200 mg of advil that last 2 nights and feel better. If my head hurts, everything else heads south. If you have this problem talk to your doc and see if advil can be used to help.
johnnyj
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 30, 2006, at 15:04:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 30, 2006, at 14:28:00
Two weeks ago today with no Remeron! Depression has not left, itching started probably about three or four days ago. As that when it started for you guys? About a week and a half into stopping? Trying to make sure it's not the Lexapro. I have taken Lexapro before and it didn't react this way. Still having a bit of anxiety from upping the Lexapro from 15mg to 20mg 6 days ago. Is this normal? Hope it slows down soon, hope you guys are doing ok., talk soon, pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 6:56:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on March 28, 2006, at 21:11:52
Hey johnnyj,
it is very hard when you can't talk to anyone. my girlfriend has OCD and is very acquainted with meds and going off meds, but i'm in a new job and a new city where i don't yet feel comfortable telling people "sorry i can't go out for drinks after work but i went off my meds"...well, you can imagine how that sounds. :)
in answer to your question for the first 5 days i had just terrible sleep, then things gradually got better. for about 2 weeks i would wake up with my heart racing, but by the end of those 2 weeks it was only when i had to get up that i'd wake up at least. i still wake up with a bit of anxiety. it's been a little over a month. i've had some anxiety on and off during the day. oh and i took advil at night too-it helped. and i've had some periods of feeling almost manic, too.
how are you doing now? still heavy head?
take good care,
jules
Posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 6:58:34
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 28, 2006, at 23:44:47
thanks for the acupuncturist info - i'm gonna get me one of those. :)
god, it's hard to believe this could take a year.
-jules
Posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 7:01:12
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by little mommy on March 28, 2006, at 14:02:00
like pinkeetoz, these are symptoms i also had. in my experience it does get better after about 1-2 weeks, hang in there and take good care of yourself, a little advil or nyquil (in moderation) can help too. -jules
Posted by SLS on March 31, 2006, at 9:11:55
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 7:01:12
Hi folks.
I apologize that I can't read this entire thread. It is wonderfully long.
I'd like to get an idea of what are the withdrawal effects that the discontinuation of Remeron can produce. Can anyone provide a list of what they have experienced as the result of Remeron withdrawal?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by yarn23 on March 31, 2006, at 9:54:05
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 30, 2006, at 15:04:27
The itching started about a week after going off for me, pinkeetoz.
I’m on my 23rd day without any Remeron. I do still itch. I was taking 2 to 3 Benadryl a day to control it, but now I only need 1 or 2 a day. So it is somewhat better.
The first two weeks off the med was the hardest for me. Sleep trouble, panic. After 23 days I can say I don't feel any worse than I did while on the med. In some ways better. I also have had very few suicide fantasies in the last couple weeks. Whereas, I used to have frequent ones that would last a while.
I still get anxious about a lot of things, I get upset easy-just very bad about dealing with stress. But so what? I’m OK.
I am still being cautious, but I’m quite sure now that I will not be going back on this (or any other) junk med.
Bye for now. Take care, yall. There is hope.
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:08:17
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 31, 2006, at 9:54:05
Hi all, noticed that when ever I waken (morning or from napping) I feel horribly panicky. The cloud of depression still looms. I was hoping that the Lexapro would have started to help by now (two weeks). I can't imagine staying like this. Please prayer for me, wish I had encouraging words for today, maybe tommorrow, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:42:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:08:17
I'm not sure if I've ever asked. What started you guys on Remeron? I have major depression and GAD. pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 22:09:59
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:08:17
pinkeetoz, hang in there. i'm sorry the panicky waking up is still so hard...i hope it gets better soon. i don't have any suggestions, but i'm thinking of you. jules
Posted by musky on April 1, 2006, at 17:18:03
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by SLS on March 31, 2006, at 9:11:55
>Sure scott Id be happy to provide some info on what my withdrawls have been so far:
Oh and I must add that these following symptoms were worse when I WASNT DOING ACUPUNCTURE and have been stabilized since.Here they are:
flu like symptoms(aching joints)usually happens within a few days after going to the next dosage, then subsides after about 1 week.
Headaches
nausea (agin starts within a few days after going tothe next dosage, then lasts for a couple of days)dizzyness
cloudy brain, derealization type feelings(lasts off and on during the whole time, but not as frequent now since being on the 2mg)itching(has started since going down to the lower doses)
mood swings, anxiety, depressed
tiredness
insomniaNow side effects that have DIMININISHED since I have been tapering are:
LESS vivid nightmares
LESS jerking(especially when trying to fall asleep)
LESS daytime agitation( although I am still bothered by it, especially the morning after I have taken my Remeron the night before).
WEIGHT LOSS (just by cutting back Remeron from 45mg to my current 2mg I have lost a total of 20lbs). Never had wt problem before... pre remeron wt was 107, post remeron wt = 145 lbs!!!
LESS frightining fantasies and daydreams ( again never ever had these thoughts in my life before Remeron).
Hope this helpsOh by the way.. why the survey??/ you a doc? or drug company person??
Musky
Hi folks.
>
> I apologize that I can't read this entire thread. It is wonderfully long.
>
> I'd like to get an idea of what are the withdrawal effects that the discontinuation of Remeron can produce. Can anyone provide a list of what they have experienced as the result of Remeron withdrawal?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by musky on April 1, 2006, at 17:23:10
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:08:17
>Hey Pinkeetoz::
Keep hangin in... I really think that it may be the lexapro adding to this anxiety... try to cope other ways and wean off the lexapro slowly..Keep going...
I have had some depressed moods lately since being on just 2mg remeron and I think it can happen like this ...delayed reaction as body is trying to adjust w/o the higher dose or less remeron before... I just take acupuncture treatments when I need to , to lift my mood.Good luck
Musky
Hi all, noticed that when ever I waken (morning or from napping) I feel horribly panicky. The cloud of depression still looms. I was hoping that the Lexapro would have started to help by now (two weeks). I can't imagine staying like this. Please prayer for me, wish I had encouraging words for today, maybe tommorrow, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on April 1, 2006, at 17:43:59
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:42:24
> Hey Pinkeetoz:
Ready for this?? my whole remeron story started when I had a stiff neck and was dizzy , unbalanced and ringing in the ears...
That led to a many tests looking for the cause .
The dr. started me on ativan, then vertigo meds, then serax, then he sent me to an ear specialist, which by this time I couldnt work and was so tired from not sleeping from the ringing in the ears so bad..
Needless to say the ear specialist found nothing wrong with the inner ear.. but yet prescribed amytriptylene at increasing doses to supposedly help with my neck muscles... ya right
this was my first experience with and antidepressant and it was not nice,, ALOT of jerking and then heart palpatations, and then feeling faint and out of breath..
Needless to say this med DID NOT stop the ringing or relax the neck,,
Meanwhile I had become severly anxious and depressed , which i find out later SERAX is very bad for this..
After suffering like this i ended up back to my family doc,, who of course, prescribed PAXIL , and told me i had a chemical imbalance.. ya right!! I was soooo drugged up.
48hrs after PAXIL i ended up in psyche ward with SEVERE agitation and such horrible thoughts going throught my head(wanting to get out of my body, and suicidal thoughts and strange fantasies, etc.). I really believed I was going INSANEThats where the Remeron comes in...when i ended up in emerge, a psychiatrist there pumped me chock full of ativan.. (probably to bring me down) and took me off the PAXIL.
Oh , forgot to mention I had weaned myself off the amytriptylene prior to the start of Paxil since the side effects were terrrible..ANyways,,, to summarize this
they said i had OCD which i never had this before
I have been an anxious type personality all my life and my anxiety hit the roof only AFTER all the meds.
I have NEVER BEEN DEPRESSED before ,, normal childhood, NEVER HAD sucidal thoughts before or fantasies etc.SO I believe that my problem started the day I took my first Pill!!
since then my neck problem had been finally helped after 3yrs .. by chiro, and deep tissue massage with active release.
the ringing in the ears was from muscle tension and jaw tension , which now is improved by my treatments .So I think I was totally misdiagnosed and treated like some one with a "disorder" or "imbalance" when ALL I WAS TRING TO DO WAS TO FIND OUT WHY I WAS DIZZY AND TO GET AT MY STIFF NECK!!
Sorry to ramble,,, there is all the details in between,,, but I needed to make a long story short..
This has been my experienceMy acupuncture says that all those drs were doing was putting bandaids on things and not healing my spirit , mind and body...
Its true Ijust hope all these meds havent permanently damaged me...
Im told probably not, but who knows,, I mean they cant get into your body and see every cell and its chemical reactions going on..but i have to stay positive
Acupuncture has helped me with my anxiety and also I did some cognitive thereapy with a great counsellor...just change the way you think
musky
I'm not sure if I've ever asked. What started you guys on Remeron? I have major depression and GAD. pinkeetoz
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Withdrawal | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.