![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 87 to 111 of 488. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by SLS on April 2, 2006, at 7:21:56
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on April 1, 2006, at 17:18:03
Thanks, Musky
> Oh by the way.. why the survey??/ you a doc? or drug company person??Neither. Just a fellow soldier in the war against mental illness.
My main reason for asking is simply because I didn't know. Much has been written and published regarding the discontinuation withdrawal symptoms of SSRIs. Not enough attention has been paid to Remeron. Since I have not been on Remeron for an extended period of time, I have no direct experience with the drug.
- Scott
Posted by jules354 on April 2, 2006, at 13:08:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:42:24
for me it was major depression, and no other med worked after almost 2 yrs of trials.
pinkeetoz, how are you doing?
-jules
Posted by pinkeetoz on April 2, 2006, at 15:52:10
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » pinkeetoz, posted by jules354 on April 2, 2006, at 13:08:27
Thanks for the posts. Jules, what do you take now? Do you have anxiety as well as depression? Thanks, pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on April 2, 2006, at 18:18:20
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on April 2, 2006, at 15:52:10
I'm totally med-free now, and I don't have clinical anxiety, just some mild anxiety that accompanies my depression and the withdrawal from the Remeron. When I quit the Remeron I didn't start taking anything else. (my depression has gotten tons better in the last few yrs.)
-jules
Posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:11:09
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on March 31, 2006, at 6:56:39
The heavy head is not as bad since I am taking advil. The heavier my head, the worse I feel so I have some relief right now. Around the 21st of April I will lower my dose.
Since I am on 7.5 right now I am not sure what I will do. I am contemplating mixing the soltab in water and taking it that way. The pharmacist thought that was a good idea, but I called Organon and they were horrible on the phone. They didn't suggest breaking the soltabs or mixing them in water. Then, they said just do what the doctor says. They said they didn't know anything about how to withdrawal because in their drug studies people just quit cold turkey and there was no follow up.
Posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:13:17
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 31, 2006, at 9:54:05
Thank you for the update. It gives me hope that I just have to stay the course after my final dose (when the time comes).
Posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:14:48
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 31, 2006, at 18:42:24
For me, it was depression and anxiety and terrible insomnia. But, since I have cut my benzo I feel, and sleep better so I think that was a major cause of me not feeling well.
Posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:20:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by SLS on April 2, 2006, at 7:21:56
When I started remeron I had severe nausea, weird thoughts, terrible anxiety, but I finall SLEPT.
When I have lowered doses I get nausea, jerking when falling asleep, some anxiety, and I sleep much lighter and shorter. When I went off for a brief time I had HORRIBLE nausea, jerking, and kind of manic feeling. But, I felt better and much more alive.
I had to go on to sleep due to some life events. I will be weaning starting in a few weeks and hopefully off by end of summer or fall.
Posted by musky on April 2, 2006, at 22:59:50
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:11:09
>
Glad you are managing johnnyAs for mixing the soltab in water, yes i have heard that..
I also read somehere on a site that you can do what they call the orange juice bit.. just dissolve the pill in orange juice(sweeter taste that way, lol) and only drink 9/10 of it.. then do this for a week or two.. then only drink 8/10 of it and so on... until you are done..
As for the drug company .. of course they would be horrible,,, they WANT you to stay on the drug and of course they would tell you to ask your dr. as they work together!!! Its all about money.
Sounds like the pharmacist is right on track with the disolving it..
and as for the drug company telling you that people go cold turkey,, they dont know for sure as they have never followed up on people and of course if you have withdrawls too severe then the dr. just puts you back ON IT and the terrible cycle begins again..keep us posted on your dissolving it trial
Musky
The heavy head is not as bad since I am taking advil. The heavier my head, the worse I feel so I have some relief right now. Around the 21st of April I will lower my dose.
>
> Since I am on 7.5 right now I am not sure what I will do. I am contemplating mixing the soltab in water and taking it that way. The pharmacist thought that was a good idea, but I called Organon and they were horrible on the phone. They didn't suggest breaking the soltabs or mixing them in water. Then, they said just do what the doctor says. They said they didn't know anything about how to withdrawal because in their drug studies people just quit cold turkey and there was no follow up.
Posted by musky on April 2, 2006, at 23:12:22
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » SLS, posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:20:39
Hi all:
my, my wer're getting such a long thread on this remeron,lol
but thats good cause it shows its working this postings and support out there.
I am counting down when i will be completely off the remeron
I am down to the 2mg( i cut so crazily with the pill cutter, lol). and plan to be off in 6 weeks.
I calculated this out by seeing how much med i had left and purposely did NOT renew my rx. nor did i tell my dr. He knows im weaning and is supportive , but i havent bothered to tell him im not renewing his rx. im sure he will figure it out when it never gets filled, ha,haanyways thats when my pills are gone, and I have been mentally preparing myself for this , I have been on the 2mg for 2months now , so I think in 6 more weeks i should be "ready or not" . I have it marked on my calendar and keep looking at it to brainwash myself into doing this no matter what!!!!
sounds completely obsessive doesnt it?? but hey if thats what it takes then so be it.
Im also been regularly exercising to get that in place when i get completely off, and have my acupuncturist waiting in the wings to assist if it gets rough..
Also a TON of other things to help me along,, to increase my chances of winning this battle..
Im getting myself a special little survival pack and it it will be several little "feel good things" All natural and NO MEDS!!!! I have lasted all this time of weaning (almost 2yrs now) without one single ativan,, so I figure that would be my very very last choice if I get panic..
I'll choose acupuncture FIRST for this..
Im slowly getting my supplies over the next 6 weeks before the deadline(ha, ha)Wish me luck
Musky
Posted by SLS on April 3, 2006, at 7:38:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » SLS, posted by johnnyj on April 2, 2006, at 22:20:39
> I had to go on to sleep due to some life events. I will be weaning starting in a few weeks and hopefully off by end of summer or fall.
I'm sure you'll get there. I wish you luck just the same.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 3, 2006, at 7:53:07
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » johnnyj, posted by SLS on April 3, 2006, at 7:38:27
I don't know how much this would help, but taking small amounts of Benadryl might relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms of Remeron discontinuation.
Remeron is actually a more potent antihistamine than is Benadryl. My guess is that much of the withdrawal symptoms from Remeron is the result of a histaminergic rebound. Benadryl should act as a cushion if one attemts to discontinue Remeron abruptly.
- Scott
Posted by jules354 on April 3, 2006, at 9:44:02
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by SLS on March 31, 2006, at 9:11:55
Scott,
i've experienced the same w/d effects others listed here...insomnia, flulike symptoms, itchy skin and scalp, mood swings, anxiety, depression. also some loss of appetite, irritability. after 5 weeks everything but the flulike stuff is still present but to a lesser & much less uncomfortable degree.
thanks for the info about benadryl, good to know!
take care,
-jules
Posted by cashy72 on April 3, 2006, at 10:56:02
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » SLS, posted by jules354 on April 3, 2006, at 9:44:02
Hey Guys, just picked up this thread, and read all the posts with interest.. sounds like your all going thro' a tough time...I've suffered from panic attacks, anxiety and stuff for a couple of years and have been on 20mg of lexapro for just over 12mths, and 30mg mirtazapine for 15mths.. Over the last 4-5mths i've been a alot better in myself, and after reading various stuff on the net decided that this can't be right takin' all these drugs and suppressing the way your brain works. 8 weeks ago i cut the dose of lexapro too 10mg, and then 10 days ago missed 2 days in a row just out of forgetfulness more than anything! But i thought this an ideal time too kick the lexapro! The first 5 or 6 days were tough, serious dizzy spells and brain zaps!! but i just stuck it out and toughed it out.. It's been 10 days since my last lexapro, and the last day or two i've been alot better, not as dizzy, and feeling more like myself.
I'm still taking 30mg mirtazapine at bedtime, but in a few weeks i'm gonna kick this med as well. Just going too hit it head on, 15mg for a few weeks, and see how it goes.... when i've accidentally missed a dose of mirtazapine i've experienced the crazy dreams, and insomnia you've all been experiencing!! Ain't lookin forward too that, but I'm definately gonna kick this med stuff, and sort myself out naturally... it just ain't good for ya.... It will be of help too hear how you all are doin' so keep postin'... regards from England.. Cashy72..
Posted by little mommy on April 3, 2006, at 16:44:52
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by cashy72 on April 3, 2006, at 10:56:02
Hello all. Is it possible to start having withdrawal symptoms a month after stopping remeron? Gradually over the course of these past weeks the anxiety, panic and depression, tremors, nausea, no appetite (far cry from when I was on the remeron and ate everything in sight) has just become almost unbearable. I can't sleep, not well, always waking in a terrible panic, heart pounding. Up until yesterday, I have not been able to cry which can make one feel better. It felt good, for a while, just to bawl my eyes out. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and I think I want to be referred to a psychiatrist. This is getting to be too much. I can't believe how horrible I feel. Reading all the other posts about this drug has made me open my eyes. I am still on 10 mg of paxil in the morning but it doesn't seem to be kicking in as well. Problem is if I up it I tend to get worse instead of better. Thanks for letting me vent.
Little Mommy
Posted by musky on April 3, 2006, at 23:08:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » jules354, posted by cashy72 on April 3, 2006, at 10:56:02
>good for you cashy... keep up the good work. sounds like you are determined .. I think that is what will help us all in the end.. We have to believe in ourselves MORE THAN any drug or anything, and like any addiction, you have to WANT to be off the drug..never mind what others tell you to do.. just trust your inner voice
take care
musky
Hey Guys, just picked up this thread, and read all the posts with interest.. sounds like your all going thro' a tough time...I've suffered from panic attacks, anxiety and stuff for a couple of years and have been on 20mg of lexapro for just over 12mths, and 30mg mirtazapine for 15mths.. Over the last 4-5mths i've been a alot better in myself, and after reading various stuff on the net decided that this can't be right takin' all these drugs and suppressing the way your brain works. 8 weeks ago i cut the dose of lexapro too 10mg, and then 10 days ago missed 2 days in a row just out of forgetfulness more than anything! But i thought this an ideal time too kick the lexapro! The first 5 or 6 days were tough, serious dizzy spells and brain zaps!! but i just stuck it out and toughed it out.. It's been 10 days since my last lexapro, and the last day or two i've been alot better, not as dizzy, and feeling more like myself.
> I'm still taking 30mg mirtazapine at bedtime, but in a few weeks i'm gonna kick this med as well. Just going too hit it head on, 15mg for a few weeks, and see how it goes.... when i've accidentally missed a dose of mirtazapine i've experienced the crazy dreams, and insomnia you've all been experiencing!! Ain't lookin forward too that, but I'm definately gonna kick this med stuff, and sort myself out naturally... it just ain't good for ya.... It will be of help too hear how you all are doin' so keep postin'... regards from England.. Cashy72..
Posted by musky on April 3, 2006, at 23:26:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by little mommy on April 3, 2006, at 16:44:52
>
Little Mommy:Yes it sure is possible to get delay w/d symptoms.
When i first weaned off amytriptylene, it wasnt until 3months that i started with w/d symptoms,I mean the first week i had the nausea, but the real mood, anxiety,.depression stuff didnt start until 3months off..i was a mess, ended up on paxil, then to hospital so bad and then on remeron.. it has just numbed me... since then i have wisened up and knew all along i didnt feel me .I wish now i had just stuck it out when i was so upset, but like you couldnt take it anymore and ran to my doctor , He of course put me on the paxil, which made me totally freaked out.I figure i weaned maybe too soon with the amytriptylene and the body was trying to adjust.
Remember it takes weeks and weeks to build up the dose when they first put you on an a/d right? Therefore keep in mind it will take a long time to balance. The key here is to MANAGE somehow your symptoms without drugs if at all possible.
That is the goal I think here from the postings.
at least this is my goal. Remember the first thing your doc will do if you get to see a psyche doctor is that they will tell you to take an a/d!!!! and you will be right back to square one.
You have to really be honest with yourself what you want ... I dont know your history and cannot legally tell you what to do, but alot of our anxiety , depression is in our attitude , not our bodies being unbbalanced,,, sure maybe out of whack but not for the reasons that the dr.s CLAIM it to be... it is all a guessing game for them,,
Not to sound so negative, but try to stay calm ,,, keep telling yourself you will make it and this will pass...even if it feels like HELL at the time.. take one day at a time or even one hour or minute at a time... it helps.
See, when this was all happening to me i didnt have the coping skills i do now. I learnt alot in the last 2yrs with some cognitive therapy, courses on anxiety, panic, etc. and some great acupuncture treatments.. Also i know about the not being able to cry feeling...happened to me too. im just getting some emotions now... since tapering from the Remeron.. and it gives me hope that the real me is still there somewhere..chin up
muskyHello all. Is it possible to start having withdrawal symptoms a month after stopping remeron? Gradually over the course of these past weeks the anxiety, panic and depression, tremors, nausea, no appetite (far cry from when I was on the remeron and ate everything in sight) has just become almost unbearable. I can't sleep, not well, always waking in a terrible panic, heart pounding. Up until yesterday, I have not been able to cry which can make one feel better. It felt good, for a while, just to bawl my eyes out. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and I think I want to be referred to a psychiatrist. This is getting to be too much. I can't believe how horrible I feel. Reading all the other posts about this drug has made me open my eyes. I am still on 10 mg of paxil in the morning but it doesn't seem to be kicking in as well. Problem is if I up it I tend to get worse instead of better. Thanks for letting me vent.
>
> Little Mommy
Posted by cashy72 on April 4, 2006, at 3:43:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on April 3, 2006, at 23:08:44
hey thanks Musky, your right though, everyone who WANTS too give up these drugs will with a bit of determination, and some support. Once they are out of your system, or on the way out of your system, then exercise, good diet, and positive thinking, plus relaxation and time too yourself, will all help too get you back on track and too enjoy life, and all it has too offer. Instead of being suppressed and dulled by these drugs.. Keep POSITIVE... hows it going for everyone today? CASHY72
Posted by musky on April 5, 2006, at 0:42:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by cashy72 on April 4, 2006, at 3:43:24
>
Hey cashy.. not too bad today.. Im counting down the weeks til im completely off the Remeron
ive been weaning ever so slowly which helps, yet Im told the worst can come after completely off the drug.
Im a little worried, about spiralling again, or feeling just out of it like i did when i came off amytriptylene. But I am trying not to anticipate too much. ONe has to be careful not to dwell on this too much.
I have been exercising some and have it pretty reugular now.. so that is in place at least.
I also am putting together a saftey bag of sorts. It includes everything from positive affirmations to distraction items, to things to help with the physical w/d. just over the counter med like advil
Absolutely no rx. drugs!!! I also have a list of phone numbers of contact people i can call who are totally supportive of me going off the Remeron. I have purposefully NOT included any ones number that may tell me to see a doctor or take another a/d if i get too depressed or anxiety.
this is the only way this will work... Total and Absolute brainwashing!
Sorry to ramble and sound crazy with this but I am preparing now while I am still thinking straight. I may never need this safety net, but I am being Safe cause I never ever want to go back to the hospital or on a/d sh*t again!take care
keep us postedMusky
hey thanks Musky, your right though, everyone who WANTS too give up these drugs will with a bit of determination, and some support. Once they are out of your system, or on the way out of your system, then exercise, good diet, and positive thinking, plus relaxation and time too yourself, will all help too get you back on track and too enjoy life, and all it has too offer. Instead of being suppressed and dulled by these drugs.. Keep POSITIVE... hows it going for everyone today? CASHY72
Posted by pinkeetoz on April 5, 2006, at 16:50:12
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on April 5, 2006, at 0:42:41
Hi guys. Still no remeron for me. STILL WAITING for the Lexapro to kick in. I am having to deal with life on life's terms, its tough. Need the lexapro to help it out. Talk soon, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on April 6, 2006, at 0:47:57
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on April 5, 2006, at 16:50:12
Hi pinkeetoz:
Try not to think that you NEED the lexapro.. thats where we all get stuck here... I think the real key to get drug free is to not believe in the drug... period... I know you may have life issues but we all do and must learn somehow to deal with on our own.. that is what will make us strong.. NOT the drug.. just our mind.
Good luck
musky> Hi guys. Still no remeron for me. STILL WAITING for the Lexapro to kick in. I am having to deal with life on life's terms, its tough. Need the lexapro to help it out. Talk soon, pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on April 6, 2006, at 7:06:02
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on April 5, 2006, at 16:50:12
Hey everyone,
my mood has been pretty good although my skin & scalp are still itchy and sometimes it's hard to fall asleep. i know my mood might dip again but for the past week or so i've been feeling good.
overall i feel like things are evening out ...i know some of you are really struggling and my heart goes out to you. i like musky's idea of a safety kit stuffed with good stuff, affirmations etc., and a phone tree of supportive friends.
take care,
jules
Posted by SLS on April 6, 2006, at 16:12:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on April 6, 2006, at 0:47:57
> Try not to think that you NEED the lexapro.. thats where we all get stuck here...
Mind over matter?
> I think the real key to get drug free is to not believe in the drug... period...
It is wonderful that this approach has worked for you.
> I know you may have life issues but we all do
No one would dispute this.
> and must learn somehow to deal with on our own..
Or with the help of others.
> that is what will make us strong..
> NOT the drug.. just our mind.
The state of the mind is dependent on the state of the brain. Perhaps there is nothing wrong with yours. The same cannot be said for everyone who suffers from MDD.
I believe that a sizeable percentage of people who are clinically depressed need a biological intervention. I believe that this is true as passionately as you believe that it is not. I guess each of us has acquired a bias based on our own personal experiences.
Not all depressions are biological. Not all depressions are psychological. I try not to speak for everyone.
- Scott
Posted by pinkeetoz on April 7, 2006, at 11:44:16
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by SLS on April 6, 2006, at 16:12:42
Thanks for the post guys. Jules, glad you're doing better. I am starting to believe that the klonopin, although it works well for anxiety and really got me through a horrible time is causing more depression. Could that be? Although, now, I can't do without it, what a mess, sry not being too positive this morning. Thanks for keeping in touch with me, 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.