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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by musky on May 3, 2006, at 0:56:49
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by johnnyj on May 1, 2006, at 10:06:47
>
hey i forgot to mention too in previous posts that I was getting heart palpatations... again acupuncture has helped this believe it or not!And as far as sleeping aids.. try natural stuff ,,not addicting.. your doc, will just tell u about Rx. stuff,, thats ALL they know.
Good luck
MuskyI too have the nausea, and full chest. The full chest stuff was worse when I tried to taper before. But, that is denfinately a side effect. The sleep stuff is the most disturbing and I am going to see my doc in a week and get some ideas. I have some dizsiness but not too bad. The nausea started today, about day 7 or so of my reduction. Sleep meds worry me so I am just going to take something every other day or three if I have too. I do feel that my heart starts to beat faster for no apparent reason at times. I will not do much excercise because that might be too stimulating for me. I just want to SLEEP.
>
> johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 3, 2006, at 1:06:30
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Marian29 on May 2, 2006, at 16:51:54
>
marian29 ,
try not to stress about the not sleeping,,, just keep saying calm thoughts to yourself if you wake up and/or cant fall asleep... I find this helps me
When my sleeping was broken while weaning , my acupuncurist treated for this and it works!! look into this form of therapy if you think this is for yu...
yes,,, valerian is good, but then can make you alittle wierd,, but then it isnt supposed to be taken while on an antidepressant really... and it is for short term use only..
try hot milk or chammomile tea..
Also calcium /magnesium supplements relax the muscles and promote sleep.
I also heard from a friend at work who suffers from anxiety that vitamin E and Vitamin C(i think?) are beneficial for this too.. antioxidants supposedly help with panic feelings, broken sleep etc.
let me know how you doMusky
Thanks for the advice. I'm going crazy due to insufficient sleep. But the insomnia isn't caused by the remeron withdrawal--I had that before I took the drug. I tried valerian, but it made me feel funny. Maybe I'll try melatonin again.
>
>
Posted by anahata31 on May 3, 2006, at 8:40:16
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 3, 2006, at 0:54:12
from musky:
> I too am on crumbs and the docs keep saying that there is no >way i should feel anything at such a low dose,, HOWEVER >homeopaths and my acupuncturist Both INSIST that the lower >the dose the more the body WILL notice the change as it tries >to create crisis to get the drug back into itself...
thanks for your post -- it definitely got me thinking. what you (and your homeopath and acupuncturist) say makes a lot of sense, especially now that i am on such a low dose, and about to quit.
i remember when i first asked my pharmacist to cut the 30mg pills in 4 parts, and he told me "this is an homeopathic dose! you won't get any benefits, or feel anything really". it made me feel wrongly confident about how easy it would be to stop the medication, but i soon realized i was dealing with a pharmacist who was clueless about remeron.
i have a very kind and patient doctor, but i sometimes feel that he isn't entirely aware of how remeron can affect a person, even at low-dose, and that quitting isn't as easy as he says it is. after months and months of heavy sleep, the kind of which i've never had in my life, it is quite the lifestyle change to go back to my natural, light-sleeping ways (not to mention my natural, light-eating ways!) so i need to listen to my body, trust myself and my own will, instead of feeling weird that i'm having not so good of a time, when my doc says it should be as easy as 1-2-3. all the posts on here helps a lot - and good luck on your journey, too.
nathalie
Posted by jules354 on May 3, 2006, at 13:28:26
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by anahata31 on May 3, 2006, at 8:40:16
musky & nathalie,
my pdoc is also really great in some ways but after 4 weeks expressed surprise/doubt i was still feeling withdrawal symptoms. my sense is people just don't believe w/d can last a long time, makes me think there hasn't been a lot of research in that area. but it's been over 2 mos. and i'm still feeling the effects now and again (not depression recurrence but w/d). musky says it can be up to a year or more. what a drag! that's putting it mildly.
i hope your sleep gets easier soon...
take care,
jules
Posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 14:04:11
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by jules354 on May 3, 2006, at 13:28:26
All this talk about withdrawal symptoms, but isn't anyone feeling suicidal?? That's all I'm feeling day and night, and the crying rarely stops. Of course, that was the reason to go on the Remeron in the first place.....but I went from a size 7/8 to a size 16.....so Remeron was going to kill me with heart disease or diabetes if the suicide doesn't.
Isn't ANYONE feeling suicidal??? And how the heck are you guys functioning?? I'm going out of my mind here, and you guys are talking about sleepless nights.
Just rambling. I know I CAN'T be the only one experiencing this!
Sandy
Posted by little mommy on May 3, 2006, at 18:46:01
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » jules354, posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 14:04:11
> All this talk about withdrawal symptoms, but isn't anyone feeling suicidal?? That's all I'm feeling day and night, and the crying rarely stops. Of course, that was the reason to go on the Remeron in the first place.....but I went from a size 7/8 to a size 16.....so Remeron was going to kill me with heart disease or diabetes if the suicide doesn't.
>
> Isn't ANYONE feeling suicidal??? And how the heck are you guys functioning?? I'm going out of my mind here, and you guys are talking about sleepless nights.
>
> Just rambling. I know I CAN'T be the only one experiencing this!
>
> Sandy
>
Dear SandyYes, for the first time in my life I could really feel why a person would want to commit suicide. I know I actually thought about it for myself but just briefly and I knew that it wasn't the answer as I couldn't imagine leaving my children, my husband but I can certainly see and understand why someone feels so bad that they feel that suicide is the only way out. Please, please, seek some help from a help line or a friend or suicide pervention place. You need to know that you are not alone in your fight with this.
Little Mommy
Posted by jules354 on May 3, 2006, at 19:22:02
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » jules354, posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 14:04:11
hi Sandy,
it sounds like you're really hurting and i'm so sorry. Remeron is what helped me overcome my suicide feelings 7 years ago...there was no other drug that helped and i was on many many trials...i am so grateful to it for that. maybe it isn't the right time for you to be med free? i know the weight gain is really hard but staying alive is so important. have you talked to your doctor or therapist about how much your hurting?
take care,
jules
Posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 19:50:48
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by jules354 on May 3, 2006, at 19:22:02
Little Mommy and Jules,
We're not allowed to talk about the "S" word here on Dr. Bob's site. I just wanted to see if anyone else was feeling the same way since quitting the Remeron. I've been off it for almost one month now. It's not getting any better. But I just KNEW that I couldn't be the only one going through this.
God bless.
Sandy
Posted by musky on May 4, 2006, at 0:24:25
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » jules354, posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 14:04:11
>Hey Sandy
Sorry to hear you are having a real bad time here.. and ya I did take a very bad dip here about 4 days ago,, first time in a long time since tapering... I just let it pass ... LITERALLY... try not to let it swallow you up... I really really believe that this remeron has screwed up the thought processes , emotions... and withdrawl does this too...
They even have warnings posted on the packages that say an a/d can INCREASE suicidal tendencies..
I dont know your situation... but BEFORE i started ANY a/d and especially Remeron did I EVER in my life FELT suicidal... that proves to me its the damn drugs!!!! I had been battling a chronic health issue(neck related, dizzyness) before all the meds started(never took them before) and of course i was depressed,, but NEVER HAD suicidal thoughts... I ended up in hospital and all that did was expose me to other patients who were negative, negative, and suicidal.. its no wonder I got it engrained in me from there too.. Since tapering I havent had as much frightening fantasies.. only that BAD dip a few days ago... like i said,,, I just faught it..Try not to let it eat you up... DO EVERYTHING to distract your mind.... exercise, try to sleep well, eat healthy and say positive affirmations to yourself ... FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT ,,, if u have to... you will get better..
and yes me too I went from a size 5/7 to a 12!!! All bloated and felt totally ugly... Ive lost half of the wt now since tapering.. Hopefully I will lose the rest after im completely off.
I know these things take time.. you must be patientI have been seeing an amazing acupuncturist(traditional chinese),, who has stood by me all the way.... he has made a huge difference in helping me get off the meds...
Keep going... chin up... this too shall pass..
suicidal thoughts are just that THOUGHTS!!! they cannot harm you without your permission... and get a support network if you can.. a close friend, relative... crisis line, etc... anyone who will support you through this withdrawl and be FOR it not AGAINST it...Good luck
Hang in.. keep posting and you have this site as well and support from us who are on the same journey.Musky
All this talk about withdrawal symptoms, but isn't anyone feeling suicidal?? That's all I'm feeling day and night, and the crying rarely stops. Of course, that was the reason to go on the Remeron in the first place.....but I went from a size 7/8 to a size 16.....so Remeron was going to kill me with heart disease or diabetes if the suicide doesn't.
>
> Isn't ANYONE feeling suicidal??? And how the heck are you guys functioning?? I'm going out of my mind here, and you guys are talking about sleepless nights.
>
> Just rambling. I know I CAN'T be the only one experiencing this!
>
> Sandy
>
Posted by musky on May 4, 2006, at 0:36:26
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by SandyWeb on May 3, 2006, at 19:50:48
>
Sandy1 month isnt that long in the grand scheme of things... withdrawl takes along time.. and if you really want to be drug free you MUST keep going..
I found too that cognitive therapy really makes a difference in how you think about yourself and teaches you how to control your thoughts to a more positive attitude... try checking that out or mention to your doc about this..My acupuncturist says that withdrawl can take months or even up to a year... i dont want to sound so negative but I am willing to wait it out however long it takes.... Withdrawl is the body's way of trying to get u to take the drug again...
All it did was numb me and of course then the docs think you are better from your depression cause you arent showing any tears!!sheesh.. we are suppose to have emotion.. yes and i know not 24/7, but our bodies tell us this so we can help ourselves...
Hang in there..
ive had personal friends who say they didnt feel themselves until they were OFF the a/d drugs for at least a year! it depends on the body..
if you keep yourself busy it will be easier.
I myself have accepted the fact that I may not be the same for about a year and I am not being overwhelmed by this... I just go day by day... and keep hoping... I know that prayer has helped me cope as well along with all the other things I have mentioned here..
Keep going... every hour that passes remember your body is healing ... it knows what to do... so let it do it.. and please please dont isolate yourself... talk to people... here on this site, and anyone who will listen and Hold on to you..take care
Musky
Little Mommy and Jules,
>
> We're not allowed to talk about the "S" word here on Dr. Bob's site. I just wanted to see if anyone else was feeling the same way since quitting the Remeron. I've been off it for almost one month now. It's not getting any better. But I just KNEW that I couldn't be the only one going through this.
>
> God bless.
>
> Sandy
>
Posted by SandyWeb on May 4, 2006, at 11:51:49
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 4, 2006, at 0:36:26
Hi guys,
I've decided to go back on the Remeron. Which way do I want to die: heart disease, diabetes, or suicide? At least with heart disease and diabetes, I can TRY to modify some of my life styles: eating less (is that truly possible on Remeron???), exercise (I have a stair-stepper, if I could get the energy to get on the dang thing! Lol), and I don't drink or smoke. I do have the problem of being agoraphobic, so I don't get much walking exercise, but at least there are SOME things I can do to TRY and help myself (not much I can do about the snail-pace metabolism from Remeron, though).
As for "S", no....there's not a whole lot I can control in that department when I've reached that point. I attempted 2 years ago, and the Remeron has been saving my life since that time. If it only were not for the edema, the "Remeron Hunger", and the slow metabolism....the med would be perfect for me.
Maybe I'll try to stay at 30mg instead of 45mg this time? I know that 15mg really only has antihistamine properties, so you have to get higher in dosage to get the antidepressant effects. 45mg was perfect! 60mg was too high.
I truly hate having to go back on it, but like I said: how do I want to die? And at least with the Remeron, I'll get my rational thinking back again.
My 14-year old daughter is visiting me for the long weekend (coming this afternoon! Yeah!!!), so I'll wait until Monday night to go back on it. I'll start at 30mg since I'm not interested in the antihistamine effects of 15mg.
Going back on doesn't solve ANY of my problems, but maybe I'll see some sort of solution that I just can't find in my de-Remeron-ed head! Lol.
Good luck to all the rest of you. I never experienced all those withdrawal symptoms you were all talking about, so I guess maybe the Remeron liked my body chemistry better than yours. Maybe I'll always be on it.
If anyone knows of a way to kick up your metabolism, or better yet, of an appetite suppressant (Topamax worked GREAT, I lost quite a bit of weight, but it wasn't approved by my provincial med plan)...PLEASE throw some suggestions my way! Stimulants?? What?? I gave away all my "big girl" pants because I thought I was off the Remeron for good.
It sounds like you guys are going to make it! Yeah!!! I'm really happy for you! I would think the edema would disappear first, and then you'll see the weight coming off. Isn't it great? Makes you feel happy, doesn't it? Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Sandy
Posted by johnnyj on May 4, 2006, at 15:53:36
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 4, 2006, at 0:36:26
Well, after a rough few days things have evened out. But dose to 3.75 about 10 days ago. Day 6 through about 8 were not fun. I had a nagging anxiety that I know now was pure withdrawal. No sleep on Sunday night and last night I got about 7 hours with no sleep meds used.
I feel that I will dissolve my sol tabs and go down to 1.5 mg and see what happens. I will wait about 10 days before I do that though. The brain needs some time to heal ya know?
I was feeling like I wanted to die on Sunday night and Monday. It was that bad. Amazing what an improved nights sleep can do. I just didn't feed the anxiety and just let it pass without a fight. Today I just have a headache and some tight chest stuff, and of course the sponge brain. That is a little better though.
Good luck everyone and keep at it. However, we all do what we must to feel better. From what I can tell some needed to go back on and that is ok. You have to please yourself.
cheers
johnnyj
Posted by jeninco on May 4, 2006, at 16:03:14
In reply to Finally, posted by johnnyj on May 4, 2006, at 15:53:36
Good for you. I'm one of those that had to go back on. No support from the doctor as far as dealing with symptoms, my insurance stopped covering insomnia medication and despite what others say I can't continue days on without sleep. The headache and nauseau were really horrible too (I made it to day 18 I think but stopped without tapering).
I hope you can pull through! I went on this medication for insomnia and see nothing for me has changed.
Posted by jules354 on May 5, 2006, at 11:06:34
In reply to Finally, posted by johnnyj on May 4, 2006, at 15:53:36
so glad to hear things have evened out. hope they continue to, too!
take care,
jules
Posted by cashy72 on May 6, 2006, at 6:18:22
In reply to Re: Finally » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on May 5, 2006, at 11:06:34
hey Jonny, glad things are progressing not too bad for you... it's really tricky coming down the dose isn't it.
Last night i cut in half my 15mg, so took 7.5mg. i took it just before bed, and 5 mins later when i'd got into bed i felt really freaky! Heart was beating really strong, and my breathing was strange! Is that just a symptom of lowering the dose or what??!! Didn't sleep too good either..
What do you reckon.
Cheers. Cashy72. I think i will stick with it though, and continue at 7.5mg.
Posted by johnnyj on May 6, 2006, at 12:51:24
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 6, 2006, at 6:18:22
Definately because of the lowered dose. I had the same thing quite often on 7.5. I think there is something about the dose at 7.5 that contributes to a lot of physical effects. I have found the 3.75 dose mush smoother than 7.5. Sure there was withdrawal going to it but since I am at it right now I have no startle, much less sponge brain and I am sleeping better. I wouldn't stay on 7.5 if I was trying to wean off for a long period of time. I was on it for 5 or 6 months and it was not a good dose for ME.
Posted by musky on May 7, 2006, at 23:46:36
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by SandyWeb on May 4, 2006, at 11:51:49
>Sandy:
Really wish you would reconsider your decision.. Yes I understand your situation... but to basically limit your choices to just Remeron ,, well youve already just made your future..and to think how you want to die... well dont even consider the S word,,, I believe if yu really want to stay well its not just the remeron..
I dont know.. everyone is different bodies but yet I hear over and over again the horrors of a/d use and how it is simply a crutch to staying well.
Have you ever considered cognitive therapy?? with or without meds it is very effective at treating depression/anxiety.
As for the wt gain .. remeron CHANGES the fat metabolism of the liver and you can exercise til the cows come home and there will be no wt loss.
Sorry to sound negative... I do wish you luck. and yes you have to consider where you are at now and if you beleive that remeron is keeping you sane then well, I guess that is what you believe.. My personal experience with this med has been totally opposite , not to mention the side effects... If I was told I would have to stay on this forever then I wouldnt want to live.. to me a QUALITY of life with no meds, side effects etc. is better than anything. and to be able to be strong enough in my own mind is more important than anything.
Ive just seen so many of my friends screwed up on these meds and they forever are trapped in a pill world and not reality..
Good luck to you... and well if you decide to stay on the remeron, thats your choice i guess.
I know that im not... NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!!
God Bless
MuskyHi guys,
>
> I've decided to go back on the Remeron. Which way do I want to die: heart disease, diabetes, or suicide? At least with heart disease and diabetes, I can TRY to modify some of my life styles: eating less (is that truly possible on Remeron???), exercise (I have a stair-stepper, if I could get the energy to get on the dang thing! Lol), and I don't drink or smoke. I do have the problem of being agoraphobic, so I don't get much walking exercise, but at least there are SOME things I can do to TRY and help myself (not much I can do about the snail-pace metabolism from Remeron, though).
>
> As for "S", no....there's not a whole lot I can control in that department when I've reached that point. I attempted 2 years ago, and the Remeron has been saving my life since that time. If it only were not for the edema, the "Remeron Hunger", and the slow metabolism....the med would be perfect for me.
>
> Maybe I'll try to stay at 30mg instead of 45mg this time? I know that 15mg really only has antihistamine properties, so you have to get higher in dosage to get the antidepressant effects. 45mg was perfect! 60mg was too high.
>
> I truly hate having to go back on it, but like I said: how do I want to die? And at least with the Remeron, I'll get my rational thinking back again.
>
> My 14-year old daughter is visiting me for the long weekend (coming this afternoon! Yeah!!!), so I'll wait until Monday night to go back on it. I'll start at 30mg since I'm not interested in the antihistamine effects of 15mg.
>
> Going back on doesn't solve ANY of my problems, but maybe I'll see some sort of solution that I just can't find in my de-Remeron-ed head! Lol.
>
> Good luck to all the rest of you. I never experienced all those withdrawal symptoms you were all talking about, so I guess maybe the Remeron liked my body chemistry better than yours. Maybe I'll always be on it.
>
> If anyone knows of a way to kick up your metabolism, or better yet, of an appetite suppressant (Topamax worked GREAT, I lost quite a bit of weight, but it wasn't approved by my provincial med plan)...PLEASE throw some suggestions my way! Stimulants?? What?? I gave away all my "big girl" pants because I thought I was off the Remeron for good.
>
> It sounds like you guys are going to make it! Yeah!!! I'm really happy for you! I would think the edema would disappear first, and then you'll see the weight coming off. Isn't it great? Makes you feel happy, doesn't it? Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Hugs,
>
> Sandy
Posted by musky on May 7, 2006, at 23:56:37
In reply to Finally, posted by johnnyj on May 4, 2006, at 15:53:36
> Good for you johnny,,, keep going no matter what!!! Dont give into the anxiety...
Today i had some really anxious thoughts like I was going to loose it.. this is so strange as i am still on the 2mg(about) dosage... I am being firm on getting off.. I plan to stop completely in about 18days... I kknow that it is still withdrawl... I have done a TON of research on this drug.... Remeron has a very long half life.. 20hrs(or longer depending on metabolism). and did you know that females metabolize drugs much slower than males??? yet the docs rx these meds all the same(figures). So I am thinking when 20hrs have gone by its basically time for the next dose which means that the drug is constantly in my system... so when you taper it isnt completely accurate ,, uyou know what i mean??
I mean yes, we are cutting back the drug but the dose from yesterday is only half gone and that dose is only half gone, etc, etc.... back to the higher doses.. so I can understand how withdrawl takes a LONG time to pass and we must not give into this too soon.
IM expecting this to take at least 6months before out of my system and then another 6months for the body to rebuild ....
good luck
Musky
Well, after a rough few days things have evened out. But dose to 3.75 about 10 days ago. Day 6 through about 8 were not fun. I had a nagging anxiety that I know now was pure withdrawal. No sleep on Sunday night and last night I got about 7 hours with no sleep meds used.
>
> I feel that I will dissolve my sol tabs and go down to 1.5 mg and see what happens. I will wait about 10 days before I do that though. The brain needs some time to heal ya know?
>
> I was feeling like I wanted to die on Sunday night and Monday. It was that bad. Amazing what an improved nights sleep can do. I just didn't feed the anxiety and just let it pass without a fight. Today I just have a headache and some tight chest stuff, and of course the sponge brain. That is a little better though.
>
> Good luck everyone and keep at it. However, we all do what we must to feel better. From what I can tell some needed to go back on and that is ok. You have to please yourself.
>
> cheers
>
> johnnyj
Posted by cashy72 on May 8, 2006, at 4:48:49
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by musky on May 7, 2006, at 23:56:37
Hi there Musky, good for you on the reduction in the dose, keep at it. I really feel for Sandy, but you've got too realise there is light at the end of the tunnel, we'll all come through this pill thing. It's something you need too get straight in you mind, there will be bad days when coming off these meds, but it's just the human body adjusting itself and it takes a while too get back on track.
I'm 3 days into no remeron, and although the 1st night was tough, im just gonna tough-it out and get this stuff out of my body. I'd been on 15mg for 3 weeks, then 7.5 mg. I figured it was just prolonging the w/d symptoms too keep going lower and lower, so i quit cold turkey. Having plenty of water, and herbal teas, exercise at night, and so far so good...
Hang in y'all..
Cashy72.
Posted by johnnyj on May 8, 2006, at 9:28:19
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 7, 2006, at 23:46:36
Well I had a good 5 days and four nights. Last night I fell asleep on the floor. Woke up about a half hour later, no anxiety and then took my 3.75 dose and then went to lay down. Had this anxiety start up and had a hard time sleeping. I wonder if the med is causing my heart to speed up some? Kind of had a "hot" sensation in my chest this morning and am pretty zoned out today. Weird I can go for a good few days and then be beat back. Kind of demoralizing.
Musky, how do you cut the dose to 2 mg? Cutting to 3.75 is really hard. I feel I will talk with my doc today and see about going to zero or try to wean down by mixing the sol tab with water. I understood what you meant by the amount of time remeron remains in the body. No wonder withdrawal can last so long. take care
johnnyj
Posted by Marian29 on May 8, 2006, at 16:58:11
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by johnnyj on May 8, 2006, at 9:28:19
It sounds as if you're making progress, Johnhy! Don't give up, don't go back. I'd say the same thing to everyone trying to get off this drug--it's just prolonging the eventual agony.
I finally called the doctor and asked for a sleep aid--it's been almost a month since I've had a decent night's sleep. This is a combination of recovery from surgery and Remeron withdrawal. (It probably wasn't the wisest move to wean off Remeron while recovering from surgery, but...). He prescribed Lunesta--anyone try it? I've had Ambien in the past, but it either doesn't work at all or makes me really down the next day.
Musky, I think it was you who mentioned that the Remeron makes the liver function differently, and that's why you can't lose weight even with exercise (that's been my experience, for sure!). How long after getting all traces out of the body does the metabolism re-adjust? I can't wait to start shedding some of the pounds I've gained!
Good luck to everyone!
Posted by little mommy on May 8, 2006, at 17:35:47
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by Marian29 on May 8, 2006, at 16:58:11
Yes I have tried the 'Canadian' version of Lunesta. It worked well. When you look at the proper name of Lunesta you will see an 'es' in front of the name (starts with a z). The Candian version does not have the 'es' in front of the name. It sure made me sleep a whole night but I did end up feeling panic and anxiety when I did finally wake up. I did wake up with out the groggy head that some sleep aids can give you. It was a mixed blessing as I ended up starting back on remeron. I have since cut my dose to 3.75 (arond there) and will taper much more gradually. I am also doing a liver cleanse right now so that the naturopath can see what my body is missing. Of particular note, I am very low on seretonin even on the low doses of remeron and paxil. That is why I am doing the liver cleanse, to see why and what my body is doing. I will find out at the end of the month. I want to get off of both of the a/d.
Hope you get some sleep!
Little Mommy
Posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:08:35
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 8, 2006, at 4:48:49
> Thanks for the support Cashy... sounds like yu are off to a good start... remember that it seems to start the w/d after about 5days , since remeron has a long half life.. but it seems to me that you have a good attitude.
Good luck
keep us posted on your progressMusky
Hi there Musky, good for you on the reduction in the dose, keep at it. I really feel for Sandy, but you've got too realise there is light at the end of the tunnel, we'll all come through this pill thing. It's something you need too get straight in you mind, there will be bad days when coming off these meds, but it's just the human body adjusting itself and it takes a while too get back on track.
> I'm 3 days into no remeron, and although the 1st night was tough, im just gonna tough-it out and get this stuff out of my body. I'd been on 15mg for 3 weeks, then 7.5 mg. I figured it was just prolonging the w/d symptoms too keep going lower and lower, so i quit cold turkey. Having plenty of water, and herbal teas, exercise at night, and so far so good...
> Hang in y'all..
> Cashy72.
>
Posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:14:28
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by johnnyj on May 8, 2006, at 9:28:19
> hey johnny:
yes the 2mg.. lol I have tablets and then i just keep cutting the quarters into quarters of that. I have a pill cutter.. It ends up "approx 2mg" so i just say its 2mg for ease of conversation. I know its less than 3.75mg.. I dont know this sol tabs that you are on... maybe try dissolving it in juice or something then only drink 3/4 of the glass then 1/2 and so on.. My doc had given me this sol tab to try a long time ago, but i wanted to stay with the tablet form since that was what i was use to... so I recently "tossed" the sol tabs out! lol.
Good luck
Musky
Well I had a good 5 days and four nights. Last night I fell asleep on the floor. Woke up about a half hour later, no anxiety and then took my 3.75 dose and then went to lay down. Had this anxiety start up and had a hard time sleeping. I wonder if the med is causing my heart to speed up some? Kind of had a "hot" sensation in my chest this morning and am pretty zoned out today. Weird I can go for a good few days and then be beat back. Kind of demoralizing.
>
> Musky, how do you cut the dose to 2 mg? Cutting to 3.75 is really hard. I feel I will talk with my doc today and see about going to zero or try to wean down by mixing the sol tab with water. I understood what you meant by the amount of time remeron remains in the body. No wonder withdrawal can last so long. take care
>
> johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:22:37
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by Marian29 on May 8, 2006, at 16:58:11
>NOt sure marian about the bodys readjusting its metabolism after stopping the remeron.. I think it depends on how long you were on the drug.. for me it has been 3yrs(still in disbelief of this , but anyways...) so I expect at LEAST 6months before noticing wt loss again.. I have lost some since tapering and I noticed the wt decreased after I was on the next lower doses about 2-3months... then I would taper again and it would be another 2 months or so before i would loose some more wt... so there is hope... I just hope this last bit of wt isnt permanent!!!
Im still digging up more info on the mechanism of action of this drug... I will let you know what i find out..
I may do some more researching where I work(which so handily happens to be in a research lab> lol) I am around doctors and researchers all the time. ONe dr. i know is a blood specialist,,, maybe he can give me some info... hmmm I also know a couple of pharmacologists (they are people who study the action of the drug in the body), unlike a pharmacist who just knows about the drug itself not the Physiological aspects of it...
I will try to see what i can dig up!
Musky
It sounds as if you're making progress, Johnhy! Don't give up, don't go back. I'd say the same thing to everyone trying to get off this drug--it's just prolonging the eventual agony.
>
> I finally called the doctor and asked for a sleep aid--it's been almost a month since I've had a decent night's sleep. This is a combination of recovery from surgery and Remeron withdrawal. (It probably wasn't the wisest move to wean off Remeron while recovering from surgery, but...). He prescribed Lunesta--anyone try it? I've had Ambien in the past, but it either doesn't work at all or makes me really down the next day.
>
> Musky, I think it was you who mentioned that the Remeron makes the liver function differently, and that's why you can't lose weight even with exercise (that's been my experience, for sure!). How long after getting all traces out of the body does the metabolism re-adjust? I can't wait to start shedding some of the pounds I've gained!
>
> Good luck to everyone!
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