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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 464 to 488 of 488. Go back in thread:
Posted by HLR on February 13, 2009, at 21:28:03
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on February 13, 2009, at 6:34:04
She has no problem sleeping once she falls asleep and she is off the wellbutren.
Posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 10:12:47
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by HLR on February 13, 2009, at 21:28:03
Hi so I decreased my Remeron by 5% only last nite and I am feeling the jitters today. Does it make more sense to just "rip the bandaid" and go down by an 1/8 (33%in this case) and suffer since going down by 5% makes me jumpy anyway? It seems like going slower just makes this brutal process last longer!
Posted by 49er on February 23, 2009, at 17:51:55
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 10:12:47
> Hi so I decreased my Remeron by 5% only last nite and I am feeling the jitters today. Does it make more sense to just "rip the bandaid" and go down by an 1/8 (33%in this case) and suffer since going down by 5% makes me jumpy anyway? It seems like going slower just makes this brutal process last longer!
Anita Dean,
As one who ended my Remeron taper in January and did it slowly, do not speed it up unless you want to have more problems.
Even though I suffered severe insomnia, it would have been a million times worse if I had gone faster.
Anyway, symptoms usually last about a week to two weeks and then you should start feeling better. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Good luck.
49er
Posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 18:52:57
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » AnitaDean, posted by 49er on February 23, 2009, at 17:51:55
Ok so if I go down 5% every 2 weeks which is my plan for now then I am not off until like 6 months! I want to be off WAY before that. And then if the symptoms last 2 weeks then that means I get no breaks right? B/c at the beginning of every 2nd week I have to go down again! HELP!
Posted by 49er on February 23, 2009, at 19:16:56
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 18:52:57
> Ok so if I go down 5% every 2 weeks which is my plan for now then I am not off until like 6 months! I want to be off WAY before that. And then if the symptoms last 2 weeks then that means I get no breaks right? B/c at the beginning of every 2nd week I have to go down again! HELP!
Or you can taper every 4 weeks and have a two week reprieve.
Look, I understand your wish to get off the stuff. But if you taper too quickly, your problems will last alot longer than if you go slowly.
Forget the schedule and listen to your body.
49er
PS - You might want to read posts on the Paxil Progress Boards of people who wish they had heeded the advice to taper slowly
Posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 20:07:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 18:52:57
Ok but isn't it ridiculous that i am having symptoms after going down only 5%? I mean I thought the whole point of going that slow was to NOT have symptoms!?? I am super sensitive, though. Also the jitters really only lasted 2 hours vs. like all day the last time I went down (25%). Also I have an acupuncturist and kineseologist who help me during this time. I wish I knew about this crap before I went on it!
Posted by SLS on February 23, 2009, at 20:46:56
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on February 23, 2009, at 20:07:27
How many times a day are you taking the Remeron?
What times?
What time do you feel anxiety or jittery?
- Scott
Posted by 1winnie1 on March 6, 2009, at 16:46:57
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » AnitaDean, posted by SLS on February 23, 2009, at 20:46:56
Hi everyone. I'm sorry for all your pain, I can completely relate to what's going on. I have been on 45mgs of Remeron for 10 months and 5mgs of Abilify for 6 months. I slowly weaned off of the abilify, which was prescribed to potentiate the Remeron, over 33 days and then went to town on the Remeron weaning. I think it was a big mistake because after cutting the dose from 45 to 30 to 22.5 over just seven days I started having awful withdrawal;. Super anxiety, increased depression, insomnia, crying etc.. just pure hell. I now have gone back to my full dose of 45 and things are ever so slightly better and I'm hoping I can get back to "normal". Things weren't very good on the drugs but off of them they're much worse! I'm going to see a new Psychiatrist tomorrow as my old one quit on me cold turkey saying, "there's nothing else I can do for you" when I asked him for a change in medication. Can you believe that?! So much for the Hippocratic Oath. Anybody with more info or stories please post and keep this thread going. Remeron withdrawal is REAL!! God bless you all and I hope you come through it for the better.
Regards,Mike
Posted by anitadean on March 6, 2009, at 17:40:53
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » AnitaDean, posted by 49er on February 23, 2009, at 17:51:55
So can you tell me how YOU did YOUR taper? And are you totally off now?
Thanks!
Anita
Posted by 1winnie1 on March 7, 2009, at 19:22:02
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on March 6, 2009, at 17:40:53
Posted by 1winnie1 on March 7, 2009, at 19:34:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? (nm) » anitadean, posted by 1winnie1 on March 7, 2009, at 19:22:02
No I'm actually back to my 45mg dose in hopes of righting myself.I will try to wean myself off more slowly this time, perhaps 10% less each time,with weeks of adjustment for each increment, rather than the,33% that I tried, with only days of adjustment in between, and which has made me an absolute basket case. Regardless I'm going to wait a while before I attempt it because my new Psychiatrist added 5mgs of Paxil and we're going to wait and see how I react to it. I guess it's one slow step at a time.My best advice is try to find a sympathetic Doctor to guide you through this. I hope this helps and good luck.
Mike
Posted by anitadean on March 7, 2009, at 22:20:30
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by 1winnie1 on March 7, 2009, at 19:34:00
Actually that question was for "49er". Sorry to be confusing, but I was replying to the fact that he/she has been off the Remeron since January. The posting was from 2/23/09.
Thx
Posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 7:06:05
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on March 7, 2009, at 22:20:30
> Actually that question was for "49er". Sorry to be confusing, but I was replying to the fact that he/she has been off the Remeron since January. The posting was from 2/23/09.
> ThxHi Anita Dean,
Did I answer your question? I was trying to figure out if I had and my brain isn't cooperating:))
49er
Posted by anitadean on March 8, 2009, at 10:59:01
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » anitadean, posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 7:06:05
No you didn't! Was wondering how you got off the Remeron (you said in January ) like how slow your taper was. And if you are totally off and how you feel now?
Posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 15:09:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on March 8, 2009, at 10:59:01
> No you didn't! Was wondering how you got off the Remeron (you said in January ) like how slow your taper was. And if you are totally off and how you feel now?
Sorry about that
Regarding Remeron, I tapered it at 10% of the current dose about every 4 weeks until I got down to 5mg. Then I tapered at 5% of the current dose.
A few times, I screwed up the dosage and accidentally tapered too quickly. Fortunately, it didn't happen to many times.
I am completely off of it and still have Doxepin to taper. Since I am going to taper it at the 5% rate, I won't be completely off until sometime next year.
I am feeling great right now when I don't have withdrawal symptoms, which this time, lasted about a week. I have found this product, BioSuperFood that has completely eliminated my insomnia other than when I made a med reduction. Then the insomnia lasted 3 days before abating.
http://www.optimumchoices.com/shop.htm
The theory is that it provides a million nutrients to wake up your body and cause it to self repair. Of course, I was very skeptical and who knows how much is true or not. But it is working for me.
I also take fish oil capsules but nothing else other than this product. I think all the supplements I was taking also might have contributed to the insomnia. Hard to say.
The only downside is the tinnitus is still there which is probably due to the Doxepin. And of course, the hearing loss I got from the Remeron hasn't gone away. Initially, I thought it was improving but now I am not sure.
Still, compared to alot of people, I know I am very lucky and doing well.
Hope this helps.
49er
Posted by anitadean on March 8, 2009, at 15:43:20
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 15:09:39
You got HEARING loss from Remeron? My ears are constantly popping is that b/c of Remeron? Is the hearing loss permanent? Tell me it isn't true!
Posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 18:09:31
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on March 8, 2009, at 15:43:20
> You got HEARING loss from Remeron? My ears are constantly popping is that b/c of Remeron? Is the hearing loss permanent? Tell me it isn't true!
Hi Anita,
I don't mean to upset you but I wanted to be truthful about what the product does and doesn't do. I also think people need to know what these drugs can do.
I feel the hearing loss is permanent. However, I think it has improved somewhat although I notice when I am in noisy environments, I really struggle to hear people.
Once I am off of Doxepin which will be sometime next year, I intend to get my hearing rechecked and see exactly what I am dealing with.
As far as your ears popping being due to Remeron, I don't know. I will say that when I was on the drug, I constantly had to get waxed removed from my ears because it got to a point where I couldn't clear them. Since I started tapering Remeron, that hasn't been necessary.
You might want to do a google search. If I see anything, I will let you know.
I am sorry you are dealing with that.
49er
Posted by anitadean on March 8, 2009, at 18:11:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » anitadean, posted by 49er on March 8, 2009, at 18:09:31
Hi thanks. It's actually not so bad, I mean I haven't lost my hearing or anything!
Can you or anyone recommend a RELIABLE digital scale? I got one on ebay and it just goes all over the place. I know they are sensitive but I never or rarely feel like i get an accurate read and it takes me like an hour at least to measure out a weeks worth of dose. HELP!
Posted by anitadean on April 22, 2009, at 20:43:07
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
Hi all
I just wanted to let you all know that my kineseologist did something to me that made coming off of Remeron a snap! I just went down from 4mg to 2 mg on Sunday (after having gone down .5mg 2 weeks ago) and so far only minor insomnia is my issue. It's unbelievable! SO different from before. If you live in the Bay Area I would be happy to give you his info. I think I will be fully off by June!
Posted by Maritza on April 22, 2009, at 22:36:29
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on April 22, 2009, at 20:43:07
What did he do??? Please, fill me in. I live in NJ. I'm not sure how to find a Kinesiologist. Do you have any anxiety? Did you have anxiety when you tried to wean down before?
Thanks.
Posted by mutsy83 on April 23, 2009, at 4:17:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on April 22, 2009, at 20:43:07
> Hi all
> I just wanted to let you all know that my kineseologist did something to me that made coming off of Remeron a snap! I just went down from 4mg to 2 mg on Sunday (after having gone down .5mg 2 weeks ago) and so far only minor insomnia is my issue. It's unbelievable! SO different from before. If you live in the Bay Area I would be happy to give you his info. I think I will be fully off by June!I live in the Bay Area and am right in the middle of my process of going off this medication. I would really appreciate more information about what/who worked for you, but I don't see a link to contact you. Thank you!
Posted by anitadean on April 23, 2009, at 9:57:52
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on April 22, 2009, at 22:36:29
For those of you who are interested and in the Bay Area, my kines. name is Brian Esty and his email is bkesty@gmail.com which he said is ok to post. If you don't live around here, maybe email him anyway to find a kines. in your area. He charges $80/person and I will say he does more than kineseology and is excellent. He "balances" you so that the stress of the Remeron or whatever it is that is stressing your body will be reduced or eliminated. It's amazing! I have been going to him since July and I can't tell you enough great things about him!
Posted by Anxiety123 on April 23, 2009, at 15:23:18
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on April 23, 2009, at 9:57:52
Guess I am a little confused anitadean. You say you have been going to him since June and he is helping you so much, I just read some posts from you posted earlier this year. If you have been seeing him since June, why is he just now helping you? Are you using supplements?
Posted by anitadean on April 28, 2009, at 10:53:32
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
Hi all
So I have one week left on the Remeron. I hav to say the insomnia is actually getting MUCH worse and is really starting to affect me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I take Lunesta but have been trying to take as little as possible. I can't even nap during the day to make up for lost sleep!
Does this eventually subside? IF so how long does it last?
Thx
Posted by Tony P on May 13, 2009, at 0:36:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anitadean on April 28, 2009, at 10:53:32
Wow! I had no idea I was potentially letting myself in for this much trouble going cold-turkey off Remeron! Neither, evidently, did my pdoc.
I decided I needed to get off Remeron because I was sleeping up to 36 hrs at a time & had gained about 40 lb. My new pdoc agreed, and said to cut the 30 mg in half. No problem, so after about 3-4 weeks I gave him a call & asked if I could drop it altogether; he said to go ahead. So I went cold turkey from 15 mg (with occasional missed doses) to 0. About the only withdrawal effect I noticed was apophenia, a tendency to hallucinate faint voices or music (like a radio going in the next rooom), especially in a noisy environment, such as an air filter going full blast. I'd experienced that before so it didn't really bother me.
The other symptom I have right now is a coarse tremor, mostly intention tremor, but also resting, especially if I'm holding up something like a book or the phone receiver. Has anyone else had that?
The tremor could also be due to lamotrigine, which I started at the same time I began decreasing the Remeron. I've been on 200 mg a day for 4 weeks now.
** Re insomnia, I discovered (thanks to Wikipedia) a "new" (actually very old) remedy. Cyproheptadine is a old antihistamine; it makes me even sleepier than diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is what most off-the-shelf sleeping piills are nowadays. It also seems to give a more natural sleep, and (by reputation) doesn't poop out as quickly. It's OTC (behind the counter) where I live, in BC.
*** Caution *** it can reduce Serotonin levels, so if you're on an SSRI, consult your pdoc; you might have to up your SSRI dose. I'm on Cymbalta, which is an SNRI with emphasis on the "N", and I haven't noticed anything but an improvement in my mood.
I found 1 - 4 mg tab made me moderately sleepy, 2 tabs made me very sleepy with a slight hangover, while 3 tabs gave me heck of a hangover and all the signs of anticholinergic overload, i.e. flushed face, wide staring eyes, etc. So it's a med to be used with caution.
Tony P
> Hi all
> So I have one week left on the Remeron. I hav to say the insomnia is actually getting MUCH worse and is really starting to affect me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I take Lunesta but have been trying to take as little as possible. I can't even nap during the day to make up for lost sleep!
> Does this eventually subside? IF so how long does it last?
> Thx
>
This is the end of the thread.
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