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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by yarn23 on March 18, 2006, at 8:52:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 16, 2006, at 13:03:14
Hey folks. I’m really glad to find this thread. I had no idea others were having so much trouble getting off Remeron.
I’ve been on it for about 5 years (60mg). When I was 18 I was feeling depressed and asked for help. I ended up with wicked medication and multiple hospital stays. Eventually I calmed down with the Remeron. It put me to sleep and I liked the sedated feelings. And over 5 years you just get used to it.
I’ve felt for a while now that pills were not the right way for me to get well in the first place. And now that I have no insurance I’ve got a big incentive to get off finally.
I cut down from 60mg to 30mg for about a week. Then 30mg to 15mg for about 3 months...These reduced amounts were basically to stretch my rx, I still wasn't sure Id go off for good. Anyway, I had no problems with these reductions.
For the past 2 weeks I’ve been at zero. Went from 15mg to 0mg. If I had read this earlier I likely would had gone to at least 7.5mg before I quit. But I felt ok the first week. I wasn’t sleeping as much, but I felt a little more lucid, and I liked that. I’m surprised I could even go to sleep. (I tried about 6 months ago to go off, but couldn't make it, the sleeplessness drove me mad.)
This past week has been rough though. I’ve got a the depressive things going on (angry, anxious, twisting my jaw, scary thoughts, etc.) I have confidence that my state of mind will improve with time and as my life improves, though. What is bugging me like mad, and has got to go way is this wretched itching. My body itches all over. Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks for sharing yall. I hope my bit is not too scatterbrained for your reading. -yarn
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 18, 2006, at 13:56:40
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 15, 2006, at 13:30:17
Anxiety and depression creeping back up really bad, went back to .5mg klonopin this a.m. Can't believe Remeron can be so powerful. Really nauseated,but, my daughter had stomach upset yesterday too, don't know if its the Remeron on the bug. Anyhow, just wanted to throw this out there, please pray for me, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 22:45:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 17, 2006, at 17:24:34
me too pinkee
I am just trying to figure out this message board
let me know if it gets to you ok?I understand that you are trying to get off remeron. just remember one drug is just replacing another... then you will have to get off the klonopin.. etc.
I dont know how you feel, but what has been working for me is acupuncture.. since I have been doing this I havent had any anxiety meds... none for almost 2yrs.. I just made up my mind to do it. I realize that the best way to overcome anxiety is to face it head on! yep head on.. like if you take say ativan or something else to combat anxiety then lyou never really feel the anxiety, right? the pills calm u down til the next time.. I know this doesnt really sound inviting, but I have been also going to cognitive therapy and it taught me that you really want to feel anxious so that you will fight all the harder to overcome it... but hey whatever works for you. but if you truly want to be free of meds. then look into acupunture. It has really , really helped me... and I am able to so far come off the remeron(slow taper) without too much side effects that take over. I think that I would be alot worse off without the acupuncture..Good luck and keep me posted, Sorry for rambling,, just want to help
musky
Posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 22:54:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 18, 2006, at 13:56:40
> Hang in there pinkee!!!
Are you still taking ANY remeron?? it could be the withdrawl as well as drug to drug interaction.
Like i say whatever way you can manage,, doit but again I stay firm on trying to overcome anxiety without meds... try to stay strong in your mind.
I do alot of distraction techniques too that help me if i get bad..
like listen tou your fav. music, or take a hot bath, or read a good book, eat a fav. food, go for exercise, challenge your mind (with something that takes full concentration), if possible. ANYTHING to distract u from thinking or sprialling into the anxiety /depression.
hope this helps!!
and ya, believe it.... Remeron is a VERY powerful drug,,, the docs dont warn you though(figures). It is a dual action drug , unlike other antidepressants which only mess with the serotonin, Remeron affects BOTH serontonin and norepinephrine(which is the oppposite of serotonin, basically). therefore I can see why there is much more side effects, and withdrawl hell...
God 'Bless.. p.s. Try gingerale to offset the nausea,, worked wonders for me when I first started to wean...
muskyAnxiety and depression creeping back up really bad, went back to .5mg klonopin this a.m. Can't believe Remeron can be so powerful. Really nauseated,but, my daughter had stomach upset yesterday too, don't know if its the Remeron on the bug. Anyhow, just wanted to throw this out there, please pray for me, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 23:10:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 18, 2006, at 8:52:51
>
Hey Yarn:yep, I too got itchy, dry skin... and never had this before,,,(itchy scalp and rash around my eyes)I noticed this started happening when I got to to lower doses. I am currently on about 2mg( as small as my pill cutter allows! lol)
I have been trying to taper / get off for almost 2yrs now.been on 2mg for almost 2months,, staying here for another 2months..also I have seen other postings where people have not started the worst until completely off and within 5 days of stopping.. sheesh.. I am kinda getting concerned as I have been not too bad (thanks to acupuncture) with keeping myself relatively sane coming off so far.. Im sure it would be worse if it wasnt for my acupuncturist.. I too had freaky thoughts, etc, etc. and scared myself.. I hope this stuff doesnt reallly get bad when I completely stop , which if all goes ok,,, in 2months.. cause thats when my rx runs out and I AINT renewing it.
My acupuncturist is waiting in the wings for me when I get to the next stage... he said he will be available for me 24/7 if need be!!! Now theres a caring dr.!!! more than what I can say for the psychiatrists (not all), who just pill you up again if you start to spiral...
I cant believe yu have been on 60mg!!!!! I thought 45mg was the max! crazyness... and I am just a small framed and found out the dose the dr. was giving me is what they rx to a 200lb man.. no wonder I had horrific side effects when i was on this dose!!!Well good luck, keep going... Im told it does pass
Musky
Hey folks. I’m really glad to find this thread. I had no idea others were having so much trouble getting off Remeron.
>
> I’ve been on it for about 5 years (60mg). When I was 18 I was feeling depressed and asked for help. I ended up with wicked medication and multiple hospital stays. Eventually I calmed down with the Remeron. It put me to sleep and I liked the sedated feelings. And over 5 years you just get used to it.
>
> I’ve felt for a while now that pills were not the right way for me to get well in the first place. And now that I have no insurance I’ve got a big incentive to get off finally.
>
> I cut down from 60mg to 30mg for about a week. Then 30mg to 15mg for about 3 months...These reduced amounts were basically to stretch my rx, I still wasn't sure Id go off for good. Anyway, I had no problems with these reductions.
>
> For the past 2 weeks I’ve been at zero. Went from 15mg to 0mg. If I had read this earlier I likely would had gone to at least 7.5mg before I quit. But I felt ok the first week. I wasn’t sleeping as much, but I felt a little more lucid, and I liked that. I’m surprised I could even go to sleep. (I tried about 6 months ago to go off, but couldn't make it, the sleeplessness drove me mad.)
>
> This past week has been rough though. I’ve got a the depressive things going on (angry, anxious, twisting my jaw, scary thoughts, etc.) I have confidence that my state of mind will improve with time and as my life improves, though. What is bugging me like mad, and has got to go way is this wretched itching. My body itches all over. Anyone else have this problem?
>
> Thanks for sharing yall. I hope my bit is not too scatterbrained for your reading. -yarn
>
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 19, 2006, at 11:08:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 18, 2006, at 23:10:36
I'm such a mess again. Extreme anxiety and weepiness, scarey thoughts. Worse part for me is I can't stop my mind from racing, think it's part of the rebound anxiety. I'm thinking I'll have to go back to 7.5mg Remeron until the Lexapro takes full effect. I've been off of the Remeron completely for about 4 days, it's got to be whats making me so crazy, plz continue to pray for me, and post back soon, thx, pinkeetoz
Posted by yarn23 on March 19, 2006, at 21:52:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 19, 2006, at 11:08:38
Hey, pinkeetoz. Remember that anxiety and bad thoughs can't harm you. Try not to be afraid of them becasue they always pass. Don't give up if you want off. Wean slower if you have to, but don't give up.
Posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:11:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 19, 2006, at 11:08:38
>Hey pinkee:
Sorry to hear that... thats the problem though with this.. as soon as we get witdrawls we tend to get scared and then you go back.. Did you go from 7.5mg to nothing? Because for me I tapered from 7.5mg to 3.75, to 2mg... and I stayed on EACH dose for about 2-3months if you can believe it... so far Im hangin in... maybe try this method and see how you feel and then maybe you wont need the lexapro either.. Be strong ok?? Fight for it!!musky
I'm such a mess again. Extreme anxiety and weepiness, scarey thoughts. Worse part for me is I can't stop my mind from racing, think it's part of the rebound anxiety. I'm thinking I'll have to go back to 7.5mg Remeron until the Lexapro takes full effect. I've been off of the Remeron completely for about 4 days, it's got to be whats making me so crazy, plz continue to pray for me, and post back soon, thx, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:14:53
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 19, 2006, at 21:52:41
> yes I agree with u yarn! dont give up and yes I also learnt that thoughts cannot harm yu if u REFUSE to act on them. and its true, when I would get them they all have passed. I know at the time it seems that they wont but then they do..
And thats a good way to put it too, if you want off the meds you have to keep going.
Hey, pinkeetoz. Remember that anxiety and bad thoughs can't harm you. Try not to be afraid of them becasue they always pass. Don't give up if you want off. Wean slower if you have to, but don't give up.
Posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:22:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 19, 2006, at 23:11:42
just a quick note to all who are are trying to get off remeron.. when i was at my acupuncturist and was quite scared to try to wean off in fear of a relapse,, he just said this.. He said that "you have more chance of crashing if yu stay on the antidepressant than if you come off it" and you know what I believe him
I am now starting to psyche myself up for what is yet to come as I hear it can get the worst once you are completely off. I am trying to get it timed so that my first week off will fall within the long weekend(lol) so Im not at work as much..
but I will cross that bridge when i get to it.
The countdown begins for me in 2months.. thats when my rx runs out... and I finish my last little "bit" of 2mg dosage of Remeronhmmm... I think they should rename the drug RemerWRONG... meaning its totally wrong!!! haahah
]
Hang in allMusky
Posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 10:16:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 19, 2006, at 11:08:38
Hang in there pinkeetoz. I'm sorry to hear things are so tough. did you decide to go back on the Remeron till the Lexapro kicks in? I'll keep you in my thoughts, jules
Posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 21:58:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by yarn23 on March 18, 2006, at 8:52:51
Yes, on the itching. It's maddening! My scalp especially was horribly itchy in the beginning. Seems to be up and down now. I've been drinking tons of water, cutting down on my dairy intake (it exacerbates skin irritation) and using mild soap and lotions. I hope it gets better for you too -jules
Posted by musky on March 20, 2006, at 23:00:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » yarn23, posted by jules354 on March 20, 2006, at 21:58:41
>
I too got the itchy scalp.. and before that I have had this stupid rash under the eyes.. finally got that under control with cortisone cream.. lately its been better since ive been on the lower dose of remeron.. even the scalp itchy has improved a fair amount... I think its the drug getting out of the system.. Im told its all part of detox.
Good luck
muskyYes, on the itching. It's maddening! My scalp especially was horribly itchy in the beginning. Seems to be up and down now. I've been drinking tons of water, cutting down on my dairy intake (it exacerbates skin irritation) and using mild soap and lotions. I hope it gets better for you too -jules
Posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 20, 2006, at 23:00:36
Hey everyone. Just wanted to say I've had a really tough several days. Very down on myself and what I'm doing, feel totally incompetent at work, convinced everyone hates me, feel ugly. In my head I know these depressed feelings will pass, but it's hard to remember sometimes. I hope it's just the withdrawal...I'm on week 3 of being totally off the Remeron. sigh... -jules
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
Hey guys, just wanted to drop in and let you know that I haven't given in to the Remeron. Anxiety is still pretty rough, depression off and on, still feel like isolating myself. I function only when it's absolutely necessary. Did notice that when I drink anything with caffine it tends to get worse, will post later, let me know how you guys are, pinkeetoz
Posted by johnnyj on March 22, 2006, at 17:42:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
Hi all. Hang in there the remeron withdrawal can be so rough. I am stable at 7.5 mg but I am not myself on this med. I am sort of numb to a lot of things and weepy at others. I know this are fleeting moments and not me so I just tolerate them.
I will start to wean off the 7.5 mg in a little over 4 weeks. I will go very slow and I know there will be big ups and downs but I will fight through it.
Just remember you are not the depression or anxiety. It is just a one moment in your life and there will be better days too.
Johnnyj
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:15:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
> Hey Jules:
Hang in there... From what I have researched ,, it takes time.. months sometimes.. not to sound discouraging , but some people i know have not felt right for almost a year or longer.. but hey even then there's hope... Good for you for coming off... I am psyching myself up too for when I plan to quit.. im on the lowest right now(about 2mg) that i can manage... so far managing.. its been almost 2months at this dose..
Remember it took weeks or even months for the antidepressant to get into and CHANGE your system ,, just remember it will take that much time to get it back... Try to stay positive and keep working!!!! its good therapy... and IGNORE the negative self talk...Good luck
Keep us posted
Musky
Hey everyone. Just wanted to say I've had a really tough several days. Very down on myself and what I'm doing, feel totally incompetent at work, convinced everyone hates me, feel ugly. In my head I know these depressed feelings will pass, but it's hard to remember sometimes. I hope it's just the withdrawal...I'm on week 3 of being totally off the Remeron. sigh... -jules
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:19:43
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 22, 2006, at 16:56:59
>
GOOD on ya pinkeetoz!!! Dont go back on it!!!Keep going.. I was kinda wondering where you got to, after the last post you sounded in dire straits... and ya avoid as much caffeine as you can during this period... it contributes to anxiety... Try to exercise... and DONT isolate yourself... I was isolating too , and it just makes things worse...
Hang in there
muskyHey guys, just wanted to drop in and let you know that I haven't given in to the Remeron. Anxiety is still pretty rough, depression off and on, still feel like isolating myself. I function only when it's absolutely necessary. Did notice that when I drink anything with caffine it tends to get worse, will post later, let me know how you guys are, pinkeetoz
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:26:50
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by johnnyj on March 22, 2006, at 17:42:41
>Hey Johnny:
I can relate to your stuff too, I have never felt good on Remeron Either... numbed out... cant even have the feeling of looking forward to things... remeron has made me worse and also gave me frightening fantasies... I am now on about 2mg( I use a pill cutter).
And you are very right to go very very slow taper...I stayed on 7.5mg for about 2months , then went to 3.75 for another 2months,,, now i am at the 2mg.. I plan to be on this for another 6weeks , then I too will be OFF. Im seeing from other posts that the worst may come after the first week off.. makes sense, Remeron has a long half life... and everyones system metabolizes at diff rates... Good luck and keep goingHi all. Hang in there the remeron withdrawal can be so rough. I am stable at 7.5 mg but I am not myself on this med. I am sort of numb to a lot of things and weepy at others. I know this are fleeting moments and not me so I just tolerate them.
>
> I will start to wean off the 7.5 mg in a little over 4 weeks. I will go very slow and I know there will be big ups and downs but I will fight through it.
>
> Just remember you are not the depression or anxiety. It is just a one moment in your life and there will be better days too.
>
> Johnnyj
Posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:36:22
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on March 23, 2006, at 0:26:50
Hey all:
Just some more info:
I have been seeing an acupuncturist for helping me through this.. and I will go more often if need be when I am completely off
If anyone wants to try it I suggest go to the chinese ones.. they are the pros.Also a detox after stopping as well is supposed to help get it out faster
I would rather do all this than ever take another anxiety med again!
Good luck to everyone weaning or thinking about it.
Sorry im posting so much lately,, but I am just sick of hearing so many people stuck on these a/d.
Its such a raquet..
hopefully we all can stay strong for one another to get through and get our own bodies back..and minds!!!
Musky
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 23, 2006, at 16:48:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 9, 2006, at 13:58:17
P.S.: I'm still taking 15mg of Lexapro and .5mg of klonopin in am and at bedtime, I can't go without anything at all right now, too much going on, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 11:25:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 23, 2006, at 16:48:15
Still no Remeron! Doc upped my Lexapro to 20mg. He said we will start weaning from klonopin soon. Taking .5mg in a.m. and .5mg in pm. Have a great weekend guys, pinkeetoz
Posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 15:33:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 22, 2006, at 11:22:51
Jules, are you still around? How are you? pinkeetoz
Posted by jules354 on March 25, 2006, at 19:53:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by pinkeetoz on March 25, 2006, at 15:33:39
hey everyone, thanks for checking in and for the updates. continue to hang in there...
i'm still up & down. my new pdoc (changed insurance) is very nice, but doesn't really seem aware of the possibility that this will be a long w/drawal, just suggests i go back on a baby dose or stick it out. i'm taking your advice and believing it could be a long time before all the chemicals are out of my brain. i'm sleeping more and having a hard time getting myself to exercise and have lost some appetite. i'm going to go back and see the bodyworker and try some acupuncture, too, i think. for those of you who've used it (musky and pinkeetoz i think?) did you have to do much explaining to the acupuncturist or did you think they pretty much knew how to handle your withdrawal?
ok, take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend as much as you can!
-jules
Posted by johnnyj on March 26, 2006, at 11:06:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jules354 on March 25, 2006, at 19:53:24
Are you completely off righ now? If yes, how many days since the last dose?
I would think that it is something that just has to be endured. If you are sleeping better that is very good. I am still on 7.5 and slept 9 hours last night but my head is so heavy today it makes me feel depressed and anxious. A few more weeks and I start my reduction. I dread the withdrawal but I just can't see myself staying on this med. It is just no way to live.
I see a acupunturist in April to discuss my case. Do you think it has helped your withdrawal? How often do you have treatments? My insurance does not cover it so I may not be able to continue but I want to give it a try though.
Take it day by day and good luck to all of you trying to beat the remeron beast.
johnnyj
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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