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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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!
Posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 4:47:31
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:08:35
Thanks Musky, im into the 4th day now remeron free, and feeling abit sh*tty! Like ive got a mild fever or something? maybe it is an actual flu bug, or maybe withdrawal? Still, i will just push through and keep drinkin plenty of water and stuff.!
How you doing anyway?
Cashy72.
Posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 9:25:47
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:22:37
Hi Musky,
I would love to know more about the drug. When I started remeron I had terrible anxiety. I have depression with anxiety and it was horrible when I first took the med. I am down to about 3.75 and the cut was two weeks ago. Well, I had a decent 5 days followed by 3 not so good with one panicky night. I then had 4 nights and 5 days of feeling much better. Then last Sunday I had the startle effect and yesterday was not good, today is better though but my chest is kind of full. Could this be withdrawal? My doc said probably not. However, when I went on the remeron I was not this panicky. I have some head stuff and nausea too. I wish I know more what to expect. Has anybody else had these symptoms when cutting a dose?
johnnyj
Posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 9:28:39
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 4:47:31
Hi,
How long where you on the 7.5 dose? Any head, chest fullness, or anxiety? How has your sleep been. I think it takes some time to get back on track. I hope I can stick it out.
johnnyj
Posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 10:47:18
In reply to Re: Finally » cashy72, posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 9:28:39
Hi Johnny, i was only on the 7.5mg for 7 days mate. I just decided rather than prolong the drawn out process of withdrawal i'd just kick it, and see it out. I've been feeling the full chest thing, anxiety at night time, and a difficulty in sleeping through the night without waking. It's tough, but i'm not going too waver and go back on the drugs. I've been 4 1/2 days off the remeron now, and am ok at work when im busy, it seems worse at nighttime, and in the morning, what about you?? Hope your feeling abit better. Hang in there mate.
Cashy72.
Posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 11:29:49
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 10:47:18
Same for me, worse at night and in the morning. Sleep is tough and anxiety has been pretty bad. I just don't buy my docs "it is just anixety" because I have the heavy chest and nausea too. I am considering the drop to zero, as I feel less depressed on nothing. It is just the anxiety and lack of sleep that is tough. I will wait a bit and see if this mellows then go to zero. The only thing I am concerned about is the withdrawal getting worse if I go to zero.
I know someone who took a med for 4 days and felt like hell for two weeks after stopping so this coiuld easily be withdrawal. Just so hard to remember that when a guy is feeling crappy. I don't feel too bad today just will keep busy and try to put it out of my mind. Some days are easier than others.
What was your original diagnosis? Mine, anxiety and depression. good luck
cheers
johnnyj
Posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 11:46:58
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 11:29:49
Hey Johnny, my original diagnosis was general depression and anxiety. It's difficult to try and think back 2 years, too remember how bad i was, but over the last 18 months i'm sure the anxiety, and panic attacks, have been worse, possibly due too the a/d's? Right now i just feel,and 100%, that i want too be drug free,so i have a clear mind on whats happening, and how im feeling. On the remeron it's just clouding and suppressing your thoughts, and the way your mind would normally operate.. it's weird isn't it?
I just want too be not takin anything, have a clear focused mind, and sort myself out naturaly, you know what i mean?
Hey, good luck with kicking your meds, keep us posted on how it's goin'... take it easy..
Cashy72.
Posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 14:16:44
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 11:46:58
I know what you mean because I feel the exact same way. I realized today that I feel more anixety and some depression today but at least my head is clearer and I'm not being a jerk. I felt irritable on remeron at highter doses and got angry eaiser. I have some stomach troubles but it seems that it is par for the course for remeron. If I can keep the anxiety reasonable I don't want to rely on meds too. Keep us posted too.
cheers
johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 10, 2006, at 1:20:24
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 4:47:31
Not too bad .... just countin the days til I quit altogether... 16days... Ive got a "survival pac" ready with all sorts of goodies (healthy ones.. NO MEDS , except for advil , tylenol in case I get flu like when stopping..) also im exercising and have all sorts of back up plans for anxiety /depression issues should they arrise.
I still have the restlessness (worse in the am) that I hope will go away once im drug free.
It doesnt surprise me that you are now getting some w/d symptoms... Remeron has a very long half life... the drug isnt completely out the body until 10 days.. then the body has to readjust its own neurotransmitters again... takes timeGood luck
MuskyThanks Musky, im into the 4th day now remeron free, and feeling abit sh*tty! Like ive got a mild fever or something? maybe it is an actual flu bug, or maybe withdrawal? Still, i will just push through and keep drinkin plenty of water and stuff.!
> How you doing anyway?
> Cashy72.
Posted by musky on May 10, 2006, at 1:29:28
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by johnnyj on May 9, 2006, at 9:25:47
>Hey johnny:
Yes that is EXACTLY been my experience on this drug.. more panicky and restless, I cant even stand still in the grocery line without have to tap a foot or march in place.. sounds ridiculous eh?? but yet this is so true... and totally embarrassing... I get tension in the head alot, but like i said in previous posts .. acupuncture has been curbing this.. I can just imagine what I would be like without my herbal relax and the acupuncture!! Anyways yes you sure can get w/d at the 3.75mg dose.. Those doctors all deny it.. but they dont TAKE IT so how the heck would they know???!!! Also my doc told me the same sh*t. that I shouldnt even notice the drug by now.. Thats totally false... according to what ive learnt that its inverse(homeopathic) effect. Even my acupuncturist has told me that the lower you go the more the body starts to notice that less andless of the drug is there and trys to create a "false " crisis to keep the drug in the system(ie,, yu keep taking the a/d)..
In any case hang in there.. it takes a LONG time to adjust.. For me I got the heavy head, nausea, etc EVERY time i would reduce.. also dizzy , irritabilty , etc.. then I would tell my acupuncturist and he would "smooth" things out.. I would get atreatment and noticed right away how i calmed down..
Gingerale is my Godsend for nausea...Good luck
Musky
Hi Musky,
>
> I would love to know more about the drug. When I started remeron I had terrible anxiety. I have depression with anxiety and it was horrible when I first took the med. I am down to about 3.75 and the cut was two weeks ago. Well, I had a decent 5 days followed by 3 not so good with one panicky night. I then had 4 nights and 5 days of feeling much better. Then last Sunday I had the startle effect and yesterday was not good, today is better though but my chest is kind of full. Could this be withdrawal? My doc said probably not. However, when I went on the remeron I was not this panicky. I have some head stuff and nausea too. I wish I know more what to expect. Has anybody else had these symptoms when cutting a dose?
>
> johnnyj
>
>
Posted by musky on May 10, 2006, at 1:36:56
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by cashy72 on May 9, 2006, at 11:46:58
> hey cashy.. me too,,, i want my normal thoughts pattern back again.. I want off the meds too. I was told i had depression/anxiety.. but guess what I had neck problems and coulndnt work for 2yrs !! of course i was depressed,,, that was normal.. As far as anxiety.. i was always a little high strung,, but thats my nature... and I managed my whole life without meds before..
I found all this anxiety got alot worse once i was on meds!! and also all other thoughts and feelings being supressed since taking remeron..
I dont believe it when docs say you get rebound anxiety... its WITHDRAWL!!! I guess we just all have to stick it out together on our battle through this!!Good luck
Musky
Hey Johnny, my original diagnosis was general depression and anxiety. It's difficult to try and think back 2 years, too remember how bad i was, but over the last 18 months i'm sure the anxiety, and panic attacks, have been worse, possibly due too the a/d's? Right now i just feel,and 100%, that i want too be drug free,so i have a clear mind on whats happening, and how im feeling. On the remeron it's just clouding and suppressing your thoughts, and the way your mind would normally operate.. it's weird isn't it?
> I just want too be not takin anything, have a clear focused mind, and sort myself out naturaly, you know what i mean?
> Hey, good luck with kicking your meds, keep us posted on how it's goin'... take it easy..
> Cashy72.
Posted by johnnyj on May 10, 2006, at 9:24:48
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by jules354 on May 3, 2006, at 19:22:02
HI Jules,
How long after cutting/quitting did things start to smooth out?
My wife said I snored last night but I woke up many times. Anxiety is better today but I feel "weird" today. Some depression, nausea, kind of shakey, sponge brain and kind of numb around the eyes. I also have this sensitivity with my ears and smell. More acute than normal. I had this on my benzo reduction too. It is hard to stay still. If I sit still and then move it feels kind like I'm dizzy or something. So hard to explain. On day 14 of my reduction and hope this abates some time soon. I just want to curl up and sleep for two weeks until my body adjusts but that can't happen unless I can have a coma induced! I am tired and fatigued. I just wonder how long until this smooths out? I hate to think this stuff has made me worse and permanently changed my body. I am hanging on but how long can I stand this withdrawal? Pray for me everyone.
johnnyj
Posted by jules354 on May 10, 2006, at 13:55:15
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » jules354, posted by johnnyj on May 10, 2006, at 9:24:48
hi johnnyj,
i think it was at least six weeks before i felt like the w/d symptoms were infrequent. i took my last does in mid-feb and since the end of april i've felt generally symptom-free. i've had some mood swings since then but i think they're stress related. i was originally on 90mg for 5 or 6 years and over the course of 2.5 years slowly tapered down to 15mg and then 7.5 mg for the last two weeks.
my philosophy is that remeron does profoundly affect your mind and body but that they're a little like a chemically treated river (i won't say polluted bcs i like what the remeron did for me, but maybe in your case you felt like your river was polluted): they'll gradually self-correct. my main methods to take care of myself have been lots of water, little caffeine and sugar, exercise and yoga, managing stress and diet, and leaning on my support network. the flu symptoms and insomnia and mood swings were the hardest to weather. and loss of appetite - which is nice b/c i've lost the remeron weight but also hard at times for obvious reasons.
so funny, i think like you i also had some sensitivity to sound and some dizziness, but i wasn't sure if it was w/d or stress (it's been a stressful spring!).
i hope things even out again for you - when are you planning your next reduction? is it going to be zero next time?
sorry for rambling!
take care,
jules
Posted by johnnyj on May 10, 2006, at 14:44:28
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on May 10, 2006, at 13:55:15
thanks for the reply
I am not sure about a reduction quite yet. I am not sure if I should stablize or just go to zero. It could help or make the w/d worse. Hard to tell because 7.5 just made me more depressed. But I don't want to prolong the w/d....doctor doesn't have a good idea either. They don't seem to know much about withdrawal. Almost act like it isn't that bad and are quick to say it is just your original condition. If so, why all of the other symptoms?
I guess I am not suprised by the 6 weeks for you. I had a month of depression after my last benzo dose and then boom, I felt better. This is a more potent med and hits so many receptors. Waiting it out is rough though. I have to watch the excercise since it kind of revs up my body and makes sleeping more difficult. I don't want to "overcharge" my system right now, just want to limit all types of stress. I am limiting excercise to yard work and walking. It is funny but today I was naseated but around lunch was so hungary.
Did you have ups and downs in anxiety and depression? That is what is confusing. Today, less anxiety but more depression. Go figure. Thanks again for the reply. I will do some progressive muscle relaxation tonight.
johnnyj
Posted by Marian29 on May 10, 2006, at 18:58:14
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by johnnyj on May 10, 2006, at 14:44:28
I know what you mean--the increased sensitivity to noise is astounding! I can't stand being out of the house these days--every bit of stimulus feels like stress. I had to go to the pharmacy, and they were playing soft rock on the radio, which I could FEEL through every pore. I hope this phase passes soon!
About not sleeping, johnny--are you trying to go completely med free? I finally caved and asked for and got some Lunesta, which I'll take only for a month. The lack of sleep was driving me insane. Maybe a short term of something like that would help you, too?
I've been Remeron free for 3 weeks, I think. The mood is ok, but the sleeplessness is impossible. Also very little appetite, which is fine with me at this point.
Hope everyone continues to heal!
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