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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by musky on May 15, 2006, at 0:01:19
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » Marian29, posted by johnnyj on May 14, 2006, at 19:44:16
>
johnny... Ya now that you mentioned it.. I too have noticed that remeron at lower doses has halted my appetite.. also I noticed that ever since i have been on it.. i have craved sweets like never before and at the beginning of taking the remeron I ate and ate all kinds of junk and lost my appetite gradually as they kept increasing the dose. Except for the sugar craving and chocolate I havent enjoyed the taste of food nor have i really gotten that "true" healthy hunger I use to..
This cant be healthy... I have forced myself to eat healthier than i ever have.. and still dont enjoy or taste much... NEVER had this problem before...
Again its the drug .. messing with appetite stimulus...
I'll be so glad to eat normal again and actually enjoy my food and feel that natural hunger ... its been so long.take care
musky
Keep the faith Marian:
>
> I have had two good days now but had some anxiety this afternoon. It is sure up and down with the drug. The funny thing is I was almost about to cave last week but stuck it out.
>
> Two things I have experienced since lowering my dose. 1) My appetite waned a bit but I found myself enjoying food better than when I was on the higher doses. The remeron made me crave things I normally would not eat and I really didn't enojoy them. So, my taste seems more natural now and I "sense" or taste other foods now. 2) I need to rest and not do any hard excercise. It just gets my heart going too long and my head feels weird. My whole body seems to feel like it has been running fast and just needs to slow down and heal. So, for me just doing light yard work/garden stuff and walking is all I plan to do. However, just do what you feel you need, no advice here just my thoughts.
>
> Just let the anxiety pass and realize that if you can handle remeron withdrawal you can handle day to day anxiety.
>
> BEAT the REMERON.
>
> Cheers all
>
> johnnyj
Posted by jules354 on May 15, 2006, at 12:40:57
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by Marian29 on May 14, 2006, at 19:15:54
Marian29, so sorry to hear you're having a hard time. have you tried a different kind of exercise, like yoga or pilates, less high impact, not as easy to punish yourself if you cant do it for too long? or even walking.
i had a lot of weakness and low mood after discontinuing too, and it was so hard not to feel bad about myself. also with the loss of appetite don't forget to eat good food to nourish yourself, even if you dont have the craving for it...this might help lift the depression a bit too.
take care,
jules
Posted by jules354 on May 15, 2006, at 12:44:41
In reply to Remeron sexual side effects., posted by johnnyj on May 14, 2006, at 19:47:26
it really hurt my drive too when i was on it. when i went off my interest in sex really spiked just for a few days then disappeared, now feels like it's back to more 'normal.' altho after so many years on ADs it's hard to remember what it might have been like pre-depression...suffice to say i'm pretty happy with where my sex drive is now, and like a lot of things it took about 6+ wks to stabilize after i discontinued.
take care,
jules
Posted by johnnyj on May 15, 2006, at 13:10:34
In reply to Re: Remeron sexual side effects., posted by jules354 on May 15, 2006, at 12:44:41
Wow, so many of us have the same exact issues. And my doctor didn't believe I had this increase in libido when I was off for those 10 days last fall. I told her that it seems I am so interested in the opposite sex it kind of started bugging me. I know most people would think that is a good thing but not when it dominates one's thoughts. Now, I realize it is just another side effect that will normalize. They wondered if I was manic but I never was diagnosed manic before. Nothing like prescribing something you don't know anything about...
I feel ok today, just a little anxiety and kind of weak. I can't wait until I drop it to zero and I think that is the most logical step. I don't want to sit through two more withdrawal events. I think 3.75 to zero will be rough but doable. take care
johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 15, 2006, at 23:39:51
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by jules354 on May 15, 2006, at 12:40:57
>hey just wonderin if anyone whos been tapering as I have has had kinda "delayed w/d symptoms?" I mean i had the usual w/d symptoms(during the first few weeks after I would cut), these of course were managable with acupuncture, self care, etc. Then I would stabilize and then cut again..
This time however when I cut down to the 2mg I first got the usual w/d after about 5 days , then it was kinda back and forth for about a month. then i stabilized . but now here I am just about 4months into the 2mg dose and I have had some mood swings kinda.. I got some anxiety stuff, then went to acupuncture and it helped. Then I settled down for a few days and then the other day I just felt like crying. and again today and then I would feel so overwhelmed... I cant figure this out except that its just the body trying to even out still
Im wondering if anyone else got this.. jules or johnny??
From my last experience quite a while back I was on amytriptylene for about 3months then weaned and then about 3months later I totally went down?? thats when they stuck me on this crazy remeron.. Im wondeirng if i had just toughed it out and not had let the anxiety gotten tome.
Also back then I didnt know half of what i do now with healthe and well being. I was doing a bit of acupuncture but it was for a diff reason then so I dont think that would have made a difference.
Any thoughts?? Im thinking its just delayed w/d , body balancing out stuff.Im just letting these feelings pass and well, they do(Thank God!)
Musky
Marian29, so sorry to hear you're having a hard time. have you tried a different kind of exercise, like yoga or pilates, less high impact, not as easy to punish yourself if you cant do it for too long? or even walking.
>
> i had a lot of weakness and low mood after discontinuing too, and it was so hard not to feel bad about myself. also with the loss of appetite don't forget to eat good food to nourish yourself, even if you dont have the craving for it...this might help lift the depression a bit too.
>
> take care,
> jules
>
>
Posted by cashy72 on May 16, 2006, at 3:55:21
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 15, 2006, at 23:39:51
Hi.. It's now 12 days since stopping the remeron, and this last 3 have been pretty tough. I feel like im kinda plugged into an electrical socket if that makes any sense? plus high anxiety, especially during the morning. It really is no fun right now, but i know it will pass, and everyday is more time for the body too get back too normal, and balance. From what i've researched, it seems the 2nd week off htese drugs is the worst? It certainly feels like that right now. I hope things even out soon... Hows everyone else doin'? Cheers for listening..
Cashy72
Posted by Marian29 on May 16, 2006, at 7:33:06
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 16, 2006, at 3:55:21
Thank you once again guys for all your support and good wishes.
The withdrawal goes on a long time. I'm a month post quitting, and if anything, it's tougher now. The depression is very bad...but that was the reason I got medicated in the first place (besides the insomnia). I'm in a pretty black place right now, but at least I realize that the depression is talking, not "me."
All I can say is, hang in there and get this nasty drug out of your system no matter how long it takes! But honestly, when I can see the psychiatrist again, I am going to ask for a different (hopefully, more benign) med. I've been battling severe depression all my life, and I've tried the usual things--exercise, light boxes in the winter, yoga, meditation, therapy, etc.--and nothing works except for meds.
Has anyone tried Prozac? That will probably be the next move(I've already been on Paxil, Lexapro, and Cymbalta, which have worked to various degrees before they stopped).
Thanks again, and good luck battling through this!
(PS: about the sexual stuff, I didn't find Remeron to be as bad as some of the others. Paxil was by far the worst).
Posted by johnnyj on May 16, 2006, at 9:31:52
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 15, 2006, at 23:39:51
Musky,
I have some thoughts about the remeron doses but I am not sure how accurate they are. When I went off last November I went back on after something like 10 or 13 days. I felt more depressed than ever for over one month. The I was so up and down for months. We all know that remeron at lower doses is more sedating so I have a theory that at the low doses remeron is not helping depression but could probably make it worse?? That is why I am really caught between trying to stabilize or cut down to zero and deal with things.
I had a pretty good weekend as far as sleep was concerned but still had this chest heavy and anxiety. Last night didn't sleep as well and feel down today little anxiety. Since it has been 3 weeks from my cut dose to 3.75 I know most is w/d.
I have this startle stuff too that causes anxiety and affects my sleep. Before I went on remeron I never had this and this is the biggest problem for me right now. So, if I go off remeron will this clear up rather soon? I don't know but I wonder if these lower doses cause continued side effects that we have deemed w/d? I wish I knew. I don't know if what you are experiencing is w/d or just side effects at lower doses? Other people have mentioned things as side effects they never had before the med.
Anybody have any ideas? Take care
johnnyj
Posted by Marian29 on May 16, 2006, at 11:37:30
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by johnnyj on May 16, 2006, at 9:31:52
Johnny, I remember my doctor telling me when I first got on Remeron that the first 15 mg treated sleeplessness(they act as an antihistamine), and the remainder of the dosage worked as an antidepressant. If antihistamines tend to make you depressed (I know they work that way on me), then it would make sense that the small dose of Remeron you're on isn't helping the anxiety and depression, and is maybe making them worse. That was my reasoning for basically stopping cold turkey. I'm not sure that tapering beyond a certain level does any good.
But I wouldn't want to give you bad advice! Can you check with a pharmacist to make sure? I find that pharmacists know a lot more about the way drugs actually work than doctors do.
Hope things improve for you!
Posted by johnnyj on May 16, 2006, at 12:17:02
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by Marian29 on May 16, 2006, at 11:37:30
Marian,
Do you mean that if you took 30 mg, that the first 15 is antihistamine, and the rest an AD? Or part of the 15 is AD and part antihistamine? If that is the case maybe taking bendryl after weaning completely off could be done? Unless it makes you depressed, which I have suspected. I did try bendryl a few years back and felt like hell the next day. I just wonder if a person was having some trouble after weaning would a little bendryl smooth it out?
I had a bad spot this morning and then mood improved enough to be bearable. Anxiety is not bad just sort down. I am strongly thinking of stopping next week. Today the heavy head is not good and that makes me feel depressed.
Hang in there
johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 16, 2006, at 18:14:10
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 16, 2006, at 3:55:21
>Hey Cashy... sounds like yu have a good attitude with this even while feeling rough.. thats what will get you through this, good for you!
Im on the 2mg(about) dose and am getting ready to stop completely in 9 days... so Im preparing..
been getting some wierd mood stuff this week, but it passes and I just try to keep busy.. I figure its the body still adjusting to the 2mg.. sure takes a long time!!take care
Musky
Hi.. It's now 12 days since stopping the remeron, and this last 3 have been pretty tough. I feel like im kinda plugged into an electrical socket if that makes any sense? plus high anxiety, especially during the morning. It really is no fun right now, but i know it will pass, and everyday is more time for the body too get back too normal, and balance. From what i've researched, it seems the 2nd week off htese drugs is the worst? It certainly feels like that right now. I hope things even out soon... Hows everyone else doin'? Cheers for listening..
> Cashy72
Posted by musky on May 16, 2006, at 18:20:43
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by Marian29 on May 16, 2006, at 7:33:06
sorry to hear your having it rough marian..
Hang in there..
Have you thought about cognitive thereapy?? Alot of psychologists do this.. At least I had an amazing therapist that worked with me.
Its basically changing the way you think, which directly affects the mood... seriously it taught me ALOT of how my mind works and that i had alot of negative self talk going on.
It has been shown to be SUPERIOR to meds and sometimes is used in conjuction with meds.. however studies have shown that cognitive alone is more affective than meds alone or even meds/therapy combo..
Check into it if you can.. like you say youve been on so many meds before ... and i know you say theyve helped but then at what cost?? At least give this some thought before going on Prozac.. im sure you have read all those reports about it. as well.. and it too has sexual side effects..Good luck
Musky
Thank you once again guys for all your support and good wishes.
>
> The withdrawal goes on a long time. I'm a month post quitting, and if anything, it's tougher now. The depression is very bad...but that was the reason I got medicated in the first place (besides the insomnia). I'm in a pretty black place right now, but at least I realize that the depression is talking, not "me."
>
> All I can say is, hang in there and get this nasty drug out of your system no matter how long it takes! But honestly, when I can see the psychiatrist again, I am going to ask for a different (hopefully, more benign) med. I've been battling severe depression all my life, and I've tried the usual things--exercise, light boxes in the winter, yoga, meditation, therapy, etc.--and nothing works except for meds.
>
> Has anyone tried Prozac? That will probably be the next move(I've already been on Paxil, Lexapro, and Cymbalta, which have worked to various degrees before they stopped).
>
> Thanks again, and good luck battling through this!
>
> (PS: about the sexual stuff, I didn't find Remeron to be as bad as some of the others. Paxil was by far the worst).
Posted by musky on May 16, 2006, at 18:25:46
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » musky, posted by johnnyj on May 16, 2006, at 9:31:52
>Hey johnny.
yes i agree with your theory about the side effects/w/d .. makes sense as I too never had these issues before remeron or any of the past meds that they gave me(long story).. I am just going to tough it out... Im determined to get off this med! and as far as your dose... dont worry it took me along time to stabilize my mood after cutting back.. It took about 2-3months or more
and now that you mention it... I too had some startling stuff going on... I think that the acupuncture I have been doing has definitely "smoothed " things outGood luck
Musky
Musky,
>
> I have some thoughts about the remeron doses but I am not sure how accurate they are. When I went off last November I went back on after something like 10 or 13 days. I felt more depressed than ever for over one month. The I was so up and down for months. We all know that remeron at lower doses is more sedating so I have a theory that at the low doses remeron is not helping depression but could probably make it worse?? That is why I am really caught between trying to stabilize or cut down to zero and deal with things.
>
> I had a pretty good weekend as far as sleep was concerned but still had this chest heavy and anxiety. Last night didn't sleep as well and feel down today little anxiety. Since it has been 3 weeks from my cut dose to 3.75 I know most is w/d.
>
> I have this startle stuff too that causes anxiety and affects my sleep. Before I went on remeron I never had this and this is the biggest problem for me right now. So, if I go off remeron will this clear up rather soon? I don't know but I wonder if these lower doses cause continued side effects that we have deemed w/d? I wish I knew. I don't know if what you are experiencing is w/d or just side effects at lower doses? Other people have mentioned things as side effects they never had before the med.
>
> Anybody have any ideas? Take care
>
> johnnyj
Posted by Marian29 on May 16, 2006, at 19:22:39
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 16, 2006, at 18:25:46
Johnny, I remember the psych telling me that the "first" 15 mg were an antihistamine. He's not a native English speaker, so it's possible he just meant that 15 mg of the 30 (all mixed in) were for antihistamine effect--but I don't think so. I think if you only took 15 mg to start with that you'd only have an antihistamine effect, and that it takes the additional 15mg to serve as an AD.
Benadryl IS a depressant, so not a good idea unless you absolutely cannot sleep and need one night's relief.
Musky, thanks so much for the encouragement. I have been reading about cognitive therapy and I LOVE the idea behind it! Not sure I have time to get myself therapized right now (I have two kids with psychiatric disorders of their own). But once things calm down around here, I would love to give it a try.
How much of the depression and anxiety we're all experiencing are from changes in SLEEP? I would bet there's a lot to be said for that.
Johnny, I have the "startle" response just as I'm falling asleep--it's like a mini panic attack. I've been dealing with it by getting up, waiting a half an hour or so, and trying to fall asleep again. Sometimes it takes a few rounds of that. I also sometimes can fall asleep on the sofa more easily than in bed. Maybe if you changed the place where you sleep (temporarily) you might not associate falling asleep with panicking? Just an idea.
Hang in there, everyone!
Posted by jules354 on May 18, 2006, at 10:37:18
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 16, 2006, at 3:55:21
Hey cashy72, sorry to hear you're having a hard time. that morning anxiety can be such a drag!! yes, i think the 2nd and 3rd weeks were really challenging for me. keep drinking water and get some exercise and let us know how you're doing. hope you feel better soon.
take care,
jules
Posted by jules354 on May 18, 2006, at 11:17:58
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by johnnyj on May 16, 2006, at 12:17:02
sorry to hear the depression is bad. i came across this article on how good gardening is and thought of you:
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=13057
take care,
jules
Posted by cashy72 on May 22, 2006, at 8:08:39
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night? » johnnyj, posted by jules354 on May 18, 2006, at 11:17:58
Hi Everyone.. Hows things going for you all?
It's now 17 days since giving up the Remeron, the withdrawal has been quite tough, not nice. I don't know if others have experienced this, but i'm feeling really agitated, and irritable? Is this the withdrawal or what? Also anxiety levels are quite high. I really hope this is just the withdrawal eefects, and not my original symptoms? what do you reckon? Also heavy chest feeling... Any ideas as too how long this lasts?
Gotta keep strong...
Cashy72
Posted by johnnyj on May 22, 2006, at 8:53:14
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 22, 2006, at 8:08:39
I am still on 3.75 and will cut to zero this Thursday or so. I found that my last cut finally improved after about 3 weeks. I had the following: heavy chest (very uncomfortable), terrible anxiety (very physical anxiety) and it was like something I have never had before so this told me it is W/D. Also, nausea, heavy head and I have that today and I did not take Advil last night. I suggest 200 mg advil and it helps a lot of W/D in my opinion. I was very irritable and could not sit still and I was dropping a lot of things since my hands were not steady. Fatigue was also bad. Insomnia was a given. This too has improved and was very up and down. I have some dizziness now but I know it will not last.
Cashy, 17 days in early in the W/D. I seemed to have two waves of very bad feelings and this last one has has gotten much better from 3 to 4 weeks. I believe when I cut to zero I will probably have double the time to feel better, 6 weeks. So, I am looking at gutting it out that long at LEAST. If you look at old posts you will find 2 months is not uncommon. I think you are past the worst but that is just my opinion. Give the body some time. For agitation I listen to progressive muscle relaxation and just let the anxiety wash over and through me.
Hang in there bud.
Cheers
johnnyj
Posted by musky on May 22, 2006, at 21:38:27
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 22, 2006, at 8:08:39
>
hey cashysounds to me like withdrawl... everything ive researched... and remember 17days isnt long at all considering how long one is on the drug in the first place.. Remember when they first put someone on an a/d they always "claim" that it takes SEVERAL weeks to get the titer high enough to have effect, so it would seem to me to take at LEAST that long to get out... therefore at least 2 months... and then the Body has to rebuild its own receptors again that the a/d drugs knock out.. Believe me it takes TIME... hang in there you are managing this far.
as for the heavy chest I kinda got that when tapering.. some irregular heartbeat at night when laying down , and alot of cloudy brain feeling.
Do you experience this?
I have 2 more days left of my remeron and then Im off totally too... reading these posts help..take care
MuskyHi Everyone.. Hows things going for you all?
> It's now 17 days since giving up the Remeron, the withdrawal has been quite tough, not nice. I don't know if others have experienced this, but i'm feeling really agitated, and irritable? Is this the withdrawal or what? Also anxiety levels are quite high. I really hope this is just the withdrawal eefects, and not my original symptoms? what do you reckon? Also heavy chest feeling... Any ideas as too how long this lasts?
> Gotta keep strong...
> Cashy72
Posted by musky on May 22, 2006, at 21:53:14
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by johnnyj on May 22, 2006, at 8:53:14
>Hi johnny:
sounds like exactly my experience when tapering. the first 2-3weeks was the roughest then things evened out, then kinda a flare up for a day or two then even again... I think im a little ahead of you in the weaning..im currently on 2mg,,,and have had some up and down stuff the last couple of weeks since being at this dose now for almost 4months.. I think that the body finally was adjusting to the 2mg and realized it doesnt have all this remeron in it. I think now is the crucial time because the drug is still there trying to block serotonin receptors and norepinephrine receptors, yet because it is lower dose, that my own body is trying to kick in?? dont know... just my logic ... I quit in 2days so wish me luck ,,, kinda nervous but I have my survival pack of healthy goodies all ready to go.
I also have my acupuncturist waiting in the wings to assist more often if needed for anxiety/depression if it becomes a problem..
Im trying to keep positive and have mentally prepared myself that it will take at LEAST 2-6months to think normal again...
And i agree with advil for flu symptoms, etc. but that is as far as I will go with ANY meds for symptoms... Im gonna gut this one out cause I made up my mind that I want my own body back and mind and to be rid of these side effects.
Dont know if anyone else has had the severe agitation I have experienced ever since starting REmeron... I couldnt even sit still or stand still without twitching or stomping on the spot.. It was horrible!!!!! and the jerking while trying to sleep... this agitation has improved slowly since tapering but I still have it... especially in the morning after taking my remeon the night before.
Have you experienced this??? Before this drug, I NEVER EVER have felt this... its the worst part of this besides the wt gain and the horrible dreams and fantasies I was getting when i was on the 45mg dose way back when...anyways... hang in there... good luck on your taper this week... you are going to zero??
musky
I am still on 3.75 and will cut to zero this Thursday or so. I found that my last cut finally improved after about 3 weeks. I had the following: heavy chest (very uncomfortable), terrible anxiety (very physical anxiety) and it was like something I have never had before so this told me it is W/D. Also, nausea, heavy head and I have that today and I did not take Advil last night. I suggest 200 mg advil and it helps a lot of W/D in my opinion. I was very irritable and could not sit still and I was dropping a lot of things since my hands were not steady. Fatigue was also bad. Insomnia was a given. This too has improved and was very up and down. I have some dizziness now but I know it will not last.
>
> Cashy, 17 days in early in the W/D. I seemed to have two waves of very bad feelings and this last one has has gotten much better from 3 to 4 weeks. I believe when I cut to zero I will probably have double the time to feel better, 6 weeks. So, I am looking at gutting it out that long at LEAST. If you look at old posts you will find 2 months is not uncommon. I think you are past the worst but that is just my opinion. Give the body some time. For agitation I listen to progressive muscle relaxation and just let the anxiety wash over and through me.
>
> Hang in there bud.
> Cheers
> johnnyj
Posted by cashy72 on May 23, 2006, at 5:01:22
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 22, 2006, at 21:38:27
> >Hey Musky,
Thanks for the encouragement. I have experienced those palpitations, and heavy chest too. So i guess it's just the body re-adjusting itself. Good luck with your withdrawal, it will be nice too have a chemical free body for a change, and clear thoughts etc. Keep us upto date with how things are going, take it easy.
Cashy72
> hey cashy
>
> sounds to me like withdrawl... everything ive researched... and remember 17days isnt long at all considering how long one is on the drug in the first place.. Remember when they first put someone on an a/d they always "claim" that it takes SEVERAL weeks to get the titer high enough to have effect, so it would seem to me to take at LEAST that long to get out... therefore at least 2 months... and then the Body has to rebuild its own receptors again that the a/d drugs knock out.. Believe me it takes TIME... hang in there you are managing this far.
> as for the heavy chest I kinda got that when tapering.. some irregular heartbeat at night when laying down , and alot of cloudy brain feeling.
> Do you experience this?
> I have 2 more days left of my remeron and then Im off totally too... reading these posts help..
>
> take care
> Musky
>
> Hi Everyone.. Hows things going for you all?
> > It's now 17 days since giving up the Remeron, the withdrawal has been quite tough, not nice. I don't know if others have experienced this, but i'm feeling really agitated, and irritable? Is this the withdrawal or what? Also anxiety levels are quite high. I really hope this is just the withdrawal eefects, and not my original symptoms? what do you reckon? Also heavy chest feeling... Any ideas as too how long this lasts?
> > Gotta keep strong...
> > Cashy72
>
>
Posted by jules354 on May 23, 2006, at 10:18:11
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by cashy72 on May 23, 2006, at 5:01:22
hey everyone, i've said this before but just in case...go very very easy on the caffeine, cut it out altogether if you can, i think it will really help with the anxiety and body jerking and insomnia. and stay away from artifical sweeteners, there have been some articles about them causing anxiety. and drink lots of water...
i'm still holding steady, i have had some anxiety but ithink it's just stress. my appetite has stabilized too.
good luck everyone... i hope the symptoms get better very soon.
take care,
jules
Posted by johnnyj on May 23, 2006, at 10:19:38
In reply to Re: Cut dose to 3.75 last night?, posted by musky on May 22, 2006, at 21:53:14
Hi Musky,
YES, I have had all of your experiences just the timing is slightly different. I have the startle mostly at night and sometimes when I move too quick during the day. The morning is bad for irritability but it gets better during the day. Dreams seem more real and just some jumbled thinking which I wouldn't say are fantasies but strangel never the less. I will probably take my last dose on Thursday or Friday night. Kind of scared going from 3.75 to zero but I am tired of withdrawal and just want to stick it out one more time.
Let's keep things going here so we can encourage each other and hang in their Cashy.Best of luck to all
johnnyj
Posted by valjean14 on May 23, 2006, at 14:56:58
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by musky on May 9, 2006, at 0:08:35
I was prescribed Remeron in October 2004 -- originally the 30mg dosage and then eventually being bumped to 45mg for nearly a year (!). In April 2005, I started on the 30mg of Prozac and things were just fine and the two drugs seemed to complement each other well.
Shortly after last Christmas, I grew very tired of feeling groggy and tired until noon on this ridiculous routine. I spoke with my doc and we agreed to slowly come off the Remeron with a three-month schedule. (I've been down to 30mg since November 2005).
My doc cautioned me that there would be some withdrawal symptoms including fever, nausea, chills, anxiety and insomnia. What he failed to tell me is that there is a percentage of people who are at risk of going into shock because the body is still trying to deal with sensing more adrenalin. This is what happened to me last night in my own home -- thankfully, my fiancee was there and called 9-1-1 after I went unconscious albeit very briefly. Paramedics were there minutes later and it took me a while to remember what happened.
As an asthma sufferer also, I am taking symbicort and it does increase the heart rate. This, combined with 15mg of mirtazapine every two days and my body told me loud and clear that it was not having any of it.
So now I am at a crossroads -- I'm feeling the constant tightness in the chest, I can feel my heart beating, I can't stop tapping my foot or drumming my fingers and I cannot put into words how scared I am of coming off of this drug. I almost have to keep myself occupied at all time in order to keep from hyperventilating.
As I sit here and write this (after reading everything written here) I'm ready to go back on the mirtazapine full-time. I'm almost on month into withdrawal and from what I now understand, it could be many more months. Neither me or my fiancee are ready to deal with this when we've got important life decisions coming up in less than one year--wedding, moving to a new province and buying a new home, switching jobs, etc.
Are the withdrawal symptoms worth the end result in this case?
Posted by johnnyj on May 23, 2006, at 16:48:11
In reply to Mirtazapine Withdrawal, posted by valjean14 on May 23, 2006, at 14:56:58
In my case, I believe it is worth it. I am tired of being so fatigued, argumentative, and the cognitive impairment. I had the tight chest feeling for about 3 weeks or so and then it just stopped. Not all anxiety is gone but my body isn't pumping 100 mph anymore. That was sooo uncomfortable and I couldn't figure out what was going on at first. I want to feel "real" again and I haven't for a long time.
Life events are hard but I realized that sometimes there are not any perfect times to do things. If you have 6 months without big decisions I think it is doable. However, do what you feel is right for you.
I wonder if taking remeron every 2 days is not the best??? On and off remeron is very tiring. Please take care and let us know what you decide.
Best regards
johnnyj
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