![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 268 to 292 of 488. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by musky on May 24, 2006, at 0:18:05
In reply to Mirtazapine Withdrawal, posted by valjean14 on May 23, 2006, at 14:56:58
>
Hi valjean:
YES, YES and YES... talk to anyone whos successfully come off an a/d... I have been tapering myself, very very slowly... its taken 2yrs+ if you can believe it.. but I am down to the lowest dose possible and am taking my LAST remeron tonight...
Sounds like you have some xreactivity going on there.. with other meds etc.. as for too many things happening in your life, dont we all have events going on all the time??? Id look at it as now is the time to dig deep into your life and that may help a ton more than staying on the Remeron forever until "the time is right" so to speak,, The way I see it ,it is NEVER a right time... I understand your concern but you have to know deep inside when you are ready,, know it in your heart not by lifes issues.. they will always be there... Remeron or not..Good Luck
MuskyI 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 jules354 on May 24, 2006, at 10:58:32
In reply to Mirtazapine Withdrawal, posted by valjean14 on May 23, 2006, at 14:56:58
i think musky and johnnyj are right, there might never be a perfectly right time. if you've already gone a month, i wonder if you might find that your symptoms will start to stabilize in the next 1-2 months. they might get amplified a bit by the stress of a wedding and moving, but if you're aware of that and taking good care of yourself i think you might be okay.
but if you decide to go back on the remeron full-time and wait till later to taper off, i think that's ok too. sounds like you have some other drug interactions to deal with, and that could be really stressful on top of what you're going through. i did adjust my tapering off because of big life decisions i was going through and i'm glad i did it that way.
take care,
jules
Posted by brazilnut on June 28, 2006, at 14:38:05
In reply to Re: Finally, posted by jeninco on May 4, 2006, at 16:03:14
Hi there!
I posted a note a few weeks ago saying I was reducing mirtazapine, but I was also on risperidone, constant dosage. In the mean time, I read about risperidone on the net and got scared about it. I asked my doctor to leave mirtazapine there for a while and to wean off the dangerous risperidone. But the initial step he suggested, 0,35 to 0,25mg, was too much a fall. The real problems started then. Now I am progressing at 0,02mg each 10 days, so by October, if everything goes well, I will zero it. I will be back here when catching on mirtazapine again. If anyone has information on risperidone I would appreciate it.
Regards
Bob
Posted by caustin on July 1, 2006, at 5:14:58
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on February 22, 2006, at 19:51:26
Thanks for the info here! I"m a Therapist that has worked and talked to many Psychiatrists and clients regarding medications and searched the internet for solid info on withdrawals. I am beyond amazed at the lack of info out there on gettin off antidepressants! I'm also a recovering drug addict with long sobriety and have been in denial of the severity of the symptoms Ive been experiencing, doing the cognitive thing / trying to minimize the reality. This is the 3rd serious attempt at quitting Remeron. I tried the quick taper recommended by my favorite Psychiatrist. It was horrible. Relapsed back to full strength! 45 mg. New Doc says try slow taper. I got down to 15 mg for 1 week and tried to jump off. Horrible, after 3 nights of not sleeping withdrawls like herion detox. I split one of the 15mg last night and finally slept. I feel flat today but no horrible symptoms. Right now I'm thinking of staying with the 7.5mg for a few days. The post on exercise was interesting as this has been a large benefit to my recovery from street drugs, but working out hard last week seemed to worsen sleep and increas symptoms. This is crazy. I also think my blood sugars are screwy as I have the blurred vision at times. I also had high colesterol the last physical and I read where that is another side effect of Remeron. I will credit Remeron for saving me from a severe depression while I was taking medications for hepititis C and it was new at the time so the Docs didn't really know. But they still don't seem to get it.
Posted by jules354 on July 1, 2006, at 16:31:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by caustin on July 1, 2006, at 5:14:58
i'm sure johnnyj will see your post but if he doesn't mind me speaking for him i think he has had the same reaction to exercise you did. for me it's been a godsend but it sure doesn't seem to work for others.
musky and i both did really slow tapers off remeron but still had wicked withdrawal...we definitely need more info to be circulating! wow - heroin-like detox - i can't speak to that but the sleepless nights sure are hellish.
take care,
jules
Posted by johnnyj on July 2, 2006, at 0:19:29
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by caustin on July 1, 2006, at 5:14:58
Hello:
Here I sit so tired I want to sleep, yet it does not come. I have had two good days and nights but tonight I am back to no sleep. Seemed close to nodding off and then it just slipped away. What did I do different today? I worked outside and sweated a lot. Not excessive but that is what was different today. Is that what caused it? Who knows.
I had been feeling very spacey and strange after eating too. Just weird after eating. Blood sugar related? Excercise used to be my thing and it is so frustrating when I can't do it. The only thing I can do is take long walks as that doesn't seem to bother me.
I started having this problem after a bout of pneumonia and I thought it was the meds but now am not so sure. My body seems to be in turmoil at times and it is scary, then today I felt pretty good, kind of like I turned a corner but I guess not.
My vision at times is also blurry and I have a hard time reading as things seem to jump around. This is not all of the time but comes and goes. I agree, it is crazy.
This past week I also had a lot of strange feelings in the chest, like electrical zaps but they were not painful and did not scare me. Just odd stuff that defies explanation. They have lessened but still cause me to wonder what is going on inside.
I thought 7.5 was a dose that made me more depressed. I had 3 weeks of withdrawal when I went to 3.75 but started to feel good at that dose. You may want to think about that dose.
Keep posting.
johnnyj
Posted by caustin on July 3, 2006, at 11:44:13
In reply to Mirtazapine and risperidone, posted by brazilnut on June 28, 2006, at 14:38:05
I may try the 3.5. The 7.5 put me to sleep instantly now for 3 nights. I am feeling moderately depressed however but none of the horrible WD symptoms. There never seems a good time to quit. As it takes so long. I thought things were great for me now, but I must travel now and train with jet lag that I dread. I guess I'm going to continue with micro doses the rest of this week and study some more on this matter and talk to another Psych Doc. I may get a few sleeping pills for the jetlag thing. I stayed busy today and that helps some, but did get into a conflict with my wife who wanted to take a road trip for the 4th and I just am not up to it. I preferred to putz around the house and tinker with stuff at my own pace and leasiure. She eventually said she understood but with depression, like addiction - people dont understand it unless youve had it. Anyway appreciate the suggestions and hang tough if youre up to it.
Posted by LIFE on July 13, 2006, at 19:09:39
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by anahata31 on April 14, 2006, at 10:44:36
NATHALIE SEEMS TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS I HAVE BEEN HAVING FOR YEARS. EATING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A STRUGGLE FOR ME AS HAS SLEEPING. I AM A THREE DAY MARATHONER, AND I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE AN APPETITE FOR THOSE THREE DAYS EITHER. I HATE MEDS, BUT REMERON AND WELLBUTRIN HAVE SAVED MY LIFE. I BELIEVE IN HOLISTIC MEDICINE AND NATURAL FOODS, BUT ST. JOHNS WORT ONLY SEEMS TO HELP MY MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS. OH, LET ME CLARIFY, I DON'T RUN FOR THREE DAYS...I DON'T SLEEP FOR THREE DAYS! I AM 48 YEARS OLD AND HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN TO OVERCOME BOUTS OF SERIOUS DEPRESSION. IT DOES NOT HELP THAT I AM AN ARTIST. I OFTEN LIE DOWN AND MY MIND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. WHEN A PROBLEM ARISES I CANNOT REST UNTIL A SOLUTION IS FOUND. PSYCHOTHERAPY HAS HELPED BECAUSE I CAN TALK IT OUT, BUT EVEN THAT HAS NO EFFECT WHEN MY BODY'S CHEMICALS ARE OFF. THERE ARE ONLY THREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ME WHEN THIS HAPPENS. INSOMNIA. NARCOLEPSY. HOPELESSNESS. ONCE THE SADNESS SETS IN , IT IS OVER. I OFTEN HAVE PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS. I FALL DOWN STAIRS AND BUMP INTO THINGS. MY HANDWRITING CHANGES AND MY FINE MOTOR SKILLS BECOME ERRATIC. WHEN I WAS EMPLOYED (I AM SELF EMPLOYED NOW FOR THE OBVIOUS REASONS) I WOULD OFTEN MISS A BLOCK OF FOUR DAYS TO SLEEP OFF MY EPISODES. NEEDLESS TO SAY WHEN I WAS FUNCTIONAL AGAIN GUILT WOULD OVERWHELM ME BECAUSE I FELT I HAD ACCCOMPLISHED NOTHING. MY FAMILY HAD A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING MY ILLNESS BECAUSE I HAVE A GRADUATE DEGREE AND THEY ASSUMED I HAD SIMPLY BECOME LAZY. WHEN MY EPISODES COME THEY ARE LIKE THIS: WHEN ALL IS RIGHT, MY HEAD IS LIKE A GLASS JAR FILLED WITH A MILLION STRIPS OF PAPER ON WHICH ARE WRITTEN TASKS, INFORMATION, IDEAS, EMOTIONS, PHYSICAL COMMANDS; ON A BAD DAY, IT IS AS IF SOMEONE HAS PLACED A FAN TO MY EAR ON HIGH SPEED AND ALL THOSE PIECES OF PAPER ARE FLYING AROUND IN MY HEAD AND I CANNOT GRASP A ONE AND HOLD ON TO IT. IN A COMPLETE EFFORT TO "GATHER MY THOUGHTS" I BECOME COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED, NARCOLEPTIC, OBSESSIVE, AND ANXIOUS. SOMETIMES THE SADNESS IS SO OVERWHELMING I WONDER IF LIFE IS WORTH THE EFFORT. SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME. I HAVE TOO MUCH TO LIVE FOR, AND I PREFER FEELING AS IF I DO. I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION AND REMERON GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SLOW MY THOUGHTS AND GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST. AFTER ENROLLING IN SCHOOL, I FOUND MY HEAD ONCE AGAIN JUMBLED AND ASKED FOR ADDITIONAL HELP SO I WOULD NOT FLUNK OUT, PERFECTIONISM IS A PART OF MY OBSESSIVE PATTERN, AND WELLBUTRIN WAS ADDED TO MY MEDS. I BELIEVE IN PRAYER, BUT GOD CAN'T HELP YOU IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GATHER YOUR THOUGHTS ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND HIS INSTRUCTION. IN FACT IT WAS PRAYER THAT LEAD ME TO THE HELP I NEEDED. BELIEVE ME, I HAVE CRIED MY WAY THROUGH EPISODES, SLEPT MY WAY THROUGH EPISODES, SELF-MEDICATED MY WAY THROUGH EPISODES, EXERCISED MY WAY THROUGH EPISODES , I PREFER MY MEDS. ONE DAY, I TOO HOPE I WILL NOT NEED THEM, BUT IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE TO FUNCTION ENOUGH TO LIVE AND EARN AN INCOME. I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF JIM CARREY'S INCOME SO THAT I MIGHT BUILD A MEDITATIVE SANCTUARY, OR TAKE OFF WHEN MY BODY IS OUT OF BALANCE. I AM AN AVERAGE PERSON WITH A BELOW AVERAGE INCOME THAT I MIGHT NOT HAVE IF NOT FOR MY MEDS. GOOD LUCK TO ALL MY FELLOW SUFFERERS. TO THOSE OF YOU WHO CANNOT TOLERATE MEDS, TALK TO SOMEONE, IT DOES HELP. TO ALL OF YOU WHO BELIEVE YOU CAN WILL YOURSELVES OUT OF A DEPRESSIVE PHYSICAL OR MENTAL STATE, GET REAL. SOMETIMES THE MEDS ARE ONLY IN YOUR LIFE LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO GET A HANDLE ON YOUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS, ACCEPT THAT AND CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR ALRTERNATIVE TREATMENTS, AS I HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM HAPPY NOT TO FEEL AS IF I AM JUMPING OUT OF MY SKIN AND TO HAVE DREAMS AGAIN. MOSTLY I AM HAPPY TO BE FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. I AM NOT WITHOUT SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, BUT THEY ARE LESS DEBILITATING.I TAKE 45 MILIGRAMS OF REMERON NIGHTLY AND IF I MISS A DOSE THE ONLY WITHDRAWAL SYMTOMS I SUFFER ARE INSOMNIA AND LOSS OF APPETITE. I TAKE 105 MILIGRAMS OF WELLBUTRIN DAILY AND IF I MISS A DOSE MY SYMTOMS ARE AGITATION AND IRRITABILITY. IT'S BEEN NICE TALKING ABOUT THIS TO YOU ALL, NOW IVE GOT TO GET BACK TO MY NUMEROUS ART AND DESIGN PROJECTS! TALK TO YOU AGAIN SOON! LIFE
Posted by LIFE on July 14, 2006, at 2:08:15
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by LIFE on July 13, 2006, at 19:09:39
i am about to take my meds and look forward to a restful sleep. did i spell milligram correctly in my first entry? i don't know, i just know that i really feel for those of us who have to take meds to survive,as well as those of us trying to get off meds and are suffering withdrawal symptoms. i do find it odd that i seem to be one of a few who are not having adverse reactions to remeron. paxil, prozac,and others have caused problems for me. so, dr. bob, does that mean i am a severe case, and what seems too strong for others is the norm for me? withdrawal for me is always a relapse , or lapse into the disease itself. just pure depression. paxil gave me a rash and prozac kept me up all night. from the few entries i have read, it appears that others have been prescribed low doses of remeron, i requested a higher dose, i have found it easier to withdraw from higher doses than lower doses during fasts. perhaps because of residual amounts in my system. when getting off meds, what is the goal? if the depressive state is purely chemical rather than an emotional reaction to a traumatic event, or an oppressive lifestyle, where is one to go for relief? crazy? i do believe living in a petrochemical climate has affected my body's ability to balance itself and has some impact on my need for medication. from the entries i have read, it seems to me that many are still in some state of denial and guilt concerning our illness and the serious impact it has on our lives. would we put ourselves through withdrawal if we were taking meds for aids or cancer? who has decided that meds for depression are taboo? who has made us feel guilty about taking something to keep us alive? isn't depression like a walking state of death? aspirin, ibuprofin, allergy medications, and breathing are as bad for your bodies' organs as psychotherapeutic meds. i doubt we would even be discussing trying to withdraw from something if we were talking about accepted ailments. are we trying to get off our meds for health reasons, or are we trying to get off them because somehow they condemn us and validate us as behaviorally abnormal? our ailments are as real and as life threatening as any cancer. in fact, they may be worse because they make us feel bad about theotherwise wonderful gift of life. a life that a few of my own terminally ill relatives would be happy to have. we owe life appreciation and happiness everyday, why are we fighting so hard against something that can help us achieve that? we are behaving as if we were on illegal drugs. when not on meds what are we on? booze? sex? bad relationships? food? self-abuse? where does going without meds take us? is it so important to our egos to be able to say we can tough out our bad periods that we waste days and years trying to do so? without our meds would we even be able to make rational entries here, or would our heads be so bad that we could not function rationally enough to do so? i tried to tough it out for three years and practically f'd up everything i tried to do because of depression and pride. withdrawal. from meds, or from life. i say stop being so hard on ourselves and stop trying to rush off our meds as soon as we think we feel better. our illnesses are legitimate, so are our meds, and withdrawal for us is a bit more involved than a few physical symtoms. for me, withdrawal is a non gratuitous trip to hell. i hope we all find something other than meds to take, but so does an individual suffering from heart disease. LIFE
Posted by brazilnut on July 19, 2006, at 13:26:00
In reply to Re: Mirtazapine and risperidone, posted by caustin on July 3, 2006, at 11:44:13
> I may try the 3.5. The 7.5 put me to sleep instantly now for 3 nights. I am feeling moderately depressed however but none of the horrible WD symptoms. There never seems a good time to quit. As it takes so long. I thought things were great for me now, but I must travel now and train with jet lag that I dread. I guess I'm going to continue with micro doses the rest of this week and study some more on this matter and talk to another Psych Doc. I may get a few sleeping pills for the jetlag thing. I stayed busy today and that helps some, but did get into a conflict with my wife who wanted to take a road trip for the 4th and I just am not up to it. I preferred to putz around the house and tinker with stuff at my own pace and leasiure. She eventually said she understood but with depression, like addiction - people dont understand it unless youve had it. Anyway appreciate the suggestions and hang tough if youre up to it.
Caustin,When I used to travel I would take melatonin for the jet lag, with good results. I understand your home conflict - the same happens with me. People who are out don't understand.
Recently I found that my problem is not only mirtazapine, but also risperidone and... alcohol. It's funny, but I didn't notice it, because I have been drinking almost nothing the last 2 years.
Regards,
Bob
Posted by Little Mommy on July 19, 2006, at 23:57:55
In reply to Re: Mirtazapine and risperidone, posted by brazilnut on July 19, 2006, at 13:26:00
Well, I did it!! I am finally off the Remeron!! I have been off for almost 2 months since tapering very, very slowly. I went from 15 to 7.5 for about a 6 weeks, then went to 3.75 and stayed on that for probably 2 months and then chopped the 3.75 in half (as best I could) and took that for another 2 months. I stopped taking the 'chunk' of remeron and felt a bit panicky, sleep being interupted, but now, it seems that all these things are very minimal and I am only feeling better. I have been going to a naturopath and she told me to get off all wheat products, milk, sugar, and I've been taking a high potent Vit B supplement along with a Neuro booster. Wheat, apparently, is very hard on the brain and it's functions. I am also taking iodine to boost my metabolisim which has given me energy to exercise and since the change in diet I have not been craving food like I did before (even before the Remeron munchies). I am losing weight and getting into shape.
I know that Remeron is a nightmare of a drug to get off of and I think the best way is taper, taper, taper. Also, see if a diet change helps. I am still on Paxil but I am weaning off that now, too. down to 5 mg a day. I wish all of you who are struggling with remeron withdrawal to keep trying to get off and I know that you will be able to do it. All the Best!!
Posted by tiredofpanic on August 7, 2006, at 13:41:06
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by musky on February 22, 2006, at 19:51:26
I have been on Remeron for a little over two weeks and I need to know how to withdraw from it.
I took 30mg for three days, then reduced it to 15mg for about 11 days. I decided I did not want to be on Remeron due to fast weight gain and the fact it is not helping must. So for three days I took 7.5mg. I have not taken anything tonight. Should I reduce further? Or now alternate days for a day or two to reduce any withdrawl symptoms. I feel somewhat uncomfortable tonight a little dizzy, light headed, etc. but its tolerable...
Posted by jeninco on August 7, 2006, at 14:43:47
In reply to 2 weeks on Remeron, trying to Withdraw, posted by tiredofpanic on August 7, 2006, at 13:41:06
I tried stopping it at 1/4 of a 15 mg pill. I don't recommend it. You definitely have it in your favor that you haven't been on it long, but I would still recommend very gradual. Stopping it cold (even at low dosages) resulted in splitting headache, nauseau and inability to sleep for me.
The deal with remeron is that it has an extremely long half life, so you may not even start to feel the effects until 10+ days after taking the last dose.
What dosage are your pills?
Because you've been on it so short, I don't know what kind of taper you'd be best at.
I'm assuming you're at 1/2 pill now (7.5). You've been at it for something like 11 days, so now try dropping down to 1/2 that. I think I stayed at each dosage for 10 days. If you start feeling sick or anything than you're going too fast. I did still get an occasional head ache but that was it. Just taper down a little more every 10 days and you should be fine, remembering again to slow down the taper if it gets too bad.
You MAY be one of the lucky ones who don't have a hard time with stopping this medication, but man, if you aren't you will be very sorry. You can feel the affects from this for a very long time.
I took it from Nov-April, and only at small dosages (never more than 7.5), and stopping it was pretty hard. I went back to it after about 17 days the first time (after stopping cold turkey at 3.75), and immediately began a very gradual taper. I tapered down to 1/8 of a pill to every night for about 10 days, every other night, every 2nd night, every 3 for a few nights, then I stopped. And I've really had no big problems.
Others here have recommended against my taper, but I have to say, it worked very well for me.
I've been off for 22 days and aside from the occasional headache or mild nauseau here and there (dramamine will fix that), I've been fine.Good luck!
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