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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jimbobwe64 on December 8, 2007, at 10:16:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by brazilnut on December 8, 2007, at 9:38:22
Hello, I just thought I'd put my two cents worth as it's been a long while since I've been on here.
The only thing I can say, Yata, is to hang in there. It does get better over time. I've been off Remeron now since June 2006 and I'm finally just starting to level out. Before that I was on the Remeron for approximately one year and prior to that I was on SSRI's (paxil) since 1996.
Keep in mind that my "lengthy" withdrawal is more likely because I'd been on anti-depressants for such a long time, and if you've only been on Remeron for only around six months, then you would think it would be considerably less.
The question I have is; "Were you suicidal and/or depressed prior to going on Remeron"?. I have a feeling that the withdrawal effect will likely be an amplifying one if that is the case.
What I did (and this worked to a considerable degree, but, not in it's entirety) was to reduce bad carbs (refined sugars) and caffeine. I've still had symptoms of withdrawal, but nowhere near what they would have been if I were consuming those foods on a regular basis. And in fact am still pursuing that dietary avenue as it's proven to be a pretty strong one health-wise. I actually lost weight naturally and without exercising heavy. I can just imagine how healthy and slim I'd be if I were exercising (lol).In any case, it does get better, but, you definitely have to plod through it. And please, I'm hoping that if you have those suicidal thoughts that you're talking to someone, whether it be professional or not, every step of the way if that is the case.
> > Hi guys. Just wanted to add my experience and ask a few questions
> >
> > I have been off mirtazapine for about 3 weeks after taking it quite consistently for about 6 months (15mg daily).
> >
> > I am struggling. I have been suicidal, severe mood swings, some nights I feel so hot, anxious and sickly in my stomach I can't sleep.
> >
> > I want to know, does it get better? I don't know how much longer I can hold out, but I have come this far I don't want to relapse now.
>
> Hi Yata!
>
> Yes, it will get better. But the time required to get better depends on each person. You were on a low dose and a not so long period of time, so the chances of a short recover are good. But “short” may be more than a few weeks. Did you taper off it or just stop?
>
> I have been on mirtazapine for 3.5 years, at 45mg, quit 5 months ago, and am still suffering the withdrawal. But I had a lot of other drugs that are contributing more to my problems.
>
> Everything you are reporting is usual during mirtazapine withdrawal and will wane off with time. Just hang on and, very important, do not take any other drug to overcome the symptoms. Another drug could be another bigger problem later.
>
> What I’m telling you I learned from my own experience and the experience of many others, reported in support forums. Now I am a member of www.benzoisland.org, a very good forum on benzodiazepines (stuff like Valium). Since many benzo users are also on antidepressants, many stories of a/ds (including mirtazapine) are reported there. Another good source for a/ds is www.paxilprogress.org. I was told that there is some information on other a/ds there too, besides paxil. There’s also an excellent book on the dangers of a/ds, “Prozac Backlash”, by Joseph Glenmullen, a clinical instructor in psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School. The subject of the book is SSRIs a/ds (a class that doesn’t include mirtazapine), but mirtazapine is mentioned there as having similar potential for problems.
>
> Just be patient and believe you’ll get better. You are not sick, what you’re feeling is the effect of that crap.
>
> Good luck!
> Bob
Posted by 49er on February 19, 2008, at 15:05:38
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by jimbobwe64 on December 8, 2007, at 10:16:24
Hi,
As one who is tapering Remeron, I am find that the rule to taper 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks is very applicable. I was making slightly larger cuts with the same time line and paid dearly for it.
Until I receive my digital scale to accurately measure doses, I am not making any more cuts.
Folks, a small percentage of people can cold turkey or taper fast off their meds. But you won't know if you're one of the lucky ones and if you find out you aren't, do you want to take that chance?
I want to get off this poison yesterday. But at the same time, when I do get off, I want to stay off.
Steady and slow wins the race.
49er
Posted by Maritza on February 19, 2008, at 22:08:55
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by 49er on February 19, 2008, at 15:05:38
Let me know how this works out for you. I've been on 7.5 mg for 6months and am afraid of going lower. I'll try another reduction in the summer when I'm not under as much stress. I'm a high school teacher. I like the idea of a digital scale. Keep in touch.
Posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 10:24:01
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on February 19, 2008, at 22:08:55
> Let me know how this works out for you. I've been on 7.5 mg for 6months and am afraid of going lower. I'll try another reduction in the summer when I'm not under as much stress. I'm a high school teacher. I like the idea of a digital scale. Keep in touch.
Hi,
As one who used to work as a teaching assistant at a special ed school, I definitely understand your reasoning. I held off tapering my meds until I left that job.
My tapering of Remeron was going well until I woke up early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. But that might have been also due to too much caffeine. Hard to tell.
But so far, so good, knock on wood.
I think when you're ready, as long as you do it very slowly, you should increase your chances of not having major problems.
Good luck.
49er
Posted by Anxiety123 on May 6, 2008, at 15:48:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on March 1, 2008, at 10:24:01
Just wondering if anyone out here is still weaning off remeron. I am and have some advice and questions.
Anxiety
Posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on June 12, 2008, at 6:16:20
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on May 6, 2008, at 15:48:00
Hi,
I stopped Remeron mid May. Now I have no apetite for sweet stuff or carbs and some nausia. I have never ever experienced eating problems before but I am losing weight quite fast now. Is this normal?
Thanks,
Posted by Anxiety123 on June 12, 2008, at 8:55:06
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on June 12, 2008, at 6:16:20
I would think a lower appetite would be normal because remeron is an appetite stimulant. I think in a few months or maybe even weeks you should get your normal appetite back (the way you were before remeron). How much were you taking and how long did you wean? Are you feeling well now?
Thanks for responding to my post.
Posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on June 12, 2008, at 9:10:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on June 12, 2008, at 8:55:06
Hi,
I went pretty fast. From 30 to 15 mg in a week and then cold turkey. It was because of a miss understanding with my Dr. We thought she meant go off it and she didn't...what she said was pretty unclear. I was there with a friend and my friend encouraged me that she meant go off it. I was having so many hissies on it that I think my friend is pretty pleased to have me off.
No. Sadly not well but I am expecting my body to come good over the next few months. Depressed and really tired from lack of sleep. I just wasn't expecting the weight loss.
How are you going with yours?
Posted by Leo Brazil on July 24, 2008, at 15:07:08
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on June 12, 2008, at 9:10:42
One more story of unsuccessful cold turkeying.
I was taking 7.5mg of Remoron, I mean, Remeron for only two months and tried to go cold turkey. Big mistake! I had terrible insomnia and felt depressed the next day. These antidepressants are just too powerful. We have to take it easy on our brains and wean slowly off these meds. I'll just take 3.25mg until I feel stable and then stop for good.Leo
Posted by brazilnut on July 25, 2008, at 3:30:16
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Leo Brazil on July 24, 2008, at 15:07:08
> One more story of unsuccessful cold turkeying.
> I was taking 7.5mg of Remoron, I mean, Remeron for only two months and tried to go cold turkey. Big mistake! I had terrible insomnia and felt depressed the next day. These antidepressants are just too powerful. We have to take it easy on our brains and wean slowly off these meds. I'll just take 3.25mg until I feel stable and then stop for good.
>
> LeoLeo,
Maybe cutting half is still too much. The recommended rate is about 10% each 10 days, 5% after arriving at 50% down.
Good luck!
Roberto
Posted by Leo Brazil on July 25, 2008, at 12:21:00
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by brazilnut on July 25, 2008, at 3:30:16
> Maybe cutting half is still too much. The recommended rate is about 10% each 10 days, 5% after arriving at 50% down.
>
> Good luck!
> Roberto
>I think that this method applies to people who has been taking ADs for long a long time. I took Remeron for only two months at a low dosage. I can taper faster than that.
Today I am feeling much better than yesterday. I don't think my withdrawal will be as bad as expected. Lucky me. I just hope my brain goes back to normal as soon as possible.
I was prescribed this med for social phobia. No benefit observed. It only made feel irritable, hungry and sedated. I don't think any med works for social phobia. I've tried many. The only thing that helps is psychotherapy.Leo
Posted by brazilnut on July 25, 2008, at 13:52:47
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by brazilnut on July 25, 2008, at 3:30:16
> > One more story of unsuccessful cold turkeying.
> > I was taking 7.5mg of Remoron, I mean, Remeron for only two months and tried to go cold turkey. Big mistake! I had terrible insomnia and felt depressed the next day. These antidepressants are just too powerful. We have to take it easy on our brains and wean slowly off these meds. I'll just take 3.25mg until I feel stable and then stop for good.
> >
> > LeoWhat I suggested is a guarantee to be on the safe side, but most probably youll have no big problem. I have met people who had bad withdrawal after 6 week Remeron, however.
I agree with you on the effectiveness of psychotherapy for social phobia. The book Prozac Backlash, by Dr. Joseph Glenmullen presents irrefutable scientific data on the subject. See http://www.prozacbacklash.com/.
Im glad youre better today!
Roberto
>
> Leo,
>
> Maybe cutting half is still too much. The recommended rate is about 10% each 10 days, 5% after arriving at 50% down.
>
> Good luck!
> Roberto
>
Posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 6:54:12
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » brazilnut, posted by brazilnut on July 25, 2008, at 13:52:47
Stopped taking the Remeron yesterday. I was taking 3.75mg. Boy, I don't feel good right now. I'm feeling anxious and I can't eat. It's not being easy. I have a lot of bad thoughts going on in my mind, but I just keep telling myself that everything will turn out fine, that it's just some anxiety and it will pass.
Leonardo
Posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 12:21:13
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 6:54:12
Ooops! I think it was too soon to stop. Couldn't handle the anxiety. It was so overwhelming that I started crying. I'll just wait another week at 3.75mg then I'll reduce to about 1.85mg.
I guess patience is the key.Leo
Posted by brazilnut on July 31, 2008, at 14:01:34
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 6:54:12
Hi, Leo!
Hold on, it may take some time but youll be free from this. Sometimes these meds surprise us with bad symptoms later than we expected. I suggest you also not to take any other med - even natural stuff - to alleviate symptoms. I had severe problems with beta-blockers and valerian.
I had no problems with Remeron because I made a very slow taper: from 45mg to zero in two years. But with other meds I was not so patient and now Im paying the bill.
By the way, are you in Brazil?
Roberto
Posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 16:08:01
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Leo Brazil, posted by brazilnut on July 31, 2008, at 14:01:34
> Hi, Leo!
>
> Hold on, it may take some time but youll be free from this. Sometimes these meds surprise us with bad symptoms later than we expected. I suggest you also not to take any other med - even natural stuff - to alleviate symptoms. I had severe problems with beta-blockers and valerian.
>
> I had no problems with Remeron because I made a very slow taper: from 45mg to zero in two years. But with other meds I was not so patient and now Im paying the bill.
>
> By the way, are you in Brazil?
>
> RobertoYes, I am from Porto Alegre.
I think I can be more patient now because at such a low dosage (3,75mg) Remeron is not bothering me, I guess. But I have another med to wean off: Neurontin 600mg. That's going to be just as tough. I can't wait to be med free.Leo
Posted by brazilnut on July 31, 2008, at 17:42:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Leo Brazil on July 31, 2008, at 16:08:01
Nice to meet you here, Leo! Im from Rio, but living in Curitiba.
Remeron may be a nasty drug, take care. I have no direct experience with Neurontin, but read about it on the Internet and found some mentions in the benzo forum I am. It looks like it can also require caution when weaning off. I suggest you, as well as everybody in this thread, to visit the forum I mentioned, www.benzoisland.org. Its a forum officially dedicated to benzodiazepine withdrawal, but virtually any other addicting med is discussed. There youll find systematic support and a wealth of knowledge about these drugs. It has currently 550 active members and 3,800 members in total. But to join you have to be approved after submitting your story, and sometimes the forum is closed to new members because of the large demand.
I suggest also that we keep posting here in English, but with translation to Portuguese. This way, other Portuguese speaking people could find this thread and exchange information with us.
Roberto
Que bom encontrá-lo aqui, Leo! Eu sou do Rio, morando em Curitiba.Remeron pode ser uma droga perigosa, tome cuidado. Não tenho experiência direta com Neurontin, mas li sobre ela na Internet e achei algumas referências no fórum que freqüento. Parece que ela também requer cuidado na hora de parar. Sugiro a você, assim como a todos nesta lista, visitar o fórum que mencionei, www.benzoisland.org. É um fórum oficialmente dedicado à retirada de benzodiazepinas, mas virtualmente todos os remédios que viciam são discutidos. Lá você encontrará apoio sistemático e extenso conhecimento sobre essas drogas. Ele tem atualmente 550 membros ativos e 3.800 no total. Mas para entrar você deve ser aprovado após submeter sua história, e às vezes o fórum está fechado para novos membros por causa da demanda elevada.
Sugiro ainda que continuemos a escrever em inglês aqui, mas com tradução para o português. Assim, outras pessoas de língua portuguesa poderiam encontrar esta lista e trocar informação conosco.
Posted by johnj on August 4, 2008, at 11:53:09
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Leo Brazil, posted by brazilnut on July 31, 2008, at 17:42:42
Remeron is quite brutal for some. I am a survivor and it takes lots of time to get off it. I highly suggest you search the archives for remeron and you will find many of us that finally got off this drug. For some, like me, it took lots of time and at times it was hell but in the end it is worth it to be free from it.
regards
johnj
Posted by Anxiety123 on August 4, 2008, at 14:09:27
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » brazilnut, posted by johnj on August 4, 2008, at 11:53:09
John, can you tell me what mgs you were on, how you tapered, how long it took and what w/d symptoms you had.
Thanks.
Posted by johnj on August 4, 2008, at 15:57:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » johnj, posted by Anxiety123 on August 4, 2008, at 14:09:27
I was on 30 for 3 months but the sponge brain heavy head never left me and it made me my ocd worse. I then was off and had extreme anxiety which I didn't know was withdrawal.
I then went on 15 mg for sleep about a year later. It worked but made ocd worse and the head stuff wouldn't abate. I tolerated it for 3 years and it seemed like a dream. I went off for good last July and had sleeping problems, anxiety. Remeron also messes with the adrenals, so I am told so fatigue was a big part of it.
I tapered very slowly and cut the 7.5 mg in quarters. It is hard to say whether it is best cold turkey or not. I found it a nasty drug but the sleep is good, the only good for me. I had a lot of chest pressure too. Again, search the archives to get a lot of good info.
johnj
Posted by Anxiety123 on August 5, 2008, at 15:40:46
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Anxiety123, posted by johnj on August 4, 2008, at 15:57:42
John. I have been on 30 mgs for 4 years. I have cut back to 22.5 over the past few months. My Dr. said that the lower the dose the more weight you gain. So how can you slowly wean off the drug without gaining weight? I don't know if he meant it messes up your metabolism or it just makes you hungrier and you eat more thus gaining weight. Did you have any weight gain while taking the 15 mgs?
Posted by johnj on August 5, 2008, at 16:56:31
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on August 5, 2008, at 15:40:46
No not at all but I am too skinny even on remeron. I don't know why a doc would say that unless it is related to being more sedating at lower doses.
Posted by alirec on August 6, 2008, at 23:17:55
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Anxiety123, posted by johnj on August 5, 2008, at 16:56:31
Hi,
I've been on Mirtazapine for the last year (45mg for the last 6 months). I had a falling out with my Psychiatrist and so haven't seen her since January. I recently decided I didn't want to be taking Mirtazapine any more and because I didn't want to see my psychiatrist I just stopped taking it. I now realise how irresponsible this was.
Luckily for me I have been off it for a month and the only withdrawal effect has been insomnia. I can frequently get more than 6 hours sleep but I'm rarely asleep before 3am (it's 5am as I type this). I am a student and at the moment it's not too big an issue but when I start having lectures again in October it will become a major inconvenience. Will I be sleeping better by then or do I need to go back on the drugs?
Ali
Posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on August 7, 2008, at 2:09:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by alirec on August 6, 2008, at 23:17:55
Hi Ali,
I imagine it would be out of your system before October if you stay off it till then. Mine took me about seven weeks...but my experience was different because the insomnia wasn't too bad and I am a really poor sleeper anyway. My major problem was feeling sick.
But all of our experiences are different. I find with insomnia that the best way to get through it is to always get up at the same time. Like getting up at seven every day even if I go to sleep at five. Easier said than done and I don't have much control with insomnia because it's just with me all the time so I can't preach about what works. But I think the getting up at the same time keeps my light dark rhythems good and helps me be less drowsy during the day.
Hope that helps,
Jess.> Hi,
>
> I've been on Mirtazapine for the last year (45mg for the last 6 months). I had a falling out with my Psychiatrist and so haven't seen her since January. I recently decided I didn't want to be taking Mirtazapine any more and because I didn't want to see my psychiatrist I just stopped taking it. I now realise how irresponsible this was.
>
> Luckily for me I have been off it for a month and the only withdrawal effect has been insomnia. I can frequently get more than 6 hours sleep but I'm rarely asleep before 3am (it's 5am as I type this). I am a student and at the moment it's not too big an issue but when I start having lectures again in October it will become a major inconvenience. Will I be sleeping better by then or do I need to go back on the drugs?
>
> Ali
Posted by johnj on August 20, 2008, at 9:59:21
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by alirec on August 6, 2008, at 23:17:55
Sorry about the delayed response I was banned for a few weeks from this site. It took me a long time to get better from remeron but part is my anxiety disorder so I can't blame it all on remeron. I strongly encourage you to look in the archives on remeron as it appears some people recover quick and others take months. You only know until you try and stay off of it. It does mess with sleep so give it lots of time. I also found it did something to my adrenals making me very tired. Drink lots of water, no alcohol or drugs, exercise if you can, and eat very healthy. You should do well with this regime.
You could try over the counter sleep stuff every once in a while as I did. But just don't take it every night. Good luck
PS. I also had a lot of rebound stuff since it is so sedating like my brain was happy to be awake again hence it was hard to sleep.
johnj
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