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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by AnitaDean on December 30, 2008, at 19:02:24
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on December 30, 2008, at 18:59:10
Can you explain what "water tapering" means? I have been cutting and I have withdrawal, though not bad enough to make me want to go back up. It took you a year to go down 10mgs??? Wow. I have 5.625 mg to go.
Posted by Maritza on December 30, 2008, at 20:16:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on December 29, 2008, at 23:10:19
> Hi,
>
> No. i have no idea. I am out here though and did manage to get off the drug OK>
>
> Jess.HI, would you mind sharing how you did it. How did you measure lowere doses acurately if you weaned. if you went "cold turkey" did you experience any withdrawl? Thanks,
Maritza
Posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on December 30, 2008, at 20:23:14
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on December 30, 2008, at 11:31:31
Sorry, not really. My doctor said that 15mg was hardly a dose anyway and it wouldn't matter if I stopped taking it. I'm a cold turkey kind of person so I did that but I think we were wrong.
Anyway I had a lot of trouble eating and with nausea for about a month. I was really off food and I usually eat like a horse. I was depressed and I had trouble sleeping but both are normal for me in June so I didn't really blame the med withdrawal.
Sorry not to be of more help. I think my eating had returned to normal well and truly after five weeks.
Jess.
Posted by Maritza on December 30, 2008, at 20:43:23
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » brazilnut, posted by 49er on September 21, 2008, at 11:34:09
> >
> > 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
Hi How are you? I'm wondering how to acurately measure 10% and 5% cuts in weaning off of remeron. Also, I've recently been diagnosed as hypothyroid and have been on thyroid meds for about 6 months. I really believe it's related to remeron. I've read it as a possible side-effect. I think that because it effect the adrenals, this screws up other hormones, including the thyroid. I was wondering if anyone has heard or experienced this also. I'm also concerned that with weaning there may be a flood of adrenaline. This combined with thyroid meds may be excessively stimulating. Add to that withdrawl symptoms and I'm probably looking at a nervous break down. My medical doctor seems to ignore my beliefs about this and thinks I need to get my thyroid levels under control first. I think I need to come off of remeron, safely, then see if I still have a thyroid problem. He agrees remeron can cause many problems but is doing nothing to help me get off. Can anyone identify with these concerns?
> >
> Roberto,
>
> This post may be too late as I haven't read the followups. But I wanted to post it for other people's benefit.
>
> You're right to mention that dropping the dose of 3.25mg may be too much. However, I think your suggested tapering rate may still be too fast.
>
> The Paxil Progress Boards, which is run by an RN who almost lost her son to a Paxil induced suicide/homicide while on on an MD advised taper, suggests 10% of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. With Remeron, as I have gone below 5mg, I have had to go even slower.
>
> I think because it takes a minimum of two weeks for withdrawal symptoms to show up, that is the minimum amount of time you should wait.
>
> 49er
>
Posted by Anxiety123 on December 30, 2008, at 20:46:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Kangaroo_on_spaghett on December 30, 2008, at 20:23:14
If you will join paxilprogress.com and let me know what your screen name is, I will send you my e-mail address and explain to you how to water taper. My screen name is Anxiety123 on paxilprogress.com. I don't want to post my address out here but on the paxil board we can send private messages. I will be glad to help you. I am very sensitive and that is why it is taking me a long time. But the general rule of thumb is not to cut more than 10% of your current dose.
Hope this helps.
Posted by AnitaDean on December 30, 2008, at 21:33:09
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on December 30, 2008, at 20:46:36
Ok will do. Whoops my last cut was 25%! 10% every month or so? I guess the only way to do 10% is by water tapering right? Am I screwed b/c I cut my last dose by 25%? Thanks will get back to you on the paxilprogress.com
Posted by Anxiety123 on December 30, 2008, at 21:41:48
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on December 30, 2008, at 21:33:09
Sorry, I gave you the wrong website. It is paxilprogress.org.
25% is a very large cut. If you feel really bad you could consider going back up some on the dose and stabilize before you make another cut. Everyone is different on how long they wait between cuts. It takes some longer to stabilize and you never want to make a cut until you feel you are stable and not having wd symptoms.
Posted by Maritza on December 30, 2008, at 22:43:45
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on December 30, 2008, at 21:33:09
Hi, so I registered on Paxilprogress.com. My user name is the same as here, Maritza. I am currently in a waiting mode with them . My registration needs to undergo moderation before my forum is activated. I still don't get how to tirate doses down. It's not possible to cut the pill in 10% increments. What does water tapering mean. I think alot of people would appreciate this explanation.
Thanks
Maritza
Posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on December 30, 2008, at 22:43:45
> Hi, so I registered on Paxilprogress.com. My user name is the same as here, Maritza. I am currently in a waiting mode with them . My registration needs to undergo moderation before my forum is activated. I still don't get how to tirate doses down. It's not possible to cut the pill in 10% increments. What does water tapering mean. I think alot of people would appreciate this explanation.
> Thanks
> MaritzaHi,
I am tapering Remeron by 10% and here are the steps. I don't use water titration as that is just too messy and confusing for me.
1, Buy a digital scale on EBay that can measure .001g. They range in price from $15 to $30.
2. Buy empty gelatin capsules. I bought a whole container of 1000 for $10 from vitacost.
3. Buy pill crusher
4. Count out the amount of Remeron you are currently using. For example, if it is a 15mg pill, crush it and then pour it into the emply capsule.
5. Weigh it on the digital scale and note the measurement.
6. Use that measurement to subtract the 10% amount from. For example, if the measurement is .215g, your new dose will be .194.
Fire away with any questions.
49er
Posted by AnitaDean on December 31, 2008, at 10:49:33
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
Thank you for this. HOw often do you decrease by 10%? I started w/15mg in July and am now down to 3/8 pill. SHould I start decreasing by 5%? Or can I still go down by 10%? My last decrease was 25% (11 days ago) and the one prior to that was 20%.
Posted by Anxiety123 on December 31, 2008, at 12:34:20
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on December 31, 2008, at 10:49:33
Maritza. I agree 100% with using the scales also. The only reason I use water is because I was water tapering klonopin before I started the remeron. I didn't know about the scales then and was taught by a lady on a benzo withdrawal board how to water taper. Once you get on the paxil board you will find there are a lot of people weaning using the scales. There is even a thread that explains it in detail. There is a guy on the board that goes by screen name Palm and he is tapering remeron using the scales. You can post to him or do a search and read some of his posts.
Posted by AnitaDean on December 31, 2008, at 14:51:40
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on December 31, 2008, at 12:34:20
So what is easier, the scales or water tapering? Sounds like the scales to me?
Posted by AnitaDean on December 31, 2008, at 15:15:31
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on December 30, 2008, at 21:41:48
Hi I registered on PaxilProgress as AnitaDean. Can you send me the water tapering info?
Posted by Anxiety123 on January 1, 2009, at 13:44:34
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on December 31, 2008, at 15:15:31
I think the scales are easier. I only do the water because I tapered off a benzo using water and that is what I got used to. That was before I knew about the scale method. With the water, you have to order alot of the equipment such as a small blender and measuring devices. Then you have to do all the math to make accurate cuts. With the scales, you can find them for pretty cheap on e-bay or amazon. There is alot of info posted on the paxil board about what kind of scales to use and how to use them, also how to calcuate the math. Depending on what AD you are weaning off of also can make a difference. Some of them such as paxil and lexapro come in a prescription liquid and that makes them easy to cut without any special equipment. If they are a capsule, you can't put them in water so the scales work well. I don't have all my info on the water taper at home. It is all on my computer at work and I am off on vacation until Jan 12. If you still want me to send it to you, I can when I get back to work. Just put a post out here or send me a private message to Anxiety123 on the paxil board with your e-mail so I can send it all to you.
Posted by Maritza on January 1, 2009, at 22:01:36
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
> > Hi, so I registered on Paxilprogress.com. My user name is the same as here, Maritza. I am currently in a waiting mode with them . My registration needs to undergo moderation before my forum is activated. I still don't get how to tirate doses down. It's not possible to cut the pill in 10% increments. What does water tapering mean. I think alot of people would appreciate this explanation.
> > Thanks
> > Maritza
>
> Hi,
>
> I am tapering Remeron by 10% and here are the steps. I don't use water titration as that is just too messy and confusing for me.
>
> 1, Buy a digital scale on EBay that can measure .001g. They range in price from $15 to $30.
>
> 2. Buy empty gelatin capsules. I bought a whole container of 1000 for $10 from vitacost.
>
> 3. Buy pill crusher
>
> 4. Count out the amount of Remeron you are currently using. For example, if it is a 15mg pill, crush it and then pour it into the emply capsule.
>
> 5. Weigh it on the digital scale and note the measurement.
>
> 6. Use that measurement to subtract the 10% amount from. For example, if the measurement is .215g, your new dose will be .194.
>
> Fire away with any questions.
>
> 49er
> Thanks, I appreciate this info. Only one question, does this effect the rate of absorbtion?
>
Posted by Maritza on January 1, 2009, at 22:03:12
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates? » Maritza, posted by 49er on December 31, 2008, at 5:15:42
> > Hi, so I registered on Paxilprogress.com. My user name is the same as here, Maritza. I am currently in a waiting mode with them . My registration needs to undergo moderation before my forum is activated. I still don't get how to tirate doses down. It's not possible to cut the pill in 10% increments. What does water tapering mean. I think alot of people would appreciate this explanation.
> > Thanks
> > Maritza
>
> Hi,
>
> I am tapering Remeron by 10% and here are the steps. I don't use water titration as that is just too messy and confusing for me.
>
> 1, Buy a digital scale on EBay that can measure .001g. They range in price from $15 to $30.
>
> 2. Buy empty gelatin capsules. I bought a whole container of 1000 for $10 from vitacost.
>
> 3. Buy pill crusher
>
> 4. Count out the amount of Remeron you are currently using. For example, if it is a 15mg pill, crush it and then pour it into the emply capsule.
>
> 5. Weigh it on the digital scale and note the measurement.
>
> 6. Use that measurement to subtract the 10% amount from. For example, if the measurement is .215g, your new dose will be .194.
>
> Fire away with any questions.
>
> 49er
> Thanks, I appreciate this info. Only one question, does this effect the rate of absorbtion?
>
Posted by AnitaDean on January 1, 2009, at 23:00:57
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on January 1, 2009, at 13:44:34
By the way, I am super sensitive too. How long do you go in between drops? I mean at the 10% level. I think I am FINALLY (after 12 days) starting to level off after my 25% drop!
Posted by AnitaDean on January 2, 2009, at 23:10:44
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on January 1, 2009, at 22:03:12
Can anyone explain to me exactly what the remeron does to your adrenals? When you drop in dosage, does it actually shoot adrenaline into your system? Or is it that when you take it it suppresses the adrenals then when you remove it the suppressed adrenaline comes out? Also what does it do to your blood sugar?
thx
Posted by Maritza on January 3, 2009, at 0:00:09
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on January 2, 2009, at 23:10:44
Hi I want share a very scary situation that happened to me this evening to hopefully prevent the same from happening to anyone else. I have an old prescription fo Tylenol #4 that I take once in a long while for back and neck pain. I had major surgery on my c-spine 2 years ago and was given this prescription. Recently I was given a prescription for Sporonox (Itraconazole) to treat a yeast infection. I beleive I have this yeast infection becuse Mirtazipine blocks stomach acid secretion, changing the ph of the stomach and intestines. So I began this new medication today. It slows the liver's abilityt o metabolize certain drugs, such as mertazipine, thereby increasing their clearance time. So tonight I took my dose of Mirtazipine (7.5mh). Then I had a cigarette. (Yes I smoke). Within minutes I developed severe, crushing mid-sternal chest pain and began panting for air. I felt extremely hot and began breaking a sweat. I also felt dizzy and light headed. This continued for about 10 minutes. i feel about normal now, but I debated on calling 911. Maybe I should have. What I think happened based on info I just read on Drugs.com, is that the Sporonox increased the concentration of Mirtazipine in my system and the Tlenol & Codeine mix resulted in CNS and respiratory depression. Add smoking to this-- and I'm lucky to be here sharing this. I feel like Mirtazipine is going to kill me somehow. My pharmacist and doctor know all of my prescriptions, yet, I really think that if i had taken the Tylenol/ codeine any closer to when I took the mirtazipine, I probably would be in the hospital right now (or God forbid worse). This is no joke. I took the Tylenol/codeine at 11:00 am and mirtazipine at 9:30 pm. Please check all of your prescriptions at Drugs.com or another PDR type resource. Benzos or narcotics and mirtazipine put you at a high risk for a heart attack from CNS/ respiratory depression.
Maritza
Posted by Anxiety123 on January 3, 2009, at 0:14:52
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Maritza on January 3, 2009, at 0:00:09
I guess we all react differently to combos of drugs. I take a benzo every day with remeron and have never had any reaction. Been doing that for almost 5 years now. The same Dr. prescribes both. Also, 4 years ago I had surgery for breast cancer (4 surgeries in a period of 2 years) and after each surgery for my reconstruction I took tylenol/codeine (percocet) for several weeks after each surgery and never had any kind of reaction. My nighttime dose of percocet was taken with remeron and the benzo. That is pretty scary that that happened to you. I hope you are ok now. :)
Posted by Maritza on January 3, 2009, at 6:42:23
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on January 3, 2009, at 0:14:52
Thanks. I've been smoking for 20 years. Maybe the cigarette triggered it? Also the Itracanazole effects the liver, slowing down the clearance of the meds.
Posted by Anxiety123 on January 3, 2009, at 13:47:42
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on January 1, 2009, at 23:00:57
I can't tell you how long between drops because I am also weaning klonopin and toprol and I rotate between the 3. Sorry. I am glad you are feeling better.
> By the way, I am super sensitive too. How long do you go in between drops? I mean at the 10% level. I think I am FINALLY (after 12 days) starting to level off after my 25% drop!
Posted by TimeLord on January 19, 2009, at 11:40:26
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by Anxiety123 on January 3, 2009, at 13:47:42
I was off of Remeron for six months and eventually hit a point where I could no longer sleep for periods longer than 30-40 minutes every few hours. This insomnia went on for 12 weeks, until I finally went back on the Remeron at a small dose...
I don't know how the hell to get off this stuff and I've been on it for ten years. I also got of Klonopin at the same time, which may have been problematic as well.
I stopped taking it again last night (I was back on 3.75mg for roughly four weeks) and am attempting to stop again... but I couldn't sleep at all last night and my mind is all weird. However, if I take it now, it doesn't always work. Such is the nature of the best, I suspect.
Posted by AnitaDean on January 19, 2009, at 12:09:41
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by TimeLord on January 19, 2009, at 11:40:26
Hi
Do you think it is harder to get off of Remeron the longer you have been on it? I have been on it since last July and started tapering down in August. But it was a lot easier to taper at the higher dose (15mg was my highest). Now I am taking like 5.625 mg and really want to get off of it by this summer at the LATEST. I have heard a bunch of other stories where people successfully got off of Remeron.
Posted by TimeLord on January 19, 2009, at 12:28:08
In reply to Re: mirtazapine/remeron updates?, posted by AnitaDean on January 19, 2009, at 12:09:41
There is really no evidence, apart from anecdotal, that medication may be harder to withdraw from based on length of time on it. At least from what I've read. With benzos this is certainly true, but Remeron is supposed to be easier to get off of - regardless of time on it.
I suspect because it acts on two neurotransmitters that is might be the reverse, but I don't really know.
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