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
poster:jimbobwe64
thread:613132
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20070929/msgs/799501.html