Hi
I have been taking Mirt for 4 weeks now for GAD and panic disorder which I had been experiencing for 4months.

Prior to this medication, although anxious, it was kinda controlable, so if i had someone with me I could sorta lead a normal(ish) life. DR 1st tried SSRI, but that literally sent me crazy and i didn't know who i was or what was happening for the 2 weeks i lay on the sofa in the grip of terror that something REALLY bad was happening.

So eventually after 18days my Dr took me off them, and suggested we try Mirtazipine.


Now, after 2 weeks @7.5 and a further 2weeks @15mg, although the anxiety is "numbed" a little (but still playing in the background), i feel depressed, tired, sometimes dizzy, and more than a little "not there" or "in my body" most of the time. Certainly, not feeling "right" enough to work or drive (which I could do before meds, albeit anxiously).

I've never really been depressed before and it's a strange feeling, not being quite in control of myself and being unable to motivate myself in the usual ways.

I've stuck with the meds because I know a couple of people who have taken them to good effect. But now after 4 weeks, i'm thinking, surely the bad effects of the drug should be leaving me and the "good stuff" should have started to kick in???
Will I feel unable to drive the WHOLE time i'm taking these, or does that "drugged" feeling eventually disappear??

My Dr seems unable to explain, how an anti-depressant has caused me to experience true depression for the 1st time in my 43years.... ??
It's weird huh? I'm usually so up beat, and i've made a career out of motivating people. And previously, i've managed to rally myself and calm/ boost my energies most of the time, even through the worst anxiety or panic attack. But now, i can't motivate myself to do the dishes, go out, or even call friends. I'm rendered useless most of the time.

I guess my question is : When does the D*** good stuff start? AND, if it doesn't start.... How long should I stay on them, before i quit and say "Right, they're not doing what they promise on the box - what's next?"

Thanks for taking time to read this post - all constructive advice considered.

Cheers

This post has been edited by LondonEngland: Jun 8 2009, 11:19 AM

Hi-
I'm new at the forums but not new to Remeron. Years ago when we (my Dr and I) were trying to get my meds right I got on Remeron as one of my first meds. I finally had some relief to a brand new depression/anxiety. I wasn't finished as I finally wound up on Effexor XR as well. I am now taking 300mg of Effexor and 75 mg of Remeron. My point is that it will take time to get your meds leveled out. It's can be a frustrating time but relief is on the way. So in answer to your question, no; you won't always feel like this. I felt the same way, wondering if I would ever feel "normal" again. I do! It took some real observation on my part to be able to communicate how I felt to the Dr. I describe it as "standing in the fire and looking around". My Dr kept increasing the mg until relief finally came. 30mg was a tremendous relief at the time and then we worked on the other meds; first Paxil then Effexor.

Relief will come!

HI,
I am also a Mirtz warrior. Starting week 6 today and as stated above, it will get better. You need to give it a chance to work with your system. We are all different and therefore can have different results. My personal opinion is that these meds don't start to get on board until around 6-8 weeks. However I'm not a DR. Hang in there and I bet you see a difference in a bit. Wishing you wellness and peace. Namaste..........POPI

Cheers Kernel - Yes, I thought as a treatment dose 15mg was low, but my Dr wanted to take it slow. I think he may up me to 30 or 22.5mg, in 10 days. It just seems like an awful long time when you can't find anything that will motivate you, to distract yourself, or feel "safe"(alert) enough to drive to the beach to clear the cobwebs. I think that's the thing that concerns me the most - feeling to drugged to drive. I mean bear in mind I don't drink, cos half a glass of wine gets me drunk, and leaves me unable to drive. But i'll take you at your word, and hopefully look forward to a trip to the beach before the summer's out.
Cheers,
and good health, to ya.

And a very good day to you! I think the main thing any of those of us who have been dealing with this new journey is that there is hope--don't give up--hang in there--you're not alone!When the time it's taking you to get your levels right gets you down, come post and hopefully we can give you an encouraging word to keep you going.

HI London England and fellow MIRTs

I posted the following comment to LucyH a few days back on this forum and hope it may give encouragement t all new Mirts suffering with the dreaded mirt brain fog:

"I have read somewhere (and my doctor has confirmed) that ironically, M can be more sedating at lower doses (ie 15mg) due to its antihistaminergic properties. Higher doses are generally less sedating as this sedating effect is thought to be offset by the increased noradrenaline release at higher doses (ie 30mg - 45mg). My doctor started me on 15mg for five days to be upped to 30mg thereafter. Once I had been on the 30mg for a few days, the sedating effect had almost completely disappeared.

Far be it from me to give any prescription advice but it may be worth discussing with your doctor upping the dose from 15mg."

As I said, the fug you describe seemed to lift pretty quickly after I went up to 30mg - in fact, my mind felt clearer that it has felt for years. I would describe it as standing on top of a hill on a very clear day where you can make out minute details of houses, trees etc miles away. Once again, I'm not saying that will work for you but my point is, it can and does get better.

I also mentioned that a vet friend of mine told me that mirtazipine is indicated as an appetite stimulant for cats! And there must be some pretty well fed cats out there because mirt certainly increases your appetite. I find the worse time just before bed when I really have to pull myself away from the fridge or the bread bin.

Good luck and let us know how things go.

You're welcome. Good luck with the doc.

I have been on remeron for about 4 weeks. 1 week at 7.5 and three at 15. I am still waiting for some relief. I wake up very early even though I am taking ambien cr and remeron. I am very anxious and depressed. I have a dr appointment next week. Maybe she can suggest something. .My stomach is also very upset in the morning and I can't eat. Then for some reason I start to feel better around 2. Many afternoons and evenings I feel almost normal. I am so tired of fighting this, and it is wearing on my family. Have anyone else felt like this? Is there hope? Thanks for listening.

Hey,
How's everyone doing?
i'm 5/6 weeks in now and still lyin on the sofa at 3pm. the "fug" is still here. Mentioned to my Dr comments about there being less sedation at higher dose, and he totally rubbished it, adn refused to put my meds up up. So still suffering on 15mg. Gonna start a new topic asking for medical proof re dosage effects.