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[Cory C]

Cory, how long did your GF trial Mirt 30mg for? Interesting that it mellows me out (a bit too much at the 45mg doses), but your GF gets irritable and moody. Although the first time I upped the dose from 30 to 45mg, for 5 days, I did get irritable. The second time I upped the dose, for 3 weeks, it definately mellowed me out by week 3, but too much! Maybe she needs a 3 week trail at 30-45mg to see if it works? But if it's intolerable for her there's not much you can do. All the best there!

Hi Electrochemistry,

She was on Mirt for about 6 weeks, the first 3 weeks on 15mg, the last three on 30mg. The first three weeks, she was more aggressive and motivated, and she felt better in terms of depression, but soon she became irritable and angry too easily, even annoyed. Eventually, she started to be uncaring and impersonal -- terribly unlike her. The last three weeks, she developed other side effects that had to do more with body functions -- very scary stuff. She had no choice but to come off. Her doc realizes that she's just too sensitive for the ADs. He suggested a lifestyle change -- exercise, proper diet, and supplementation (melatonin and 5HTP) -- she's doing okay, but the withdrawal symptoms are rearing their ugly head. She told me last night she's angrier than she was last week. These should pass, as Blues Brother assured me, in a few weeks.

We'll keep trying and see how it goes. I'll stand by her and support her as best I can.

Thanks for asking :)

Cory

Edited by Cory C, 09 May 2012 - 10:07 AM.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Cory,

What type of body side effects does she have (If it's not female related stuff) ? I'm still on 7.5mg of Remeron (Mirt), and I've been feeling a bit off lately. I feel I have some sort of allergic reaction going on. I have a slight rash on my right wrist. I got this rash one other time, about the time I tried Paxil then Zoloft. Plus I've had some heart burn, and my neck and throat muscles feel tight and strange. I'm sure some of that could be anxiety related, but it just feels strange.

Does she still have sleep issues? Are they falling asleep, staying asleep (early wake ups), or just quality of sleep?

Have a great day.

Soccer

[Cory C]

Hi Cory,

What type of body side effects does she have (If it's not female related stuff) ? I'm still on 7.5mg of Remeron (Mirt), and I've been feeling a bit off lately. I feel I have some sort of allergic reaction going on. I have a slight rash on my right wrist. I got this rash one other time, about the time I tried Paxil then Zoloft. Plus I've had some heart burn, and my neck and throat muscles feel tight and strange. I'm sure some of that could be anxiety related, but it just feels strange.

Does she still have sleep issues? Are they falling asleep, staying asleep (early wake ups), or just quality of sleep?

Have a great day.

Soccer

Soccer Dude:

They are women-related issues, so it won't affect you in that way. She is sleeping okay, but she's not sure if that's the melatonin working or that she's just very tired (another symptom of withdrawal I think).

She was very uncaring today -- felt like doing nothing and isn't excited about good news coming her way. It's sad to see how volatile her emotional state is.

Cory

[bluesbrother]

Cory, is her doc a GP or Pdoc? And is her untreated (I mean without any AD's) depression the unmotivated, flat type or is she irritable and easily annoyed?

[Cory C]

Cory, is her doc a GP or Pdoc? And is her untreated (I mean without any AD's) depression the unmotivated, flat type or is she irritable and easily annoyed?

Hi BB,

He's a Pdoc -- he noted that her environmental stresses have proved too much the past year and so she feels super-stressed and down. She was easily annoyed and irritated, still is, although it's on and off. She told me she knows she has changed a lot and doesn't like who she is right now.

The withdrawal symptoms are there -- yesterday she was upbeat, today she was uncaring, cold, and unconcerned. I told her that in a couple of weeks, she'll feel more like herself, although probably still down in some way.

Let's hope and pray -- she was awful today. I hope she'll be better tomorrow.

Cory.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi,

I saw my new pdoc today. Not sure what I think. She did make a good point though about me needing to stick to one thing, and not start and stop so many things, and worrying about this and that. She suggests I got back on Lexapro. She's not so concerned about how it made my mood feel flat lined as much as that I need help with Anxiety. I think it did help with that. And she said I could take it with Remeron at night, to help me sleep.

Hopefully it will work.

Soccer

[bluesbrother]

Cory, I can't quite understand why her pdoc would prescribe something that is rather activating and potentially causing irritability in doses of 30mg or more, if that was her problem to start with. Mind you, Mirt is considered to be well tolerated by most people. I haven't had any physical SE's really...ah, apart from my sex drive that was all of a sudden dead as a Dodo. It did make even me irritable and I'm flatline depressed hoping for some motivation and drive. Didn't like my sleep anymore either. Did she actually try citalopram? It's often the first choice and I found it fairly easy on the SE's although not as mild as Mirt. Cit made me much easier to live with and there were no sexual SE's. It helped my relationship but unfortunately it didn't help my depression/motivation.

[Cory C]

Cory, I can't quite understand why her pdoc would prescribe something that is rather activating and potentially causing irritability in doses of 30mg or more, if that was her problem to start with. Mind you, Mirt is considered to be well tolerated by most people. I haven't had any physical SE's really...ah, apart from my sex drive that was all of a sudden dead as a Dodo. It did make even me irritable and I'm flatline depressed hoping for some motivation and drive. Didn't like my sleep anymore either. Did she actually try citalopram? It's often the first choice and I found it fairly easy on the SE's although not as mild as Mirt. Cit made me much easier to live with and there were no sexual SE's. It helped my relationship but unfortunately it didn't help my depression/motivation.

Hi BB,

We don't understand his thinking either. To be fair, she felt he wasn't very professional. In the end, she tried the two ADs that were supposed to be mild, but her system is too sensitive to them (Cipralex and Mirt). I'm hoping that as the drug leaves her system, she'll return to a more normal state. She may still have those emotional issues, but she was far more loving and considerate before. I ordered her the liquid form of melatonin, and a number of other vitamin supplements to encourage her in lifestyle changes.

Her state is volatile -- one day she's caring and thoughtful; next day she's uncaring and cold. It's the worst. But, I believe its temporary. Her doc did warn her of the withdrawal issues, which is why he prescribed Ativan just in case she needs it.

Thanks again for your caring concern, BB. Bless you.

Cory

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi,

Well, I went to see my new pdoc today, and she wants me to re-start Lexapro at 5mg. She said I can take it with my 7.5mg of Remeron. I guess I already mentioned this. Anyway, I then went to see a new ND, one I had seen years ago. He suggested I try a higher dose of L-Tryptophan. He said that he's seen people turn around in as little as one week. One women who was always pulling out here hair, a guy who would always check his doors, engine, etc... before leaving in his vehicle (OCD I guess), anyway he said he's got letters for people who were amazed at how it helped them. I think he'd suggest 5-HTP also since it's one less conversion to Serotonin, but I had mentioned to him that I thought I was sensitive to 5-HTP. Anyway, he suggested I take 1000mg twice daily of L-Tryptophan for one week. He said at any time I wanted to stop and try Lexapro again, he was totally okay with it, just to let him know, and also go off L-Tryptophan. So, I think I will give it a try for one week, and if I don't get the benefit (relief) I'm expecting, then I will re-start Lexapro. We are also working on a couple of other things that my body needs. A test shows I have a high need for gutathione, as there is evidence that my body is in need of it, for detoxing, heavy metal ellimination (I have elevated mercury), and since I have signs of some sort of alleric reaction going, that this will help not only reduce the histimine effect but cure the allergy issue as well. This will in turn reduce any anxiety/depression symptoms due to these particular issues. One test also shows I have a higher need of certain probiotics, so he wants me taking 50 Billion units or whatever of Probiotics. I was taking about 12 billion. This will elliminate the slightly elevated yeast (probably candida) in my system which can produce toxins causing anxiety, etc.... Then I have a bacteria (which is pathogenic) and a parasite (both which my MD wasn't worried about), but this ND said they can cause issues, and I'm taking an Oregano oil product to remove them.

So, increasin Serotonin via l-tryptophan, and fixing my gut issues, I'm hoping to naturally bring my body/mind back in order. If this doesn't work, then I'm back to trying meds.

Soccer

[Cory C]

Update:

Alas, my girl has taken a turn for the worse -- she's very angry, irritable, unreasonable, and difficult. I think what's happening is twofold: withdrawal from the Mirt and the onset of her depressive state that was under control, but unfortunately brought with it a host of undesirable side effects.

Her diet is back to normal, so she's no longer over-eating, but her temper is out of control.

I don't know what else to say except time will have to tell how things go from here. It's hard, but I just can't shudder the thought of abandoning her to this state, given how fair-weather her "friends" have been.

I'll keep you guys posted, but for now, if you're the praying type, we could use a few of them right now.

Bless you guys for your support and listening ear.

Cory.
p.s. Blues Brother, you were right -- the 2nd week off this Mirt is proving to be a very hard one. Let's hope that the withdrawal symptoms abate and she can be at least more sanguine than she is at the moment.

Edited by Cory C, 12 May 2012 - 12:33 PM.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Cory,

I will be praying!!!

Did she start the 5-HTP? If so, that could cause anxiety is some people, and it might be better to use L-Tryptophan instead. Just a FYI.

There's lots of info in the web about how to use each. thewayup.com has some info about both items. http://www.thewayup....oducts/0358.cfm (for example, info on Tryptophan)

I started my regiment of L-Tryptophan the other day. I thought it had an immediate effects, I was feeling calmer and my mood improved from what it was earlier that day and before. I felt pretty good the next day as well. Then yesterday morning I felt decent, but by mid afternoon, my anxiety came back with a vengence. But, I had tried a couple of 5-htp that afternoon, and some L-tryrosine, both could cause increase in anxiety in certain people. I think it did me. I was also in a more stressful situation which didn't help. But, I was feeling a bit calmer by later in the evening. I still have some anxiety this morning, and my mood isn't as good, but I've read that there may be ups/downs when starting on L-Tryptophan, and eventually you will notice that you are constantly feeling good. So, I'm hoping I just have to wait for it to build up decent levels in my system.

[Cory C]

Hi Cory,

I will be praying!!!

Did she start the 5-HTP? If so, that could cause anxiety is some people, and it might be better to use L-Tryptophan instead. Just a FYI.

There's lots of info in the web about how to use each. thewayup.com has some info about both items. http://www.thewayup....oducts/0358.cfm (for example, info on Tryptophan)

I started my regiment of L-Tryptophan the other day. I thought it had an immediate effects, I was feeling calmer and my mood improved from what it was earlier that day and before. I felt pretty good the next day as well. Then yesterday morning I felt decent, but by mid afternoon, my anxiety came back with a vengence. But, I had tried a couple of 5-htp that afternoon, and some L-tryrosine, both could cause increase in anxiety in certain people. I think it did me. I was also in a more stressful situation which didn't help. But, I was feeling a bit calmer by later in the evening. I still have some anxiety this morning, and my mood isn't as good, but I've read that there may be ups/downs when starting on L-Tryptophan, and eventually you will notice that you are constantly feeling good. So, I'm hoping I just have to wait for it to build up decent levels in my system.

Hi Soccer,

Yes, she's on 5HTP and Melatonin -- not sure if it's causing her anxiety, but her temper is up and I have to believe that has to do with withdrawal. These other things are supplements after all, not drugs. So, I believe they can help her, but not sure by how much.

She's been taking the two for about a week now, so let's see how it goes.

Not a fun time right now, that's for sure.

Cory
p.s. Thanks for your prayers :) Means so much.

Edited by Cory C, 12 May 2012 - 01:07 PM.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi,

I cut my Remeron down to about 3.75mg at night. I wonder if that is contributing to some of my increased anxiety... I've only been on Remeron for a few weeks, part of the time at 15mg, and the last week or so at 7.5mg. Not sure if there could be any withdrawal anxiety when lowering from a low dose to a even lower dose. Maybe......

Is your GF sleeping any better?

Soccer

[Cory C]

Hi Soccer,

No, she's not. She hasn't slept well the past week, so the Melatonin isn't working. I bought her a bottle of liquid Melatonin, so let's see how that works over the next few days.

I think decreasing Mirt in any way will contribute to something -- that's for certain.

Cory

[bluesbrother]

Cory, oh dear sorry to hear it's getting worse. There are a few things I feel worth for you to keep in mind. Firstly, if her condition gets really out of control she will need to go to her pdoc again, and if it's only to help her with her withdrawal. Secondly, make sure YOU don't get drained too much in all this. You can't help either of you once you are burned out. Then, I believe this is also important, she is a grown up person and responsible for her own decisions. It is not right in any way that you get abuse while you are trying to help. She must understand that she has a responsibility also toward you. Depression does not switch off intelligence. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it is important that she understands that. In the end, only she can heal herself. You can only help her in the process, without harming yourself doing so. If she does not appreciate that or if she is not willing to help herself then it's best if you reconsidered the situation. What does she actually want from herself, from you and from life?
Chances are next week will be better, at least the withdrawal symptoms. Still, from what you are saying it seems that she could do with a slight change of attitude toward the people that are trying to help her. How would she react if you told her that?

[electrochemistry]

Mirtazapine - I'm currently switching between 15 - 30mg per day. Generally on 15mg. I haven't noticed any greater sedation effect at 15mg myself. Be it 15 or 45mg, it's all sedating for the night, or at least I don't have problems sleeping on any of those doses. I do notice increased appetite when i switch from 15 to 30mg. Mirt still seems a 'good', although not perfect, antidepressive for me.

Reboxitine (nsri) - This stuff is powerful. I went off it for a week, then had just a tiny 0.5mg dose last night before going out on the town. I have a cold currently and really needed it to pick me up. It made my attention sharper. I felt 'on guard' and vigilant, more so then having the desired feeling of being motivated to do stuff. Jury is still out for me on this med. It has an appeal, but I think thus far it seems too aggressive in its actions, perhaps too fast release? I feel if reboxitine was a very slow release med it might be more effective at stimulating motivation and an acceptable level of aggression. Right now I still feel its effects. I feel a little irritated (adrenaline) but have no stressors about to aggrevate things further. One weird effect to note, when I took 2x 2mg doses consecutively early on, my generally blury vision at close range became noticably sharper. I liked that effect but not the irritable feeling that came with it.

Cory, try to keep a cool head with your GF. You have to try to look at her depression as something seperate from your GF. Something that can be brought under control with the right treatment, diet, lifestyle etc. Like Bluesbrother wrote, ultimately, like everyone else, (and if we don't want to be institutionalised) depressives are intelligent people who make their own choices. But also remember, depression can sort of temporarily switch off rational thought when it peaks. I know myself, it's only when I'm on the other side of a peak depressive state that I can then clearly look back and see what a stupid destructive and irrational comment, action or thought I have made. You say she has environmental depression as opposed to genetic/biochemical, this should be highly treatable. At least she can change her environment if worse comes to worse. She should take heart from that fact alone. If Mirt dosn't work there are other meds that might. Amitriptyline might be something for her to consider, although I ultimately disliked it's sedative effects and dry mouth, it did noticably cut down my depression and anger. Kids take it for things like bed wetting, so it's a pretty soft A.D. at low doses. Maybe she could ask her Doc about it? All the best there! :)

Edited by electrochemistry, 13 May 2012 - 06:19 AM.

[blueshoes]

Hi everyone, I am new to the site, and found it helpful to know that there are others out there suffering, you always feel like the only one in the world.

I am off work at the moment with depression and anxiety which is causing me lots of stress. I have had bouts of depression and anxiety throughout my life, I am now 50! never took any medication until my mid 30's when I had a major crash. Only ever used Citalopram which has always been successful, I was already taking 20 mg of citalopram when I became ill, now I am six weeks down the line and I feel absolutely awful, I tried 30 mg of citalopram which has made me agitated to the state of not being able to keep still. My GP has decided to swap me to Mirtazapine which I am due to start taking on tuesday 15 mg. I am frightened to death of taking it as it is a new drug and I have only ever taken Citapram. I have also hit the menopause which I dont think has helped, but I am getting desperate to feel better, anyone with any advice would be welcome.

[Cory C]

Cory, try to keep a cool head with your GF. You have to try to look at her depression as something seperate from your GF. Something that can be brought under control with the right treatment, diet, lifestyle etc. Like Bluesbrother wrote, ultimately, like everyone else, (and if we don't want to be institutionalised) depressives are intelligent people who make their own choices. But also remember, depression can sort of temporarily switch off rational thought when it peaks. I know myself, it's only when I'm on the other side of a peak depressive state that I can then clearly look back and see what a stupid destructive and irrational comment, action or thought I have made. You say she has environmental depression as opposed to genetic/biochemical, this should be highly treatable. At least she can change her environment if worse comes to worse. She should take heart from that fact alone. If Mirt dosn't work there are other meds that might. Amitriptyline might be something for her to consider, although I ultimately disliked it's sedative effects and dry mouth, it did noticably cut down my depression and anger. Kids take it for things like bed wetting, so it's a pretty soft A.D. at low doses. Maybe she could ask her Doc about it? All the best there! :)

Hi Electrochemistry,

That helps me a lot, thank you :) I will suggest she try Amitriptyline; she is to see her pdoc very soon, in a couple of weeks or so.

I think that's what happens to her -- she temporarily switches off, so to speak, and then says and does things that are totally out of character for her. If I'm patient and careful, she usually comes out of it and apologizes for her behavior. She's told me more than once, "if it wasn't for you, I don't know where I'd be." That's enough to keep me around, trust me!

Cory, oh dear sorry to hear it's getting worse. There are a few things I feel worth for you to keep in mind. Firstly, if her condition gets really out of control she will need to go to her pdoc again, and if it's only to help her with her withdrawal. Secondly, make sure YOU don't get drained too much in all this. You can't help either of you once you are burned out. Then, I believe this is also important, she is a grown up person and responsible for her own decisions. It is not right in any way that you get abuse while you are trying to help. She must understand that she has a responsibility also toward you. Depression does not switch off intelligence. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it is important that she understands that. In the end, only she can heal herself. You can only help her in the process, without harming yourself doing so. If she does not appreciate that or if she is not willing to help herself then it's best if you reconsidered the situation. What does she actually want from herself, from you and from life?
Chances are next week will be better, at least the withdrawal symptoms. Still, from what you are saying it seems that she could do with a slight change of attitude toward the people that are trying to help her. How would she react if you told her that?

Thanks for your concern, BB -- perhaps I over-exaggerated the way she is acting. It's not everyday, just the other day she was pretty miserable. For the better part of the week, she was open and affectionate. Then, all of a sudden, she turns into someone else. I know it's just the dual effects of withdrawal and the depression returning. I spoke with her today; she's a little down, but at least she's communicating and being fair. We have a long way to go, for sure, but I know that as I continue to support her, she'll get through this.

She is thankful -- believe me, it'd be hard to stick around if she was just rude all the time. It's not so. I'd say this past week, she was irritable and rude once or twice. The problem is when she is irritable and rude...look out. Also, I'm not the one who bears the brunt of her anger either -- I'd say her co-workers and her family face the consequences more than I do. I guess I just feel it more on a different level.

I appreciate the support, I really do. So thanks for allowing me to clarify a little more.

Blessings to you,

Cory

Edited by Cory C, 13 May 2012 - 02:07 PM.

[bluesbrother]

Hi Blueshoes, don't worry you will be fine. Your doc will have his/her reasons to switch you over. For me Mirt was way more activating than Citalopram but did not really do a lot with my depression. I guess I didn't take it long enough? When I told my doc about my worsening depression after a few weeks he switched me to paxil rather rapidly.
Mirt is an interesting med which I kind of liked. Be prepared for some intense dreaming and listen to what your peers have to say about your behaviour as this drug might make you a little irritable.

Cory, I'm glad to hear that. As long as you two can still talk normally all is good. Keep us posted!

[Cory C]

Thanks BB,

Yes, we do talk, and a lot. Like I said, there's a day or two here and there where she disappears or doesn't want to talk. Or, she'll just be downright difficult. It's not fun when she does that. Thank goodness it's just once or twice per week, at most.

I'll definitely keep you guys posted! Very grateful for how everyone has helped me understand her situation more.

Best wishes,

Cory

Edited by Cory C, 13 May 2012 - 03:18 PM.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Blueshoes,

Not sure if you read above about my experience with Remeron (mirtazapine), but I will share it with you here...

I had been on Lexapro for 4 weeks. 6 days at 5mg, then the rest of the time at 10mg. Long story short, it numbed my emotions which I didn't like. Not sure if it would have improved over time or not. I think it did help with my anxiety though. Anyway, I tapered over a few days from 10mg to 5mg then I think the last day I was on it, I started Remeron. I started Remeron at 7.5mg. I took it at night because it's supposed to help you sleep (some people alot more than others). It didn't have too sedating of an effect on me, but it did make me feel a little drowsy. Anyway, I slept really good that night, one of the best nights I had in months (I had insomnia). The next morning I felt refreshed and had a better mood for the first time in a while. (Actually I think as soon as I tapered Lexapro, my mood started to lift). Anyway, the next couple of days, I slept, but not as good, but still better than it had been. I did start getting vivid dreams. Some times it felt like you were partially awake but you were dreaming. Kind of strange. Anyway, my mood was still pretty good also. My Anxiety was under control, altough I think Lexapro started to lower my anxiety and since it was probably still in my system it may have been what was helping with my anxiety. Anyway, after 3 days I increased my dose to 15mg (per my MD's instructions). I continued to sleep pretty good (vivid dreams), my mood was decent, and my anxiety under control. I had one day that I felt better than I had in years, felt joy, content, excited, peace, relaxed, etc... It was great, but then that afternoon, my mood dropped some, although I still felt okay, it wasn't as goo as earlier in the day. Not sure why. I had just taken some GABA and a special form of Magnesium so maybe it calm thing down too much. Anyway, the next couple of days I still felt decent but not as good as two days prior. Then one morning I woke up, felt pretty good, but that afternoon, I had a major relapse. My anxiety kicked in, insomnia, bad thoughts/feelings that I had before, etc...I couldn't understand why. Was it Lexapro withdrawal side effects finally kicking in, was it Remeron loosing its effectiveness so soon, or was it that remeron finally built up enough in my system and was now causing start up side effects? It's hard to say. I tried increasing my dose to 30mg and it helped a little, but then I lowered it back to 15mg and didn't have as good of a day. My pdoc said I should go back to 7.5mg for a few nights to see how I do. I did that, and I eventually started sleeping a little better, but my anxiety and bad feelings/thoughts haven't gone away. I have not returned to that point were I was feeling better a couple of weeks ago.

I went to see a new pdoc, and she wants me to go back on Lexapro and stick with it. And she said I can keep taking 7.5mg of Remeron at night for sleep. Not sure if this combo will work or not. I haven't gone back on Lexapro yet. I might start tomorrow.

So, the benefits I saw with Remeron at first was better sleep. I did have vivid dreams. It did give some some cravings for carbs and gained a little weight which I needed, other than that, I don't think I had any other side effects. I never had an increase in anxiety, other than when I had that relapse 9 days or so after starting Remeron, but i can't tell what caused it. Everyone is different, so your experience might be similar or way different. I'm sensitive to meds, so I personally like to start out at a lower dose then work up slowly. It could help lesson some side effects, but I'd talk to your doc about that.

Soccer

[electrochemistry]

Hi Blueshoes, best advise i can give about Mirt is to take a low dose (15mg), stick with it for at least a couple of weeks, think about it's effects. write them down. If it's doing nothing much then up the dose and stick with that for 2-3 weeks and so on.

If your experience is like mine you may find yourself going up to 45mg, find it too sedating/numbing (although more effective at lowering depression), then drop back down and hover between 15 to 30mg where is seems to work best for me. It's ultimately all individual. I've had no side effects i'd call nasty, just increased appetite, but that wasn't 'out of control'. I don't think the sexual disfunction I experienced at 45mg will be a problem for females, due to the different plumbing? Although it might make you less likely to be in the mood?

[Cory C]

Hi everyone,

My girl is feeling better, much more friendly, open, and outgoing. There may be a major change in her work environment soon, so let's pray that this leads to further healing and restoration.

She still has the weight-gain issue, but she's exercising and watching her diet -- she didn't gain much, but to a woman, a few pounds = many pounds! She is sleeping better too --Melatonin seems to be working for her.

Let's keep hoping for progress in her emotional state.

Best wishes to everyone,

Cory

[bluesbrother]

Oh that's good to hear! The weight will be gone in no time - most of it seems to be water retention anyway.

[Cory C]

Oh that's good to hear! The weight will be gone in no time - most of it seems to be water retention anyway.

Hi BB,

Yes, it's good. She had some bad news today about something, but she'll get over it I'm sure. The weight gain will go, I know that -- it's been two weeks now that she's been off the Mirt. Her mood is better and she is sleeping.

Hope you're doing well, BB.

Cory

[Soccer_Dude]

I'm glad she is doing better.

I re-started Lexapro three days ago. That same day, before I started Lexapro, I started having panic attacks. I haven't had anything like this since last December. I was able to stop them before the became full blown attacks, but it wasn't much fun. That night I started Lexapro at 5mg. The next two days, about the same time as the panic attacks around 1-3pm I started feeling really LOW, depressed, kind of a doom/gloom/pending doom feeling. Very strange and uncomfortable. I don't understand all this. Why would I have a panic attack or feel this low feeling around 1-3pm each day?

I'm still taking 7.5mg of Remeron at nigth to help me sleep. I'd like to get off this med at some point once I can get some consistant sleep.

I hope you are all well.

Soccer

[Cory C]

I'm glad she is doing better.

Soccer

Hi Soccer,

Have you tried liquid Melatonin? It's working great for her. It's worth a try. I'd rather you got off that Mirt stuff entirely. She told me the other night she forgot to take it, and couldn't sleep -- last night she took it, and slept like a baby.

Best wishes,

Cory

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Cory,

I've used melatonin it tablet form and sublinguals, but haven't seen it in liquid form. I will have to check that out.

I've used up to 5mg of melatonin before, and it doesn't seem to help. I've used OTC sleep products, doesn't touch anything. When I had really bad insomnia where I felt anxiety and adrenaline, Ativan wouldn't even help. Before I couldn't even fall asleep and if I did it would be very short and unrefreshed sleep. For some time now, I can fall asleep but I wake up at 2-3am every morning and not be able to fall back asleep. Not fun. But, once I started Remeron, I was sleeping past the 2-3am mark, and felt refreshed. Then the following days, I had very vivid dreams, and the sleep didn't seem as refreshed, and now I don't really have the vivid dreams, but for the most part I'm still sleeping past the 2-3am mark, and wake up around 4, 5 or 6am, which is better than it was. So, it really worked at first, but not as effective right now. I worry that if I stop Remeron (which I would like to get off it and just use Lexapro) I might fall back into insomnia. I think I will wait until I stabalize on Lexapro, because I'm sure once the anxiety and panic are calmed down, I will be able to get better sleep on my home. That's the hope anyway. My pdoc things the combo Lexapro and Remeron works great for some people, that it helps to counter some of the Lexapro side effects. Sleep being one of them. So far Lexapro hasn't caused insomnia nor has caused too much start-up anxiety side effects. Some times when I first wake up I feel some anxiety but it tends to go away. I'm taking it at night because the first time around I started taking it in the mornings and I was SOOOOOO very tired and lethargic from it, on top of not sleeping. So, I was a mess. Taking it at night helps, but it doesn't help me sleep yet.

Some other things that seemed to help me is taking Magnesium at night. I hear that calcium can to, so I'm taking my calcium and magnesium supplement at night. They are a high quality food grade supplement, so they body sees it as food, so it should be better asorbed and easier on the tummy. I also take Gaba some times. It seems to help calm the anxiety a little. A lot of reviews say it helps with anxiety and sleep. Take as directed and not every night so you don't build tolerance to it as it seems to have done for some people I think and don't take it with Benzo's.

I have ativan to use as needed, haven't had to take it as I've been using Gaba. I think it's helped.

I will have to look for liquid melatonin, it's worth a shot.

Thank you!

Michael

[Cory C]

Hi Soccer,

Those are the two things I bought for my girl to try -- liquid melatonin and calcium. Give them a try for sure. A nutritionist I know told me that calcium does help you to sleep, and it's certainly helping her.

Cory

Edited by Cory C, 18 May 2012 - 03:55 PM.

[Cory C]

Quick update:

My girl is on her 3rd week off the Mirt. She is better, but still a little moody and some of her crying spells have returned. She's also a little irritable, so I think her withdrawal is still ongoing. From what I understand, it depends on the person. She's very sensitive to any drug in her system, so I imagine her withdrawal will take a little longer.

Thankfully the Melatonin is working -- she sleeps at night with it, but if she doesn't take it, nightmares ensue. I take this also to be another indication that she's in withdrawal mode.

Hope BB, Electro, and Soccer are doing well.

Blessings,

Cory.

Edited by Cory C, 26 May 2012 - 10:19 AM.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Cory,

Glad to hear she is doing better.

I'm still taking 7.5mg of Remeron to help me sleep. Still seem to work, not as well as it first did.

I'm still on Lexapro, but not feeling really comfortable with it. I'm only on the 2nd week, and went to 10mg a few nights ago. I just keep getting these uncomfortable feelings/thoughts. Not sure if it's the Lex or a pre-condition and maybe Lex is just pronouncing it more.... I have had some small panic like system appear. not sure if they are causing the pending doom/bad feelings or not. I felt really blah the first time on lexparo, but didn't know if it was Lex or not. I was worried about stuff, so not sure if it was me and panic or Lex. Lex did numb my emotions the first time around, but hasn't this time. I wanted to give it 4-6 weeks to see how it works, but if it doesn't work, or keeps making me feel uncomfortable, I may want to stop. I want to try 5-htp or l-tryptophan therapy for 3 weeks or so. My ND said he's seen miraculous things happend for some people. So, it might be worth a shot. I just don't know what to do at this time.

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well.

Soccer

[Soccer_Dude]

At some point I want to discontinue the Remeron. I've been taking 7.5mg for a week or more now, but a few weeks total, and wonder if I can just stop at any point? Not sure what kind of withdrawal I might have. I heard that there shouldn't be any, but then some people do experience withdrawal. Maybe I should try 7.5mg every other night and see what happens. I'm still starting up on Lexapro, so I might need Remeron to help me sleep until Lexapro fully kicks in. What to do.....

[Cory C]

At some point I want to discontinue the Remeron. I've been taking 7.5mg for a week or more now, but a few weeks total, and wonder if I can just stop at any point? Not sure what kind of withdrawal I might have. I heard that there shouldn't be any, but then some people do experience withdrawal. Maybe I should try 7.5mg every other night and see what happens. I'm still starting up on Lexapro, so I might need Remeron to help me sleep until Lexapro fully kicks in. What to do.....

Hi Soccer,

Blues Brother touched on this -- he didn't have withdrawal issues from the Mirt because he switched to another drug immediately. My girl is experiencing them now because she came off cold turkey, with nothing to replace it. That's why she's irritable lately and difficult.

Blessings to you,

Cory

[Cory C]

This thread has gone awful quiet! Blues Brother? Electrochemistry? Soccer? How you guys doing? No news is good news, I hope?

Soccer:

I picked up St. John's Wort for my girl -- let's see how it works for her. Any suggestions as for use? She's still irritable and angry, but not as bad as before.

Hope you're well,

Cory.

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi,

Still struggling a bit with my Lex start up. Just started 4th week today.

Check out , Kelly's St. John Wort forum. You should be able to find a lot of info there. I think SJW works similar to a SSRI. There can be start up side effects and withdrawal like a SSRI, but i think overall it's not as bad for most. There are many medicine interactions with SJW so you might want to look that up, and it can interact with certain foods as well. I think the big side effect that you may see if that it can effect your eyes and make them more sensitive to sunlight. So, look that stuff up and get familar with it before she starts on it.

Soccer

[Cory C]

Hi Soccer,

Thanks, I'll look up that thread :)

I'm sorry to hear about the start up issues -- let's pray that they subside somewhat. Are you sleeping okay, though?

Blessings,

Cory.

[Soccer_Dude]

I'm still on 7.5mg Remeron, so that is helping me sleep. Thank goodness. Now and then if I had a lot of anixety during the day, I might have too much adrenaline that will keep me up, but I sleep more than not.

Thanks for the prayers.

[Cory C]

I'm still on 7.5mg Remeron, so that is helping me sleep. Thank goodness. Now and then if I had a lot of anixety during the day, I might have too much adrenaline that will keep me up, but I sleep more than not.

Thanks for the prayers.

Will keep you in prayer, as I'm sure you'll pray for my girl :) Keep me posted on things, ok?

Bless you,

Cory

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi,

I wil definately pray for your gal.

Still irritable and angry? Has she talked to her doctor about it? I wonder if she has a Neurotransmitter out of balance,

Soccer

[Soccer_Dude]

Hi Cory,

I could use prayer where I can get it. I just heard today that my disability insurance was denied. This is causing me much anxiety/panic. Not sure what to do. I'm financially a wreck. That was my last hope. The only way I can survive is to return to work in my current condition which could make things worse. I'm single and live alone so it's just me and my bills. I have many medical bills also that I can afford to pay. I've applied for assistance with those. Anyway, I really need prayer for a miracle, and for healing so I can get back to work,and be able to afford food, gas, and the roof over my head. Thanks.

I had to take a ativan today. I hope I don't need it every day with this stress. That would suck. But, I will do what I need to do to get by. I hope Lexapro kicks in really soon though.