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Hibari: tapering Remeron and want to start tapering Lamictal


Hibari

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Hello Hibari,

I was just wondering if you ever notice a pattern when you make a drop? And are you able to lead a normal life in between?

Hope you are well,

Tgirl

April 2014 remeron 45mg.

June 2014 abilify 2.5 remeron wasn't working so abilify was then added

September 2014 woke up with anxiety x 100!!!!

Pdoc then took me from 45 to 7.5 within a month and took abilify from 2.5 to 0

Currently

Remeron 7.5

Vitamin d 5,000 iu taking for about 3 years

October 2014 added fish oil/omega 3 1000 mg per day

Levothyroxitine 100 10 years or so

Dec 2014 started tapering 10% every 10 days-no problems.

August 2015 down to 0.1 mg

Woke up with severe anxiety-sleep issues-racing thoughts-depression. 9/9/15 up dose 1 mg.

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Hi Tgirl

 

There has definitely been a pattern to my Remeron taper though as I have moved to micro cuts, it has improved.

 

My pattern up till lately has been, make a cut in my Remeron, feel physically sick but okay for about 3-4 days, have about 4 days of feeling blah but not upset-then about 2 weeks, sometimes 3 weeks into the cut, a huge drop in mood for about 3-4 days-crying uncontrollably, depressed, despondent and scared.  Then I pop through those days and stabilize.

 

My Lamictal wid has been that after I make a cut, I experience 2-3 days of morning sweats, nausea, headache and sometimes anxiety.  So far I seem to stabilize pretty quickly after that.  

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Definitely felt wd the last two days-nausea and mules tension-but have woken up feeling all right today.

 

What has jumped to the forefront is extreme tiredness.   I feel so exhausted all the time and while I am able to function in the world, I feel so wiped out at the end of the day.  It's not like I am working a full schedule, which is a good thing and I am hoping this fatigue will lift once I am off of these two meds. 

 

Still feel the acupuncture has been a major support in my micro tapering. 

 

H

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hi Hibari,

 

You're a legend. That "Signature " is awesome now ! 

 

It sounds like you're doing so well with the "tapering".  I'm so envious of you , in that I wish I had known to do that.  Keep up the good work !  It sounds like you're doing all the right things. You feel the " accupuncture" has helped ??   Do we have a thread on that ?

 

I think "fatigue" is a universal  "withdrawal symptom".   Seems to be, anyway.

 

Hugs,  Ali.  :)

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Hi Hibari,

 

You're a legend. That "Signature " is awesome now ! 

 

It sounds like you're doing so well with the "tapering".  I'm so envious of you , in that I wish I had known to do that.  Keep up the good work !  It sounds like you're doing all the right things. You feel the " accupuncture" has helped ??   Do we have a thread on that ?

 

I think "fatigue" is a universal  "withdrawal symptom".   Seems to be, anyway.

 

Hugs,  Ali.  :)

Yes, I really like my signature now-I feel better reading it.  :)   I just looked at your signature and see that you are experiencing windows and waves since stopping in Feb 2015.  Has it eased up at all?   Thank you for saying that "fatigue is a universal wd symptom.  I was going to write about it again today because the line fom the movie Fried Green Tomatoes comes to mind "I'm too old to be young and too young to be old".  I am so tired these days and I am hoping that once I am off my meds, I will regain some energy. 

 

When you wrote about the acupuncture were you suggesting I start a thread on that?  I'm going to go over to symptoms and self-care and see what's there. 

Thanks for stopping by my thread Ali.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Feeling so so tired these days.   I just need to write about it.   My mood is pretty good, some pockets of low level anxiety and longing but for the most part I feel stable.

 

I am going to try and be patient with the process but I am open to any suggestions.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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I agree with Ali...fatigue is very common in WD. Also, as you get lower on mirt, it tends to be more sedating. To some extent, it's a matter of riding it out..resting when you can. I did a lot of sleeping at times while I was tapering.

 

How are you with change of seasons? I find fatigue much more of an issue with the loss of sunny skies and having shorter days. Alto and JC have both talked on my thread about vitamin d, which I've just increased somewhat.

 

Another thing I'm noticing is that I tend to feel more tired after meals right now, but if I do something even mildly physical for a bit, I usually perk up. One day, I took a nap when I felt exhausted..the next day, I did a bike ride. In both cases, I felt the same afterwards physically, but my mood was a bit better from the bike ride.

 

Also, have you considered doing a little qi gong, in order to supplement what you're getting through acupuncture. The 7 minute video is posted in a few places on here, but I can send it to you, if you're interested. One of the main things I noticed through qi gong initially was increased energy, and fewer times of worse fatigue. It also improves the quality of my sleep. Maybe worth thinking about.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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I would like to see the qi gong video, thank you for the offer.

 

Believe it or not it's great to be reminded that Remeron is more sedating as it gets lower.   Just like the weight gain topic, I know I will be writing on this again.

 

Thanks Free.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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I also used this one, but not right before bed. At first, I found parts of the sleep one a bit stimulating. The healing sound at the end though, can be done right before sleep. I sometimes do the sound when I'm in bed.

 

I know that most people struggle with feeling overstimulated by their nervous system during wd..and I've certainly had that as well. But many times, I've felt more like I was sedated for a decade and my nervous system actually needs to wake up more. I think qi gong, like acupuncture, can actually balance both of those things.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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Hi Hibari,

 

I've had the fatigue as well.  I thought I had  CFS, for a while.  I think mine is improving slightly. We'll see. However, our weather here's improving. We're over winter & into Spring.  That could be part of it like FreeS says.

 

How's the accupuncture going?  I was suggesting a thread in " symptoms & self care, if we didn't have one. I don't remember seeing one, but I'm not sure.

 

If your mood is good, that's huge. I'm sure the rest will fall into place, eventually.  :)

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

Link to comment

 

I also used this one, but not right before bed. At first, I found parts of the sleep one a bit stimulating. The healing sound at the end though, can be done right before sleep. I sometimes do the sound when I'm in bed.

 

I know that most people struggle with feeling overstimulated by their nervous system during wd..and I've certainly had that as well. But many times, I've felt more like I was sedated for a decade and my nervous system actually needs to wake up more. I think qi gong, like acupuncture, can actually balance both of those things.

Thank you so much Free, I will watch these over the weekend.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment

Hi Hibari,

 

I've had the fatigue as well.  I thought I had  CFS, for a while.  I think mine is improving slightly. We'll see. However, our weather here's improving. We're over winter & into Spring.  That could be part of it like FreeS says.

 

How's the accupuncture going?  I was suggesting a thread in " symptoms & self care, if we didn't have one. I don't remember seeing one, but I'm not sure.

 

If your mood is good, that's huge. I'm sure the rest will fall into place, eventually.  :)

I did find an acupuncture thread in symptoms and self care.  I haven't posted there yet but I will.  Most people really find it beneficial as long as the treatments aren't ones that stimulate the nervous system.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment

Hibari,

 

This is very interesting. You sound like you feel much better after your acupuncture treatments. Is acupuncture covered by insurance? I'm wondering if it is expensive? I tried acupuncture once to quit smoking but it didn't work. It was costly at that time. I did quit smoking by hypnosis eventually, though.

 

 

Thank you and thank Fresh for posting the qi gong videos.

 

L

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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Hibari,

 

I forgot to mention that the acupuncturist I see asked me not to do qi gong after a treatment for 24 hours..so to give the treatment a full chance to work. You might want to inquire with the person you see, to find out their thoughts on timing around sessions. You could tell them it's medical qi gong you're doing, so they don't assume you're doing a martial arts form. 

 

Leahy, if you live close enough to a larger city, you might be able to find low cost acupuncture or other kinds of treatments through schools in your area. A few practitioners work on a sliding scale in some places. The initial visit for me was more expensive, but it included a thorough intake and assessment, along with the treatment. I was there 2 1/2 hours. Follow-up visits for me are $85. If you feel moved to do so, give the qi gong a try...it will do a lot of the same things as acupuncture does...and can be a very good supplement to treatments with acupuncture.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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Hibari,

 

This is very interesting. You sound like you feel much better after your acupuncture treatments. Is acupuncture covered by insurance? I'm wondering if it is expensive? I tried acupuncture once to quit smoking but it didn't work. It was costly at that time. I did quit smoking by hypnosis eventually, though.

 

 

Thank you and thank Fresh for posting the qi gong videos.

 

L

I do feel better overall by going to acupuncture.   I usually fall asleep during the treatments and the following day I am more tired.   I also am taking a Chinese formula that gets changed weekly depending on how points in my hands and feet respond to a machine that one of the acupuncturists uses.  Even before the formula was added in, I felt the acupuncture treatments were making me stronger and now much more able to tolerate the micro cuts I am doing with both medications. 

 

As Free mentions below there are clinics and schools for acupuncture that are low cost.  Also, some insurance plans do cover acupuncture- my old insurance did but my current one does not.  I think it's worth finding out if yours does..  I like my acupuncturist but I had to educate her about wd and continue to do so.  Often her supervisor (the one who chooses the formula's) will try and give me pat observations such as "you seem depleted and your mind is working too hard." He also has called Remeron, my sleeping pill.   

 

My mind is working hard, I have had to explain how much energy it takes to go through wd.   I don't think he understands completely but as I have posted before, as long as the formulas seem to be helping, I don't have to get him to understand me completely.  

 

I don't know where you are in NY but overall it's a great place to find acupuncturists. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hibari,

 

I forgot to mention that the acupuncturist I see asked me not to do qi gong after a treatment for 24 hours..so to give the treatment a full chance to work. You might want to inquire with the person you see, to find out their thoughts on timing around sessions. You could tell them it's medical qi gong you're doing, so they don't assume you're doing a martial arts form. 

 

Leahy, if you live close enough to a larger city, you might be able to find low cost acupuncture or other kinds of treatments through schools in your area. A few practitioners work on a sliding scale in some places. The initial visit for me was more expensive, but it included a thorough intake and assessment, along with the treatment. I was there 2 1/2 hours. Follow-up visits for me are $85. If you feel moved to do so, give the qi gong a try...it will do a lot of the same things as acupuncture does...and can be a very good supplement to treatments with acupuncture.

 

Thank you Free, I will check with my practitioner.

 

Free, what are you taking the Tart Cherry for?  

 

My joints are really achy these days and I feel it's due to inflammation-I need to clean up my diet but I just don't have it in my right now.  Not eating badly but not eating gluten free.  I don't have an allergy to gluten or wheat but my instinct is telling me that the grains are not helping.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment

I started taking tart cherry as a way to reduce inflammation and it seemed to help quite a bit. Joint and muscle pain went way down from what it was previously. Some people find it helps to lower histamine as well. I started off with very small doses. I opened the capsule and sprinkled maybe 1/4 of a pill on my cereal for a few days. It's one of the few I've had no problems with.

 

Even cutting back on grains a little might make a difference, if you're feeling that's part of the problem. For a long while, I could only do 1 grain serving in a day and couldn't eat rice or rice pasta at all.

 

It's tough attending to everything at once, especially when you don't feel well. I've tried to include more veggies and low carb fruit over the past 6 months or so. Even with all that I'm doing, my joints are bothering me some with the change of seasons...which is usual for me anyway.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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Had a tough day today.   Made two micro cuts on my medication and woke up having hot flashes,  nausea , irritability and a low mood.  On top of that, I am having major allergy reactions.   I did yard work yesterday and our house has lots of trees around.  I also know that coming down on Remeron weakens it's antihistamine effect but this just sucks.  I read somewhere on this site or Beyond Meds that even with all the things we do to help with our withdrawal, there still is the effects of withdrawal that we can eliminate completely.

 

I am so not where I was before doing acupuncture but I hate not feeling well and it makes me feel so lost.   I am ruminating over past choices and feeling like my creative goals are foolish.  I feel achy, fat and my skin looks so washed out.   I am going to get some tart cherry juice when I get back and start trying that for my joints and take some black seed oil for allergies.  I know a low histamine diet is in my future but just not up to it at this point.

 

Going to make some wishes on the full moon tonight.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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It's a slippery slope to navigate - this withdrawal thing. As you describe your symptoms I am reading and nodding my head in agreement. I have the same feelings and thoughts about myself. I am grateful to you for writing them down. It makes me feel less alone. But I am so sorry you feel sick.

 

I hate not feeling well also. It makes me feel so lost - a perfect way to describe this. When I find myself ruminating over past choices I quickly "change" the subject in my head. When I wake up to ruminating thoughts in the middle of the night I get up and bring my computer to bed. I put on a sleep hypnosis youtube thing. That helps me change the subject in the dark lonely night. 

 

But after this slump, Hibari, you will come out the other side feeling better and stronger. Hold on! Better days are coming. You've got this. Wishing you a good night's sleep with no sweats and a clearer day tomorrow. I am absolutely positive you are a beautiful person.

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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Thank you so much for you support Leahy.  I meant to say above "I read somewhere on this site or Beyond Meds that even with all the things we do to help with our withdrawal, there still is the effects of withdrawal that we can't  eliminate completely".  I think maybe Alto said it in one of the Symptoms and Self-Care forums. 

 

I slept pretty soundly but mainly due to Remeon's sedating effect on me.  Still don't feel great today and I haven't felt this way in awhile so I feel scared that it won't pass.  I have to stay here for a time to stabilize again and try not to get too panicky.

 

H

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hibari said "I meant to say above "I read somewhere on this site or Beyond Meds that even with all the things we do to help with our withdrawal, there still is the effects of withdrawal that we can't  eliminate completely".  "

 

I KNEW that's what you meant, Hibari. I am impressed at how well you can describe what you're feeling when you are feeling so bad.

 

I actually feel better today, the 3rd day of up dosing. I was scared it wouldn't pass, also. Very scared. But it will pass. There must be hope when a person can feel so desperately unwell and rebound like I just did. I am so grateful.

 

I took Calms Forte last night when I woke up at 3 AM. That actually worked! Hallelujah! I did see the brightness of the moon and made a wish for you. I don't feel the sedating effects of the remeron at the lower doses. I wish I did. When I took 60 mg it knocked me out 2 hours later like clockwork. 

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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I am so glad you are feeling better Leahy, you have been through such a tough time.   Yes, there is hope when you can rebound like that, what a relief.   By the way, you are always clear to me when you write out what you are going through. 

 

I just got back in from an event that I forced myself to go to because I had made a commitment.  I'm glad I did because even though I feel lousy and look wiped out, it was better then me sitting home and ruminating.  I could feel that was what I was headed for if I didn't get out.

 

I know I am feeling withdrawal but I also think I am getting sick-maybe it's withdrawal flu or the real flu.  Headache, runny nose, slight sore throat and so tired.

 

I have a gynecologist appointment tomorrow and then I am coming home to stay in for the day. 

 

Looking forward to the day when my body is healthy again. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

Link to comment

Hi Hibari,

 

Remeron ( Mitazapine), is renowned, for it's sedating effect. I was on Mianserin, ( a close cousin). I couldn't function at all, on it as I would sleep all night & then all day, as well.  I also , put on weight.  Also , another well known side effect!  ( that the doctor's don't tell you.)!!

 

I'm sure as you get lower , your body will adjust and regain it's equilibrium.  It has taken me quite a while to get my sleep cycle back on track, and I'm still struggling with it.  I'm not sure if it was my years of A/D's or Mianserin in particular, that threw my body clock off , to such a degree , but the end result was the same, unfortunately.  That was after only 6 days !! ( Mianserin).  Go figure !

 

You sound like you're doing so well, and I hope it keeps up for you.  I hope it's just withdrawal, and not the Flu. !!   Keep pushing forward.

 

You're ahead of the game with your tapering.  I'm sure , in time , everything else will fall into place, healthwise.  You body will recover !         Ali.  :)

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Hi Hibari,

 

Remeron ( Mitazapine), is renowned, for it's sedating effect. I was on Mianserin, ( a close cousin). I couldn't function at all, on it as I would sleep all night & then all day, as well.  I also , put on weight.  Also , another well known side effect!  ( that the doctor's don't tell you.)!!

 

I'm sure as you get lower , your body will adjust and regain it's equilibrium.  It has taken me quite a while to get my sleep cycle back on track, and I'm still struggling with it.  I'm not sure if it was my years of A/D's or Mianserin in particular, that threw my body clock off , to such a degree , but the end result was the same, unfortunately.  That was after only 6 days !! ( Mianserin).  Go figure !

 

You sound like you're doing so well, and I hope it keeps up for you.  I hope it's just withdrawal, and not the Flu. !!   Keep pushing forward.

 

You're ahead of the game with your tapering.  I'm sure , in time , everything else will fall into place, healthwise.  You body will recover !         Ali.  :)

Thank you Ali.  I am feeling better today, some sweating but the headache and chronic nausea had lifted.  Still could go back to bed but will do some things and then take a nap later.

 

When I was at my gynecologist appointment today, (a new person), I told her I was having mild hot flashes and sweating but that it could be from a number of things such as medication withdrawal.  And she nodded and said, yes that can cause it.  I also told her about my weight gain from Remeron and again, a big nod and confirmation of that side effect.

 

I am at the point where taking the Remeron/Mirt as night is no longer just sedating.  I actually feel sick when I take it-this is a new development and another sign that my body is rejecting it. 

 

I am sorry you have been struggling with sleep.   I know you probably have tried many things and it may be a matter of time for your body to re-calibrate.  

 

You keep going too!

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hibari. Yes it just takes a lot of time, but it's the best healer.

 

You are tapering, and that's all you can do at this point.   You will get there, H .  

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

Link to comment

Had a tough day today.   Made two micro cuts on my medication and woke up having hot flashes,  nausea , irritability and a low mood.  On top of that, I am having major allergy reactions.   I did yard work yesterday and our house has lots of trees around.  I also know that coming down on Remeron weakens it's antihistamine effect but this just sucks.  I read somewhere on this site or Beyond Meds that even with all the things we do to help with our withdrawal, there still is the effects of withdrawal that we can eliminate completely.

 

I am so not where I was before doing acupuncture but I hate not feeling well and it makes me feel so lost.   I am ruminating over past choices and feeling like my creative goals are foolish.  I feel achy, fat and my skin looks so washed out.   I am going to get some tart cherry juice when I get back and start trying that for my joints and take some black seed oil for allergies.  I know a low histamine diet is in my future but just not up to it at this point.

 

Going to make some wishes on the full moon tonight.

 

I hope your wishes on the full moon come true. We could all use a few blessings I think.

 

It's true that everything can't be contained or controlled in WD. If trying low histamine diet seems like too much, you could consider adding some antihistamine foods instead. Some things are listed here: http://alisonvickery.com.au/anti-histamine-foods/and also eating more anti-inflammatory foods like greens, blueberries (as long as those don't cause a histamine reaction for you), apples. Some people don't agree with the low histamine approach anyway, as some folks end up eating a couple of unhealthy foods as the only things lower in histamine. Even doing 1 small thing can make a difference to how one feels though..

 

I hope you find some relief through tart cherry and black seed oil. I haven't yet tried that oil. Let us know how that goes for you.

 

I understand about the lost feeling when you aren't doing well..I find that too...where I start questioning everything, but not in a good way.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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Thanks for your very thoughtful and affirming post on my thread Hibari...and for the book suggestion. I've placed a hold at the library for it. So often it can hard ourselves to see the forest for the trees...and it helps when someone else can have that perspective for us. I appreciate how you offer that.

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

Link to comment

Thanks for your very thoughtful and affirming post on my thread Hibari...and for the book suggestion. I've placed a hold at the library for it. So often it can hard ourselves to see the forest for the trees...and it helps when someone else can have that perspective for us. I appreciate how you offer that.

You are welcome Free, always glad to give back to someone who is so giving in kind.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Not such great days the past two days.   I am functioning, working and seeing some people but feeling a low grade depression and so tired.  I am very frustrated with the sedating effects of Remeron.   I could sleep 10-12 hours a night and I don't feel like it's healing sleep, like I'm doing so much that I need sleep.  

 

I also don't think it's grief, it feels like a drugged state and then I get upset because I am in a stupor til I have about 3 cups of coffee.  Granted my husband and I are so worn out and are having trouble catching up.   He is worn out because of his caretaking of me in the past few years plus his own tendency to make himself busy so that he gets tired.    I am worn out by going through withdrawal and trying to piece back together some kind of life.

 

I am feeling some bitterness today and some of that "oh my god if I have to trudge through life like this, I won't be able to take it".  No suicidal thoughts, just that extreme despair that my life is only made up of wd, and longing. 

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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Hibari,

 

So sorry to hear you are feeling low. Life can feel so discouraging at times going through wd symptoms. The time and energy wd takes is exhausting. No energy to fight the fight. Days can be so long that even saying take things "one day at a time" can feel overwhelming. How about taking things one hour at a time. I feel sad also. Overwhelmed, tired, sad and alone. Hungry and fat.

 

Okay. That wasn't inspiring. Perhaps do something to distract yourself? Get out of the house for a bit? Watch a movie on TV? I might find the stamina to go to the hardware store to try to find a "tool" to help me plant daffodils this fall. I don't like planting things but my hope is that in the spring I will feel happy to see the flowers. Happy and hopefully drug free.

 

Hang on tight, Hibari! You are amazing and beautiful and strong. You can do this.

 

Best, Leahy

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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Hibari,

 

So sorry to hear you are feeling low. Life can feel so discouraging at times going through wd symptoms. The time and energy wd takes is exhausting. No energy to fight the fight. Days can be so long that even saying take things "one day at a time" can feel overwhelming. How about taking things one hour at a time. I feel sad also. Overwhelmed, tired, sad and alone. Hungry and fat.

 

Okay. That wasn't inspiring. Perhaps do something to distract yourself? Get out of the house for a bit? Watch a movie on TV? I might find the stamina to go to the hardware store to try to find a "tool" to help me plant daffodils this fall. I don't like planting things but my hope is that in the spring I will feel happy to see the flowers. Happy and hopefully drug free.

 

Hang on tight, Hibari! You are amazing and beautiful and strong. You can do this.

 

Best, Leahy

Thank you Leahy.   Today, another day (I know it's early) where I feel down.  I have been able to do some things, walk the dog, etc but I feel sad, pessimistic and angry.  I have to go out a bit later and I'm determined to do so.  Yesterday I had to lie down and basically slept from about 4:30-7.   I just couldn't keep my eyes open.  Last night it took me awhile to fall asleep so I am going to try and not take a nap today.  I know this is wd and my micro cutting has caught up with me-I expected it would.  I now have to wait till I feel strong again.  When I'm in this state of mind, I feel like I won't get there even though I have been in this place before.

 

You too are a strong and amazing person.  You are working on your house and your health, the inner and the outer.  I know you will make it Leahy.

 

H

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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"When I'm in this state of mind, I feel like I won't get there even though I have been in this place before."

 

This is so true. It feels as if we won't ever get there when we feel low. Yet when we feel better, it's hard to truly remember how low it was. The up and down process of wd makes it so unpredictable. The downward spikes feel terrible even though the new "low" is hopefully better than previous lows. It is overwhelming when we work so hard at doing everything right, spending so much time trying to figure out where we went wrong. It's a job really, a full time arduous job.

 

I can see more and more clarity and determination from you each time I read your posts, Hibari. You have such a thoughtful way of using your words. Remember, healing IS happening all the time.

 

And the sun will come out tomorrow.

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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Thank you Leahy for your encouragement.   It's been an up and down day-started out physically ill and depressed, then got a bit better.   Then I had to go shopping to pick up some new work clothes and I hate shopping even when I feel good.  I was able to pick up some things but under those dressing room lights I looked so bad.  Things weren't fitting, I looked worn out and my hair was stringy. 

 

I got so upset because I feel most of my energy is going towards wd and when I am finally off the meds, I will have to pick up the pieces of what the medication has done to my body.   My eyesight has gotten bad and my I am so out of shape.  I walk our dog a lot but it's not the same really toning your body. 

 

I also feel like crying my eyes out for the loss of time and just because I don't feel well.  It's one of those peak wd days and I feel like, well this is it, this is as far as you can go or what if the doctors were right and I am a person who probably have been depressed my whole life.  That's what one of the first psychiatrist's I went to said to me.  I had never been on meds or been in a psychiatrist's office before.  I felt so depressed that I believed him and it was almost a relief to have someone explain it to me.

 

I know I am "in it" as they say,  in all of my fear and despondency today.

9/2013-4/2014:  After moms death, was prescribed a series of meds for short periods of time that didn't work. Zoloft, Lexapro,  Nortriptyline, Liquid Prozac, Cymbalta. 

1/2014-9/2014. Clonzapam: Given Lamictal, stopped Clonzapam at .125mgs  

1/2015-4 2017 Remeron: 41.25 -0.025mgs

7/2015-11/2018 Lamictal: 200mgs-0.05 mgs Had paradoxical reaction to Lamictal wd, broke my heart to take a benzo but wasn't sleeping. 

3/28/2019 -2/5/ 2021  Clonazapam: 0.625mgs-.00115 Med Free 

July 27th, 2022**Severe Setback due to surgery/ anesthesia. 

9/7/22-10/4/22 Trazadone 50-100mgs for sleep, 10/13/22-11/13/22 Trazadone 1 mg to stabilize

10/4/22-11/20/22 Remeron 7.5mgs (for sleep doesn't work) 11/20/22 7.3 - 12/31/22 6.3 

2023: 1/18/23 6.1 - 6/6/23 3.6  6/16 3.4  6/28 3.0 7/12 2.7  7/28 2.5 8/11 2.2 8/23 2.0  9/5 1.8  9/16 1.6  9/30 1.4  10/13 1.2  10/26 1.0  11/9 0.8  11/22 0.6  12/6 0.4  12/23 0.2.

2024 1/4/24  Remeron/Mirtazapine free 

Additional Support:  Armour Thyroid 75mgs, Magnesium Glycinate 300-500mgs,  L-theanine 

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I  totally hear you on all of this. I think these despondent feelings are part of healing. Unfortunately. Hang on and ride it out. You will come out the other side. I know you will. You will feel great and your hair will shine. As for toning the body - that will happen also. 

 

My eye doctor and retina specialist insist on eye vitamins. I take Preservavision and I get it at Costco. There are other eye vitamins available also. It must contain Lutein my eye doctors say.  I think it has helped me. The doctors no longer see anything related to macular degeneration they suspected. I also have dry eyes. Hmm. When did that happen? Remeron drys us out. That's what I think.

 

It's so easy to fall into that dark pit of negative thinking about ourselves but even more so in withdrawal. Look straight ahead and keep your eye on the goal. You will diet and exercise when you are ready for that. In the meantime, time will pass as it usually does but you will be getting healthier every day. 

 

L

 

"What if the doctors were right and I am a person who probably have been depressed my whole life." Please do not believe that, Hibari, for one second. It's not true at all. I was also told by a psychiatrist that I was depressed and probably had been since I was 6 years old. That doesn't sound very hopeful, does it? NOT TRUE. Do not believe that, Hibari.  

2001-2007 Rem 90 mg, xanax 2 mg synthroid 112mcg - 2007-2014 Rem 60 mg xanax 3-4 mg

2015   Feb Rem 45 mg xanax 2 mg, March Rem 30 xanax 2, April  Rem 22.5, May Rem 30  xanax .25x4 hrs, June Rem 26 xanax 2-3, July Rem 22.5 xanax 2, Aug Rem 15 xanax 2, Sept Rem 22 xanax 2, Oct Rem 18 mg xanax .25 mg /4 hrs, Nov Rem 23 mg xanax .5mg, Dec Rem 24 xanax 2 

2016  Jan Rem 20 xanax 2,  Feb Rem 18 mg xanax 1.5, Feb Rem 14 12 mg xanax 1 mg, March Rem 10 9 mg xanax 1-2 mg Rem 7.3 8 xanax 1-2, April Rem 10 12 mg xanax 2 mg, May Rem 11 xanax 1 .75mg Nov Rem 10mg Xanax 2mg 2017 May Rem 10.25 Xanax 1 mg, November Xanax 1mg

 

 

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Hibari,

 

It's really disheartening dealing with endless symptoms and lousy thoughts that come with WD. It's difficult, but try not to believe them...especially from a ____ psychiatrist (fill in the blank with the word or words of your choice). Some guy who didn't know you or your history made an pronouncement of something that HE believed. Maybe it says more about him, than it does about you.

 

WD seems to evoke those beliefs that we are the one person who will not get better, needs to be on drugs, etc. I imagine that nearly all of us have had them. It's scary going through this process. I think the mind wants to latch onto something, anything, that feels certain...even if that certainty is something negative.

 

You'll ride this out too and look back...realizing, that you have strengthened and become more determined through the downs. Of most importance at this time in my opinion--be as kind to yourself as you possibly can. Focus on the 1 or 2 things you can do for yourself today....

Remeron for depression. Started at 7.5 mg. in 2005. Gradual increases over 8 years, up to 45 mg. in 2012.Began tapering in June 2013. Went from 45 to 30 mg in the first 3-4 months. Held for a couple of months.Started tapering by 3.75 mg every month or 2, with some longer holding periods. Eventually went down to 3.75 mg. about April 2014. Stopped taking Remeron August 2014. Developed issues with histamine a week after stopping--symptoms reduced through diet and a few supplements. Currently having issues with a few foods. Most of the histamine intolerance has resolved or is at least, in remission.

Current Medications:

Current Supplements: Cannabis (CBD and THC), Vitamin C, D, Quercetin, CoQ10, Tart Cherry, Probiotic, Phytoplankton oil, magnesium, Methyl B. What has helped me most: spending time in nature, qi gong, exercise, healthy diet, meditation, IV vitamins, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, music, and cuddling my cats..

My introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8459-mirtazapine-withdrawal-freespirit/#entry144282

Please note: I am not a therapist or medical practitioner. Any suggestions offered come solely from my personal experience in recovering from childhood trauma, therapy, and AD use. Please seek appropriate care for yourself.

 

“After a cruel childhood, one must reinvent oneself. Then re-imagine the world.”
Mary Oliver
 

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Hibari,

 

Would you consider holding for a while and not making any cuts.  I think micro tapering is a great technique but it can catch up on you.   Maybe there is value for your body and spirit in just putting the whole withdrawal to the side for a while.

 

Your thoughts?

 

Dalsaan

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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