readytobedone: Remeron

[readytobedone]

***Moved from Tips for Tapering Lexapro***

 

I know this thread is old, but I have a question a little different than what I'm reading.  Everyone is different, and I am thankful for the experience I'm having although I have questions.  I realize there are people on this thread who have struggled more. 

 

I took Lexapro for less than 6 months in 2009.  I quit cold turkey - I had no idea that there was a withdrawal effect.  PCP didn't tell me, which I'm learning is a theme.  My withdrawal didn't last long, maybe a month, gradually getting better over that time.  My major sign was the brain zaps.  I understand these are not as common with Remeron, although it wouldn't surprise me. 

 

Jump forward to 2013, I started taking Remeron.   I was experiencing situational anxiety and not sleeping well (very difficult job at a place I hated).  I have since switched jobs and I love where I am.  I would also like to start a family.  My PCP has suggested going off the med, as I feel I am in a place where I can do this, and Remeron is not safe for pregnancy (which is now obvious to me...)  I heard that Remeron withdrawal was not as bad as the SSRI/SNRI withdrawal.  I started cutting my 15 mg pills in half over Memorial Day weekend 2016 - over 3 months ago.   I didn't think to taper.  I didn't know I should.  I am having some withdrawal symptoms, a little mind fog, dizziness, fatigue, and tremors.  No effect on GI or insomnia.  My symptoms seem minor compared to what I'm reading.

 

My question is - since I did a 50% cut with few symptoms, should I go all the way to 3.75?  This was my original plan, but I'm questioning that now.  I think a 10% taper is maybe overkill in my situation, but I don't really know.  Has anyone done a 30-50% taper with no symptoms?  Is this normal?  I am thankful, but now apprehensive that the last 7.5 will be hard to manage.  

Edited September 15, 2016 by ChessieCat
Added drug tags

[ChessieCat]

Hi readytobedone,

 

Welcome to SA.  I created your own Intro/Update topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  Click "Follow" top right and you will be notified when someone responds.

 

We ask all members to Please put your Withdrawal History in Signature.  Please include all drugs, dates and doses for the last 12-18 months with how you reduced/increased and a summary of anything prior.  Having these details will make it easier for us to assess your situation and offer you suggestions.  Please remember to update whenever you make a change so it remains current.

 

There is a lot of excellent information on this site.  You may have already read some of these links but I'll give them to you so we know you know about them:

 

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's Symptoms Checklist

 

These helped me to understand SA's recommended taper of no more than 10% of the previous dose followed by a 3-4 week hold to allow the brain to adapt to not getting as much of the drug.  They have also helped me to stay patient and not try and taper too quickly:

 

Brain Remodelling (Rhi's Description of Brain Healing)

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

With regards to your question on doing a taper of more than 10%, many members find that they have to taper less than 10% the lower their dose gets.  There is a discussion of why that might be here Why taper paper: dose-occupancy curves

 

Check out the above and the ask any questions you have here.

[ang]

Hello and welcome........................... my opinion, and personal experience only.                             I could go off the pills, and then fall pregnant.                The withdrawals disappeared when I was pregnant.           So trust,   that it wont get worse when pregnant ( my experience)  it is like the withdrawals are put on hold.

 

So when you have your gorgeous baby, make sure you have plenty of backup...............                   lack of sleep, different situation, lack of support, may trigger withdrawal symptoms.                       

[readytobedone]

Thank you both for your advice! I know I am already halfway there, at least dosage wise. Ang, I certainly won't get pregnant until I am on zero dose. I hate to think of what remeron would do to a fetus. I will monitor how I feel, but I'm really glad to know symptoms subside when pregnant. I wonder if that happens because the body is working so hard on creating life that the withdrawal takes a backseat. I don't want to find out. I hope I'm done with withdrawal before that happens. Thank you for the advice!