LotusBlossom: Remeron tapering

[LotusBlossom]

Hello, I am a 73 yo in good health but trying to taper Remeron after about 20+ years on 30 mg.  It has only been 1 1/2 mos., but now I am off the Remeron and on 20 mg. Elavil which works well for sleep.  When I try to go to drop the Elavil to 10 mg, I get poor sleep.  I also have major GI symptoms:  is it the Elavil, or is it late symptoms of Remeron withdrawal?  Thank you.

[Songbird]

Hi LotusBlossom, welcome to SA.  It sounds like you have been prescribed Elevil to cope with withdrawal symptoms from stopping Remeron.  How did you taper the Remeron down from 30mg?

 

It would be helpful if you could create a signature with your med history, listing drugs, doses and dates.  You can edit your signature under your Account Settings. 

See this topic for more info: Please put your withdrawal history in your signature

 

There is a topic here you can read to find out more about withdrawal:  What is withdrawal syndrome

 

I will move your post into the Introductions section - each member has one topic to post in all your updates and ask any questions about your situation, kind of like a journal.

 

[LotusBlossom]

Hello to Songbird:  I THINK I created a new "signature"(?) expounding on my withdrawal history, but it does not seem to show up here.  Any suggestion?  Thank you.

Remeron Taper 5:13.docx

[Petunia]

Hi LotusBlossom,

Your signature is showing up now. Are you still taking both drugs daily?

 

Are you wanting to taper off all medication completely? It looks like your doctor gave you Elavil to stop Remeron withdrawal symptoms, it may have worked if you had given it more time before making more changes. It takes at least 4 days for your body to fully register the addition of a neuroactive drug.

 

You need to be consistent with what you take, jumping around with different drugs and dosages can upset your nervous system and cause unpleasant symptoms. This topic will explain more about how to protect your nervous system while tapering:  

The rule of 3KIS: Keep it simple. Keep it slow. Keep it stable.

 

We suggest reducing by no more than 10% of the current dose every 4 weeks, this reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms arising. Please read through this topic which will explain why:

  

Why taper by 10% of my dosage? 

 

Only taper one drug at a time.

 

These topics may also be helpful:  Tips for tapering off amitriptyline

 

Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine)

 

Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.

 

Petunia.

 

 

 

[LotusBlossom]

Hello Petunia,  Thank you for that very helpful information and the links you sent.  Yes, I am trying to get off the Remeron by easing symptoms with Elavil (a taper given to me by a psychiatrist).  I hope I am not now getting addicted to Elavil as well. Yikes!  I am going to stay at the 15 mg Remeron and 10 mg Elavil for another week and then try to get off the Elavil.  I may stay on the Remeron till next year.  This is a lot of work!

[LotusBlossom]

Hello Forum Members:  After months of difficulty trying to taper my Remeron, but triggering rebound insomnia, I finally found the answer and am now sleeping very well on 1/2 dose (15 mg Remeron).  I just wanted to share this with you to give you hope that it is possible, even after 20 years on this drug.  I worked personally with Dr. Greenblatt (author of "Breakthrough Depression Solution").  He had me take several tests (the Organic Acids; Hair Toxins test; and finally gene testing).  It was the last one, the genetic test, that revealed to me what I was doing wrong:  namely, I had adverse effects from the Elavil (which I was using to get off the Remeron!).  In addition, the test revealed that I would do better on a lower dose of Remeron.  Once I resolved those 2 issues, and backing it up with Dr. Greenblatt's excellent nutritional advice, I have had no further problems to speak of.  I highly recommend you read his book which basically tells you most of what you need to know.  Also for anyone on psycotropics, I recommend the gene testing to tell you what drugs will or won't for you.  It will save you a lot of trial and error (and mostly error operating in the dark).  No one should have to suffer so much.  Too bad genetic testing is not yet mainstream (nor is nutritional support of getting off these drugs).  Good luck to you all!