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leahy Tapering off Remeron, headaches, nausea, sleep


leahy

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I think the taurine/mag worked. I slept in bigger chunks. I took it again at 4 AM after being awake since 2:30 AM. I also took 1 mg of xanax but it wasn't long ago that I would take 3 mg at that hour in the hopes of sleep. So it's an improvement.

 

 

I had a conversation with my son yesterday that went well so I feel better emotionally. He said that 10 years ago he talked to the psychologist where he worked. The psych looked up remeron and said it was a strong one, etc. My son my emotions were ALL OVER the place and he was worried about the meds I was taking.

 

I explained how hard wd is and he was very receptive and kind. That was a major breakthrough for me. My son had also researched the medication and knew all the side effects. I think he tried to tell me all this at the time but I don't remember it. Maybe just a flicker of hearing that he talked to the psych. I wasn't able to process what he was saying at the time.

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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WOO Hoo! No headache today! I am so thankful for this window of relief. I even went out for a walk. I didn't want to but I did it anyway. Gentle exercise.

 

Carefully monitoring my taper.

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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Hi Leahy,

That is great that you are feeling better. It is never too late to talk to your son and mend your relationship with him. Life is too short, tell your son that you love him. Don't waste any more time. You can still have a great relationship, it never too late. When you are feeling down, write all the things that you are great full for, no matter how silly it sounds. Best wishes, hopefull. :)

DRUG HISTORY:

 

November 2013- Zoloft, ( Bad reaction).

January 2014 - March 2014 Seroquel.( Quit Cold Turkey).

January2014- Mirtazapine, I was taking 15mg at one stage, reduced to 7.5mg, Pgad reactions to Mirtazapine. Doctor kept increasing it to 37.5mg, until July 2014. No improvement, experiencing panic attacks, on 37.5 mg. I had enough by October 2014. Began tapering.

October 2014- Started tapering Mirtazapine from 37.5mg.

September 2015- Down to 4mg of Mirtazapine. Crashed.

September 16th- Up dosed to 5mg. Held this dose for almost 5 months. Stabilised.

February 2016- Began tapering again. From 5mg to 4.5mg of Mirtazapine. (Rocking the boat, again)! Lol. :(

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"It is never too late to talk to your son and mend your relationship with him. Life is too short, tell your son that you love him. Don't waste any more time."

 

Yes, this is very good advice and I appreciate it. I had another conversation with my son yesterday so things are looking better. My heart was broke in two since we had a falling out. Broke in two. Devastated. Deep in my soul I was so distressed over it for it for many months. If he only knew how I feel. I will keep trying.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hello Leahy and apologies for being away for a while. Thank you so much for thinking about my situation too even when things are so hard for you.

 

I was very, very happy to read through your updates: you are feeling better and had that great conversation with your son!

 

One more thing I would like to warn you about Xanax: if you feel the need for more Xanax, it's better to take it regularly than if needed.

 

If you start a thread on your Xanax situation in our benzo section, we will be able to look into what would be the best thing to do under the current circumstances. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/29-members-only-benzo-forum/

 

I was in a similar situation as you: reduced/stopped taking both Xanax and antidepressant at the same time so I was hit by a double whammy and had to reinstate both. I suspected Xanax will be a major issue in your situation. It's good that you reinstated it (and your brain is telling you so) but there is still a big room for improvement. I take a night dose as well so that I maintain a steady dose over 24 hours. Stability is key here. I'd like to hear what Rhi and Skyler think about the best dose for you now. 1.25 mg might not be enough given that not so long time ago you were taking 3 mg and that's why you frequently have to take more.. I might try going with 0.5 5 times (including the night). That would be 2.5 mg (still lower than what you were taking before) and stabilise on both Remeron and Xanax before continuing with the taper....

 

Keep us posted ;)

Bubble

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Thank you so much, Bubble. I feel so much better after reinstating xanax as you suggested. I find that .5 makes me tired during the day so I've been taking .25 every 4-5 hours. I usually fall asleep watching TV @ 9. When I awaken and actually go to bed @1 AM I'll remember to take another .25 even though I don't think I need it. Perhaps this will help me sleep through the 3 AM suddenly awake/ can't go back to sleep/ ruminating over problems jolts. That's usually when I end up taking 1 mg to get back to sleep. I will try to start a new thread in benzos.

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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Leahy, your son has taken time to research your meds and talk to practitioners about them. He loves you. Acknowledging that is important and let's you to lead into the fact that you love him, how you felt when you fell out and what you'd like for the future. I think simple, crystal clear statements can go along way to mend rifts as can apologies and ownership of actions (if/where necessary)

 

D x

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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THANK YOU SO MUCH, D. xxoo Such good advice. My son seemed relieved that we broached the topic. He said my emotions were all over the place back then (10 years ago). Well we know he loved me 10 years ago, anyway! Talk about being medicated. That it would take me YEARS to even begin to recognize the way the meds were making me behave. Who knew? I had no clue. This process takes a lot of self reflection and reassessing of things. I feel like a frozen turkey thawing out VERY S-L-O-W-L-Y. I'm still shocked by all of this. It's terrible, really. To think doctors would continue to prescribe medications to a person to their own demise. I'm sorry. I think it's criminal. But I digress.

 

So far saying "I'm sorry" and "I love you" hasn't resonated with my son. It would be good to see him in person but so far he avoids seeing me. A friend once told me that it's easy to be mad when you don't see someone. I'm going to have to walk the walk until he's ready. I am very touched by your encouraging words of advice. I will continue to work on this - every day. Thank you so much.

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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PS I realize that doctors may not truly understand the negative impact of psychoactive drugs but it is their business to learn about it and to learn about withdrawal.

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 started drinking kefir(couldn't find Goodbelly) for gut health 2 days ago. I had a yeast infection and had a strong feeling there was a connection between that and my WD process. I know YI is a result of an imbalance. I read the thread about gut health and it is very enlightening.

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1229-probiotics-and-gut-health/

 

I didn't know, for example, that we produce serotonin in our guts. After drinking kefir, the infection seemed subside that day. Can that be a coincidence? I had purchased an OTC med for the candida at the same time but so far have not had to use it. This tells me something powerful about the health of my gut, wd, mental health and probiotics. Thank you wonderful people.

 

I continue on the path of wd the past two days. I have been taking 27 mg remeron and 2 mg xanax taking .25 evenly during the day (4x). I have also read about 2 sleeps so when I wake in the night - now, I expect it to happen and don't become quite as anxious about being awake. This helps a bit with the anxiety. So far I've been able to get back to sleep after an hour or two. I wake with racing and negative thoughts of all the problems I have - big and small. I remind myself that this, too, is going to happen and that helps a bit to calm me down. I save 1 mg for the night anxiety taking .5 mg first and another .5 if necessary.

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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Today is not a good day. My headache is back. And nausea. Can't think. It looks like it was too soon to reduce my dosage from 30 mg remeron to 27 mg. I thought I could sneak it in.

 

I've been reading Tgirl's thread having landed there when searching on headaches. Another remeron sufferer. I just learned from that thread that (one of?) the drug(s) Robin Williams was on was remeron. I googled it:

 

http://www.cchrint.org/2014/11/10/robin-williams-was-on-drugs-at-the-time-of-his-death-antidepressant-drugs/

 

"The medical examiner’s report cites an antidepressant drug was in Williams’ system at the time of his death. The particular antidepressant, Mirtazapine, (also known as Remeron) carries 10 international drug regulatory warnings on causing suicidal ideation."

 

If only the sentiments from one of Williams’ finest roles in Awakenings had been taken literally in his personal life: “The human spirit is more powerful than any drug and that is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. These are the things that matter.”

 

I find these headaches to be the worst symptom. It makes every minute of the day difficult.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Thankyou for that link leahy.

Good to see you're beginning to get on top of this thing.

:)

1987-1997 pertofran , prothiaden , Prozac 1997-2002 Zoloft 2002-2004 effexor 2004-2010 Lexapro 40mg

2010-2012Cymbalta 120mg

Sept. 2012 -decreased 90mg in 6months. Care taken over by Dr Lucire in March 2013 , decreased last 30mg at 2mg per week over 3 months. July 21 , 2013- last dose of Cymbalta

Protracted withdrawal syndrome kicked in badly Jan.2014 Unrelenting akathisia until May 2014. Voluntary hosp. admission. Cocktail of Seroquel, Ativan and mirtazapine and I was well enough to go home after 14 days. Stopped all hosp. meds in next few months.

July 2014 felt v.depressed - couldn't stop crying. Started pristiq 50mg. Felt improvement within days and continued to improve, so stayed on 50mg for 8 months.

Began taper 28 Feb. 2015. Pristiq 50mg down to 45mg. Had one month of w/d symptoms. Started CES therapy in March. No w/d symptoms down to 30mg.

October 2015 , taking 25mg Pristiq. Capsules compounded with slow-release additive.

March 2016 , 21mg

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Thank you, Fresh. I'm learning hard lessons like "Taper slowly. Don't rush it. Wait a couple of months and stabilize. Then make the next cut. 10%" I know I should have listened the first time but hopefully I won't make this mistake again.

 

I just wrote an email to Bill O'Reilly a talk/news show in the states. I'm hoping to bring attention to this issue. I think I'll include email here:

 

Bill,

 

Suicide? I urge you to take a look at how antidepressant medications ARE the PROBLEM. I was reading through a person’s “thread” in survingantidepressant.org. This person was very upset about trying to get off of Remeron and having such a difficult time.

 

I am in the process of withdrawing from this particular medication which is why I have been researching it. It has destroyed the last 15 years of my life but I had no idea that was happening it at the time. Doctor’s will call it “discontinuation syndrome” to make it sound pretty but it is a horrific drug that destroys lives. The truth is the withdrawal takes years and it’s debilitating process when you’re lucky enough to survive it.

 

This is true of all mind altering drugs. Tom Cruise had a very good point in 2005:

 

 

Thanks Tom Cruise

 

First published on www.Huffingtonpost.com

"Thanks Tom Cruise"

 

By Peter R. Breggin, M.D.

 

On June 25, July 2005 Tom Cruise did the unthinkable on TV. Actually, he did several “unthinkables” in a filmed interview with NBC’s Matt Lauer for the Today Show.

 

First, Tom stopped smiling. He deprived us of that multi-million dollar grin and got serious. For a star to do this to the American public was unthinkable.

 

Second, Tom pointed out that Matt Lauer actually was very “glib” (shallow) and didn’t know what he was talking about. He also urged Matt to be “more responsible” and to learn something about psychiatry before touting it. For a star to do this to a media personality was unthinkable. Since nearly all of them are shallow, this was a threat of potentially epidemic proportions. Suppose other guests began pointing out that media hosts don’t know what they are talking about and are shallow?

 

Third, he got serious about one of the most important issues in our personal lives, in this case our widespread use of psychiatric drugs to solve our personal distress and anguish. Tom concluded, “I’m passionate about life.” For anyone to speak this way on television, except perhaps on the Catholic channel, is truly beyond the TV pale; and even the Catholic channel doesn’t criticize psychiatry.

 

Fourth, he criticized psychiatry and drew attention to its genuine flaws and failings. I suspect he’s actually read my book, Toxic Psychiatry . Tom said that psychiatry had a long history of abusing people, including electroshock. He said, “There is no such thing as a chemical imbalance.” He said that antidepressants can only “mask the problem” and that “these drugs are very dangerous.” He called psychiatry a “pseudoscience” and suggested that there are better approaches. He was right about all of this.

 

Perhaps these drugs could be used for short periods of time but we will all find out sooner or later that the DRUG becomes the PROBLEM. You have a voice. I don’t. I’m hoping you might look into this a bit further. I just watched your video on this subject when you spoke to Patty Duke and Connie Francis about it. They both sounded drugged to me especially Connie Francis. No offense intended here. Just pointing out that it is obvious to anyone who digs deeper that these drug HURT people! They do not help us. I feel so badly about Robin Williams. Also, upon digging deeper I’ll bet you will find a strong correlation between psychoactive medications and school shootings and other seemingly random acts of rage happening in our society. It would make a great story for you and an important one at that.

 

Robin did not kill himself because of depression. It is the drug that kills. Why is the quote below kept so well hidden from the public’s attention? No one is taking about THIS. Sad.

 

http://www.cchrint.o...pressant-drugs/

 

"The medical examiner’s report cites an antidepressant drug was in Williams’ system at the time of his death. The particular antidepressant, Mirtazapine, (also known as Remeron) carries 10 international drug regulatory warnings on causing suicidal ideation."

 

If only the sentiments from one of Williams’ finest roles in Awakenings had been taken literally in his personal life: “The human spirit is more powerful than any drug and that is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. These are the things that matter.”

 

Best, Frances

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

I continue on the path of wd the past two days. I have been taking 27 mg remeron and 2 mg xanax taking .25 evenly during the day (4x). I have also read about 2 sleeps so when I wake in the night - now, I expect it to happen and don't become quite as anxious about being awake. This helps a bit with the anxiety. So far I've been able to get back to sleep after an hour or two. I wake with racing and negative thoughts of all the problems I have - big and small. I remind myself that this, too, is going to happen and that helps a bit to calm me down. I save 1 mg for the night anxiety taking .5 mg first and another .5 if necessary.

 Hello Leahy,

 

I hope you are doing ok. I agree with Fresh that you are getting on top of the tapering business and getting some important insights which I'd like to highlight. Seeing that your symptoms will come and GO without 'intervention' that is adding drugs is extremely important in mastering tapering and reclaiming your life from drugs. 

 

I'm glad that you realised tapering at this stage is still too early. To give you an idea, when I reinstated my drugs I waited for 3 months to stabilise before starting tapering again. I'm not saying you should wait for 3 month but we prefer a few weeks of stable pattern of symptoms before rocking the boat again, And you have only just reinstated Xanax.

 

Regarding Xanax I'm concerned that you are still resorting to as needed dose at night. Again, if you feel you need it and if you resort to it more than let's say once a week it would be a lot more beneficial to start taking it on a regular base. A lot of us have seen benefits from spreading it evenly over 24 hours to avoid interdose withdrawal which occurs due to each short half life. You still have a lot of room for improving your situation with Xanax which will definitely contribute to diminishing your symptoms. I'd been playing that game of 'saving' on xanax for years.  It only brought me a lot of suffering and increased my dependency on xanax. Only after I started applying the principles I learnt here did I manage to get things under control. For 18 months now I've been going only down with Xanax and I still find it a miracle. 

 

Hoping for the same miracle for you :)

Current: 9/2022 Xanax 0.08, Lexapro 2

2020 Xanax 0.26 (down from 2 mg in 2013), Lexapro 2.85 mg (down from 5 mg 2013)

Amitriptyline (tricyclic AD) and clonazepam for 3 months to treat headache in 1996 
1999. - present Xanax prn up to 3 mg.
2000-2005 Prozac CT twice, 2005-2010 Zoloft CT 3 times, 2010-2013 Escitalopram 10 mg
went from 2.5 to zero on 7 Aug 2013, bad crash 40 days after
reinstated to 5 mg Escitalopram 4Oct 2013 and holding liquid Xanax every 5 hours
28 Jan 2014 Xanax 1.9, 18 Apr  2015 1 mg,  25 June 2015 Lex 4.8, 6 Aug Lexapro 4.6, 1 Jan 2016 0.64  Xanax     9 month hold

24 Sept 2016 4.5 Lex, 17 Oct 4.4 Lex (Nov 0.63 Xanax, Dec 0.625 Xanax), 1 Jan 2017 4.3 Lex, 24 Jan 4.2, 5 Feb 4.1, 24 Mar 4 mg, 10 Apr 3.9 mg, May 3.85, June 3.8, July 3.75, 22 July 3.7, 15 Aug 3.65, 17 Sept 3.6, 1 Jan 2018 3.55, 19 Jan 3.5, 16 Mar 3.4, 14 Apr 3.3, 23 May 3.2, 16 June 3.15, 15 Jul 3.1, 31 Jul 3, 21 Aug 2.9 26 Sept 2.85, 14 Nov Xan 0.61, 1 Dec 0.59, 19 Dec 0.58, 4 Jan 0.565, 6 Feb 0.55, 20 Feb 0.535, 1 Mar 0.505, 10 Mar 0.475, 14 Mar 0.45, 4 Apr 0.415, 13 Apr 0.37, 21 Apr 0.33, 29 Apr 0.29, 10 May 0.27, 17 May 0.25, 28 May 0.22, 19 June 0.22, 21 Jun updose to 0.24, 24 Jun updose to 0.26

Supplements: Omega 3 + Vit E, Vit C, D, magnesium, Taurine, probiotic 

I'm not a medical professional. Any advice I give is based on my own experience and reading. 

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Bubble said "Regarding Xanax I'm concerned that you are still resorting to as needed dose at night. Again, if you feel you need it and if you resort to it more than let's say once a week it would be a lot more beneficial to start taking it on a regular base. A lot of us have seen benefits from spreading it evenly over 24 hours to avoid interdose withdrawal which occurs due to each short half life. You still have a lot of room for improving your situation with Xanax which will definitely contribute to diminishing your symptoms. I'd been playing that game of 'saving' on xanax for years. It only brought me a lot of suffering and increased my dependency on xanax. Only after I started applying the principles I learnt here did I manage to get things under control. For 18 months now I've been going only down with Xanax and I still find it a miracle. "

 

Thanks for watching out for me Bubble. It's really so nice to hear from you and I appreciate your advice very much. What I worry about with the xanax mostly is that middle of the night can't sleep panic that I have every night now. So that's why I try to save some for those episodes while trying to keep the overall dosage down. I must say that your advise has helped me immensely though when I added the regular daytime doses to even things out. If I wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep I will most definitely have a headache hangover feeling all day. I used to up dose remeron for sleeping but that is no longer an option. So now I've been taking .25 mgs 4 times a day, and .5 mgs at night. Sometimes I'll need to take another .5mg during the night. That's 2 mg/day. I'm hoping my night time anxiety will pass and I'll sleep better. Wishful thinking, I know. XX

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 read an interesting piece on Niacin, GABA, vitamin C and xanax withdrawal.  I am literally sick and tired of this weaning process, so I keep researching in a desperate attempt to help myself. I am weaning off xanax and remeron. I have been holding at 1.5 xanax and 30 mg remeron. I feel terrible most days. There are a lot more waves than windows. It's like having a constant, wretched hangover.


 


Here's the link:


 


http://orthomolecula...ns/v10n09.shtml


 


I've had headaches so long I am sure my friends/family do not want to hear about it. Pretty much 24 hours a day for 7 weeks. I barely get through a day. The pain is always in the right temple to some degree, radiates around the ear and then spreads around the eyes, back of the head like a squeezing vice. This pain seems to radiate to my core and stomach which makes me feel nauseous.


 


Sometimes I'm not sure which came first the nausea or the headache. It's like having a debilitating hangover all the time. 


 


As I am weaning off xanax and remeron, it's hard to tell which is responsible but I do not want to up my doses. I am confused and exhausted. I feel like I can't begin to get well until I can get off at least one of these drugs. Yet, I am stuck. In a dark room with a headache.


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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  • 1 month later...

Today I walked to town for breakfast to get some gentle exercise and food. On the way back I passed by the nail salon that I go to and it wasn't there. I walked up and down the sidewalk 2 or 3 times. J. Nail was gone. Perplexed by this I walked around back and saw the back door of J. Nail with a CLOSED sign hanging on the door. Well I guess they suddenly closed and moved.

 

A woman approached coming to get her nails done at J. Nail. They're gone I said and explained what just happened. I asked if she wanted to walk around to the front and see. She did. We walked to the front of the salon and it WAS still there. I was shocked, surprised, embarrassed. I think the woman thought I was crazy.

 

What happened to me? Does anyone have any insights about this? Am I that confused? It feels like something a drunk person would do.

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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Could it be serotonin syndrome? I just remembered that before my walk I took 100 mg of HTP. I have been working hard at trying to stabilize at 26.25 mg Remeron and 2 mg xanax and thought I might need a boost.

 

Also, yesterday, I did give in and take sumatriptan for a migraine. Maybe too much serotonin. Scary. I won't do that again.

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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maybe you briefly entered  "the twilight zone" :)

went on Prozac 1994-99,60mg.poopout ct  back on 2001-2002,prozac weekly 2002,not working,Effexor 75 mg.?2003-mar.2004 gaining weight 8wk. taper,wellbutrin 150 mg.mar. -may 2004 ctmedfree til july 2005 back to Prozac gaining weight again,back on wellbutrin jan.2006150-300 mg.bad constipation.also was taking aygestin(hormone)perimenopausal irregular bleeding.back on Prozac around sept,?2006,hysterectomy jan30.2007(adenomyosis)off&on Prozac til 2009,citalopram about 1 mo, April 2010 no effect,Effexor again may -mar, 2011.ct,Prozac aug,-dec, 2011 &sept-nov 2012,paroxetine oct,23 2013-may 4 2014 20 mgs.tapered 6 wks.-failed RI in Oct.2014-in protracted WD.started 10 mgs. Fluoxetine May 25 2021 .Stopped fluoxetine May 2022 at 5 mgs.

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  • Administrator

Don't take 5-HTP while a triptan is still in your system. You seem to know that combination can be a problem.

 

If you are tapering, I would not take 5-HTP at all, it confuses things.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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I can see that 5HTP confuses things while tapering. I had a lapse of memory about the combination being a problem. I just wasn't thinking clearly. Hopefully, this serves as a good reminder for me to be more aware and careful. Thanks for watching out for me, though.

 

I remember reading the section on 5HTP a while back where you (Alto) cautioned people about using 5 HTP. Everywhere I google, I learn new things and circle back to SA only to find yes it's been researched here. You have a wealth of knowledge and hard work on this site.

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

 

I read an interesting piece on Niacin, GABA, vitamin C and xanax withdrawal.  I am literally sick and tired of this weaning process, so I keep researching in a desperate attempt to help myself. I am weaning off xanax and remeron. I have been holding at 1.5 xanax and 30 mg remeron. I feel terrible most days. There are a lot more waves than windows. It's like having a constant, wretched hangover.

 

Here's the link:

 

http://orthomolecula...ns/v10n09.shtml

 

I've had headaches so long I am sure my friends/family do not want to hear about it. Pretty much 24 hours a day for 7 weeks. I barely get through a day. The pain is always in the right temple to some degree, radiates around the ear and then spreads around the eyes, back of the head like a squeezing vice. This pain seems to radiate to my core and stomach which makes me feel nauseous.

 

Sometimes I'm not sure which came first the nausea or the headache. It's like having a debilitating hangover all the time. 

 

As I am weaning off xanax and remeron, it's hard to tell which is responsible but I do not want to up my doses. I am confused and exhausted. I feel like I can't begin to get well until I can get off at least one of these drugs. Yet, I am stuck. In a dark room with a headache.

 

Hi Leahy,

 

If it was me I wouldn't be weaning off xanax and remeron at the same time.   As you yourself say, it hard (impossible) to tell which is responsible for what.   If you are bouncing between 2-3 mg and dropping by more than 10% as your taper indicates, it's not surprising that you are feeling it.   

You can get better before you come off, the key is to come off well not quickly.  If I was you I would pick a xanax does, maintain rigid consistency on that, wait until you are stable and then commit to coming off in a way that is gentle on your nervous system.  That might be 10%, that might be less than that.  I would also be exploring non drug ways of dealing with symptoms.   Do you experience muscle tension in your neck and head?   That is what causes my withdrawal headaches - I have gentle massage to address it.

 

Given all the changes you have made this year, you could't possibly know what your nervous system can bare, what triggers what and how to judge your stability and whether you should or shouldn't drop again.

 

Your thoughts?

 

D

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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Hi D,

 

I think you're right that trying to taper both X and Remeron is not a good idea. I find during the day I can take .25 X every 4-5 hours and feel fine.  This is where things go awry. I also take more (1 mg) before bedtime to calm me down because .25 doesn't help me much at night. 

 

I do occasionally use Xanax in desperation at night when I wake with a headache. It gets me back to sleep when nothing else will. Most nights I sleep through but last night I took a rescue dose of 2 mg. because I woke with a very bad headache. Not sleeping at night completely ruins the entire next day and makes life unbearably difficult.

 

I don't think the headaches are tension. It feels more like a "hangover after a drinking binge" kind of headache. I am having a tough time holding at 26.25 Remeron but I would really like to stabilize at this dose to feel I am making progress. 

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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Hi Leahy,

 

I just picked up this thread and wanted to offer my support.  I took am tapering off Remeron too and it has been a tough but steady journey.    I was up to 41.25mg when I started tapering and am now down to a liquid suspension of Remeron of 27mg.  The toughest taper for me was getting below 30mgs, though it has been emotional tough at many points of this taper.  I am also on 200mgs of Lamictal and won't be able to start that taper till next year.

 

I discovered that going from pills to liquid caused an unexpected cut.  I was at 28.125 of the pills and then when I went to a liquid suspension that my psychiatrist called into a compound I found out through the wonderful support on this site, that it wasn't exactly an even trade. 

 

I am trying the micro taper route to see if it works for me.  I have been able to tract my pattern of withdrawal, though knowing doesn't make the waves easier.  For me, when I first make a cut, I get the physical symptoms of headache and nausea.  My mood would be okay-not great but functional.  Then either 2 or 3 weeks later, I would have a period of 4 days where I felt awful, crying, depressed, hopeless and scared.  Then better.

 

With this most recent cut from 28-27 I have been emotional pretty quickly.  Again, I am able to function but it hasn't been so fun.  

 

Remeron is a super powerful antidepressant and even my current psychiatrist (who I switched after I was on Remeron) has confirmed that.   It is frustrating to know that it will take time and I am really bad at holding my tapers but even I have had to slow down. 

 

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone on this Remeron journey.

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 are a beacon of light for me today. I have been feeling very alone. It's so good to hear your story. Thanks for writing to me.

 

My headache is terrible today. It feels like a hangover headache after drinking large amounts of alcohol. It's the only comparison I can come up with. I find that if I can be sleeping by 9:30, I have a much better day.

 

Last night I was on the computer Facetime talking with my daughter across country from 7:30-9:30. That meant it would be at least 10:30 before I could fall asleep. I woke up an hour later with a splitting headache. I adore her and want to see her but I knew I would have a problem getting settled down enough to actually sleep. She is having difficulty at work and I get stressed out trying to help her solve these problems. But I want to help her. This is not fair.  Is that possible that messed me up for the night? Really? 

 

I get so happy when I sleep well without the headache interruptions that I get carried away the next day- go to the gym, exercise too much maybe, I don't know, take too many supplements and the cycle returns. I have not gotten this figured out. Been trying to hold at 26.25 for weeks. Reinstated 30 a couple of times, then back down. Making the decrement below 30 is very difficult. I don't understand it.

 

I am more aware that I am more fearful and recognize the negative thoughts keep floating in my head. I say "nueroemotions" to that when I think of it. It's also hard to remember that fear is not really fear. Lots of apprehension about life in general. Tough times for sure.

 

xxoo 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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  • Moderator Emeritus

This might sound weird but if your headache feels like a hangover, have you tried increasing your water intake?

 

Also, have you tried the glasses to stop the light from your computer impacting your sleep

 

D

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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This might sound weird but if your headache feels like a hangover, have you tried increasing your water intake?

 

Also, have you tried the glasses to stop the light from your computer impacting your sleep

 

D

It does not sound weird to me. Much of the hangover headache is due to dehydration. I hadn't thought of that. I will keep track of my water intake from now on. I think I drink lots of water but I have not been tracking it. Remeron is a strong anthistamine so water intake wouldbe important for us. I did install f.lux that darkens the computer screen automatically at sunset. (I forgot where I saw that... maybe here) It's free by the way, if anyone is interested. What are the glasses/ Should i wear them whenever I am on the computer? There's probably a thread here on that. I'll google it. Hope you are doing well, D. Thank you. xo

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 was just saying to a friend today that even though i know I will feel badly when I make a cut in my medication, when it happens and I am hit with the withdrawal, I don't remember.

It feels, as it was today that I am not going to get better and these are my real feelings. 

 

After a good cry tonight, I realize again that I am grieving many thing and experiencing WD.  . 

 

I don't know why going below 30 was so hard.  I couldn't seem to stabilize and then I finally did at 28.125-i did a little jumping from 27 ish back up to 28.125.  I think 30mg was a big threshold for my brain.

 

I did find when I was headachy and nauseous that taking Alka Seltzer Gold helped.  I read it in one of Julia Ross's Mood Cure books and gave it a try.  

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 was just saying to a friend today that even though i know I will feel badly when I make a cut in my medication, when it happens and I am hit with the withdrawal, I don't remember.

It feels, as it was today that I am not going to get better and these are my real feelings. 

 

After a good cry tonight, I realize again that I am grieving many thing and experiencing WD.  . 

 

I don't know why going below 30 was so hard.  I couldn't seem to stabilize and then I finally did at 28.125-i did a little jumping from 27 ish back up to 28.125.  I think 30mg was a big threshold for my brain.

 

I did find when I was headachy and nauseous that taking Alka Seltzer Gold helped.  I read it in one of Julia Ross's Mood Cure books and gave it a try.  

Hi H, 

I was just thinking this morning with a headache of only 4 (I rate the headaches from 1 to 10) that when it is a 10 I think that I will always feel that bad. I actually just realized those feelings this morning. That never ending suffering adds to the doom of it all on those days. 

 

I did buy and read Julia's book but totally missed the Alka Seltzer Gold tip. I must have had a headache on that page. Thank you for the tip. I will be sure to get some ASG today.

 

I read your thread yesterday. I also used to dance and take dance classes all the time. Now I cannot even get my fat foot in any of my dance shoes, besides the fact that standing on my feet hurts, never mind trying to dance on them. I miss dancing. It was such a happy place for me. I was definitely mindful and in the moment when I was dancing - filled with the music and movement. I love that.

 

I gained 40 pounds on Remeron and cannot lose weight. It does that to us. I feel I should have been warned about that. Weight gain seriously changed my quality of life and self esteem. 

 

I'm so glad you're here at SA, Hibari. I do hope you have a better day today.~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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I also used to dance and take dance classes all the time. Now I cannot even get my fat foot in any of my dance shoes, besides the fact that standing on my feet hurts, never mind trying to dance on them. I miss dancing. It was such a happy place for me. I was definitely mindful and in the moment when I was dancing - filled with the music and movement. I love that.

 

I gained 40 pounds on Remeron and cannot lose weight. It does that to us. I feel I should have been warned about that. Weight gain seriously changed my quality of life and self esteem. 

 

That sounds like a very difficult loss to live with Leahy. I can so relate to this..well, not on the dancing...but I went from being a very physically active woman, to being a couch potato. I gained 70 pounds on Remeron and it very much impacted my health and quality of life. I tried dieting, but could not lose the weight either. That only started to happen once I was free of the meds.

 

Doctors can't seem to understand issues around quality of life. They see one thing and take out the hammer to fix it...but fail to see that the house is falling down around the nail. No one talked to me about the risks of Remeron before I started it, or while I was taking it. My current doc did not like the drug for whatever reason, but only wanted me to take something else instead.

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 also used to dance and take dance classes all the time. Now I cannot even get my fat foot in any of my dance shoes, besides the fact that standing on my feet hurts, never mind trying to dance on them. I miss dancing. It was such a happy place for me. I was definitely mindful and in the moment when I was dancing - filled with the music and movement. I love that.

 

I gained 40 pounds on Remeron and cannot lose weight. It does that to us. I feel I should have been warned about that. Weight gain seriously changed my quality of life and self esteem. 

 

That sounds like a very difficult loss to live with Leahy. I can so relate to this..well, not on the dancing...but I went from being a very physically active woman, to being a couch potato. I gained 70 pounds on Remeron and it very much impacted my health and quality of life. I tried dieting, but could not lose the weight either. That only started to happen once I was free of the meds.

 

Doctors can't seem to understand issues around quality of life. They see one thing and take out the hammer to fix it...but fail to see that the house is falling down around the nail. No one talked to me about the risks of Remeron before I started it, or while I was taking it. My current doc did not like the drug for whatever reason, but only wanted me to take something else instead.

 

Hi Fresh,

 

I totally understand. This must have been so difficult for you but you give me hope.  My doctor will not admit to the weight gain being caused by Remeron. I challenged that premise on the next visit. She must have actually looked it up because she said SOME gain weight - not all. Ha! Just 99.9% gain weight is what I wanted to say back to her.  But I remind myself not to bite the hand of the one who feeds you. I need her to help me taper. I'll figure out the taper myself with help from my SA friends. I don't think my pdoc has ever helped someone taper. I asked her that question but she did not give me an answer.

 

This terrible loss of fully living life is becoming a way too familiar phenomenon. Although it's good to hear others tell the same story. I am sorry about the loss of quality of life imposed on us by these meds. We were so sick we didn't fully comprehend what was chronically happening. A downward spiral. I'm so relieved to have all of you here with me. Or I would truly be alone in this world. 

 

I wanted to mention something that's happening to me for anyone who might know about this symptom. I will suddenly arch my back, throw my head back and moan without opening my mouth. I think my mouth is clenched shut and I make a noise. I don't know how to describe the noise - it's not exactly a moan. My feet jut out, as do my hands. It is very quick but often repetitive - every 3 or 4 minutes. As far as I could get with Google - is it a myoclonic jerk?

 

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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Weight gain has hugely affected my self esteem. 

 

Free Spirit you have been a a real support to me on my own thread about withdrawing from Remeron.  I have hopped over here to post as well as offer support. 

 

Today I can feel my monthly Remeron meltdown brewing.  I have been crying for a few days and now since I know my pattern, I am going to move into a huge crying fit.   I've written before that at a certain point after I make a cut, my brain realizes it dosen't have it's usual supply of Remeron and starts to panic.

 

I am glad to know from Free Spirit that the weigh issues changed once she got off the medications.

 

I have felt desire inside to start doing some yoga and was sent a dvd on creating a yoga practice at home.  I need to stretch my body. 

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 have been working on getting my Remeron dose below 30 mg. but when I switch to the smaller tabs - two 15 mg tablets I get sick again.

 

I had started getting below 30 mg by shaving off 5 shaves off the 30 mg tablet with a knife, then 10 shaves, then 20 shaves. I know this isn't very accurate but it has been working. After being stabile on 30 mg minus 20 shaves, I thought that has to be 26.25. When I switch to two 15 mg tabs and cut one in half and half again taking 26.25. I get the hangover/headache again. That renders me non-functioning.

 

Is there something different about two 15 mg tabs as opposed to the 30 mg? Last night I went back to shaving 20 shaves off 30mg and I feel much better today. Has anyone had this experience? I am thinking that if I hold a while on the "30 mg minus shavings" and then maybe try taking the two 15 mg tablets to adjust. Then maybe I'll be able to cut one in half and half again with success...

 

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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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi leahy,

I don't know if there's a difference between the 15mg and 30mg tabs, but there could be a slight difference. I like your idea of adjusting to the two 15mg before cutting them.

 

I'm just going to quote part of what Alto suggested when you first joined, because its probably applicable now

 

 

Welcome, leahy.

 

If I were you, I would stay at 30mg for perhaps a couple of months, at least, to let your nervous system settle down from all the drug changes.

 

Do not skip doses; try to take them at the same time each day.

 

When you no longer have withdrawal symptoms, you might consider very carefully reducing at about 10% per month. See

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Tips for tapering off Remeron (mirtazapine)

 

You may have started trying to taper too fast. Perhaps reading back through your thread from the beginning would help. The Remeron tapering tips thread has ideas for how to reduce by 10%

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Thank you, Petunia. I have managed to get to 22.5 mg which is good in terms of cutting the 30 mg tablet. I am going to reqest liquid next time.

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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 hi Leahy, How are you going?   I understand about the weight. I've also had it.  Unfortunately, even though I've been off the drugs, for 14 months, I can't lose it.  I think it has totally "messed" with my metabolism & thyroid.     Take, care,  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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