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Hibari: tapering Remeron and want to start tapering Lamictal


Hibari

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I think it is important to find gratitude, even in very small ways. In suffering, it's the tendency of the mind to ruminate and fixate on what's wrong...part of our survival instinct. But as you've found, there are ways to shift that, even if only temporarily. That's choosing to build new pathways for the brain and nervous system and over time, that is cumulative in terms of benefits.

 

I feel better too, when I move away from focusing so much on symptoms. Of course that's challenging when symptoms are more intense, or when you're being hit on multiple fronts. I do better with either physical or emotional/mental things..but having all of them knocks me on my butt.

 

It does take a lot of strength to go down the road of wd. It's good that you recognize that in yourself. This is no easy path.

 

Thanks for coming by my thread to check in.

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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You are welcome and thank you for your thoughts above. 

 

I am thinking about your recent post today on your thread.  Digesting your insights as I share many of them. 

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 posted question in the tapering section but I also putting it here.

 

I am wondering now if my liquid suspension of Remeron loses potency over time or in general and whether I should switch back to the pills for next phase of my taper.  I am using less and even though my bottle says it doesn't expire for 7 days from now, I have this lingering feeling.  Maybe I am looking for a reason for this last taper being so difficult and it may be simply that it is. 

 

I have had continual nausea, headache and fatigue for 5 days.  It's a different pattern than my usual Remeron taper experience.  I know I need to make the decision for myself but I am confused.  In the mix is a slow Lamictal taper.  The last time I made a cut in my Lamictal, I had a headache and nausea for about 3 days but then it disappeared.  I have read a couple different threads on tapering multiple drugs and have decided for myself to follow the make a cut in one, stabilize and then make a cut in the other.  That feels right to me. 

 

I have an appointment with my psychiatrist today, who has been supportive of my taper.  I am not confident he will have the answer to this and he generally doesn't have any real knowledge of tapering but has followed my lead and decision to do so. 

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 good that your psych is at least supportive of what you're doing. That seems rare to me.

 

Did you read Dave's response on tgirl's thread this morning? She is also tapering Remeron. http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/7242-tgirl-help-tapering-from-remeron/page-6#entry176462

 

I hope you can figure out what is the best road for you to take. So much trial and error in this whole process.

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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Thank you for the link to Dave's post.  He is so right about Remeron's delayed wd symptoms.   They do hit about 2 weeks later.

 

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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It was an interesting 4 days starting with a visit with my psychiatrist on Friday.   He knows I am tapering two medications and we had a discussion about both.

First, he felt the taper I was doing on the Remeron was unnecessarily drawn out. 

 

When I told how sick I was when I dropped from 24mgs to 23mgs he said no matter how precise I was in my measurement, their was always going to a margin of error.  He thought I could make bigger drops and even though I shared with him my thoughts and the support I was getting on this site, he was not so convinced.  He was not hostile or insisting, just didn't really believe I had to go slow.  He agreed that Remeron was a strong anitdepresant and that it was sedating-named for it's ability to help with rem sleep-I never made the connection with the name.  Anyway, I will continue to drop on my own schedule.  He did confirm that my liquid suspension would not lose potency as fast as I thought.

 

Then we had a discussion about Lamictal, and he said most of his patients who came off of Lamictal did it in 25mgs drops.  I was surprised, asked a few questions about their symptoms and again a pretty civil non hostile discussion.  I told him I felt I could push the Lamictal faster, and got him to prescribe a bottle of 100mgs and a bottle of 25mgs.

 

On Friday night I made a drop in my Lamictal from 162.50 to 150.  Headache, nausea and the Sunday morning, heavy sweating, crying and fear.  I cancelled an overnight visit to a friend and then by late morning into the evening. Steadily better, in fact the clearest in my mind then I felt in a long time. 

 

This morning, hot flashes, panic, headache and nausea.  By 11AM, everything was lifting and feeling clearer in my head and more motivated.   I plan to hold here for another week or so and then make another 10% drop.  I knew I was muted by the Lamical in a different way then the Remeron.  The fact that I feel mentally clearer has confirmed it.

 

What I struggle with the most right now and fear it will never change is the morning panic and depression.  I have to tell myself that it will pass, which it does once I get out of bed and have some coffee but it is so scary for me to start the day that way.  I fear that it will be that way for the rest of my life and right now I don't think I could take it.  I keep our room dark and wear a sleep mask to try and keep my cortisol from jumping too quickly but it is still happening.  I hope that this too shall pass as I get off the meds.

 

Anyway, I want to say I am grateful I am making my way through this latest Lamictal cut and plan to alternated my tapers as I go down.

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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  • Administrator

Let your reaction be your guide to your rate of taper.

 

Doctors just never get it -- there is no harm in slow tapering. Why not minimize withdrawal symptoms?

 

At least he's cooperative, perhaps he'll learn from you.

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 will Alto and that's why I am so grateful to this site 

 

I ended up with this psychiatrist through a series a serendipitous chain of events.  While he is still not a believer in the painful journey of withdrawal, he at least nods when I say that withdrawal mimics the very reason you go on the antidepressants in the first place. He is also mild mannered and tends not to push back when I ask for what I want.

 

He did give me samples of Deplin early on and when I went through the roof with shaking with anxiety, he had a hard time believing me when I said it occurred 1/2 after I took the Deplin.  I very firmly informed him that that is what occurred and he backed off.    My mantra continues to be, when I am not in a wave, "I know what I know". 

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 ok the past few days after my Lamictal drop from 162.50-150mg.  Been about 7 days and after the first 48 hours where I was physically ill and emotional, I have been stable.

 

I feel a low level sadness but I just had acupuncture yesterday and I know being stable does not mean healed.

 

I have been out in life more, working and participating in organizations that I like, which is good. 

 

Today I had lunch with a group of people who I was in support group with when I was caring for my mom.  We now meet every 3 months and speak openly about many things.  For us going through the care-taking experience has bonded us together and there is an emotional intimacy among us.  I shared my tapering journey with them and one of them mentioned that they had been on antidepressants in the past and at one point 5 medications at once.  This person shared how tough it was for them to get off and really affirmed what I was going through.  This person also said they knew I would get there too.  :) 

 

One of my intentions is to help myself feel that there is a source, greater than myself, who is watching out for me.  I don't believe that yet because I have been through so much and it made me feel quiet alone in the world but I would like to get over to that way of thinking and believing.   There have been many things along this pre and post wd journey that have shown up instead of things getting worse.  Finding this site, being with a supportive psychiatrist, finding the right acupuncturist, having some professional opportunities happen even when I was feeling worse than I am now.  I know that even though I have felt so vulnerable and sick, I have been open to healing-I think that's all I can ask of myself at this point. 

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 think it's pretty amazing that you have the support of other caregivers and especially, others around you that have been through WD.

 

I can relate to your intention and challenges around connecting to something greater than yourself. I think the most painful part of loss and largest source of suffering is feeling disconnected spiritually. When a connection is there, I can ride through almost anything...but without it, suffering seems pointless. I've found working with intention to be very powerful, when I remember to do it! I hope you can find your way towards whatever it is you need on this.

 

Being open to healing is huge I think....and you can already look and see what that openness has brought you. Healing can some in so many different ways, often unexpected ones, when we can open to it.

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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So Wayne Dyer has died and I feel sad about it.   I am sad and anxious today anyway, waking up with anxiety and low level despair.  I have made a medication cut over the past 2 days and I know that's in the mix but it's not all of it.

 

I feel some compare and despair around Wayne Dyer's passing.  He accomplished so much, had a family and seemed at ease with his spirituality.   I have longed for all of those things and am in a state of grief about what feels lost to me.  I grieve not having children and I grieve how the trauma from my childhood kept me from believing in myself more. 

 

I know I have time left in life to do things but some things are finite and that is what I grieve at this time.   I shared with someone last night that I am healing but still lost about where I am to go in the next phase of my life. 

 

I also notice how sensitive I am about what I see or read.  I can't even enjoy the New York Times anymore because I just don't want to read about either the good or bad in the world.  I guess I need to still be in a cocooned state right now. 

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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Cocooning or practicing whatever is the deepest self-care might be the most important thing we can achieve in life....that might sound ludicrous, but I'm coming to see that for myself at least, this could be a very significant truth. I sense it's especially true for those of us who were raised in ways that we never learned what it really means to care for ourselves...and were never taught that we mattered enough to be treated with care and tenderness.

 

I can of course, relate to the grief about what's been lost. I've been there a lot in the past few years in particular. It's necessary to grieve I think, but also, to remain open to what good can come of the losses..and sometimes, it's a long time before we can even begin to recognize those things...but perhaps holding an intention that we might one day see what has been learned or gained through suffering, could be a step.

 

It's tough feeling lost. I'm there too, a good share of the time. I'm trying to learn how to make friends with the not knowing, and the loneliness and sadness that seem to be steady companions these days. It's not easy and I have no real answers as to how to do it...but I'm trying, because fighting or struggling against it only makes me tired and even more lost. And I sense that it's only in not knowing that what is real and authentic can actually shine through.

 

This was posted on FB today by Rachel Naomi Remen, someone I admire greatly:

 

Dear Ones,

 

The Path with Heart requires us to be radically open to the worlds around us and within us, to be free of judgement and approval…..to be open to celebration. I was given a little poem by a doctor in one of my a workshops long ago. It is actually a combination of lines from two other poems…No matter. It has been for me a pointing finger for the Path with Heart:

 

I had a dream, that honeybees were making honey in my heart
out of my old failures.
There is no right or wrong.
Beyond the right and the wrong there is a field.
I’ll meet you there……..

 

The person who met me there was myself. At 77 I am often surprised by amazement. By how often things I have judged in myself as weaknesses have revealed themselves over time to be strengths and things I prided myself on as strengths have turned out to be weaknesses. By how often my failures were simply failures to become someone I was not. After many such “failures" I have come home to myself and discovered that I am enough.

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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Love this poem, it was just what I needed to read.

 

Thank you as always for your kind responses to my posts.

 

I am still willing to be surprised and delighted by things I don't know about yet.

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

Just wanted to complain again about the weight I have gained from Remeron.   I also am in menopause and on bio identical hormones, which can cause weight gain.

Not only is it embarrassing to me but I also feel uncomfortable in my clothes. 

 

I have to take it one step at a time-first the meds and then the weaning off of the hormones-want to switch to herbs if possible but it is hard to be patient.  

 

I do feel stronger because of the weekly acupuncture and even though I am feeling some wd from some micro cuts of my medication, I am okay.  Really tired though and I have to take some time to rest, even if I feel that life is passing me by. 

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,

 

Just saying "hi".   I'm not always as " emotionally available ", as Free, but never the less, I hear you, and  I understand. I get it , with the "weight gain".   Let me know if you find the answer !!   It's the worst. I was only on it for 10 days, and it " stuffed " my metabolism !  Can't seem to get back on  track !!      Let me know how you go .

 

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
.
         

Link to comment

Just wanted to complain again about the weight I have gained from Remeron.   I also am in menopause and on bio identical hormones, which can cause weight gain.

Not only is it embarrassing to me but I also feel uncomfortable in my clothes. 

 

I have to take it one step at a time-first the meds and then the weaning off of the hormones-want to switch to herbs if possible but it is hard to be patient.  

 

I do feel stronger because of the weekly acupuncture and even though I am feeling some wd from some micro cuts of my medication, I am okay.  Really tired though and I have to take some time to rest, even if I feel that life is passing me by. 

I was thin and watched my weight my whole life. 128-138 pounds was normal for me. Remeron destroyed me in many ways.

 

If you research it you will see that most people have absolutely no control over weight gain with mirtazapine. I certainly do not. I caved in and reordered large shorts and large pants recently. These stretchy waist shorts have been the only ones I could wear for years now are worn out. I should have gotten XL. The large is too small!

 

I know. I'm in denial. I think if you can keep your weight stable for now and not GAIN more like I did, you will be doing fantastic.

 

I remember being upset and embarrassed at 152 pounds. I was working on losing weight at the gym with a trainer. After a while with no weight loss she said "This isn't working." Not so but I was devastated. I stopped working with the trainer but still went to the gym.

 

Then I found myself a 168 lbs. I joined weight watchers. I walk 10,000 steps each day. I wear a fitbit to track steps and sleep. I was disheartened at WW because I would only lose 2 lbs and then gain 2 lbs. back. I finally quit that. I thought i was wasting my money. Not so. 

 

Shockingly I went up to 172 lbs. Terrible. Not so. Last week I weighed myself hoping I had lost. I was 181.6 lbs. And here I am - 50 lbs overweight. I may even be obese. So if you can hold your weight for now pat yourself on the back. Better days are coming.

 

IMHO it is not the bio-identical hormones. I've been on hormones in the past. It's Remeron. And W/D from mirtazapine makes weight control even more difficult.

 

I mostly eat protein and vegetables, drink seltzer and water. I exercise daily - walking for an hour each day. No bread. No candy. No ice cream. No potato chips. No alcohol. No soda. Sometimes we don't give ourselves credit for "holding" weight either. With Remeron your weight can easily continue to rise. Try to be kind to yourself. You'll be done with this in the near future.

 

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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Thank you AliG for your supportive note.

 

 

 Hibari,

 

Just saying "hi".   I'm not always as " emotionally available ", as Free, but never the less, I hear you, and  I understand. I get it , with the "weight gain".   Let me know if you find the answer !!   It's the worst. I was only on it for 10 days, and it " stuffed " my metabolism !  Can't seem to get back on  track !!      Let me know how you go .

 

Ali.

Thank you AliG-I appreciate your understanding about the weight gain part.  It is such a pain.  I will let you know how it goes. 

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

 

Just wanted to complain again about the weight I have gained from Remeron.   I also am in menopause and on bio identical hormones, which can cause weight gain.

Not only is it embarrassing to me but I also feel uncomfortable in my clothes. 

 

I have to take it one step at a time-first the meds and then the weaning off of the hormones-want to switch to herbs if possible but it is hard to be patient.  

 

I do feel stronger because of the weekly acupuncture and even though I am feeling some wd from some micro cuts of my medication, I am okay.  Really tired though and I have to take some time to rest, even if I feel that life is passing me by. 

I was thin and watched my weight my whole life. 128-138 pounds was normal for me. Remeron destroyed me in many ways.

 

If you research it you will see that most people have absolutely no control over weight gain with mirtazapine. I certainly do not. I caved in and reordered large shorts and large pants recently. These stretchy waist shorts have been the only ones I could wear for years now are worn out. I should have gotten XL. The large is too small!

 

I know. I'm in denial. I think if you can keep your weight stable for now and not GAIN more like I did, you will be doing fantastic.

 

I remember being upset and embarrassed at 152 pounds. I was working on losing weight at the gym with a trainer. After a while with no weight loss she said "This isn't working." Not so but I was devastated. I stopped working with the trainer but still went to the gym.

 

Then I found myself a 168 lbs. I joined weight watchers. I walk 10,000 steps each day. I wear a fitbit to track steps and sleep. I was disheartened at WW because I would only lose 2 lbs and then gain 2 lbs. back. I finally quit that. I thought i was wasting my money. Not so. 

 

Shockingly I went up to 172 lbs. Terrible. Not so. Last week I weighed myself hoping I had lost. I was 181.6 lbs. And here I am - 50 lbs overweight. I may even be obese. So if you can hold your weight for now pat yourself on the back. Better days are coming.

 

IMHO it is not the bio-identical hormones. I've been on hormones in the past. It's Remeron. And W/D from mirtazapine makes weight control even more difficult.

 

I mostly eat protein and vegetables, drink seltzer and water. I exercise daily - walking for an hour each day. No bread. No candy. No ice cream. No potato chips. No alcohol. No soda. Sometimes we don't give ourselves credit for "holding" weight either. With Remeron your weight can easily continue to rise. Try to be kind to yourself. You'll be done with this in the near future.

 

L

 

Leahy, thank you so much for your response.  I know we have been talking about this throughout our taper but I so appreciate the detail of your resonse.   I know that the weight can drop off once we are off but I also know I am going to be writing it about it again till that happens. 

 

I hear how disciplined you are and I too have tried different food plans with no success.  Now I am trying to eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full.  I rarely eat sugar, don't drink soda and also don't snack on junk food.  I am not perfect for sure but it's crazy how tight my pants are. 

 

Thanks for your thoughts on the hormones-it has been so confusing.  But like I said above, I am not going to change that till I am off both meds. 

 

I cannot wait till I am off and glad I can complain over and over till I get there!

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

My pharmacist (who was totally supportive about me going off meds) told me that Mirt is absolutely the worst AD he's seen in terms of weight gain. It was helpful for me to hear that from him. I often felt it was a personal failure that I'd gained so much weight on the drug. I believe I was gaining while tapering, because I'd lost in the few months before, but my clothes started getting too tight again. I didn't focus on my weight through that time though; I had my sights on getting off all my medications. I didn't really address the weight issue too much until I finally jumped off.

 

I apologize for being a bit of broken record on this count, but relaxation can actually be helpful in terms of losing weight or at least maintaining. Everyone focuses on the activity part, and the food part, but sometimes leave out the aspects of activating the parasympathetic system--the relaxation response...or I've heard it described as the "rest and digest response". If the body is totally engaged in fight/flight, it's very hard to lose weight. Stress alone can cause weight gain, even if calories in and out would be favorable to weight loss. Even people not dealing with WD are largely out of balance in the sympathetic/parasympathetic systems...or at least nearly everyone I saw as clients for bodywork or therapy. A lot of what we do in daily life creates or exacerbates stress, and I saw very few people take the necessary time to release stress in healthy ways on a regular basis. WD amps us stress to enormous levels some of the time, or maybe a lot of the time. Maybe it's just my nervous system that needs it, but I've literally spent hours a day doing relaxation types of practices.

 

I've used a couple of things as mantras through the past few years. One is, "I'm doing the best I can" and the other is "I am enough". They help to remind me that I don't have control over a lot of it, but I am doing the parts I can do...and it also helps me remember that being overweight, or sick or tired doesn't make me somehow less than.

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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FreeSpirit,

 

Thank you for writing pieces about weight gain to Hibari. Your writing was helpful to me also. It made me realize that I do feel "less than" being overweight, tired and sick. And "I often felt it was a personal failure that I'd gained so much weight on the drug."

 

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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I was trying not to hijack Hibari's thread again...but I was definitely intending it for you too Leahy..and for anyone struggling with these issues. I understand really well how it feels to be working hard at it, and have things going the wrong direction. That's what happened to me the couple of times I tried weight watchers and exercise while on Mirt a number of years ago. I'd lose 2, then gain it right back...no matter how much I exercised or how carefully I measured and counted points. The weight was not coming off..and when I stopped the diet, I gained even more...

 

My weight loss is super slow right now, but I try to assure myself it's more about health...I think I lost 1 lb. this past month. I'm riding my bike 25-30 km. about 3 times a week, with shorter rides a couple of times, and walking for 3-4 hours a week. I eat mostly veggies, small amounts of protein, healthy fats, low carb fruit, no desserts or candy, no pop, no alcohol, or anything processed. I know part of it is age, and some part of it may be diabetes...but I still want to lose another 25 pounds..which I feel would be a healthy weight for me at this stage of life.

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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The biggest discussion I have had with one of my acupuncturists is about relaxing into healing.  He has said to me that my habit of using my mind to push me forward has created exhaustion.   It's an odd feeling to know he is right and yet during my horrific depression it was the activity of my mind that kept me hopeful.  I would be lying down in the bed, researching everything I could about depression and healing.  It's what led me to this site

 

I think because I am not far enough away from that period nor through my wd that I can't completely relax.  I do think my sympathetic nervous system is on alert and with time and rebuilding trust with my self, I will be able to calm down.  Deep down inside, my own training in body -mind psychotherapy therapy has shown me how the body reflects all things that are not resolved emotionally or physically.  I have been humbled in that I know this and still struggle with myself.  I have even a deeper compassion for those that I would with who struggle with any issue that emotional, physical or spiritual isse.

 

I never feel like either of you highjack my thread-I always get a lot what you each write.  I have read and re-read what both of you’ve have posted and will continue to do so.

 

I don't feel like a personal failure as far as weight loss, the embarrassment is from how others may judge me.  I am not so detached or patient at this time to let that concern go.  But I think I will get there because there is nothing I can do at this time.

 

Thank you again for both of your support.  I know I will write about this 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

Hibari,

 

I'm so impressed with you and Freespirit. You both write so well. I can hardly string a sentence together. It takes me forever to write a paragraph.

 

Your acupuncturist sounds awesome. I love the discussion you had with him about relaxing into healing.  I never thought about this:  "habit of using my mind to push me forward has created exhaustion." All things start with a thought. I will be thinking about that and hopefully using it to help me focus on the moment instead of the long haul. Thanks, Hibari. Have a great day!

 

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,

 

I'm so impressed with you and Freespirit. You both write so well. I can hardly string a sentence together. It takes me forever to write a paragraph.

 

Your acupuncturist sounds awesome. I love the discussion you had with him about relaxing into healing.  I never thought about this:  "habit of using my mind to push me forward has created exhaustion." All things start with a thought. I will be thinking about that and hopefully using it to help me focus on the moment instead of the long haul. Thanks, Hibari. Have a great day!

 

Leahy

Leahy, I always get so much from what you write, it's well written and from your heart. 

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 find what your acupuncturist said to be very interesting too. Maybe it's partly when you're so ill or buried by grief that a person feels they have to "do" something. I experience a fine line between being engaged with the healing process and "fixing". I have to listen very carefully for my intention underneath..and even then, I think there can easily be a mixture of those. But at the moment, I'm trying to pay more attention to my tendency to do, rather than allow.

 

Maybe it was the healing you needed for a time Hibari, to be researching and seeking...but like anything, if used more, can lead to depletion?? Also, I'd think it would be hard to know exactly, given what you've been through, which part of the whole process has led to being depleted. But again, the acupuncturist may have had experience with patterns like this and seen what happens for a lot of people.

 

The acupuncturist I saw said that she felt an underlying pattern within me where it's hard to trust my intuition...that I rely more on my mind at times, or that the 2 things end up in a bit of a battle. This described very much what I experience. So, for the next treatment, we are looking at balancing yin and yang to hopefully find some sense of equilibrium between those things.

 

In terms of the weight issue, I read somewhere (sorry, I did not save the reference), that histamine can cause weight gain. I think in some people, it can also lead to weight loss..so, like everything, it probably depends on many different factors.

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 have continued making small micro cuts with both of my medications.  When I dropped to 19mgs on my Remeron, I definitely felt the impact so am holding here.  I have been able to push on my Lamictal drops more and most of the WD seems to be physical, sweating, nausea and headaches. 

 

I have been continuing steadily with my acupuncture and while it does not take away the wd experience it has been helping me ride through the acute physical symptoms and some of the psychological/emotional ones.

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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That's great that you're finding good support through acupuncture and the herbs. Maybe if I'd tried it sooner, I wouldn't have needed to do so many hours of qi gong! I'm going back in 10 days for another treatment...this last one was remarkable. I've had 3 weeks of normal digestion and am able to introduce more foods back into my diet.

 

I found qi gong didn't take away the symptoms as much either (sometimes did though)...but it was of great help in being able to ride through things. I imagine acupuncture works similarly, where it partly reduces the resistance to things as they are..and that's huge in terms of being able to ride the waves....and not spinning crazily from them.

 

Sounds like holding where you are is a wise choice for now.

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 have wondered why acupuncture has been so effective at this time.  When I was headed into my depression, which I am now calling exhaustion and grief crash, I went to an acupuncturist to help me with my hot flashes and menopause symptoms.  I know now that if my CNS had crashed then all the other systems in my body did as well.  

 

The acupuncturist I went to was very well meaning and was trying different herbs but nothing was helping at least that was obvious to me.  Maybe over time it would have but I was in too much emotional and psychological pain to wait and see.   It also could have been that she did not have the experience that my current acupuncturist and certainly the adjunct acupuncturist I work with have.   I just know that now my body is responding and my Qi is getting stronger.   The stronger I feel, the more able I am to be out in life, which in turn feeds my spirit. 

 

For example on Thursday, I woke up feeling physically sick, sweating, nausea, headache and out of it.  I had been to acupuncture the day before and had also made a micro cut at the beginning of the week.  I had two meetings scheduled and I was able to talk my way out the door after taking aspirin and stomach relief tablets.  The day got better and better as I was out doing things.   I knew that if I stayed home, my thoughts would have taken over.  This is a major difference for me since the beginning of wd because then physical symptoms would be too strong for me to handle.  I just didn't have the energetic depth to push through and I understand that so much more today.   

 

I am feeling very hopeful about getting off of both Remeron and Lamictal.  I feel in my bones that it will happen. 

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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 Wow!  I can't even read your sig . That does my head in !!  It makes me dizzy .  I'll come back later .

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,

 

I have been Remeron since April 2014 reaching a dosage between 37.50-41.25

 

I also have been on Lamictal since September 2014 reaching a dosage of 200mg.

 

I began a taper of the Remeron with my psychiatrists knowlege, I think at the end of February/March?  Hard to remember with my somewhat foggy brain.

 

I am now down to 28.125-tapering at about 10% for each cut. 

 

My withdrawal has follwed a specific pattern.  I make the cut, feel some nausea but okay, then after about 2-3 weeks have a crash, depression, crying, and anxiety.

Then I pop through and move into a more stable period.  I think I let myself stabilize for about 10 days and then make another drop. 

 

My question is about starting a slow Lamictal withdrawal at the same time.   I may be overeacting but when I read about what Lamictal can do to the brain, along with other antidepressants, I want to start the taper now.  

 

I do have some professional obligations happening over the next few months but I don't want to stop my progress.   I like many others I have read am very impatient about getting off these medictions.  They served their purpose to help me after a long stressful period of caretaking-7 years-and then the death of my mom 2 1/2 years ago.

 

Any thoughts or experience about taper from two drugs at the same time.

 

Thanks.

 

Hibari

 

28.125 Remeron

200mgs Lamictal

Hi Hibari: This post might be too late. This is just my personal experience. I was on 400 mg of Lamitcal for about a decade. My pdoc insisted on a rapid w/d so I dropped by 100 mg per week. I felt OK for the first two weeks and the last two weeks were horrible. I've never suffered from depression before, but this time, I cried and cried and would not leave my bed, I never even showered. But good news. After it was out of my system I felt back to normal right away.. IM personal experience, I would not suggest you drop two drugs at the same time. That might mean unneeded suffering and you won't know which drug is causing this. I also dropped  40 mg of Remeron C/T and didn't have any ill effects. But I think I am the exception to the rule. Be well......

2003-Tried most ADs. Paradoxical.

March- July 40 mg Remeron. C/Ted off it.

2003-2014 3-10 mg of Kpin. Partial C/O to 70 mg Valium. Have 6.5 mg of K to taper. C/H 5% every 14 days.

Micro taper @ .625 mg.

April 2015: 150 mg Trazodone; 100 mg Seroquel;  132 mcg Levothyroxine.

2016 C/T 700 mg gabapentin.

Dec. 21, 2015: Klonopin Free.

2015 Off cigarettes.

At 13 mg of Valium from 70.

2019 20 mg Lipitor 

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 Wow!  I can't even read your sig . That does my head in !!  It makes me dizzy .  I'll come back later .

I know it's very detailed.   I am going to streamline it and move what's here into my introduction but I'm not sure where to put 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 

Link to comment

 I'm not sure either, H. It is intense though. I really tried !! I'm over a lot of the dizziness & head stuff, but It brought it " all back " !!  I honestly could not read it.  I would definitely make the print bigger, and put whatever you can't fit in , to your last post , as an " update". Most of us only go back a few posts, anyway to catch up  or get to know someone.   I hope this helps.

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'm not sure either, H. It is intense though. I really tried !! I'm over a lot of the dizziness & head stuff, but It brought it " all back " !!  I honestly could not read it.  I would definitely make the print bigger, and put whatever you can't fit in , to your last post , as an " update". Most of us only go back a few posts, anyway to catch up  or get to know someone.   I hope this helps.

I am going to look at it now and do some cleaning! 

 

 

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: This post might be too late. This is just my personal experience. I was on 400 mg of Lamitcal for about a decade. My pdoc insisted on a rapid w/d so I dropped by 100 mg per week. I felt OK for the first two weeks and the last two weeks were horrible. I've never suffered from depression before, but this time, I cried and cried and would not leave my bed, I never even showered. But good news. After it was out of my system I felt back to normal right away.. IM personal experience, I would not suggest you drop two drugs at the same time. That might mean unneeded suffering and you won't know which drug is causing this. I also dropped  40 mg of Remeron C/T and didn't have any ill effects. But I think I am the exception to the rule. Be well......

 

 

Hi Betsy,

 

Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience.  I originally was going to taper one drug at a time but found some posts on this site of people who were doing multi drug tapering.

My choice to do it this way has been because of what I read and also listening to my body.  As I got lower on the Remeron, I felt how the Lamictal was muting me and decided to try and taper it down as well.  I have found it working so far.  I have gotten familiar with my Remeron pattern of wd (lots and lots of crying and fear) and now the same for the Lamictal wd pattern (more physical-nausea, headaches, diarrhea).

 

It's interesting that you were able to jump of the Remeron at 40mgs and the Lamictal was more intense.  It's the reverse for me, Remeron has been much more difficult while the Lamictal taper has been much less so.  I continue to listen to my body and also get support from different sources.   

 

Thanks for posting on my thread.

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'm not sure either, H. It is intense though. I really tried !! I'm over a lot of the dizziness & head stuff, but It brought it " all back " !!  I honestly could not read it.  I would definitely make the print bigger, and put whatever you can't fit in , to your last post , as an " update". Most of us only go back a few posts, anyway to catch up  or get to know someone.   I hope this helps.

Did some cleaning and even I feel better reading it.  Thanks for the unintended push! 

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

Your musings on acupuncture and its effectiveness for you right now are interesting to me. I agree that having the right practitioner is really important. I tend to think timing is also significant. There are times where what we need to is to contract, rather than expand. Grief at times can be one or the other. There are places that we need to pull in, hunker down, and ride out the storm. 

 

I share your experience about stronger qi, and finding that carries you through things in a different way. That's been true for me from doing qi gong as well. I get out more, even when I don't feel like it, or it's something I find challenging to do. In the past, I was always waiting for the "right" moment to do this or that...and it turned out that moment rarely arrived.

 

This may not fit for you, but I'm seeing the healing through wd and grief dependent on a whole set of causes and conditions...some of that is what I've done in the past, and some is what I'm currently doing. But all of it is coming in to play around healing.

 

I've wondered too, about how 1 acupuncture treatment could work that well, or why 2 chiro visits reduced my back pain so much. For me, I see part of it as coming to a place where I feel deserving of real healing..where I'm not sure I felt that so much in the past. I've finally made myself and my health the priority, and a lot of good things are coming from that place of intention and greater self-worth.

 

I believe it's wise that you are listening to your body around when and how to taper. You are your own best healer and expert.

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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