I've been trying to ride it out--my first time on any type of AD. I was having SEVERE anxiety/panic which I guess also pushed me into somewhat of a depression--just couldn't function ...a lot of medical problems added to the mess.
Everything I've read says it takes a while, so I've been trying to be patient. But today I just felt I can't stand it anymore--the anxiety is surfacing & I'm jumping out of my skin. I took half of a Xanax ( .25) this afternooon & it took the edge off, but I'm getting weird again. My husaband asked if I wantd to go out tonight & I couldn't even think about how I would pull myself together & look & act "normal".
My next appt with psyche doc is 7/18--don't think I can make it. But alsonI'm petrified of withdrawal effects if I wean--how did I get into this mess?

Any advice gratefully accepted......Has anyone weaned off Remeron? If so how did you do it & how bad were the withdrawals? I am on 15 mgm/day. I'm also afraid I will be even worse off the Remeron & have to start all over again with something else? I just want this feeling to go away !! I have no one here to talk to who would understand--everyone is happy, jolly & well adjusted ...

I stopped taking Remeron at 60mg cold once for seven days to prove a point to myself, don't ask, and did not notice any new side effects. Now I am on a heavy cocktail so that might be part of the reason.

trg247

Well, I am about to take my first Remeron 15mg, which was prescribed for depression that followed severe anxiety. Now I'm really having second thoughts. Did you feel this way from the start? I've never taken any meds before and I'm really struggling with this!! I wonder if I should just take one and see what happens. I can't imagine there'd be withdrawal problems after just a day or two.

I think if your going to take the first Remeron you should be comitted to take it for four to six weeks to see its full effect. I believe your not going to see any difference by only taking one

trg247

anxiousagain,

Even though I haven't had any experience with AD's until now--it seems to be the consensus that you need to give it time tonreally see if it will help.
I just feel I've given it 6 + weeks & I don't like where I'm at at all, in fact anxiety was worse today than in past few weeks.

My psyche doc did prescribe Xanax which she advised me to use up to 3 x day especially in the first few weeks as she said the anxiety can worsen when first on an AD. She said I would know when I didn't need it any more as it would make me feel too tired along with the Remeron. Well, I've only taken half of a .25 mgm Xanax here and there, not everyday, but today was horrible. I would think if the Remeron was providing good effect I should be getting less anxiety, not more.
I'm telling you this because if anxiety is your main problem, you may need something to help the first few weeks with the anxiety even if the Remeron is a good choice for you .

The first 2-3 weeks I was very drowsy & very hungry. Make sure you take it at night...you will sleep well ! The hungry part was good as I was down to 104 lbs. Now up to 109 lbs. If weight is an issue--beware- I have eaten half of a blueberry pie, and several pieces of chocolate peanut butter bars & an enteman's donut today alone ! I am wondering if all this sugar is making my anxiety worse. It is an uncontrollable hunger for sweets with Remeron--maybe it won't affect you that way but for me it has.
I hope the Remeron helps you--don't be afraid of it ( I know how that feels) as I've been able to function for the most part...I just don't like how I'm feeeling past few days & am disappointed, today being particularly bad with the anxiety.

Trg247- if I am to wean off the Remeron, do you think reducing the dose by a 1/4 of a tab a week will be ok? I will be talking to my doc, but trust the people here more.
You say you are on a heavy cocktail now? You think it may be because you went off the Remeron cold turkey? What are you taking now if you don't mind me asking ?

Thanks for your help,
Kate anxiousinnj

Hi- first time on this site. In response to the above posting- remeron is used in some instances as an appetite stimulant, so it will increase some people's appetites. Also, studies have shown for those individuals who need to go on an antidepressant-those who take themselves off of the medication before giving it one full year will find themselves back on an AD and this time may have to stay on them for 5 years. It is worth giving them a full chance to work and staying on, even when you feel better. Your doctor is the best person to determine when and if you should come off of them. For people who are going on an AD for the first time there is a huge sense of guilt and shame, mainly brought on by the negative coverage depression and anxiety gets from society. I had a terrible time with depression and anxiety 8 years ago that lasted for 3 yrs so I completely understand all the feelings you are having. Sometimes the depression and anxiety are situational, as was mine-and thank God it passed after my divorce. Also, depression and anxiety almost always go hand-in-hand. Talk to your doctor before making any medication adjustments. 6 million people are on AD's and millions of others suffer from it and don't say anything out of fear-Keep your head held high and remember that "this too shall pass". :angel:

I haven't taken Remeron but I did try Paxil and it didn't work for me. I took valium off and on for a while but as I have kids I found it hard to function when I was taking it so stopped. The one thing I've found helps more than anything, is finding a really good psychologist. It's not cheap, I'm in Australia and will have spent about $1000 by the time I stop seeing her, but really, when you're where I was (where I think you all know we can be when we're suffering severe anxiety, there are no words for that world) it's so worth it I couldn't care less if I owe Mastercard forever. She's using CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy), and has convinced me to avoid medication for a few weeks. The first 3 weeks I didn't think I'd manage it, and to be honest if I didn't have kids I'd be on something by now, but between never getting a chance to go the doctor and believing my psychologist, I've stuck it out and am now 'out of the woods' so to speak. If you can see your way to doing it, please try to not just rely on medication. The best thing you can do for yourself is to figure out how this started happening and how to stop it. I'm still working on it and have a way to go yet, but I so feel for you.

One really good book I've read has been 'Power over Panic' by Bronwyn Fox. Also check out REMOVED

All the best. I wish you all the best!

Sam

Well, I took my first dose of Remeron last night and the only side effect I'm feeling this morning is a bit of grogginess. I slept, but wouldn't say it knocked me out--I woke up a few times during the night. I did have more vivid, realistic dreams (not nightmares) like I heard I might. Still waiting for the munchies to hit, though. Like you, Kate, one of the reasons my doc and I settled on this particular AD is that the anxiety had completely KILLED my appetite. I was having to force myself to eat. So, that's actually one side effect I'm hoping for! Hope you're feeling less anxious today. I have to say that while I was terrified to take my first pill, I did wake up a bit less anxious than I had been over the last few weeks. Still too early to tell with this one but I'm optimistic right now. I also completely agree with the poster who recommended seeing a psychologist. That was my first line effort, but the anxiety was SO bad I felt I wasn't going to get anything out of the therapy until I staved it off. I tried clonazepam on an as-needed basis first, which does take the anxiety edge off temporarily. However, that's when the depression settled in. All my life I've been opposed to putting foreign substances in my body unless absolutely necessary, but this time around, I felt it was a necessity. I was barely living, I was so consumed by my anxious thoughts. I want to be the happy, healthy me again. And since I went through a similar ordeal 4 1/2 years ago that I somehow managed to get through without prescription aid, I finally realized this is a problem that's going to keep recurring if I don't do something about it. I'm hoping and praying (I'm a Christian, which made the decision to turn to meds all the harder) that this time around I will nip this awful thing in the bud for good! I'll be praying the same for all of you too.

Kathy

One more thing I wanted to mention. My doc has already told me that she likes to see her patients stay on an AD for at least 6 months after they start feeling like themselves again. So, barring any bad side effects, I know I'm stuck with the Remeron until spring. That too added to my indecisiveness over taking it, but months of medication is FAR better than the alternative: going through what I have been for the past month. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Thanks for all of your replies--so much appreciated !
I don't plan on going off the Remeron without discussing with my odc ( I'm too chicken), but I do know that this is NOT for me.
I'm not sure I will try another AD or not--I think I need much more info & convincing from the doc if I am to try another AD.
I am on many meds for other problems that are constantly changing so it is causing more anxiety not knowing what side effects are from what !
I think CBT is the ideal way to go, but I just had over $5,000 out of pocket expenses for surgeries & illnesses & am totally cash poor & credit cards are not an option ( 3 kids with tuitions & sick parents to help, & unable to work past 3 months--wonder why I'm mentally ill???) .

Bottom line, is--I don't think Rermeron is doing the trick....I feel like I'm more "in a hole" with anxiety on top. Since Remeron is supposedly the drug that causes least additional anxiety, I'm petrified of trying any others.
Sigh.............

thanks again !

my cocktail - 150mg of effexor, 300mg of wellbutrin, 20mg of zyprexa, 60mg of remeron, 1050mg of lithium and temazapam(can not remember the dosage)

trg247

Oh my gosh Trg247-- do you function ok on all those meds? Remember I'm new the medication end of this ride--not new to anxiety, but I have never explored the options of medication--just suffered with it. This time I just knew there was no way I could help myself if I didn't some how get the edge off.
I had no idea you could take that many meds all at once.....I have lots to learn I guess.

anxiousagain-- we sound similar in that I had this anxiety/panic issue quite badly about 6 years ago. It's a long nightmare story that I'm sure is familiar here--tons of tests, doctors, etc... founc I was in the midst of perimenopause so thought it was that ( still think the hormones juggle this anxiety issue up & down), then was diagnosed with Lupus & told Lupus can mess with your serotonin, so blamed it on that as well. I guess I sort of did CBT on myself....just talked myself through. Took a half Xanax when I absolutely had to drive or do something when I felt totally out of it, and somehow over the past few years it gradually got better.
I actually had the most unbelievable stress to deal with this past year & half & was afraid the anxiety/panic would re-surface but I seemed to be ok. But in April this year had my gallbladder out, was very sick & frightened afterwards & the episodes of anxiety & really bad panic atacks began. I too thought this time I have to get help & I was too sick to even think about talking to anyone about it like with a psychologist.
So, I guess I have improved somewhat, but the anxiety feelings keep coming back--stronger than the type you can just brush off.
If the Remeron was more effective I would have no problem staying on it for 6 months...I just am hoping to feel better than this , so will see what the doc says.
Is it gnerally that you eventualaly find one that works, stay on for 6 months or so & then wean off & you should be ok?
It seems so many people have been taking meds for years & constantly changing. Is there no hope for periods of relief?
This is all getting a bit confusing & I guess I'm just afraid of what I may have gotten myself into as I have other medical issues that are already overwhelming.....

thanks for listening to me ramble...

i've taken remeron on and off for about three years and find it's great for me for two reasons:
1) it increases my appetite
2) it helps me get to sleep
i don't notice any significant impact on my anxiety levels, which are high all the time but i rarely get full-blown panic attacks any more.
oh, i take 15mg at night.

I have severe major depressive disorder with psycotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, agrophobia and ptsd which is why I take so many meds. I am going to be changing pretty much all of them soon but I need to go back into the hospital to do so. I am pretty much the exception and not the norm

trg247

Have to agree about the hunger issue, i can now eat 24/7 I will explode soon if I don't stop eating I swear, I am going monday to docs to see what she can do.

Have to say it does not help me sleep I still need my Zopiclone to get to sleep.

trg247,
I hope they can put together the right cocktail to make you feel better--this must be an unbelievably difficult burden. My fear is getting too wiggy & being put in the hospital for these problems, and I get severe panic when I'm in a hospital.
I feel guilty complaining.....wishing you all the best !

Gosh anxiousinnj, our situations DO sound very similar except I have no other health problems so to speak. I just THINK I have health problems. Both my last episode and this one started with obsessions over my health. Last time I was 100% convinced my problems was physical, not mental, and I took medical testing to the extreme. This time around I finally had to admit to myself that it's probably not physical and it is psychological. Hence, my seeking out a psychologist as opposed to a medical doctor. When the psychologist concluded that I had anxiety with underlying depression, she then referred me to a D.O. for a prescription.

Also like you, I somehow managed to get through the last episode--which really did a number on me I might add since it lasted several months while I awaited the results of my myriad medical tests--without the aid of medication (except a half Xanax here and there) or counseling. I'm thinking, had I been diagnosed correctly that go-around, I wouldn't be where I am now. This feeling is just awful. I want to check myself into an inpatient clinic and get this taken care of as quickly as possible, but I have no idea where to turn for that! So, here I am struggling through like the rest of you. Thanks for the support.

As for the Remeron and wanting to eat everything in sight, my first dose didn't do that to me. I'm still forcing myself to eat today. We'll see what dose two does for me tomorrow, I suppose.

Just an update on my Remeron progress. I'm now at day 5 and I have to say that I've not had any severe anxiety since starting it. However, I'm also not seeing any of the typical side effects like excessive drowsiness or increased appetite. It does help me fall asleep, but I'd still like better quality sleep and well, to actually feel hunger again would be pretty amazing. Hanging in there but from what I've read, this is one of the faster-acting ADs, with many people seeing some improvement within a week. The literature that came with the prescription said it might take 1-4 weeks to work, so I guess I'll just keep plugging along.

Remeron definately took its sweet time to kick in. What I found I was never hungry during the day but would be starving at night and would constantly eating at night. Also it never helped in the sleep area

take care
trg247

anxiousagain,

Well I'm glad you aren't having any increased anxiety--I felt an increase rather quickly. I would wake in the morning with a feeling of terror....that has passed thank goodness.
As for hunger--yes I know what you mean--I totally did not know how hunger felt anymore. But literally the first night I took the Remeron I cam down to raid the fridge during the we hours..I couldn't believe I felt hungry.My appetite is still pretty good, in fact I am now telling myself I have to go back to eating more healthy & cutting out the fats as I was just putting in whatever had the most calories to prove that I COULD gain weight--I was scared. Now I don't want to go back to being a bit over weight as I was a year ago. Just can't please me :confused:
It may just be taking a bit to get into your system as they say these drugs are different with everyone. You are taking 15 mgm right?
I am very chemical sensitive--always seems I need to take half doses of things. I started at 7.5 mgm for a few weeks then went to 15 mgm....now on that about a month. I see the psyche doc next week & I don't know if she will want to increase to 30 mgm, but I don't know if I want to be taking more. I am functoning now, although not completely myself, but a lot of family stress going on so to be expected I guess. Sleep--well I took my Remeron about 45 minutes ago & I'm still up and not feeling tired. But when I do go to bed I will fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.

When do you see your doc next? My doc insisted I give it 6 weeks before judging it's effectiveness so I've been trying to do as told. I want to feel better !
Let me know how you are doing as time goes. Since we both have the sever anxiety issues I would like to compare notes. I am better past few days--anxiety is there but I am not wanting to get out of y skin feeling--more manageable if that makes any sense.

trg247 I hope you are doing ok........when do you have to go into the hospital ?

Kate anxiousinnj

I get to choose when I enter the hospital. More than likely early fall

trg247

Kate anxiousinnj,

Well, maybe I spoke a bit too quickly. Last night I did experience a few hours of anxiety, but I somehow distracted myself before I had to resort to my clonazepam. I was prescribed the benzo first on an "as-needed" basis. At the time, "as-needed" felt like all the time, but I still resisted most of the time as the benzos (Xanax, clonazapem, etc.) are notorious for dependency. Still, I like knowing I have them to fall back on if necessary. I don't, however, think the Remeron has added to my anxiety. I think what I felt last night is just residual from the original anxiety, which is something I'd really like to beat without the aid of pills.

A few questions for you: 1. I've read that Remeron can increase the effects of drugs like clonazepam. Didn't you say you take Xanax as needed? Do you find that it's stronger since starting Remeron? 2. Have you tried seeing a psychologist in conjunction with your medication? I've heard combining medication with CBT is the best way to go, which is my aim. Unfortunately, the psychologist I was seeing is not part of my insurance network and I'm now trying to get in with one who is.

Yes, I am on 15mg of Remeron, which is what my doctor said is the typcial starting dose for adults. She said I could start at 7.5mg, but that that was usually a geriatric dose. I have a followup appointment with her on the 27th, when I suspect she'll consider upping me to 30mg. My main concern right now is getting an appetite back since the last time I went through extreme anxiety I lost 15-20 pounds. Just taking proactive measures this time around and hoping, like you said, the Remeron is just taking time to build up in my system. I did get a pretty good night of sleep last night.

You too please keep me posted on your progress. It helps just knowing someone else is going through what I am.

Kathy, anxiousagain

Hi Kathy,

Sorry you had a bit of the big "A" last night. I'm having it a bit this morning but there are reasons. Much stress that is out of my control in the family. Wish everything could just be normal for a while at least until I feel more like myself.
No, I haven't seen a psychologist although I know that is the only way to really get a hold on this monster. I just can't afford it--none of them accept insurance where I am ( NJ) & I have a $2500 deductible for mental health--just had $5,000 out of pocket for gallbladder surgery. I have to pay my psyche doc $125 per visit-- so getting treatment for this anxiety is causing me more anxiety.
I guess I am hoping the Remeron will get me to a little better place & hopefully get off of it, then maybe I can see a psychologist about CBT to try keep the anxiety at bay.

Yes, I have Xanax .25 mgm prescribed to use as need up to 3 x day. Now I have never taken it 3 x day. I have taken an occasional 1/2 tab when I felt I just couldn't stand it. I took the 1/2 tab once a day during the first week or so probably almost every day--the psyche doc had advised that I take it in the beginning of the Remeron automatically without waiting for the anxiety to kick in. Her reason for this was she said initially the Remeron might cause the anxiety to increase. She said once the Remeron has kicked in I should not feel the need for the Xanax & would know I didn't need it as it would make me too tired. I have not noticed that I am more groggy if I do take a half of a Xanax...Xanax just makes me feel more "normal". But then again I only take that little dose ( 1/2 of a .25 mgm).
I am feeling like I need it today but I am going to take a shower & see if getting busy takes the edge off first.

You have not noticed any appetite increase ? What it did for me is let me experience hunger again. I totally forgot what it felt like--very disturbing. Was forcing myself to eat ...thoughtb I would gag with every bite. Now I am able to eat although it was very hard to get the weight to start coming back on. Even with the return of hunger, I had to force more food than I ever would have eaten before. Just seems I've been burning calories--metabolism must be so keyed up. Now I am up to 110 lbs ( was down to 103 - 104 lbs). I am tiny-- 5' 2" and small frame so this is just fine & I really don't want to put anymore weight on. I just wanted to know that I COULD......that I am healthy & not dying ! It was very scary for a while. All my adult life I have had to work at keeping my weight under 125 lbs--so this is totally weird for me. I'm not sure if the weight loss issue was from the gallbladder sickness or anxiety--probably a combo of both I suppose.

I suspect the Remeron is just starting to kick in for you...you should feel hungry soon. Expect that the anxiety may be a problem from the Remeron until it is fully working in 4-6 weeks. I'm on week 7 and I think I am probably as good as it gets at this dose. Will know more when I see psyche doc on 7/18 & will share with you. I am so afraid she will say go to 30 mgm. In my mind the more of this stuff I get into me , the harder it will be down the road to get off.........worry, worry, that's the stuff I'm made of...

Hope you're having a good day. Glad you slept well. I have a hard time getting myself up to bed ( am a nite owl), but once I do I sleeeeeep.

Kate anxiousinnj

Hi Kate, I'm just curious. What does your anxiety FEEL like when it hits? The reason I ask is because I wonder if it's the same for all of us. For me, my heart and mind start racing to the point that I can't control them. I get this general feeling of massive doom that's so startling it convinces me that I'm going to die. How high does my heart rate go? This time around it doesn't seem to be as bad (although it feels worse), usually just slightly above 100 bpm, but the last time I went through this, where I had two months' worth of medical tests, it registered as high as 160 bpm on a holter monitor!! I thought for sure I must have done major damage to my heart with such prolonged tachycardia, but I read somewhere that your heart can beat at 200 bpm for days, even weeks, at a time without sustaining any real damage. Of course, I don't want to be the one to put that theory to the test, but its good news for us worriers. Before this latest bout of anxiety hit, I had remarked that my heart rate was sometimes as low as 58 bpm. What a drastic turnaround.

Back to the Remeron, no, I can't say that I've noticed any appetite increase, but I am back to being able to eat a little better. I'm still never hungry, but I'm not gagging on the food I'm making myself eat anymore! Guess we share that in common too. I'm the same size as you, 5'2" but not small-framed. I've always had to exercise daily to keep my weight down. On my visit to the doc last month, I was 131 pounds. That's a little more than I'd typically like to be, but knowing I had a long road ahead of me, I was heartened to learn that if I lost a few pounds, it wouldn't be so dramatic. Last anxiety bout, I think I started at 137 and ended at 117, but I let things go a long time that go-around before I sought medical attention.

I decided to take the Remeron for the same reason you did: to get my mind in a better place so I could focus on CBT. I've got insurance issues too. I have to pay the first $1,500 out of pocket and my psychologist options are very limited. Amazing how my generic version of Remeron costs $15 a month while CBT costs $135 a session. What the insurance companies don't understand is that when it comes to anxiety, straightening out the mental issues that cause it is much cheaper in the long run than all the unnecessary medical testing a lot of us put ourselves through.

I have not taken a clonazepam since starting the Remeron, so I'm not sure if the two affect one another. I got no warning from my pharmacist about taking the two together. If I recall correctly, the only thing Remeron does is make the benzos more sedating. When my anxiety is at its peak, sedation is a Godsend, but of course I don't want to be sleeping my life away! I need to get back to focusing on work and trying to be happy. It really sucks knowing that I have such little control over my mind that I can land myself in anxiety and depression land so quickly.

HI,

Not ignoring you--just found your post & I HAVE to go eat dinner.... I'll be back.....
Kate anxiousinnj

Hi Kathy,

It's so hard to describe my anxiety......It seems the racing heart sort of stuff is at bay right now. It all feels like it is "under my skin"...numbness down my arms & in my neck, head. Definite feeling of doom constantly...that rarely goes away. Foggy as if my ears are clogged giving me a very uncomfortable heavy feeling in my head. Hard to concentrate because the "doom" feeling is in the way. It's like I just am very uncomfortable in my body & the only relief is sleep. Not exactly how I want to spend the rest of my life.....
When I was in the hospital for a few days for a cardiac work up not too long ago--it got really bad. I could not stay still, restless leg, could barely converse because I just wanted the feeling to go away. It was then that I decided I had to get some sort of help.

But if with Remeron where I am at now is as good as it gets, I'm very worried. I just am not right...the anxiety symptoms are still always festering under my skin. Now I know I should resort to the Xanax as the doc told me to do, but like you I am fully aware of the benzo issues. The rebound anxiety from them can be bad.
This morning I'm not feeling well at all......darn I'm so sick of this.
My daughter called in the midst of what definitely seemed that she was having a full blown panic attack the other day--she is 5 hours away at school & I felt so helpless & scared for her. I finallly talked her thorughb& she was ok, but all I could think was oh my God, now she is going to suffer with this ! It dawned on me that last few times she was home she seemed like what I am reading as "manic". Very wound up, agitated alternating with hyper silliness, loud laughter....now I am really scared. She promised to get to a doctor, but as we know...that is not a quick fix.
Of course this is all adding to my anxiety along with other family issues, aging sick parents, etc...
Well, I'm rambling & getting more worked up--I think I may have to take a half Xanax....I'm going to give in.......

Hope you are having a better day.......oh & I was up at 3 AM eating blueberry pie.....up to 112 & I really don't want to gain more weight now !

Gosh Kate, I'm so sorry to hear that you're still battling the anxiety. Yeah, I too sorta get that "deafening" feeling when the anxiety hits, but for me that's all part of the overall "out of touch with reality" paranoia I experience. And I can totally relate to the hospital visit making it worse. I've never spent a night in the hospital, but seeing as how my anxiety is precipitated by health concerns, the fact the I *might* be confined to a hospital is enough to send me into a tailspin.

I have to say that I've not had any real major anxiety attacks since I started the Remeron a week ago, but I'm not convinced that's because of the Remeron. While I'm waiting to get in with another psychologist (I have an appointment next Wednesday) I've been reading a book another psychologist recommended to me: The Anxiety and Panic Attack Workbook by Bourne. It's given me a lot of coping strategies to practice in the event another major attack strikes. It calms me down just to turn to it when I feel edgy these days.

Knowing that I have clonazepam to turn to as a last resort has eased my mind a bit as well. I'm totally resisting though for precisely the reason you've cited: I fear the withdrawal anxiety from the benzos might be worse than what I'm enduring now. I'm a hard head, so I tell myself either get a handle on this yourself or take the easy way out and depend on a pill. Usually that's enough coaxing for me, although not always. I'm upset enough that I agreed to the Remeron.

Back to the Remeron, I will say that from day 1 I was a skeptic in regards to ADs, but my severe anxiety had spiraled into pretty severe depression. That's when I relented and decided to give them a go. I'm still feeling pretty down on myself (and darn it that appetite has still not returned; I can only dream about craving a half of a blueberry pie) but I have noticed a slight lift in just one week. It might just be because the Remeron is helping me sleep better (lack of sleep makes me feel like I'm going crazy even without the added anxiety), but I'm going to stick with the Remeron for the time being. Things were definitely worse without it for me.

When I spoke with my new psychologist today, I asked her point blank if she's had success with patients who were experiencing SEVERE anxiety. She said yes. I also told her that I'm looking for *quick* results and she said her approach is one that should help me to achieve just that. I'll let you know how things go with her. I liked my last psychologist quite a bit, but she was old school, dredging up all the demons in my past, without giving me any real coping skills. Quite honestly, I think that approach has a lot to do with why I became depressed. In any event, knowing that I am doing everything I can to beat this awful affliction (or whatever you prefer to call it) once and for all is helpful.

Hope the Xanax helped and that your daughter is okay. I'm sure she's fine and that you're just worrying about nothing.

Hi Kathy,
Well, I did not take the Xanax & got myself busy & some how managed to get through the day. I spoke to my daughter & she insists she is fine. I did speak to her about the episodes of what appeared to me to be a bit manic when she was hom & explained to her that I really would feel better if shees a psychologist. She said this has happened before, but rarely. She is not alone--she is living with her good friend who is older & her friend's Mom & Dad live very near by & are close to my daughter. She has spoken with them about the panic & they are watching over her closely. I just hope it doesn't escalate & I want her to get help before it gets worse.
Sigh...........

It sounds like the Remeron may be helping you....and it probably has helped me somewhat. The anxiety hits but somehow I seem to get myself past it & keep moving. I suppose that IS imporvement. I guess I just hoped to feel totally normal again quickly ! From what I am reading on these boards, that doesn't sound likely but one can hope.
I am also upset with myself for giving in & taking the Remeron. Intellectually I know that is a wrong attitude to take........but what I am afraid of is getting caught up in this medication nightmare & never getting any better.I suspect that is the issue with you as well.

Maybe we should cut ourselves some slack........accept the help of the med ( which you are doing better than I) & be optimistic that we will be better soon. I thought if I typed that I will maybe begin to believe it..lol.
I am envious that you are going to start real therapy.
When I see my psyche doc next week I am going to ask her what she suggests as far as me adding therapy ...maybe she can suggest someone good.I also need to know how good it can possibly get on the Remeron. I'll try to think positive......
And I really do not want to gain any more weight......and all I can think about is sweets. Had a chocolate milkshake for dinner. This junk food saga must end. I know I am not dying ( thought I was when unable to gain an ounce ) so ok--I want to still fit into those size 4 jeans.
Trust me when the Remeron kicks, you will eat ! But I do sympathize with the lack of hunger--it is frightening. You will get your appetite back.
I wonder if you lose your appetitie when you wean off the Remeron?
Another question for the doc...

HOpe tomorrow is a good day for you.

Please do share with me how you make out with the therapist. It sounds very promising & I am praying it will do the trick. I'll be right behind you !

Hi Kate, yes, I do think we need to cut ourselves some slack. That's probably the best advice I've heard yet. In an effort to stop dwelling on this, I'm going to *try* to stay away from the anxiety boards for a while. I think just reading about what other people are going through raises my anxiety. LOL If you would like to continue corresponding with me about our Remeron experiences, you can contact me at REMOVEDI'm really interested to know what you and your doc decide at your upcoming appointment.

Take care,

Kathy

That's probably a good idea...I had thought I should stop reading so much also.
REMOVED
So please just stop in & let me know how it goes with the therapist & what to expect.

Good luck !

Hi Kate, just checking in to see how your doctor's appointment went.

Kathy

Ladies--
your posts make my heart ache--I too have suffered from severe depression and anxiety over the years, I too was "resistant" (meaning I didn't want to medicate--but in the end it was hospitalize or medicate and since I still had 5 kids at home--well--you guessed it. I went on meds. I cannot say they "cured" me but they gave be back myself. I do not know what Remeron is--should probably research it a little, but I am making an assumption that it is an SSRI designed to deal with anxiety. I have taken Zoloft for 10+ years and will probably take it forever..or for as long as it works. I remember being in the stage where I would analyze and re-analyze every thought and feeling I had,thinking that EVERYTHING had to do with the meds. I have come to understand that most of it was just life and the meds were helping me to cope with it. One really nasty side effect of Zoloft was weight gain and that has made me unhappy, but I would rather be packing some extra pounds than feel the way I used to. I also take Clonazapam on an as needed basis. I have not found it to be be addictive--tho warned by my GP that it would be. I can take or leave it--in fact. many days go by and I don't take any, then maybe a stressful time comes up and I take several a day. I DO NOT crave them, they simply keep my anxiety or anxiety attacks at bay. After 10 years I know the triggers and can accurately head them off, so to speak. Worrying about whether or not you may or may not have an anxiety attack will likely bring one on!
Give the AD's time to work. Keep busy. Be patient (I KNOW this is hard) Get exercize. Laugh. Take time to care for you and be aware that all things are transistory, illness and health alike. Best of luck--and know you ARE NOT ALONE!

Thanks for your encouraging words liz49--much appreciated.
I hope I can get to the point you are at--it seems so far away, if at all. Like you I have not felt a dependency on Xanax & take it here & there, very infrequently. I feel like I could take it almost everyday but I don't.

Hi Kathy--I went to the psyche doc yesterday. She convince me to increase the Remeron to 30 mgm. She said the therapeutic dose is 30 - 45 mgm, si we cannot judge if it is or is not helping until we try a few weeks at the higher dose ( I was on 15 mgm). I really don't like this doc, but feel too exhausted to try to figure out who else I should go to. I'll give the 30 mgm a few weeks & see. I do not like how I feel today...just very strange--grogged out with anxiety undert the surface...the creepycrawlies under my scalp, brain feels jittery, but I'm relaxed..ugh. I don't have the motivation to do anything I had planned for the day--not even the smallest things. I did discuss CBT & finding a therapist & she said that may be helpful down the road. She gave me the name of a book about anxiety to try reading to see if I could work on some CBT excercises myself. She is so expensive--$125 per visit & I was in there maybe 15-20 minutes. She is very cut & dry--not really interested in anything that is personally bothering you. Just don't like her. She's a pill pusher & nothing more, although from what I am hearing that is ALL they do.
She said once you get on a dose of whichever med that makes you feel how you need to feel, you need to stay on it for about 6-9 months before weaning. I would not mind IF I could feel the way I would like to feel-normal !

Let me kow how you make out with the psychologist & your progress with the Remeron.
And thanks again liz-- how long did it take you get to where you needed to be? Did you try other meds before the Zoloft ? Just curious...

Hi Liz, Thanks for sympathizing. Remeron is an AD that's in a class of its own, supposedly with fewer side effects than SSRIs. I think its a tetracyclic and I have to say I've not really experienced any SEs with it, not even the one I was hoping for--increased appetite. At this point, weight gain would not be a bad thing for me. Remeron supposedly works on both serotonin and norepinephrine. I'm still resisting the clonazepam, but I know I have it to fall back on if things get out of control.

Hi Kate, please do let me know if the 30mg increase in the Remeron keeps your appetite up or increases it even more. I suspect that my doctor will recommend the same dosage increase when I see her next Friday. I too have read that you need to be on 30-45mg to see the antidepressant effects. 15mg is usually prescribed as a sleep aid. I've also read that the sleepiness isn't as high on higher doses. I hope if I increase I'll still be able to sleep. That's one of the only positives I'm experiencing from the drug thus far.

I had my first psychologist appointment today, with another one (at my request) on Friday. This one was just the "getting to know you" stage but she said she plans to teach me a "Big and Little" coping technique on Friday. I have a lot of unresolved trauma from my past that both of my therapists believe is contributing to my problems. They both also seem to think I'm slightly depressed, so I think the Remeron is probably a drug I'll be on for 6-9 months too, barring any side effects at higher doses and assuming it helps me. IF (big if) it's going to help me, then I'm certainly open to taking it for that long, despite my initial qualms. CBT might be cheaper than your doctor. Mine charges $110 for a 45-minute session. Once I hit my deductible, I think I only have to pay $22 a session. The thing I hate about the drugs and the therapy is that you have no guarantee either will work. There should be a better way of dealing with anxiety!!

Kathy,

Maybe you can teach me the techniques..lol...I'll pay you $50 a session, how's that?
I know, the big "ifs" are what is getting to me also--you don't give someone with anxiety more anxiety......
Well, I just ook a 1/2 of a .25 Xanax about a half an hour ago. I could have fought it but for some reason I needed to see how it made me feel. I feel better already.

An hour after I took the 30 mgm dose last night I felt the exact moment it kicked--weird, like an instant fog--went to bed & slept all night except for one bathroom run & a sweet attack. ( Whole container of those jelly filled chocolate dipped butter cookies you get in the Italian deli :eek: not all at once , but in 24 hours..not good).
Today has been hard, but you know what? If I need the Xanax during these next couple of weeks of adjustment, I'm going to take it. I'm tired of being miserable......I have so many thing I need to get done.
The doc told me it was fine to use the Xanax especially during the dose transition, but warned it would make me very tired. Like I said previously she said I could take a full .25 mgm 3 x day which I know I never would do.
I'm figuring for you & I it another 4-6 weeks before we know if this is "the one", & if so, then it will be next spring before we could consider weaning if we are to follow the guidelines. OH well, whatever it takes is how I am thinking now. It's just the darn "ifs"......and if Remeron causes the least anxiety side effects, I would be totally afraid of anything else....that's why I am scared.
Well, let's think positive--we are going to feel better ! Remeron is the "one" ! We'll get through this thing together ok?
Good luck Friday--let me know how it goes.

Oh & liz--yes Remeron is not an SSRI--it is in a class all of it's own is how the psyche doc explained it--doesn't fit into the other categories.

anxiousinnj Kate

Hi Kate, just wanted to give you a quick update to let you know I just got back from my first real CBT session. It went very well, although I suspect it wouldn't be for everyone. I was taught the beginning phases of a technique called Big and Little, which my psychologist developed by combining several psychological theories. I'll explain more later (gotta get some work done first) but it basically entails engaging in reasurring conversation with your 5-year-old self on the basis that adult anxiety all stems from feelings you had back then before the cortex of your brain was really functioning. It's quite fascinating, and in my case, I can very much see how unresolved childhood issues contribute to my current anxiety. I had what I consider my first real health anxiety bout when I was 11, following the death of my grandfather. He died of a heart attack, and for months afterward, I was convinced that I was having a heart attack too. That lasted until I drove my mother nuts enough that she dragged me to the doctor, who reassured me that my heart was fine. Oh, if only it were that easy now. Of course, back then, I thought a heart attack was the *only* thing that could kill me. Unfortunately, now I know better! I'll try to do a little write up of the notes the psychologist made for me later on today.

Take care,

Kathy

Kate...here's the gist of today's therapy session. I'll be watching for my $50 check. ;o)

Big and Little—operates under the premise that adult anxiety stems from relational trauma experienced before the age of about 8–9, when the part of the brain that controlled your thoughts coincided with your limbic system. Anything that was perceived as a threat to your survival during this period of life (something as simple as your mother leaving the room) is considered a relational trauma. My therapist stressed that this has nothing to do with bad parenting…that you could have “the Pope and Mother Theresa for parents” and still have experienced significant relational trauma.

Now the first phase of the technique…

Picture your five-year-old self standing five feet away from you. Whenever you feel anxious throughout the day (no matter how often), assign all intense feelings to little you. Ask your five-year-old self, “What’s going on, Little? What is this reminding you of from when you were little?”

We haven’t yet gotten to the stage where the actual traumatic events are uncovered. Because cognitive development was not high enough yet at that age, a lot of this can’t actually be “remembered.” So eventually the therapist is going to teach me how to emotionally recall them. The focus, however, will be on the following four emotions: anger, fear, sadness and happiness.

Once you associate your current feelings with something from your childhood, you engage in a two-step process:

1. Validation: You tell five-year-old you, “Okay, Little, I understand what you’re upset about.” (You identify the emotion and then you conjure up images from the past in order to “re-feel” them. This leads to catharsis.)

2. Reassurance: Once you’ve re-felt the emotions, you tell your five-year-old self…

A) Little, how about if you let me (Big) handle this?
B) Little, regardless of what happens, you and I are okay; we’re cool. I love you unconditionally. (This part is very important because the parental reassurance you got as a child to help you through your upsets is absent in your adulthood.)
C) Little, let me gently remind you that it’s 2006—not (the year you were five). You can never be that “undone” again because you have me now.

Where is all this going? Well, society dictates that when you reach the age of eighteen, you’re supposed to magically transform from Little you into Big you, someone who can handle anything that’s thrown at you. In reality, that never really happens. Little you is still very much present. So what this technique attempts to do is to overcome Little you’s relational traumas so that s/he can be put into the background and Big you, whose cognitive thought patterns are fully developed, can finally take over.

Now, I asked why some people have anxiety issues and others don’t and my therapist said that those who suffer from anxiety as adults usually share similar natures. Specifically she mentioned that anxious people were often empathic children…that they felt others’ emotions (pain and joy) more than other children do. They were often also reliable children, and as a result, their parents felt that they could handle more things on their own than siblings could and thus were not given as much attention.

Kathy,

All I can say--is OMG this is deep stuff. Sitting here. I cannot relate the feelings I get now--the physical anxiety symptoms, to anything from the "little me". I don't know what the "little me" would feel was wrong. Do you know what I mean ?

Let me know what you "Little me" says......maybe we can get our "little mes" to talk to each other. Geez, this is weird. I do understadn what she said about the type of personality traits go with the anxirty person--that makes much sense. I see that in my daughter that I am so worried about. As a toddler she was always worrying about other kids when we would be at a park or whatever. If she saw a child being scolded or crying she would have to go comfort them or make sure they were alright. I could go on & on....maybe that's because she's the middle child...oh I hope not, makes me feel badly.
I am the eldest & much responsibility was thrust upon me whether I wanted it or not, so that may be a big issue.............
Oh dear, I do need therapy.....

Keep me posted on your little me.

thanks ! How are you feeling? Today was actually not too bad here--I am being hopeful that the Remeron is helping & that I need to "allow" it to help if that makes any sense.
Trying.....
Talk to you soon. Your check is in the mail.;)

Kate anxiousinnj

Hi Kate, I actually can (sort of) relate my current anxiety to events in my childhood. I've always been a somewhat anxious person, but it never became debilitating until I hit my 30s. Like you, I wonder if perhaps it is somewhat hormonally related. I had pretty severe cases of separation anxiety from my mom. First (going by what other people tell me here), when I was one year old and my mother left me to go into the hospital to have my brother. I had just started talking in full sentences and completely stopped while she was gone. Then, when I started school, I had a lot of trouble too. When I started full-time in 1st grade, I even had to take a pill in the morning because I had an upset stomach every day. I got over it after that (and went on to love school), but other things made me really anxious growing up that other kids would never have thought twice about. I too was the oldest and I definitely was the reliable one.

I'm not supposed to do too much talking to my Little Me yet. I'm just supposed to let her hang out with me for the next week (so we can get to know each other LOL) and whenever I'm anxious assign my anxiety to her. The therapist explained that because everyone jumps to help a young child who is hurting, when we hand over our anxiety to our Little Me, we will want to comfort her. I'm guessing, in so doing, we are comforting Big Me as well. It's all an interesting concept and I actually pulled out some pictures of me at five to help me with the exercise.

I'm actually feeling a little better since beginning therapy. I can't say that I'm really hungry yet, but I'm eating quite a bit better. The severe anxiety has been gone since I started the Remeron, but I don't really think the two relate all that much. I think because I actively sought help for the problem and was no longer entranched in it was all I needed.

I've been meaning to ask you a somewhat odd question...have you noticed that you have to urinate less since starting the Remeron? Before I started taking it, one of my health obsessions was urinary urgency and frequency. Now I'm finding I can go hours and hours without the urge to go...almost like I was in my 20s before I ever experienced anxiety. I read over the side effects thoroughly and I don't see that listed, so I'm just curious if it's just me. I seem not to be responding to the drug the way the majority of people do. Guess I'll have to mention it to my doc when I see her next week.

Oh yeah, and don't worry about taking an occasional Xanax to get you through the dosage increase. Being functional is more important than stubborn pride. I'm confident you won't turn to it unless you have to and you can't become dependent on it when you're only using it occasionally.

Kathy,

Actually I am urinating a bit more frequently since starting the Remeron- not so much that it is bothersome, but have noticed that it's a little more often. I read that was a side effect somewhere. Maybe the anxiety made you go more & since the anxiety is less you don't need to go as often ?? Would make sense.
I did not need any Xanax yesterday, & so far so good this morning--just feel the anxiety lurking under my skin if that makes any sense. I don't find my anxiety symptoms related to anything special that I'm feeling...it's just there. I'm going to try to treat myself as a 5 yr old though--& if I feel it getting uncomfortable I will assign it to my little me & see if I can make little me feel any better. God this is crazy !

Glad you are eating better--hopefully that hunger will kick in soon. I went to lunch with a friend yesterday & it was embarrassing...ate a huge lunch & HAD to have dessert. So I really have to get this sweet thing in check or ai am going to gain too much. I'm at 110 now & I think that's sufficient.

Hope you have a relaxed weekend...I'll be sending hugs to your little me. ( If anyone is reading this thread they may have us locked up :)

That's what I thought...that FREQUENT urination was a possible symptom. I agree that the let up in anxiety has probably helped in that department, but I've been battling with frequent/urgent urination since my last anxiety bout almost five years ago. Just seemed like it never went away. It would be nice if my bladder gets a retraining out of all of this. Still, I'll mention it to my doc next week.

See, my anxiety always flares when I start stressing about serious illnesses to the point of convincing myself I'm dying. Then, even when it abates, it takes me a long time to get back to where I was before it hit. Appetite, unfotunately, is usually the last thing to return. I'm soooo jealous you're hungry all the time! I don't want to be hungry long term, but it would be nice to experience it for a week or two. I don't think the Remeron is going to do it for me, unless a dosage increase works. Perhaps that will do the trick? I'm glad to hear you're still hungry at 30mg. I think I'm one of the rare few who's actually LOST weight since starting Remeron, but again, that's always my most severe anxiety symptom.

Little Me says thanks for the hugs. I have been trying to assign my feelings to her. I can see how the technique may work moving forward. I'm already feeling sorry for her!

You too have a good weekend.

Kathy

MY anxiety/panic also stems from stresses from health issues--they are real illnesses I've had to cope with--not imaginary ones like you read so many here have. But I tend to take those ilnesses to the worst degree they can go in my mind & become so frightened...that is what happened in 199 & was when I had a cardiac ablation ( simple procedure really, but I was so scared) & also was diagnosed with Lupus--I was sure I was going to die & quickly. Then this time around it was due to the gallbladder surgery. I was sick for months before they took it out & then my recovery did not go by the book--so I was sure I had the worst things you could have. I did have gastritis & was having problems with my bile duct but I just thought I would never recuperate & therefore the anxiety/panic. So we have more in common than thought..
I was 12 on the scale today & am starting to feel bloated . Now I'm getting angry--I don't want to continue to gain more weight so I really have to try. My poor brain must be so cionfused.... eat, eat , eat--I had to tell myself that for 2 months & only gained 1-2 lbs--now I am hungry... I am sure it will kick in for you too. I was reading a report about Remeron were the consumers give thier opinions on it. Every one of them talked about increased appetite & weight gain, so hang in there & make sure your cookie jar is well stocked !
today I have been very sleepy, but did not need to take Xanax..almost 1 week down on the 30 mgm.

So is the point of little me to make you feel sorry for her & comfort her--& thus you will be comforting yourself? Do I have that right ?

Hi Kate,

Sorry to hear about your other health issues. Most of my health anxiety is imagined. I do, however, have a few gallstones and worry a lot that I might have an attack. I don't know if the desire to eat is going to kick in for me or not. I too did a lot of searching on the drug and found that increased appetite is only found in 17% of those who take it. Funny how so many people complain about it! But then again, you mostly only find reviews from people who have something bad to say. It's rare you see reviews raving over an experience.

I think the point of Little Me is to relive all the anxiety you felt as a kid so you can get over it now. But yes, comforting her is part of the process. Big Me, whose brain is more developed and who doesn't feel everything in the central nervous system, is supposed to ultimately take over. I'm not convinced it's going to work for me, but we suppose we'll see. I have another session on Friday.

Good luck Kathy--let me know how you make out.

hello ladies i was reading all of your posts and thought maybe you could answer some questions for me. i have been on remeron for 1 1/2 weeks and i feel incredibly weird and am beginning to see things out of the corners of my eyes. I need to know if this is normal.

What dosage are you on? I've been on 15mg for almost 3 weeks and haven't noticed anything like that. The first few nights, I did have some pretty vivid dreams though. Are you taking it at night? Because it's so sedating, that's the recommended time. If not, try doing so. If you are then I'd mention the side effect to your doctor if it's bothering you.

You know I did have 2 instances where I had to turn my head quickly to the right because I thought I saw something move in my peripheral vision--but I really didn't think anything of it... is this what you mean ?

I have been on Remeron for just about 2 months now & I have been feeling pretty weird too. I just went up to the 30 mgm dose about 10 days ago & am trying to see how I will feel once that gets into my system to give it a full chance to work. I am just not crazy about this drug so far, but it is the only one I have ever taken, & afraid the others may be even worse.

Has anyone experienced flu type feeling from Remeron--or is that another anxiety/depression symptom? I've been on 2 rounds of antibiotics since 7/15- thought it was a sinus/ear infection...feverish feeling came back again this afternoon like a ton of bricks. I thought "I wonder if this is another anxiety thing?" I took a half of a Xanax and within an hour started to feel better...this is so weird, I hate this. You don't know what is causing what. No wonder my docs all think I'm crazy... I don't blame them.

Hi Kate, I just wanted to update you that I'm currently trying to taper off the Remeron. I told my doc that I didn't think it was really doing anything for me and that I'd rather not be stuck on it for months. She told me I could try cutting back to half a pill for a week. If I felt okay, she said I could come off it at that point. If I didn't, we'd go back to the original dosing. By the time I'm potentially off it, I will have been on it for only 4 weeks, really not enough time for me to say whether it is effective or not. I didn't, however, feel any extra anxiety while on it and haven't touched my klonopin in a month. My doc asked if I thought the anxiety had eased because the Remeron was working. I told her I didn't really think that was the case. So, she said the only way we're going to find out is to try getting me off it.

Also had another therapy session yesterday, but other than uncovering a few clues from my past that might impact my anxiety, I'm afraid I don't have anything new to report. Hope you're feeling better soon. I've had a roller coaster week with some bad and good family issues creeping in. Resolving these issues, I think, is the real key to MY recovery.

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the update--let me know how you feel as you wean off.
If you haven't touched the Klonopin in a month, I would say you are getting things under control.....time will tell if the Remeron was really helping in that department, although...from what my psyche doc had told me, the first few weeks would have additional anxiety, which you don't seem to have had...a good thing.

I've been somewhat disappointed this past week...feeling an increase in what I am assuming is anxiety, but it may be physical symptoms from my other health issues causing me more anxiety...or the change in Remeron dose to 30 mgm...how am I to tell unless I, like you, wean back off?
So, now I wait until my next appt in mid August. I figure by then, if it was due to the increase in Remeron dose I should be accustomed to it by then. If I am still getting these weird sensations of anxiety creeping in by mid August, I think I will wean off & see how I feel. This is such a long process & I feel I am wasting my life away with this. I took half a Xanax yesterday afternoon & had several hours of feeling normal...felt wonderful. I raced around here trying to get things done that I just can't when I feel the anxiety smothering me.

For me there are also family issues, mainly ill parents which is mentally & physically draining...too much to bore everyone with here...
It is also health anxiety issues & exhaustion from dealing with the health issues. These are real health problems, not imagined ones...lupus, glaucoma which is now not under good control ( it was, but now eye pressure back up & I am out of eye drops to try so surgery is next...), skin cancers which I am over due on having followed up on...just tired of doctors appts.

well, I am going to "try" to get my act together & take my dtr to the ebach for a while. Even that gives me anxiety because of the rituals I have to go through to avoid the sun, but I am going to do it.

sorry this is so long--please do let me know how you make out over this next week--I am hoping you will feel fine & have a handle on things without the darned drugs !

Hi Kate, make no mistake about it, my anxiety is still lingering under the surface, but not at a rate that I can't bear it. Before this anxiety bout started, my resting heart rate was 58-65 bpm. Now, it's more like 84-90...still normal, but not for me. The only way I got over it the last time was just to try to forget about it and focus on other things in life. Although I'm not suffering any health problems (that I know of) other than this, I am dealing with a lot of family health scares. In just the past month alone, both my aunt and my grandmother were sent to ICU and given "no hope" of coming out. My aunt is currently back home and my grandmother is being moved to a regual hospital room today. So much for the medical profession knowing what they are talking about. In any event, as someone whose anxiety centers around fear of health problems, dealing with all of this hasn't been easy, as I'm sure you can well imagine. I have, however, decided to face it head on rather than allow it to control my life. I've watched my grandmother while hooked up to a ventilator and what not and I went with my cousin and aunt to her oncologist this week. Both were extremely trying for me, but I believe that tackling my fears head on is the only way I'm going to conquer them. I hope you get the glaucoma under control soon and that you get the all clear on your skin follow-up. Do not stress over occasional Xanax use. That's what it's for.

Day 2 on 7.5mg of Remeron and I'm doing par for the course. I've had slightly loose stools the past two days, but no diarrhea. That might very well be from the stress I've been under as opposed to the tapering. I'll be back with more CBT techniques when I learn something I think might be helpful. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I lost 2 pounds while on Remeron. I was actually grateful that's all I lost. Still struggling with appetite, but as I recall, it was very slow to return the last time as well. I lost 15-20 pounds that bout, so if I keep at the pace I'm at, I should be A-okay.

45mg remeron has saved me.. I no longer have constant sickness from anxiety/depression. Been taking it about 1.5 years now... I ahve tried to stop for a few weeks at a time but feel I'm much better off with it...