Going crazy on Remeron- 6 weeks

anxiousinnj · 07-07-2006, 10:08 PM

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 ...

trg247 · 07-07-2006, 11:28 PM

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

anxiousagain · 07-07-2006, 11:29 PM

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.

trg247 · 07-07-2006, 11:43 PM

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

anxiousinnj · 07-08-2006, 01:25 AM

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