hi just call me plop
been suffering with the downs for 2 years now in a bit of a hole we had 2 3 month prem boys just over two years ago and since then things only seemed to go down hill. was in the wrong place at the wrong time got me self beat up by 30 youths ,just startin to venture outdoors when i have to. took my first tablet about half an hour ago keep you posted.
After going through the guinea pig phase with all of the SSRI's and a couple tricyclics with no relief for my depression and anxiety, I started taking Remeron. The intense sleepiness may have toned down or I just got used to dealing with it after about two months. After that, I was able to hold down my first job ever, and have worked steadily for 2 and a half years now. Aside from the sleepiness, I have had NO negative side effects. Remeron saved my life.
I have been on this stuff for about 18 months now, following what, I am told, was a complete breakdown, followed by a number of other drugs and a bit of Cognitive Therapy.
I suppose my dark moments are fewer, and less intense, but I find that I need about 10 hours sleep per night, and have done ever since I went on to the stuff.
Digestion is fine, and I haven't had any other side effects, so far as I am aware (whci is not as far as it used to be)
Beware. If you have an empty stomach, and take Zispin, then 1 glass of wine, or 1 pint of beer (I learned this the hard way...twice), is enough to make you pass out.
I hate being on the stuff, and spend too much time half-functioning because I want to sleep.
What I really want to know sometimes is "what is the fatal dose?".......
Agree with you on the vivid dreams, especially first few days.
I am now beginning to sleep and feel 'normal' again.
Anxiety is back as before :(
Depression no way near as bad :)
Im not even through my 2nd week yet...still more time to go yet...x)
Hi, just moved straight from Seroxat (Paxil) to Zispin (Remeron). Third day and yes, I get to sleep easily but dreams are vivid. I also feel very dizzy/light-headed for hours after rising after a 12 hour sleep. Wouldn't dare drive. Mood is definitely 'up' but want to wait another week before coming to any conclusions because there is the Seroxat 'withdrawal' going on at the same time I imagine. I'd love to know if anyone has made the same move and how it has affected them.
Remeron bounced all mail back - which is odd as they gave me an email account to use explicitly for questions. hmmmm...
I then asked the same question to The PsychiatryMatters website.
The response I received is below:
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your interest in PsychiatryMatters.Md. There is no standard
duration of treatment with Mirtazapine, patients should continue taking the
medication until they have been symptom-free for 4 to 6 months and/or
indicated to do so by their primary health care advisor. You can read about
this medication in the diagnosis and treatment section on the left hand side
of the site.
Regards
The PsychiatryMatters.Md Team
I have just made an offical enquiry to Remeron with regard to the recommended duration of treatment. I will post results here if I get them. I know it does not really help much but its all I could do.
Im am really sorry to hear about the effect the drug has had on you.
One thing I did find on the Remeron site was the fact that the course of treatment should not exceed more than 6 months at any one time.
I am not saying your doc is wrong, for I know very little.
It is such a shame that something like this should happen to you.
I can't say much more other than I hope that more people find this site and that eventually with all the information collected we can prevent such things happening.
Give your doc a kick up the bum for me x)
Oh, and by the way, I'm female!
I've been taking Zispin for a couple of years now and it suits me very well. So well, in fact, that I have put up with the only side effect that I have noticed with it. I have been suffering very gradual hair loss on the crown of my head. However, now the hair loss is sufficient for me to ask my doctor to recommend an alternative anti-depressant, but because of the lack of documented accounts of this side effect, or manufacturer's investigations, he is unable to recommend a suitable alternative drug that does not include the offending, yet unidentified, ingredient. Has anyone else noticed this side effect with the drug?
Would be interested to hear how your doing? are things improving for you?
Days 4-5
Still no side effects, and feel I am tolerating the drug without problem. I feel more calm and collected and seem to be able to cope with day to day problems a lot better than I have ever done before. Mirtazapine certainly limits ones emotions, but I see this as an important aspect of the drugs effect and to the advantage of the patient.
Days 2-3
I am certainly getting sleep now, which is great. I was extremely exited at first, thinking that this drug was the answer to all my problems. I think it still could be, I have to give it more time. Still no side effects but I am concerned with how I now react to situations. I don't seem to have anxiety/stress the way I used to. It is if those aspects of my life have disappeared. A good thing I hope. I have done my homework on the drug, registering on the Organon and Remeron web sites and was suitably impressed with the R & D found there.
Day #1 (Continued)
For someone who was genuinely depressed only 24 hours ago, and had been so for several months, I feel remarkably positive and unusually happy. Placebo or not, there is something going on. Im going to continue with Zispin without doubt.
Day #1 - After 1 hour of taking the tablet, I became very sleepy. And slept solidly for nearly 12 hours. A lot of my problems revolve around a lack of sleep. I did feel quite dopey when I woke - but who would'nt after 12 hrs sleep!!..No indigestion, heartburn, etc...
I am really impressed. ZISPIN/REMERON (Mirtazapine) Standard Dose taken @ 9.15pm
I must say that I am in total agreement with Anai Rhoads.
Good Luck.
About to start taking Mirtazapine. I will use this site (If I may?) as a public journal, mainly to report/record side effects and the outcome of a complete course using this treatment.
I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and was diagnosed with this illness 15 years ago. I am male, aged 30 and currently in severe depression. Here goes.
Smila,
Side effects for most anti-depressants last only a short time and lessen with duration.
Mirtazapine is fairly new. The side effects vary from individual to individual. The concerns you are expressing should warrant a change in dose, or in medication entirely.
Since Mirtazapine is new, the chances of your doctor knowing of the full side effects are less likely. As with any new medication, one must be wary of the the short and long term effects.
Seeing as your doctor insists that the medication is not the cause of these side effects, and has not offered tests to see what the "underlying" problem is, I would say it is time to change doctors.
Keep me posted on your progress...
Anai Rhoads
I was recently given Mirtazapine in addition to other meds for my depression and anxiety. The brand name of this drug in the US is Remeron and Remeron SolTab. I have also noticed stomach upset which feels like a tightening of the intestines. The side effects also include stomach upset. This has gone away after about 4 weeks. I hope this information is helpful to you!
I am sorry, I am not familiar with Zispin. Talk to your doctor about Paxil sustained release. It might be the perfect medication for you.