![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jay on October 18, 2001, at 11:29:07
I've read of a few uses of Remeron for panic, and possibly with depression. I may go the cocktail combo of Effexor/Remeron, but was wondering about it's lone effectiveness. In particular, I'd like to of course hear from others with experience with the med.Of course, the weight gain and major sedation are drawbacks. Panic/SocialPhobia/and anxiety (with nasty tension, dread, and nerves that are on 'boil'..heh), I'd like to even go through some of my days even feeling a bit *zonked*, rather than feeling wired! With a Remeron/benzo combo, what do you folks think...especially those who are/have been on it?
Thanks..
Jay
Posted by Cressida on October 18, 2001, at 18:36:50
In reply to Remeron : For Panic/Anxiety Depression?, posted by jay on October 18, 2001, at 11:29:07
What's up, Jay...I take 45mg of Remeron SolTabs. The common side-effect of sedation is more prominent in the beginning of treatment as your body adjusts to the drug; it's also more frequently encountered on the lower dosages. An important thing to remember about Remeron:
"As the dosage of mirtazapine is increased beyond 15mg, the noradrenergic activation and subsequent enhancement of arousal may functionally counteract the sedating consequences of its antihistaminergic properties."
(Psychotropic Drugs /3E by Keltner & Folks)
Due to its pharmacologic profile, the same reference book claims that Remeron "may improve anxieties and sleep disturbances in as little as two weeks, with minimal effect on libido and low incidence of gastrointestinal upset."
More information can be found from the drug's web site: http://www.remeron.com.
I have read that it's common to add Wellbutrin or Effexor in conjunction, since they're more stimulating, if Remeron makes you drowsy or less alert during the day. If it's still a problem for me by my doctor's appointment, then I'll raise that option to him...In the meantime, I wish you well. Peace.
Posted by Edward on October 18, 2001, at 18:56:25
In reply to Remeron : For Panic/Anxiety Depression?, posted by jay on October 18, 2001, at 11:29:07
I was on mirtazapine for 6 months. It was very effective for anxiety. I stopped panicking and having breathing difficulties completely. The sedation was pleasant when I was trying to sleep, but irritating if I needed to go out in the evening. My appetite was increased for a few days (one night I ate so much I vomited), but returned to normal. Strangely, I put on 2 stone without eating excessively over the next couple of months. The drug did not help with depression, but I suspect that I am not suffering from clinical depression anyway. It did flatten my emotions considerably, which must be welcome for some, but not me. I would like to feel more emotional, not less.
Hope this is helpful
Ed
Posted by Mitch on October 18, 2001, at 22:33:58
In reply to Remeron : For Panic/Anxiety Depression?, posted by jay on October 18, 2001, at 11:29:07
>
> I've read of a few uses of Remeron for panic, and possibly with depression. I may go the cocktail combo of Effexor/Remeron, but was wondering about it's lone effectiveness. In particular, I'd like to of course hear from others with experience with the med.
>
> Of course, the weight gain and major sedation are drawbacks. Panic/SocialPhobia/and anxiety (with nasty tension, dread, and nerves that are on 'boil'..heh), I'd like to even go through some of my days even feeling a bit *zonked*, rather than feeling wired! With a Remeron/benzo combo, what do you folks think...especially those who are/have been on it?
>
> Thanks..
>
> JayHi Jay,
I have been on three trials of Remeron. I have BPII/ADHD and Social Anxiety/panic/GAD symptoms. I got wonderful sleep from it, and relief of anxiety, however it wrecked my attention at work, made me irritable, and I couldn't stay out of the refrigerator! They REALLY would have a winner med here if they could at LEAST dump the antihistamine effects of this drug. I believe they are currently trying to *redesign* it with reduced or absent antihistaminic activity. When they accomplish that I might give it a try.
Mitch
Posted by kregpark@yahoo.com on October 20, 2001, at 16:14:55
In reply to Re: Remeron : For Panic/Anxiety Depression?, posted by Edward on October 18, 2001, at 18:56:25
I had a similar experience with Remeron and dropped it.
Remeron (in long term use) is mainly a serotonin antagonist.
It is also a strong norepinephrine agonist.
This means (if antihistamine effects do not counteract) that Remeron is activating and ererginzing and helpful for major depression in some cases.
Is can reduce sensitivity to rejection and fear.
Unfortunately, for the anxiety disorders serotonin decrease tends to cause agitation or frank anger and hostitily (happened with me).This is fairly predictable with a strong NE med.
I think there are much better options for the anxiety sprectrum disorders, though of course all cases differ and some may do well with remeron.
Remeron is uncommonly used at this time. I don't think it ever will be unless modified as pointed out in the following post.kregpark@yahoo.com
http://www.socialfear.com/> I was on mirtazapine for 6 months. It was very effective for anxiety. I stopped panicking and having breathing difficulties completely. The sedation was pleasant when I was trying to sleep, but irritating if I needed to go out in the evening. My appetite was increased for a few days (one night I ate so much I vomited), but returned to normal. Strangely, I put on 2 stone without eating excessively over the next couple of months. The drug did not help with depression, but I suspect that I am not suffering from clinical depression anyway. It did flatten my emotions considerably, which must be welcome for some, but not me. I would like to feel more emotional, not less.
>
> Hope this is helpful
>
> Ed
Posted by cole on October 21, 2001, at 21:08:51
In reply to Re: Remeron : For Panic/Anxiety Depression? » Edward, posted by kregpark@yahoo.com on October 20, 2001, at 16:14:55
I've been on Remeron for almost 1 1/2 years now. It has been amazing for my mixed anxiety and depression. The appetite thing is a problem, as is the sedation, but I've stuck it out since it's the only thing that has ever worked. I suggest trying to stay at low doses and not hit the 60-90 range unless you lose effectiveness at the lower doses. I went up to 60 in hopes the side effects would lessen as rumored, I saw no such results. I had several rounds of poop-out followed by a need for increased dosing. Now I'm at 90 and had to augment with Buspar when I started to drop again. It's a great med with lame side effects, I hope that eventually they will be able to eliminate some of the sides without decreasing the effectiveness.
cole
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.