New Doc, New Meds

[Smile]

I've been on Effexor 300 mg & xanax 1 mg 2-3 times daily. Recently cold turkeyed off of Effexor. Didn't realize the extent of side effects but that's pretty much over so not really an issue anymore.

Saw a new psychiatrist today and he has prescribed Remeron 30 mg nightly & inderal 10 mg as needed.

Anyone have experience with these medications? I've googled it and the way in which it works seems interesting… It seems to cure the physical symptoms which then helps the anxiety.

Any info would be greatly appreciated as I'm quite nervous about going off Xanax (I have not had good experiences with getting off Xanax) :-)

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I took Atenolol (essentially a newer, longer acting version of Inderal) for years and it worked well. I tried Inderal but sadly I'm allergic to it. (Chipmunk city!) Heart meds really can help with physical anxiety symptoms. Fortunately I was able to lose weight and the physical symptoms that it helped went away and I no longer need it.

Remeron worked well for me years ago, back before my body chemistry changed. I was one of the few that lost weight on it, so that wasn't a problem. (It is notorious for weight gain, so watch out for that.) It also helps many with sleep, but it spun me out and gave me horrible insomnia the last time I tried it. So unfortunately its now a no-go for me.

 

[Smile]

@Solara , thanks! I lucked out... 2/2 and from the same person no less :-)

The doctor did tell me that Remeron would probably bring back my appetite so I assumed that meant weight gain. But on the other hand I have had zero appetite for two years so hopefully I can turn this into just a healthier way of eating :-)

Do you remember the milligrams you took on these? Just curious if he's starting me really low and whether I have higher and higher dosages to look forward to…

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Uhm I think Remeron was 40 or 60 at the max, but I started at 15. Does that sound right? Lol. I can't remember the heart med dose.

 

[Chava]

I don't have much to add but I remember Remeron not doing much, which for me was a good thing because I always had negative side effects. Effexor was a nightmare for me. But it's all so individual.

My doc won't prescribe Xanax or benzos because of my alcoholic history. But I've survived panic attacks through letting the crazy energy release slowly and mindfully...stuff like resistance work, Pilates, pushing against a big piece of furniture, or pushing against my car and imagining I will tip it (hasn't happened yet :wacky:). Pacing or fast movement doesn't help me, but exerting some force does. Compression sometimes helps too (wrapping myself up tight in a jersey blanket, squeezing my arms). It's a flood of fight-flight energy perhaps and I'd really LOVE some valium but have had to work through without. I have some meltdowns (lower tone but drag out longer than panic attacks) but honestly haven't had a true panic attack for a long time.

Hopefully your doc will help you find what is safe and manageable for you. Good luck!! I know med changes are stressful.

 

[Casey_03]

I just started taking Remeron about three weeks ago and there were some super intense side effects for the first week or two. Scary side effects, like dissociation, suicidal ideation, derealization and depersonalization. I felt completely removed from reality for about a week, stuck in some bizarre trance where I was watching myself from the outside. Fortunately, that has gone away for me, and that seems to be a rare side effect.

Also, Remeron wil definitely bring back your appetite -- it has made me need to eat almost an entire meal every hour. I've been eating like a pregnant woman.

 

[Smile]

Uhm I think Remeron was 40 or 60 at the max, but I started at 15. Does that sound right?

Yup, 15 to start. I refuse to go higher. My goal is to be drug free... The sooner the better (hopefully that won't lead to a complete breakdown )

@Chava , I'm glad those things work for you. I've been working on my breathing, meditation, very beginner mindfulness and that seems to be helping :-)

I know how badly it sucks to not have meds as a backup but with the torture that these meds have put me through, I think the way you're doing it is better for you in the long run. No?

@Casey_03 , thanks for your feedback. I am so sorry you've had these side effects :( but glad they're over :-) do you feel like it's working for you now?

I am grateful. it's been over a week now and no side effects that I can tell :-)

 

[Chava]

I think the way you're doing it is better for you in the long run. No?

Well, for me I know it is. I'd likely make really bad decisions on stuff like Xanax....like allow myself extra cigarettes and coffee and if that tips me over the edge into panic I could just take a Xanax. I have to do lots of non-med things to keep panic under control and that actually helps me feel personally more in control.