Ella
4 post s
2-Oct-2008
1:08 AM
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I am presently taking 10 mgs Requip a day and 4 levo/carbo 100/25 mgs a day, plus 75 mgs of Effexor XR a day taken during the afternoon. I still have problems with getting a nights sleep so have decided to try Remeron which has sedating effects. What is the best way to change from one antidepressant to another. My Dr. tells me to take 37.5 mgs of Effexor Xr for one week and then everyother day for one week. Wait 2 days and start the Remeron. I do get concerned about anxiety and panic attacks which I have had in the past. Is it a bad idea to start the Remeron before I have finished the Effexor?
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ConnieD
316 post s
3-Oct-2008
8:35 PM
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Hey Ella, I posted to you a while back in the Requip XL post below hoping to hear from you (would you like to email?) donalddouglas at comcast dot net. You were asking about the baclofen... are you still having much dystonia problems? I'm at 10 mg 3xday now and it is helping, but not as much as I envisioned it would and I'm having some jello/weak leg issues now too which may be from the med more than anything else. The cramps aren't as intense, but still happening at the same frequency and locations (feet and hands mostly). I'm sorry about the anxiety issues- I do have them mildly while driving (ha!) but was on antidepressants/anxiety meds for almost 4 years as treatment for a condition I didn't have- so I just found they weren't that helpful with my sleeping- so I asked myself why keep doing them. I think docs like to push the anxiety meds quite a bit (sadly) but trying to keep physically active and trying natural remedies- herbal teas at bedtime, kava root- things like that to help relax me for sleep are working pretty well. I did try Ambien for a while much early on with my symptoms, it worked well but I often felt groggy and my doc then didn't want me getting addicted so he pulled me off of it. Lexapro, Elavil, Nortriptyline, Prozac- all had some mild improvement for me, but nothing that made my life earth shattering better- lol! Hang in there- email if you'd like to talk more. (((hugs))) Connie
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Ella
5 post s
5-Oct-2008
5:48 PM
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Connie Did you get my e-mail? I have been dealing with the dystonia problem since before dxs. I had recently reduced my meds and then started with serious dystonia again. At this time I am sticking with the same quantity of meds but rearranging my schedule when I take them. Seems to be working, not perfect but not too bad either. The antidepressant issue I put on hold for a few weeks. October is very busy so I didn't want to mess with the balance at this time. I could picture myself having an anxiety attack while making Thanksgiving dinner or when I go to Toronto for a concert to see Sarah MacLaughlan. I will start to titrate down in a couple of weeks. I am going to try the Remeron after weaning off the Effexor. I have tried going without antidepressants but realized that I was not doing well at all. Anxiety and depression were very evident before dxs.
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ThePharmacist
94 post s
15-Oct-2008
12:28 PM
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I would stick with your dr on the taper and wait to take remeron. The anxiety at this time can be exacerbated by your own anxiety of going off a med and starting a new one. It won't hurt to start it early but, I would stick with what your dr recommended. Have you tried lexapro or celexa yet? This may also be something you may want to mention to your dr. They work on depression and anxiety while helping the pain issue that may also bemoresent in pd patients. Best of health, Mark
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