Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 862018

Shown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep

Posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 8:37:40

I've been taking this for about two years. I tried cutting the dose down below 7.5mg to about 3.5mg, on the well publicized theory that less makes you sleep more, but it did not work for me. Getting to sleep on 7.5mg is no problem, I fall asleep at about 11pm. The problem is waking up too early, sometimes 5am or earlier, though I suppose six hours sleep is adequate for someone my age (56). The problem is at 5am its cold and dark and there is nothing for me to get up and do. What I find is when I wake up I am wide awake and I can't go back to sleep again. Is this the effect of the Mirtazapine (Remeron) and has anyone else got some experience with this level of dosage for insomnia? Without the Remeron I do not sleep, although I have not tested this lately. What is the effect of Remeron on sleep, can anyone enlighten me... Bleauberry? This is Ronaldo of yesteryear, now aka Psyclist due to the inability to retrieve my password. I am manic depressive taking 900mg of Lithium every night at 9.30pm when I also take my Remeron. Generally I am anhedonistic which may account for not having anything worthwhile to do when I wake up so early, and generally not having much to do during the day. Is the anhedonism caused by the Lithium? When I am on a manic phase then it is all systems go. Was on one about 7 or 8 months ago and crashed badly - involuntary hospitalisation, depot injections etc etc. I normally associate insomnia with a manic phase but it seems to hit me whatever phase I'm in. Can anyone take pity on an old man and lend some words of wisdom? Thank you ever so much.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » psyclist

Posted by azalea on November 10, 2008, at 9:19:58

In reply to Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 8:37:40

I believe Remeron helps with sleep due to antihistaminic properties. Same way Benadryl helps with sleep. Have you tried increasing your dose to see if you sleep more than 6 hrs?

Early morning awakening is typically a symptom of depression, in contrast to not needing sleep, a symptom of mania.

> I've been taking this for about two years. I tried cutting the dose down below 7.5mg to about 3.5mg, on the well publicized theory that less makes you sleep more, but it did not work for me. Getting to sleep on 7.5mg is no problem, I fall asleep at about 11pm. The problem is waking up too early, sometimes 5am or earlier, though I suppose six hours sleep is adequate for someone my age (56). The problem is at 5am its cold and dark and there is nothing for me to get up and do. What I find is when I wake up I am wide awake and I can't go back to sleep again. Is this the effect of the Mirtazapine (Remeron) and has anyone else got some experience with this level of dosage for insomnia? Without the Remeron I do not sleep, although I have not tested this lately. What is the effect of Remeron on sleep, can anyone enlighten me... Bleauberry? This is Ronaldo of yesteryear, now aka Psyclist due to the inability to retrieve my password. I am manic depressive taking 900mg of Lithium every night at 9.30pm when I also take my Remeron. Generally I am anhedonistic which may account for not having anything worthwhile to do when I wake up so early, and generally not having much to do during the day. Is the anhedonism caused by the Lithium? When I am on a manic phase then it is all systems go. Was on one about 7 or 8 months ago and crashed badly - involuntary hospitalisation, depot injections etc etc. I normally associate insomnia with a manic phase but it seems to hit me whatever phase I'm in. Can anyone take pity on an old man and lend some words of wisdom? Thank you ever so much.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep ... Azalea

Posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 9:44:10

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » psyclist, posted by azalea on November 10, 2008, at 9:19:58

>"Have you tried increasing your dose to see if you sleep more than 6 hrs?"

Yep, 15mg was no improvement. In fact I think it made things worse.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep ... Azalea » psyclist

Posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2008, at 10:46:25

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep ... Azalea, posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 9:44:10

Hey long time no see. I go to bed late still wake early have tried remeron with benzos didn't work. Still taking small dose of valium at5-6 am. I've never been a morning person. I think I still have your e-mail? Love Phillipa

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep ... Azalea

Posted by desolationrower on November 10, 2008, at 16:56:04

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep ... Azalea » psyclist, posted by Phillipa on November 10, 2008, at 10:46:25

I think you might just want tot try an antihistamine with a longer half-life.
-D/R

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » psyclist

Posted by bleauberry on November 10, 2008, at 17:07:53

In reply to Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 8:37:40

Lithium and andedonistic? I would tend to agree with that. Some people respond well to lithium, but I have heard many talk about its flat effect. When someone has experience the highs of mania or hypomania, the flat effect can seem even more intense than it actually is.

I wonder if you could get by with a lower dose of lithium? I wonder if you could get by with a lower dose of and add in a smidgen of lamictal? With the history of mania that you have experienced, remaining stable is the most important goal. Treating anhedonia is a second goal, but the goal of stability takes priority.

You could try reducing remeron to 3.5mg, but add in 12.5mg to 25mg of seroquel? Maybe take 3.5mg twice...once before bed, once if/when you briefly stir awake?

For both anhedonia and sleep maybe something like low dose nortriptyline or amitriptyline?

Who knows, maybe the days of remeron are gone for you and it is time to find a replacement?

Just some ideas to ponder.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep

Posted by mbluett on November 11, 2008, at 13:25:54

In reply to Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by psyclist on November 10, 2008, at 8:37:40

> I've been taking this for about two years. I tried cutting the dose down below 7.5mg to about 3.5mg, on the well publicized theory that less makes you sleep more, but it did not work for me. Getting to sleep on 7.5mg is no problem, I fall asleep at about 11pm. The problem is waking up too early, sometimes 5am or earlier, though I suppose six hours sleep is adequate for someone my age (56). The problem is at 5am its cold and dark and there is nothing for me to get up and do. What I find is when I wake up I am wide awake and I can't go back to sleep again. Is this the effect of the Mirtazapine (Remeron) and has anyone else got some experience with this level of dosage for insomnia? Without the Remeron I do not sleep, although I have not tested this lately. What is the effect of Remeron on sleep, can anyone enlighten me... Bleauberry? This is Ronaldo of yesteryear, now aka Psyclist due to the inability to retrieve my password. I am manic depressive taking 900mg of Lithium every night at 9.30pm when I also take my Remeron. Generally I am anhedonistic which may account for not having anything worthwhile to do when I wake up so early, and generally not having much to do during the day. Is the anhedonism caused by the Lithium? When I am on a manic phase then it is all systems go. Was on one about 7 or 8 months ago and crashed badly - involuntary hospitalisation, depot injections etc etc. I normally associate insomnia with a manic phase but it seems to hit me whatever phase I'm in. Can anyone take pity on an old man and lend some words of wisdom? Thank you ever so much.

I would highly recommend Xyrem. I have tried most of the psychotropics available today and haven't had anything like the kind of effect that I get with Xyrem (GHB). GHB is not the demon that it has been portrayed as.

It lifts my mood, eliminates my anxiety plus any paranoia and makes me sleep really well. The only downside to it is the twice nightly dosing. I take 4.5g before bed and sleep for about 4 hours, then I take another 4.5g and sleep another 4 hours. I wake up feeling refreshed and in a good mood with absolutely no hangover.

If you are bipolar then I think it would be wise to be on Lithium or Lamictal. I used to use Lamictal but no longer require it as my moods just even out as my sleep patterns normalized. Personally I think most psychiatric conditions stem from inefficient sleep.

Anyway, from someone who has used many pharmaceutical cocktails looking for the perfect mood formula, I rate GHB/Xyrem the best substance I have ever used for improving my outlook on life and myself. It would have a huge impact on your anhedonia. This was something I used to experience myself.

All the the best.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » mbluett

Posted by desolationrower on November 11, 2008, at 14:31:24

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by mbluett on November 11, 2008, at 13:25:54

Sh*t is also impossible to get prescribed.

Used to be able to buy it at the health food store.

-D/R

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep

Posted by mbluett on November 11, 2008, at 15:05:42

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » mbluett, posted by desolationrower on November 11, 2008, at 14:31:24

> Sh*t is also impossible to get prescribed.
>
> Used to be able to buy it at the health food store.
>
> -D/R

Everything is possible.

Here's my rant if you're up for read.

Why do you think the government (FDA) took it under it's wing....They saw the money making potential of the product, as it is not at all as dangerous as they made out whilst they were hijacking the market. Just a marketing stunt and a hostile takeover of a natural product. A very good product at that.

Soon, the induction of feeling good won't be demonized either and that is where the availability of Xyrem will increase.

GHB is much more effective at treating other ailments other than the ones being used to market the drug at the moment. Pharmaceutical companies know this, as well as the product's other benefits.

Anyway, back to the point. Jazz Pharmaceuticals now want to sell their product. They wouldn't want a product that was impossible to obtain. So, find a doctor that specializes in cataplexy or narcolepsy and pick your diagnosis. A good quality pharmaceutical grade GHB (sodium oxybate) is now at your disposal, albeit more expensive.

Anyway, it's worth finding. This is where pharmaceuticals meet fun!

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep

Posted by desolationrower on November 11, 2008, at 15:31:43

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by mbluett on November 11, 2008, at 15:05:42

hm, i think it is more in line with the rest of the War on Drugs - lots of people are scared by other people experiencing things. Feeling good is bad.
-D/R

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » mbluett

Posted by psyclist on November 11, 2008, at 16:05:51

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep, posted by mbluett on November 11, 2008, at 13:25:54


> I would highly recommend Xyrem. I have tried most of the psychotropics available today and haven't had anything like the kind of effect that I get with Xyrem (GHB). GHB is not the demon that it has been portrayed as.
>
> It lifts my mood, eliminates my anxiety plus any paranoia and makes me sleep really well. The only downside to it is the twice nightly dosing. I take 4.5g before bed and sleep for about 4 hours, then I take another 4.5g and sleep another 4 hours. I wake up feeling refreshed and in a good mood with absolutely no hangover.
>
> If you are bipolar then I think it would be wise to be on Lithium or Lamictal. I used to use Lamictal but no longer require it as my moods just even out as my sleep patterns normalized. Personally I think most psychiatric conditions stem from inefficient sleep.
>
> Anyway, from someone who has used many pharmaceutical cocktails looking for the perfect mood formula, I rate GHB/Xyrem the best substance I have ever used for improving my outlook on life and myself. It would have a huge impact on your anhedonia. This was something I used to experience myself.
>
> All the the best.

Thanks for that mbluett. How do you get your GHB? From the pharmacy via a Rx from your doc? I'm in the UK and don't know what the position is here with GHB/Xyrem. I will make enquiries. Sounds like a miracle drug.

 

Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep

Posted by Sigismund on November 11, 2008, at 17:38:06

In reply to Re: Mirtazapine 7.5mg for sleep » mbluett, posted by psyclist on November 11, 2008, at 16:05:51

>Soon, the induction of feeling good won't be demonized either and that is where the availability of Xyrem will increase.

Good luck


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