Hi,
I started on 20mg of Prozac two months ago for prostatitis-induced depression. After a month the dosage was upped to 40mg by the shrink apparently because this is "common practice".
On the initial 20mg dosage I saw some benefits, slightly elevated mood etc. But after a week on the higher 40mg dose I noticed my hands were shaking a bit (ie. could not hold them perfectly still), I got dilated pupils, I started feeling more foggy than before etc. It's now a month since I started on 40mg and am thinking of at least going back down to 20mg and eventually quitting Prozac - I'll talk to my doc about this as soon as I can get hold of her..
I'm very interested in Mirtazapine as one of my main problems is not sleeping very well (I had this before Prozac, it didn't have any effect on this), and I've noticed that a good night's sleep tends to help most. Has anyone gone through this same process and would you recommend the switch?
Thanks!
Antidepressants: Prozac, Mirtazapine
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cr2
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Antidepressants: Prozac, Mirtazapine
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theman
A few years ago I got bad blood poisoning from a zucchini(long story). I lost my appetite and could not sleep. Started twitching all over and my doc tells me I MIGHT have ALS. Not something you want to tell someone to get them to eat and sleep. After a visit to the Neuro he said I was all jacked up from the blood poisoning and not ALS.
He prescribed Remeron (MIRTAZAPINE) so I would sleep and eat and WOW did it ever work. I was eating everything in the house, I never ate breakfast in my life but now I was eating 2 bowls of cereal in the morning and sleeping like a baby. Gained 20 pounds in just a few months.
If you are looking for a good nights sleep, that stuff worked for me. But you must consider the other side effects like eating. When I stopped taking it I had no desire to eat breakfast anymore.
He prescribed Remeron (MIRTAZAPINE) so I would sleep and eat and WOW did it ever work. I was eating everything in the house, I never ate breakfast in my life but now I was eating 2 bowls of cereal in the morning and sleeping like a baby. Gained 20 pounds in just a few months.
If you are looking for a good nights sleep, that stuff worked for me. But you must consider the other side effects like eating. When I stopped taking it I had no desire to eat breakfast anymore.
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Richard.N
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Certainly does seem to make you eat more. Not sure if it is a metabolic thing or just that it makes you less stressed out and therefore more able to eat normally.But you must consider the other side effects like eating
I was a bit under weight so it has been great for me.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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cr2
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Hi again,
After doing a bit of research, it seems that Remeron is the best bet considering that it seems to be one of the only antidepressants that also regulate the functioning of the HPA-axis which in turn regulates the levels of cortisol (or stress hormones). If ones prostate problems are influenced by bracing, anxiety, being stuck in flight-or-fight mode - and hence by a malfunctioning of the HPA-axis through releasing too much cortisol - this could be a key element in getting the right treatment.
Given that Prozac does, as far as I know, nothing about regulating the stress hormone and hence the underlying cause of the depression, it most likely is nowhere near as effective eg. Remeron.
Anyone given this any thought or know of any other drugs that work also on the stress hormones?
After doing a bit of research, it seems that Remeron is the best bet considering that it seems to be one of the only antidepressants that also regulate the functioning of the HPA-axis which in turn regulates the levels of cortisol (or stress hormones). If ones prostate problems are influenced by bracing, anxiety, being stuck in flight-or-fight mode - and hence by a malfunctioning of the HPA-axis through releasing too much cortisol - this could be a key element in getting the right treatment.
Given that Prozac does, as far as I know, nothing about regulating the stress hormone and hence the underlying cause of the depression, it most likely is nowhere near as effective eg. Remeron.
Anyone given this any thought or know of any other drugs that work also on the stress hormones?
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Richard.N
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Do a search on this site for Hodologica's posts. That guy thoroughly researched this not so long back.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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cr2
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You mean this: viewtopic.php?t=505?
I recall reading that sometime ago and the fact that it helps one sleep better (I have a problem where I don't sleep very deeply or wake up early - not falling asleep) is the reason why I am interested in Remeron. Also the fact that it helps with ones appetite is another reason as I've lost quite a bit of weight in the past months due to this.
But what interests me now about Remeron is the fact that it apparently lowers ones cortisol levels. And my symptoms (both pelvic tension and now my head) seem to correlate with cortisol levels, ie. worse in the morning and the best in the late evening. Might be stating the obvious, and Remeron might not do anything about it, but at least I could finally sleep all night and eat well all day long.
I recall reading that sometime ago and the fact that it helps one sleep better (I have a problem where I don't sleep very deeply or wake up early - not falling asleep) is the reason why I am interested in Remeron. Also the fact that it helps with ones appetite is another reason as I've lost quite a bit of weight in the past months due to this.
But what interests me now about Remeron is the fact that it apparently lowers ones cortisol levels. And my symptoms (both pelvic tension and now my head) seem to correlate with cortisol levels, ie. worse in the morning and the best in the late evening. Might be stating the obvious, and Remeron might not do anything about it, but at least I could finally sleep all night and eat well all day long.
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Richard.N
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It certainly helped/helps me. Probably due to cortisol management. I'm on 15mg a night and haven't looked back.
I have to be particularly disturbed/distressed/stressed not to sleep pretty well. This is a big help for anyone. Plus I've only had two instances of nocturia since I've been on it (well 18 months).
Also helped me put on weight. I'm 6' and about 11.5 stone - which is about right. I finally have a bit of padding which I'm sure is a lot healthier than being underweight. Also cushions the perineal area a bit when I'm sat down!
They recently changed the format to orodispesible tablets - so now it tastes nice too
Perhaps contradictingly it also now contains aspartame, but I'm sure the overall effect outweighs that.
I have to be particularly disturbed/distressed/stressed not to sleep pretty well. This is a big help for anyone. Plus I've only had two instances of nocturia since I've been on it (well 18 months).
Also helped me put on weight. I'm 6' and about 11.5 stone - which is about right. I finally have a bit of padding which I'm sure is a lot healthier than being underweight. Also cushions the perineal area a bit when I'm sat down!
They recently changed the format to orodispesible tablets - so now it tastes nice too
Perhaps contradictingly it also now contains aspartame, but I'm sure the overall effect outweighs that.Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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cr2
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Saw a GP today and he put me on 20mg of citalopram / Celexa. I did challenge him about this and suggested Zispin / Remeron but apparently citalopram is "better" for me, despite my bad sleep and low appetite. Just wondering whether I should seek specialist opinion on this rather than spend another month or two in a cloud not being able to do much else than stay indoors.
Anyone have positive experiences with citalopram going from Prozac? I'm just curious as to whether it is different enough from Prozac to make much of a difference.
Thanks.
Anyone have positive experiences with citalopram going from Prozac? I'm just curious as to whether it is different enough from Prozac to make much of a difference.
Thanks.
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treynor33
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I went from Prozac to Celexa and it was horrible...within hours I was sexually DONE!! And my sleep was so messed up for three nights I couldn't take it anymore.
My main problem is sleeping and so far I have tried, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft. Each of them made my sleeping problem worse. Every person reacts differently to these. I am currenlty on Buspar for anxiety and although it doens't carry the side effects, it hasn't helped my sleep either in 3 weeks.
Actually I was watching this thread intently as I too want to try the Remeron...worth a shot, anything to sleep consistently.
My main problem is sleeping and so far I have tried, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft. Each of them made my sleeping problem worse. Every person reacts differently to these. I am currenlty on Buspar for anxiety and although it doens't carry the side effects, it hasn't helped my sleep either in 3 weeks.
Actually I was watching this thread intently as I too want to try the Remeron...worth a shot, anything to sleep consistently.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
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Richard.N
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Hmmmmm. I wonder if that's because Mirtazipine (Zispin/Rem) is relatively expensive?Saw a GP today and he put me on 20mg of citalopram / Celexa. I did challenge him about this and suggested Zispin / Remeron but apparently citalopram is "better" for me, despite my bad sleep and low appetite.
For instance, my GP will only do a 1 month repeat prescription for Xatral because it's so pricey. The annoying thing is I have an NHS pre-payment card, so I pay a flat annual rate. It just means I have the hassle of getting the presription and having it dispensed etc.
I can't comment on Citalopram as I haven't been on it, but I did try Prozac once and it was a nightmare. I couldn't sleep and it made me even more anxious. Maybe Citalopram has some of the usual SSRI kinks fixed? I know someone who swears by it for chronic pain relief - which is a plus.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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treynor33
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I looked into the pricing of these on the internet since it is an issue with my medical facility too. Actually Remeron is cheaper than Celexa on the sites I visited.
What I hate is the doctors tell you to try this one! And then it is 2-3 weeks of hell waiting for the side effects to subside and actually help you, which in my case they never did. I couldn't even take the Celexa for more than the 3 days.
What I hate is the doctors tell you to try this one! And then it is 2-3 weeks of hell waiting for the side effects to subside and actually help you, which in my case they never did. I couldn't even take the Celexa for more than the 3 days.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
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Richard.N
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Buspar is an interesting one:
"Buspirone is thought to enhance the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, and to reduce the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and acetylcholine in the brain."
"Buspirone is thought to enhance the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, and to reduce the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and acetylcholine in the brain."
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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cr2
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After looking around a bit with Google, Celexa doesn't seem all that bad on paper. Seems to be about as effective as Remeron while being as well tolerated, too bad it takes a couple of weeks to kick in to see effects.
Then again, I would've still preferred Remeron due to its documented sleep and appetite enhancing as well as cortisol-reducing effects.
I'll see how this works. If I hit another dead end, I'll suggest Remeron to the doc again..
Then again, I would've still preferred Remeron due to its documented sleep and appetite enhancing as well as cortisol-reducing effects.
I'll see how this works. If I hit another dead end, I'll suggest Remeron to the doc again..
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Richard.N
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Oh, totally! Prozac was carnage. When I tried Elavil I just slept really heavily but stopped it because of the strong anticholinergic effect - retention/constipation. With Mirtazipine (Zispin/Remeron) I just felt a bit odd for a day or twoWhat I hate is the doctors tell you to try this one! And then it is 2-3 weeks of hell waiting for the side effects to subside and actually help you, which in my case they never did. I couldn't even take the Celexa for more than the 3 days.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
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Richard.N
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I'm sure it'll be fine. Let us know how you get on. When are you taking the first dose?Celexa doesn't seem all that bad on paper. Seems to be about as effective as Remeron while being as well tolerated, too bad it takes a couple of weeks to kick in to see effects.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.