A few years ago I was doing well on cymbalta/wellbutrin combo. Worst mistake I ever made was to do a sleep study, because I had to come off AD to get accurate reading. After that I went into a tailspin, of the worst anxiety and depression I ever had. My doctor put me on remeron for sleep/anxiety and depression. I feel better, but still have good and bad days. He said with my sleep issues, I should give remeron a chance, and back to back studies resulted in remeron being more effective in both anxiety and depression. He feels that even though I did well back then, the remeron is a much faster and more effective AD. Has anyone been on both to compare? I have an appointment in three weeks, and although I am not 100% I am so scared to switch for fear of that tailspin again. Thoughts???
Depression - Has anyone been on cymbalta AND/or remeron for depression and anxiety?
- Posted:
- 25 May 2012 by haley4540
- Topics:
- cymbalta, remeron, wellbutrin, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Responses (3)
pledge25 May 2012
Hello haley4540. I have answered one of your previous questions and I do understand your worries and concerns. Depression is draining. Remeron would be the antidepressant. Cymbalta would be my choice for anxiety. I know I have said this earlier, previously but Mirtazapine/Remeron is not perscribed for anxiety. Be it GAD, panic attacks it wasn't manufactured for that purpose. If you find it helps,and it works for you continue taking it as perscribed by your doctor. I'm afraid I don't have any other suggestion aside from a different combination of drugs but that was not your question. Regards, pledge
Anonymous 25 May 2012
Hi Haley,
I am bipolar type 2 with major depressive episodes and have been in a whole bunch of this country's looney bins. When I started Cymbalta I turned into a functional human again. But I will say I took other psych meds along with Cymbalta. The most important one being Klonopin. Klonopin or clonazepam is a long acting tranquilizer used mainly in psychiatry for the treatment of GAD, panic attacks and it has some mood stabilizing effects, probably cuz you're not so freaked out all the time. I also was taking Depakote for the mood stabilizing properties until I just recently had a gawd awful allergic reacgion that nearly killed me. FYI, I got sick at the age of 13 and now at 56, in the whole life adventure, I must have been on every psych med ever thought of at one time or another. Different drugs worked at different times in my life. It, my life, has been a trip, but now I am very settled a happy most of the time.
haley4540
26 May 2012
Thank you so much for your response. It's terrible living under that black hole depression and that sudden anxiety that overcomes you.
I am so glad that you found that right combo. I NEVER leave my house without klonopin, and I find it works similar to feeling a headache coming on. If I take the klonopin AS the anxiety starts it's under control similar to taking aspiring with an oncoming headache. Once it's full-blown, nothing helps.
endlessPred26 May 2012
Hello. I have a friend who was on remeron since mid teens. It controlled anxiety and depression during that period. As she got older, she was switched to cymbalta. Anxiety is not always as well controlled, but depression remains under control. Then again she is in her twenties and since she cant go out and take the medication she skips it sometimes. Then she gets really anxious. The key to both of these meds is to take it on time and never skip a pill or take off schedule. Since anxiety can be helped with behavioral therapy, it is a great idea to pursue a qualified anxiety therapist.
The weight gain on remeron was small. But that is due to wisdom in eating. Good eating habits are important. I find it odd how many people will blame something rather than take responsibility for what they put in their mouths. If you are responsible, you need not worry about that part. Maybe ten pounds. Since it sheds easily it seems to be mostly water weight.
haley4540
26 May 2012
I would take on 10 lbs in a heartbeat to rid myself of this depression/anxiety.
I love my therapist. and am going on a weekly basis, but sometimes I just can't talk myself out of that anxiety. It does help tremendously though. Thanks so much for your response.
endlessPred
26 May 2012
Sounds like you are on the way to a lot more happiness and a lot less unhappiness. I think you can do this and that you will be fine. Maybe not perfect, but then who is? lol. Take care, Karen
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Pledge, yes I am sorry that I keep asking the same question over and over. I am so excited when I have a "good day" and then the next few days are plagued with anxiety and or depression.
I AM interested to hear your medicine combo suggestion. Thanks!
I was on Cymbalta for close to a year and a half for anxiety. 60mg, went up to 90 mg for a short spell. Had a very late severe reaction and I dropped it and as I mentioned earlier in another response/answer went on Paxil/Paroxetine for my anxiety. I have been taking the Remeron concurrently while on Cymbalta, as I do now in my taking Paxil. In my case Remeron was not perscribed for anxiety.
Thank you, pledge. Really appreciate the time you have put into answering my questions. Hope to do the same for others once I beat this thing!!
Hello Haley. There are many combinations of anxiety/depression drugs. In regards to the Remeron/Paxil weight gain is a curse. Both drugs are brutal (I mean it) for weight gain. I would go to what worked before? Why not or is it that your anixty levels are running to high or you need the Remeron besides an antidepressant to help your sleeping. I am going to shut down shortly, will be back on line tomorrow and will list a few combinations. Hopefully some of the members might give you thier opinion(s)
Hello haley. I think that you might do well a cyclic antidepressant. Imipramine (Tofranil) is perscribed for anxiety and major depression. Its an older drug but might be just helpfull. Tofranil has its side effects. Weight gain is the most common. I hope you have a fine weekend.