Can you combine NaSSAs and SSRIs - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

DaVinci2 · 10-01-2009, 09:50 AM

Currently, before bed I take
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 7mg
Alprazolam (Xanax) 1.6mg
Amoban (Generic name - Zopiclone) 15mg
Lorazepam 1mg

I take these all before I go to bed (Well, an hour or 2 before I go to bed). 2 years ago it was because of severe panic disorders and insomnia. The panic disorders went away with the exception of a few that happen when I get stressed out, but can usually bring them under control with meds.

The above medication used to be higher doses and twice a day for some of them. NOW, I deal with insomnia (Likely due to severe stress that I'm trying to get under control) but also another problem. I wake up in the morning, after 8 or 9 hours sleep...and I don't feel like doing anything (Physically I mean, I'm still tired). If I go back to bed and sleep another 3 hours, I wake up fine and can get on with my day.

Long story short, my doctor today prescribed me Mirtazapine 15mg
This was just allowed into Japan September 2009. Japan is a difficult country to get this kind of medication in. They do studies like crazy...but still, I can't help feel my doctor still doesn't quite know what he's doing with this medicine (As it's new).

The basic question I have is IS IT SAFE to have both the Mirtazapine and other meds (Fluvoxamine being a type of SSRI)

And...if anyone HAS had experience with this medicine, has it proven to help you get through your day, physically?

MCake · 10-01-2009, 11:55 AM

Okay, I don't think my answer qualifies as offering medical advice, as your doctor has already prescribed the mirtazapine. Having said that, you should really voice your concerns to him/her, as it's extremely important to fully trust your doctor's advice.

My experience: Under my doctor's supervision, I've safely used mirtazapine (Remeron), both alone and in combination with other meds (including SSRIs), with excellent results. It definitely helps straighten out my sleeping patterns, along with my anxiety and depression.

Again, you should really let your doctor know about your concerns. I hope this combination works for you... good luck

WantToHeal · 10-01-2009, 04:02 PM

Not trying to offer medical advice...Remeron is frequently used to augment SSRIs that aren't quite doing the job. My doctor has discussed it in the context of SSRIs I've taken.

It is also prescribed for sleep.

Whether it's right for you, though, is another matter. Like mattcake said, if you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

Be well!

DaVinci2 · 10-01-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lavash

I would suggest calling any pharmacist. They will glady help you.
They know more about meds than any doc

Unfortunately, it doesn't work quite the same in Japan. The doctors are the ones with all the information and the pharmacists are in the clinic dispensing the medicine. Any question I have is referred to the doctor.

I've had great experience with this doctor and he insures me it's perfectly fine. However, with Japan being very late in many areas of medicine with their strict FDA laws, I sometimes question how much ANY doctor/pharmacist knows in Japan.

While I understand my doctors advice is the only advice that is medically based, I do appreciate everyone's input.

***Morning Glory*** · 10-01-2009, 11:07 PM

Have you been tested for sleep apnea or a low thyroid?

I'm glad you're doing better with your anxiety.

DaVinci2 · 10-02-2009, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morning Glory

Have you been tested for sleep apnea or a low thyroid?

I'm glad you're doing better with your anxiety.

By Japanese standards my thyroid is fine. Take the same test back home and I would be on medicine for it.

Sleep apnea, no. I haven't been tested. In order to get off the drugs I'm on now my doctor has suggested I go to a facility (Near my place) that specializes in sleep disorders and does a 3 day (On campus) test. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to go because of work. It's about 300USD for the 3 days, so not expensive. It's just work is keeping from going...

DonneIslanding · 10-02-2009, 07:41 AM

DaVinci2, are you able to see a different doctor in order to get a second opinion?

If you feel uneasy with what your current doctor is prescribing for you, it's worth a shot.

DaVinci2 · 10-02-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonneIslanding

DaVinci2, are you able to see a different doctor in order to get a second opinion?

If you feel uneasy with what your current doctor is prescribing for you, it's worth a shot.

Over the last 6 years or so I've been to many doctors. The doctor I have now is the best I've ever had. I have a problem with trust with all doctors really. It's just part of my anxiety I suppose.

reader · 10-05-2009, 06:59 AM

I would question taking both xanax and lorazapam since they both are from the same family and highly addictive. When I took xanax I was told it was a short term med. until my effexor kicked in from 2 - 4 weeks, not a long term solution. Time to talk to a different Dr. if u ask me

10-01-2009, 09:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
DaVinci2 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Japan Posts: 219	Can you combine NaSSAs and SSRIs Currently, before bed I take Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 7mg Alprazolam (Xanax) 1.6mg Amoban (Generic name - Zopiclone) 15mg Lorazepam 1mg I take these all before I go to bed (Well, an hour or 2 before I go to bed). 2 years ago it was because of severe panic disorders and insomnia. The panic disorders went away with the exception of a few that happen when I get stressed out, but can usually bring them under control with meds. The above medication used to be higher doses and twice a day for some of them. NOW, I deal with insomnia (Likely due to severe stress that I'm trying to get under control) but also another problem. I wake up in the morning, after 8 or 9 hours sleep...and I don't feel like doing anything (Physically I mean, I'm still tired). If I go back to bed and sleep another 3 hours, I wake up fine and can get on with my day. Long story short, my doctor today prescribed me Mirtazapine 15mg This was just allowed into Japan September 2009. Japan is a difficult country to get this kind of medication in. They do studies like crazy...but still, I can't help feel my doctor still doesn't quite know what he's doing with this medicine (As it's new). The basic question I have is IS IT SAFE to have both the Mirtazapine and other meds (Fluvoxamine being a type of SSRI) And...if anyone HAS had experience with this medicine, has it proven to help you get through your day, physically? __________________ Currently, before bed I take Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 7mg Alprazolam (Xanax) 1.6mg Amoban (Generic name - Zopiclone) 15mg Lorazepam 1mg

10-01-2009, 11:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
MCake Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,261 Blog Entries: 8	Okay, I don't think my answer qualifies as offering medical advice, as your doctor has already prescribed the mirtazapine. Having said that, you should really voice your concerns to him/her, as it's extremely important to fully trust your doctor's advice. My experience: Under my doctor's supervision, I've safely used mirtazapine (Remeron), both alone and in combination with other meds (including SSRIs), with excellent results. It definitely helps straighten out my sleeping patterns, along with my anxiety and depression. Again, you should really let your doctor know about your concerns. I hope this combination works for you... good luck __________________ *Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go. ~ Author Unknown*

10-01-2009, 04:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
WantToHeal One Foot in Front of the Other Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 242	Not trying to offer medical advice...Remeron is frequently used to augment SSRIs that aren't quite doing the job. My doctor has discussed it in the context of SSRIs I've taken. It is also prescribed for sleep. Whether it's right for you, though, is another matter. Like mattcake said, if you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor. Be well! __________________ "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." ~Edmund Burke Sobriety Date: 1/2/2012

10-01-2009, 11:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Morning Glory* Administrator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: CA Posts: 9,968 Blog Entries: 2	Have you been tested for sleep apnea or a low thyroid? I'm glad you're doing better with your anxiety. __________________ “Come to the edge.” “We can't. We're afraid.” “Come to the edge.” “We can't. We will fall!” “Come to the edge.” And they came. And he pushed them. And they flew. Guillaume Apollinaire, 1880-1918

10-05-2009, 06:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
reader Alcohol is a cruel mistress!!! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: crownpoint newyork Posts: 814	I would question taking both xanax and lorazapam since they both are from the same family and highly addictive. When I took xanax I was told it was a short term med. until my effexor kicked in from 2 - 4 weeks, not a long term solution. Time to talk to a different Dr. if u ask me __________________ Kerry __________Don't Tread On Me______________________ To Thine Own Self Be True!!!!

10-02-2009, 07:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
DonneIslanding Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 66	DaVinci2, are you able to see a different doctor in order to get a second opinion? If you feel uneasy with what your current doctor is prescribing for you, it's worth a shot.

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