Posted by Matt on February 3, 1999, at 3:55:52
In reply to Zantac for Remeron weight gain, posted by Toby on February 2, 1999, at 8:49:04
> New info from psychopharm guru Stephen Stahl, MD says that if a person is gaining weight from Remeron and increasing the dose to therapeutic level (30-45 mg) doesn't reverse it, Zantac or Pepcid may help. He says that Remeron has a tendency to increase stomach acid; not usually to ulcer level, but enough to make a person feel constantly hungry. If constant hunger is the problem and not a particular craving, he recommends Zantac 150 mg at bedtime taken with the Remeron and 150 mg first thing in the morning and this usually lowers the acid enough to reverse this effect. He says Pepcid can also be used, but he has more experience with the Zantac. You can use the over-the-counter kind although it may end up being expensive. If your doctor prescribes it and you have insurance, it will pay for it. He does not recommned Tagamet because Tagamet has been shown to cause depression and you don't want to go back down the road you just came from. Hope this helps.
Interesting-- one question, though. Can't antacids interfere with the absorption of the medicine?
Most everyone I've talked to on Remeron has experienced general food cravings, and I myself have noticed an increase in the amount of my antacid use w/ Remeron.
Matt
poster:Matt
thread:2782
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/2812.html