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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by karen on February 17, 1999, at 1:38:34
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Michael on February 1, 1999, at 13:19:58
> >I've had the exact same reaction when startled by something. I get exteme dizziness and my body completly shakes for a couple of seconds. It almost feels like I'm going into a minor convulsion. Wondering if anyone else has any simialr experiences on Remeron.ive been on 30mg for a week now, and the same thing is already happening to me: if i get startled- i literally jump out of my seat. its very odd. but the sedating effect is wearing off as the days go by. i wish i wasnt so jumpy though. any little sound sets me off. what a weird side effect.
Posted by Gary on February 17, 1999, at 19:00:42
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
> Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
Posted by Pat on February 18, 1999, at 18:58:27
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Gary on February 17, 1999, at 19:00:42
> > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
>
>
> Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
I've been on remeron for about a month and have gained over five pounds. My question is, is it possible that the weight will be lost after adjusting to the medicine. I don't want to take a higher dose, since I'm doing well on the lower one. Any experience with losing the weight?
Posted by Janis on February 19, 1999, at 12:36:05
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Pat on February 18, 1999, at 18:58:27
> > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> >
> >
> > Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
> I've been on remeron for about a month and have gained over five pounds. My question is, is it possible that the weight will be lost after adjusting to the medicine. I don't want to take a higher dose, since I'm doing well on the lower one. Any experience with losing the weight?I am going to start on remeron in about a week. My dose is 15mg. I will let you know what happens!
Posted by Pat Lucas on February 19, 1999, at 18:28:09
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Janis on February 19, 1999, at 12:36:05
> > > If anyone wants to correspond about their experience with this drug, e mail me at PLucas119@aol.com.
Posted by steve(2) on February 20, 1999, at 8:25:01
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Pat Lucas on February 19, 1999, at 18:28:09
I haven't had much problem with sedation in the year+ I've been taking remeron. I take it before I go to sleep, I'm out, then okay in the morning. The weight gain, on the other had, has been a drag. I've put on 11% body weight, most of it on lower doses, and NOTHING takes it off. I also noticed decreased libido at 37.5mg which I think is fairly rare.
Posted by Matt on February 22, 1999, at 23:31:48
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Pat on February 18, 1999, at 18:58:27
> > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> >
> >
> > Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
> I've been on remeron for about a month and have gained over five pounds. My question is, is it possible that the weight will be lost after adjusting to the medicine. I don't want to take a higher dose, since I'm doing well on the lower one. Any experience with losing the weight?You might want to up the dose and see how you do--the weight loss is less severe at higher doses.
Matt
Posted by Matt on February 22, 1999, at 23:33:16
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Janis on February 19, 1999, at 12:36:05
> > > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> > >
> > >
> > > Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
> > I've been on remeron for about a month and have gained over five pounds. My question is, is it possible that the weight will be lost after adjusting to the medicine. I don't want to take a higher dose, since I'm doing well on the lower one. Any experience with losing the weight?
>
> I am going to start on remeron in about a week. My dose is 15mg. I will let you know what happens!As I just mentioned, I'd suggest starting at 15 and titrating to 30 or 45, because the weight gain is less severe at those dosages.
Matt
Posted by paul on February 24, 1999, at 21:19:12
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Matt on February 22, 1999, at 23:31:48
i have been on this stuff when i was younger,and have had very intense dreams,so intense in fact,
i try to scream out and the words just dont come out.well i just recently started taking it again,and the same dreams come back like before.first my body feels like its getting electrocuted and the whole house shakes,and im half awake when this is happeningis this normal?it is nightly now.
paul
Posted by Matt on February 25, 1999, at 1:50:11
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by paul on February 24, 1999, at 21:19:12
> i have been on this stuff when i was younger,and have had very intense dreams,so intense in fact,
> i try to scream out and the words just dont come out.well i just recently started taking it again,and the same dreams come back like before.first my body feels like its getting electrocuted and the whole house shakes,and im half awake when this is happeningis this normal?it is nightly now.
> paulRemeron gave me funky dreams too. Then again, at 20mg Prozac I dreamed I was being attacked, attempted to plant a sidekick into my adversary, and wound up kicking over a 4x6 bookcase full of books and topped with potted plants. :)
And what mean by "younger"--Remeron was FDA approved in 96. Or are you outside the US?
Matt
Posted by michele on February 26, 1999, at 22:16:22
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by paul on February 24, 1999, at 21:19:12
> i have been on this stuff when i was younger,and have had very intense dreams,so intense in fact,
> i try to scream out and the words just dont come out.well i just recently started taking it again,and the same dreams come back like before.first my body feels like its getting electrocuted and the whole house shakes,and im half awake when this is happeningis this normal?it is nightly now.I am having terrible nightmares on remeron....i thought it was just me...but the sleep is what i am after and so far it is the best ive had for 25 years of insomnia.
> paul
Posted by judy on May 24, 1999, at 7:03:36
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by michele on February 26, 1999, at 22:16:22
New person here..I have hit the 200 lbs mark after taking remeron for almost 2 years. I have never been this heavy in my life! I felt more depressed after adding 15 mg of remeron, zoloft 100 mg from 50 mg and my klonopin was slowly decreased from 30 mg to .05mgs. My doctor said I was addicted to klonopinI had a nervous breakdown when I was 17 years old. At that time my doctors tried to get me to take anti-anxiety medication, but I only took it when I could not handle the nervousness (shakiness) and anxiety. Around age 23 years I had a severe breakdown and was put on valium. I took myself from 100 mg of valium down to 30 mg with my physicians approval.
I am agoraphobic with panic disorder. At 28 years I could not go out into the yard for the paper without a sever anxiety attack and at times loss of consiousness.
I've had extremily vivid dreams in the past several months, frightening and almost life like..more like nightmares where I barely escape. My sex drive is gone and I feel very worthless, fat and I am afraid to be honest with my doctor.
Posted by Eileen on May 24, 1999, at 22:22:29
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by judy on May 24, 1999, at 7:03:36
I'm new, too.
About two weeks ago, my doctor started me on Remeron for recurring depressive episodes -- I've lost three jobs in the last three years because of taking too much time off without advance notice. Previously, I had held the same job for thirteen years! Remeron icreased the sleepiness to the point where last weekend, I did not get out of bed at all! The doctor had advised me that the effects may decrease with an increased dosage, so I went from 30mg to 45mg after the first week. Things only got worse. I had increased somnolence, sensitivity to noise, dizziness everytime I stood, and nausea. And this stuff is supposed to make me feel better!!!
The side effects are worse than my original symptoms. So, now what?P.S. Judy, if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, maybe you should get another one!
Posted by JohnL on May 31, 1999, at 13:49:24
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
> Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
Hi. I was on Remeron, up to 45mg, for 3 months. It is fabulous for anxiety and sleep. Slight hangover in a.m. that goes away with first coffee. However, I noticed by mid-afternoon I was feeling depressed enough that all I wanted to do was go home, take my pill, and go to bed. Next day the cycle started all over, great mornings, bad afternoons, sleep was the only escape. I'm skinny, so a 5lb. weight gain was nothing. After 3 months I realized my primary symptom, apathy, was no better, so I went off the Remeron. Then I discovered a renewed sex life. I had no idea Remeron had blunted my sex life, as it was subtle and slow, but quitting Remeron felt like I was no longer being anesthetized. Great for anxiety/sleep, but not depression...my experience anyway. JohnL.
Posted by michele on May 31, 1999, at 21:35:07
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by JohnL on May 31, 1999, at 13:49:24
> > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
>
> Hi. I was on Remeron, up to 45mg, for 3 months. It is fabulous for anxiety and sleep. Slight hangover in a.m. that goes away with first coffee. However, I noticed by mid-afternoon I was feeling depressed enough that all I wanted to do was go home, take my pill, and go to bed. Next day the cycle started all over, great mornings, bad afternoons, sleep was the only escape. I'm skinny, so a 5lb. weight gain was nothing. After 3 months I realized my primary symptom, apathy, was no better, so I went off the Remeron. Then I discovered a renewed sex life. I had no idea Remeron had blunted my sex life, as it was subtle and slow, but quitting Remeron felt like I was no longer being anesthetized. Great for anxiety/sleep, but not depression...my experience anyway. JohnL.
Posted by michele on May 31, 1999, at 21:47:59
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by JohnL on May 31, 1999, at 13:49:24
> > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
>
> Hi. I was on Remeron, up to 45mg, for 3 months. It is fabulous for anxiety and sleep. Slight hangover in a.m. that goes away with first coffee. However, I noticed by mid-afternoon I was feeling depressed enough that all I wanted to do was go home, take my pill, and go to bed. Next day the cycle started all over, great mornings, bad afternoons, sleep was the only escape. I'm skinny, so a 5lb. weight gain was nothing. After 3 months I realized my primary symptom, apathy, was no better, so I went off the Remeron. Then I discovered a renewed sex life. I had no idea Remeron had blunted my sex life, as it was subtle and slow, but quitting Remeron felt like I was no longer being anesthetized. Great for anxiety/sleep, but not depression...my experience anyway. JohnL.
i have been on remeron 30mg w klonopin 2mg for almost a year now. i have gained 40 lbs. and am still depressed. BUT I SLEEP WONDERFUL! I wondered if anyone has taken anything close to remeron that produced similar sedating effects w/o so much weight gain... i have had no success with deseryl, elavil, tofranil, zyprexa, anafranil, these were all given in massive doses over the years and none were as sedating as remeron. Help! Michele
Posted by Richard on February 7, 2000, at 16:39:30
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by michele on February 26, 1999, at 22:16:22
> > i have been on this stuff when i was younger,and have had very intense dreams,so intense in fact,
> > i try to scream out and the words just dont come out.well i just recently started taking it again,and the same dreams come back like before.first my body feels like its getting electrocuted and the whole house shakes,and im half awake when this is happeningis this normal?it is nightly now.
>
> I am having terrible nightmares on remeron....i thought it was just me...but the sleep is what i am after and so far it is the best ive had for 25 years of insomnia.
> > paul15 mg works well for me for sleep initiation; not so great for sleep maintanence.
Posted by tam on March 1, 2000, at 22:47:48
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by michele on May 31, 1999, at 21:47:59
i was on serzone for awhile and slept much better then on remeron with no risidual hangover in the morning. I had wonderful dreams on it and no anxiety. unfortunately i had itchiness on my face which I didn't like at all. i had to stop. i am a person who has tried everything.
only 2 things have been sucessful for me more than remeron
1) serzone - 100 mgs twice a day in morn and afternoon
2) doctor's choice St. John's wort sedative - 1 300 mgs at night put me out better than any prescription meds but too tired during day
i say serzone was the best, wish i wasn't allergic to it.
also don't forget relaxation therapy at night. close your eyes and listen to calming music and fill your mind with positive thoughts. i think about being able to figure skate fantastically , eventhough i can't skate - sounds hokey but relaxation therapy does help, don't just base
things on medications use both and exercise to maintain balance, i think people focus too much on just meds.email me at eggbert1@sprint.ca if you feel like talking more about this.
goodluck.
Posted by Elizabeth on March 2, 2000, at 16:14:44
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by tam on March 1, 2000, at 22:47:48
> i was on serzone for awhile and slept much better then on remeron with no risidual hangover in the morning. I had wonderful dreams on it and no anxiety. unfortunately i had itchiness on my face which I didn't like at all. i had to stop. i am a person who has tried everything.
>
> only 2 things have been sucessful for me more than remeron
>
> 1) serzone - 100 mgs twice a day in morn and afternoon
>
> 2) doctor's choice St. John's wort sedative - 1 300 mgs at night put me out better than any prescription meds but too tired during day
>
> i say serzone was the best, wish i wasn't allergic to it.
>
> also don't forget relaxation therapy at night. close your eyes and listen to calming music and fill your mind with positive thoughts. i think about being able to figure skate fantastically , eventhough i can't skate - sounds hokey but relaxation therapy does help, don't just base
> things on medications use both and exercise to maintain balance, i think people focus too much on just meds.
>
> email me at eggbert1@sprint.ca if you feel like talking more about this.>
> goodluck.I have been on Remeron just over a week. 15mg. I am having a really hard time getting up in the morning for work. The sedation hangs on most all day. It has not yet conquered all my anxiety and oddly enough when I take a samll amount of Xanax I actually become more alert rather than the opposite which is what I expected. How long would one expect to be on Remeron to get full relief from anxiety? How about a higher dose?
Posted by juniper on March 2, 2000, at 22:56:26
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 2, 2000, at 16:14:44
the grogginess should begin to lesson soon. are you on remeron for anxiety or depression or both? for depression at least, remeron takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks to kick in. oddly enough a higher dosage may make you less sleepy, as this is the effect it has on many people. i don't know why the xanax is making you feel more alert (is this simply more alert in a clear nonanxious way, or does it heighten your anxiety?) though if it is alertness as in clearness it may be because your anxiety was masking this clarity.
were you taking xanax before you began remeron?sorry to throw back more questions than answers....
juniper
Posted by Elizabeth on March 3, 2000, at 12:22:46
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by juniper on March 2, 2000, at 22:56:26
> the grogginess should begin to lesson soon. are you on remeron for anxiety or depression or both? for depression at least, remeron takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks to kick in. oddly enough a higher dosage may make you less sleepy, as this is the effect it has on many people. i don't know why the xanax is making you feel more alert (is this simply more alert in a clear nonanxious way, or does it heighten your anxiety?) though if it is alertness as in clearness it may be because your anxiety was masking this clarity.
> were you taking xanax before you began remeron?
>
> sorry to throw back more questions than answers....
>
> juniperI appreciate your response. I am taking the remeron for anxiety and yes I was taking the xanax before but only on an as needed basis as little as possible. The xanax with the remeron makes me more alert in a calm not at all anxious way. I would love to have all the relief from the anxiety from the remeron as my doc has me scared of getting addicted to the xanax. I actually just spoke with him and he wants me to continue on the 15mg until my next appointment in 10 days. Maybe I just need to be on it a little longer as you suggested. Thanks again.
Posted by Linda on March 5, 2000, at 9:52:25
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 3, 2000, at 12:22:46
I have fibromyalgia and have been taking 7.5 mg. of Remeron at bedtime to help me sleep for the past 3 months. I have tried many antidepressants but have had to quit most due to side effects. I seem to be extremely sensitive to these meds and can only tolerate very low doses if at all. I'm sleeping much better with the Remeron, but since starting it, I have been waking up with headaches almost daily and my tongue is constantly sore. A complete blood count was done recently which revealed no problems. Has anyone had a similar experience with Remeron?
Posted by kazoo on March 8, 2000, at 1:36:37
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by juniper on March 2, 2000, at 22:56:26
> the grogginess should begin to lesson soon. are you on remeron for anxiety or depression or both? for depression at least, remeron takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks to kick in. oddly enough a higher dosage may make you less sleepy, as this is the effect it has on many people. i don't know why the xanax is making you feel more alert (is this simply more alert in a clear nonanxious way, or does it heighten your anxiety?) though if it is alertness as in clearness it may be because your anxiety was masking this clarity.
> were you taking xanax before you began remeron?
>
> sorry to throw back more questions than answers....
>
> juniper
^^^^^^^^^^According to sources, Xanax imparts a small antidepressant effect.
This information might be included in the Abstract found in the PDR.
Posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 2000, at 10:39:35
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by kazoo on March 8, 2000, at 1:36:37
> >Tuesday will mark week three for me on the Remeron and most of the morning grogginess is gone. Is not doing that great of a job for sleep, but not bad either. The small amount of xanax (.25 mg) does still seem to help - but have just been thrown a curve ball with my employer of 15 years deciding to go out of business and now I'm faced with looking for a new job. Thank goodness I landed on the Remeron that seems to handle my anxiety well because interviewing is almost top on my list of anxiety triggers!
Posted by allisonm on March 10, 2000, at 19:26:35
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 2, 2000, at 16:14:44
I have been taking Remeron for two years now for major depression, single episode, moderate. Started at 15 mg, upped to 30, then the maximum of 45. My doctor warned me to start on a weekend because of the sedative effect. I took it on a Friday night and slept most all of Saturday. But I had not slept well for so long, so it was a relief.
I gained some weight, but much more so when my doctor added lithium in October 98. No matter what I did I could not take the weight off.
I found 45 mg most sedating. As I have written before, I would have to be careful when I took it because within half an hour I would get dizzy and groggy and HAVE to go to bed. Alcohol exacerbates this.
Got off lithium in April 99. Things got bad again in May and June 99. Got put on Wellbutrin SR 100mg and Remeron was cut down to 30mg.
Things got worse in October 99, so Wellbutrin dose was upped to 200 mg. I took it all in the morning, then the 30mg Remeron at night.
Lately, the 200 mg of Wellbutrin in the am has made me squirrelly, so my doctor and I decided to split the dose and take 100 in the am and 100 in the afternoon, with the 30 mg Remeron at night. It seems to be working. I am content with this mix. I am afraid to reduce the dosage for fear of going backward again.
When things have been bad, I often have wondered whether the Remeron was working at all, except that I always could count on being able to fall asleep pretty easily every night. I have trouble recalling my dreams also, no matter the dose. If I take the Remeron too late (like 10 or 11 pm instead of 9), I have trouble getting up when the alarm goes off at 6. Alcohol at night exacerbates the morning haze. Coffee eliminates it, but now that I'm on the Wellbutrin, I have to be very careful about caffeine because I will get jittery and shaky. I am almost completely decaffeinated these days. This means being a little more vigilant with the Remeron timing at night, although I think the Wellbutrin has been cutting the haze, too.
Contrary to what I have read in earlier posts, my doctor tells me the weight gain INCREASES as the dose increases. Since I started the Wellbutrin, I have lost weight -- almost 10 pounds without exercise. I'm just not hungry most of the time. I'm just glad my jeans are getting loose again.
Right now I feel all right. There were times this last fall and winter when I was not (some may recall my fall post asking about hospitalization). When feeling bad, I have often thought of just discontinuing the drugs and the weekly psychotherapy and letting nature take its course. If that meant suicide, so be it. I cannot vouch for Remeron and Wellbutrin as the end-all of cure-alls. I think they supply a degree of normalcy, but only when the rest of the world cooperates.
allisonm
(I was just allison last fall, but I see there's another allison now, so I'll be allisonm.)
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