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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Greg on June 7, 2000, at 14:30:31
My doc recently told me that Remeron does cause weight gain, but less likely at the higher doses.
He also prescribed Zantac 150 mg. This is used with the Remeron to counter any weight gain.
Has anyone else heard about this or has taken them with success???
The Remeron seems to be helping ,but not if I have to have this weight worry constantly.!!
I also feel like time all merges together on Remeron..kinda like im in a dream state (which is better than the anxiety) but just cant ever feel fully awake...
Sleep is great..sex drive ;(
Im doing more things. Been on 45mg for about 6 weeks. I still seem to need Xanax for the panic attacks..
...
Posted by Cam W. on June 11, 2000, at 20:52:23
In reply to Re: Remeron with Zantac ..for the weight gain?, posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
Suzie - I have seen histamine-H2-antagonists (like Zantac) being used for Zyprexa-induced weight gain. I have heard of Axid (nizatadine) being used successfully for keeping off the weight, but I kinda doubt the full reliability of the source. The theory behind this is that Zyprexa stimulates the histamine receptor and other drugs that stimulate the histamine receptor cause weight gain. The cause/effect here is iffy. There are several other more plausible theories of Zyprexa-induced weight gain (eg increased leptin levels).As for Remeron (mirtazapine), I don't know. I am not sure if Remeron stimulates histamine receptors. Hopefully someone here can follow-up on this.
Hope this helps - Cam.
Posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 7:43:38
In reply to Re: Remeron with Zantac ..for the weight gain?, posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
Suzie,
Please see Toby's (a doc that posted on Babble for quite a while) post from 2.2.99 and also notice Dr. Bob's disclaimer and Dr. Stahl's comments. Hope this helps.
Phil
Posted by Cam W. on June 12, 2000, at 9:59:45
In reply to Re: Suzie, posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 7:43:38
> Please see Toby's (a doc that posted on Babble for quite a while) post from 2.2.99 and also notice Dr. Bob's disclaimer and Dr. Stahl's comments. Hope this helps.
>
> PhilPhil - I can't find Toby's 2.2.99 post. I've used the search and done it manually. How do I get to it? Thanks - Cam
Posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 19:43:58
In reply to Re: Suzie » Phil , posted by Cam W. on June 12, 2000, at 9:59:45
>Cam, I actually got there by going to google.com and keying in remeron + zantac +weight loss! Long way around but that's the first thread that popped up.
Phil
Posted by Cam W. on June 12, 2000, at 22:13:59
In reply to Re: Suzie, posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 19:43:58
> >Cam, I actually got there by going to google.com and keying in remeron + zantac +weight loss! Long way around but that's the first thread that popped up.
>
Thanks Phil - Actually a doc in our area is telling the Zyprexa rep that he is using Axid (another Lilly product) with success in a few cases. He says it keeps the weight off and if it does you will notice it in the 1st four weeks. He didn't say that not all people gain weight on Zyprexa, though. These people could possibly be his successes.
- Cam
Posted by Melissa on June 13, 2000, at 23:59:03
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by michele on May 31, 1999, at 21:47:59
> > > 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.
I started on remeron in december 98. It really knocked me out the next day.
Friends that visited me in the hospital said i acted like a zombie. I though also started up on zyprexa at the same time.
I slept an enormous amount as i see is common.The first dosage of 15mg wasn't working after about a month. i thought i was going to have to go back in, but the doctor just increased the dosage to the next level.
That was about 1 1/2 years ago.I have noticed a weight gain of about 10 pounds. That was even with exercising everyday.
The sleepiness has gone away. I can make it on a couple hours of sleep again.I've had a few unpleasant reactions w/ alcohol. So, the warning label is there for a reason.
-melissa
Posted by eric1 on September 20, 2000, at 13:45:06
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Melissa on June 13, 2000, at 23:59:03
Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
Posted by stjames on September 20, 2000, at 13:51:14
In reply to Help (please!) with Remeron, posted by eric1 on September 20, 2000, at 13:45:06
> Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
James here....
Discuss with your doc about lowering a dose till you adjust. Yes, in many people this effect does fade.
james
Posted by MH on September 21, 2000, at 7:11:42
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by michele on May 31, 1999, at 21:47:59
> > > 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! MicheleMichele
Sorry it's late - try Doxepin (sinequin)
Posted by Mania on September 24, 2000, at 6:57:52
In reply to Help (please!) with Remeron, posted by eric1 on September 20, 2000, at 13:45:06
Hi...
I'm on Remeron 45mg/day. My doc told me that it's important to take it right before bedtime.
If you take it in the morning you will be like a Zombie for the rest of the day.
AND..! ... Remeron it's very god if you've got probs with the sleep.
I don't have to take sleepmeds when I'm on Remeron.
I hope this could help you.
A big hug
Mania...
=)
Posted by confused on September 26, 2000, at 9:59:56
In reply to Help (please!) with Remeron, posted by eric1 on September 20, 2000, at 13:45:06
> Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
signed confused
Posted by SW12 on October 11, 2000, at 16:07:16
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MH on September 21, 2000, at 7:11:42
I have been on Remeron for four days. The first day (after the first night) I was in a sort of daze. Not bad, though. My doctor told me that the LESS you take, the sleepier you become. I'm on HALF a 15mg pill/night. I am now seriously reconsidering Remeron after only four days, however, after finding this listserv. I cannot afford the amount of weight gain most people seem to experience. I am not thin now. I have noticed increased appetite. Comments?
Posted by Esther on November 7, 2000, at 16:01:50
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Greg on June 7, 2000, at 14:30:31
I started using Remeron about 6 months ago for sleep. While it works great, I gained 45 lbs since then! I never put it together that they may have something to do with each other. Does anyone have any experience in going off Remeron for weight gain? Does your weight tend to fall back to normal? Has anyone found a good substitute for sleep? I'd appreciate any advice. This extra 45 lbs isn't doing anything for my depression either.
Thanks
> Cari,
> I used to take Remeron for insomnia and gained 37 pounds in 4 months while taking it. Luckily I was really underweight from a recent surgery so it kind of balanced things out. It really was a good drug for me but I was afraid someone would eventually mistake me for a float in the Macy's Thankgiving Day parade and start tying ropes to my arms and legs...
>
> Weight gain is a definite side effect of the drug, for most people it seems.
>
> Peace,
> Greg
>
> > > Has anyone been on both Remeron and Paxil at the same time? I'm on 45 mg of Remeron and 30 mg of Paxil (plus 2mg of Klonopin) for severe depression/anxiety. Remeron saved my life. Doctors had been messing me up with medications for the past 8 years yet I was still too depressed to work or function and finally got referred to a brilliant doctor after my last suicide attempt over a year ago. The doctor told me there was a medicine out that "has helped people who haven't responded to anything else and were at the end of their rope." This was Remeron. He asked if I was willing to try it, and at that point it was either death or trying it so I said "sure." Well the SECOND day I was on it I noticed that I felt NORMAL. Hard to explain exactly but all of a sudden, sitting at my desk, I realized that for the first time in YEARS, I did NOT feel like jumping out of my skin, or frantically waiting for the minutes of the day to go by, or the overwhelming sadness. Just felt NORMAL!!! That was about 15 months ago, and now I'm working a regular full time job and have my own place, and haven't had any severe relapses of depression.
> > > The only bothersime side effect I've had is I've gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I'm 30 yrs old and my entire life I've been super thin and now I feel like a cow, but I'm not about to go off what has saved my life. Has anyone else had weight gain with Remeron??? If so, did you find anything to get the weight off?? I've tried Metabolife but all that speed made anxiety come back.
Posted by JaneST on November 9, 2000, at 19:12:38
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Esther on November 7, 2000, at 16:01:50
Esther:
I think most people here will agree, Remeron=weight gain...I'm the proud owner of 20+lbs myself...and from all I've read here...you usually have to go off of Rem. to lose the weight. I think there may be a few who added Wellbutrin and that seemed to help them, but it didn't do a thing for me.
Good luck, and if you figure out the magic potion, please let me know!
Love,
Jane> I started using Remeron about 6 months ago for sleep. While it works great, I gained 45 lbs since then! I never put it together that they may have something to do with each other. Does anyone have any experience in going off Remeron for weight gain? Does your weight tend to fall back to normal? Has anyone found a good substitute for sleep? I'd appreciate any advice. This extra 45 lbs isn't doing anything for my depression either.
>
> Thanks
>
> > Cari,
> > I used to take Remeron for insomnia and gained 37 pounds in 4 months while taking it. Luckily I was really underweight from a recent surgery so it kind of balanced things out. It really was a good drug for me but I was afraid someone would eventually mistake me for a float in the Macy's Thankgiving Day parade and start tying ropes to my arms and legs...
> >
> > Weight gain is a definite side effect of the drug, for most people it seems.
> >
> > Peace,
> > Greg
> >
> > > > Has anyone been on both Remeron and Paxil at the same time? I'm on 45 mg of Remeron and 30 mg of Paxil (plus 2mg of Klonopin) for severe depression/anxiety. Remeron saved my life. Doctors had been messing me up with medications for the past 8 years yet I was still too depressed to work or function and finally got referred to a brilliant doctor after my last suicide attempt over a year ago. The doctor told me there was a medicine out that "has helped people who haven't responded to anything else and were at the end of their rope." This was Remeron. He asked if I was willing to try it, and at that point it was either death or trying it so I said "sure." Well the SECOND day I was on it I noticed that I felt NORMAL. Hard to explain exactly but all of a sudden, sitting at my desk, I realized that for the first time in YEARS, I did NOT feel like jumping out of my skin, or frantically waiting for the minutes of the day to go by, or the overwhelming sadness. Just felt NORMAL!!! That was about 15 months ago, and now I'm working a regular full time job and have my own place, and haven't had any severe relapses of depression.
> > > > The only bothersime side effect I've had is I've gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I'm 30 yrs old and my entire life I've been super thin and now I feel like a cow, but I'm not about to go off what has saved my life. Has anyone else had weight gain with Remeron??? If so, did you find anything to get the weight off?? I've tried Metabolife but all that speed made anxiety come back.
Posted by chucked on November 15, 2000, at 6:33:26
In reply to Re: Remeron vs Paxil, posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 13:31:52
> Has anyone been on both Remeron and Paxil at the same time? I'm on 45 mg of Remeron and 30 mg of Paxil (plus 2mg of Klonopin) for severe depression/anxiety. Remeron saved my life. Doctors had been messing me up with medications for the past 8 years yet I was still too depressed to work or function and finally got referred to a brilliant doctor after my last suicide attempt over a year ago. The doctor told me there was a medicine out that "has helped people who haven't responded to anything else and were at the end of their rope." This was Remeron. He asked if I was willing to try it, and at that point it was either death or trying it so I said "sure." Well the SECOND day I was on it I noticed that I felt NORMAL. Hard to explain exactly but all of a sudden, sitting at my desk, I realized that for the first time in YEARS, I did NOT feel like jumping out of my skin, or frantically waiting for the minutes of the day to go by, or the overwhelming sadness. Just felt NORMAL!!! That was about 15 months ago, and now I'm working a regular full time job and have my own place, and haven't had any severe relapses of depression.
> The only bothersime side effect I've had is I've gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I'm 30 yrs old and my entire life I've been super thin and now I feel like a cow, but I'm not about to go off what has saved my life. Has anyone else had weight gain with Remeron??? If so, did you find anything to get the weight off?? I've tried Metabolife but all that speed made anxiety come back.I am currently using remeron and have been on paxil as well, I just started the remeron and sincerely hope that I don't gain any more weight as my gain has been significant with paxil, celexa, effexor, etc. (Tried different medications to keep my wife happy). The problem with Metabolife is that not only does it contain ma huang (ephedra) it also contains caffeine. I distribute a product called ThermoChrome which uses Sida Cordifolia which is about 1/12 the potency of ma huang and contains no caffeine. You could give it a try. I works quite well for some people for me the problem was my blood pressure tends to get high even without the help of the ThermoChrome.
http://newmillennium.unfranchise.com
The Health and Nutrition Storechuck
Posted by mattp on November 21, 2000, at 22:53:57
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MH on September 21, 2000, at 7:11:42
i have been on remeron for about 6 months @ 30mg. I have enormous trouble getting up in the morning and i can sleep as much as 15 to 16 hours straight. In addition, i often wake up thinking someone is calling me, or hearing other things that aren't there. The worst though is the dreams i have been having. I remembered my dreams almost every night before the drug now i have come off of two 12+ hour nights of sleep with constant, vivid, life-like nightmares. I actually have conscious awareness in these night mares. Has anyone had success coping with these dreams? In adddition i have the 10 lb weight gain which seems to be the remoron badge of honor but am not concerned by it.
Posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Danny on May 18, 2000, at 19:13:24
Hi everyone,
I'm a 17 yr. old male and my doctor wants me to start remeron 30mg to treat my anxiety, sleep and light depression. I took my first dose last night and I slept great, but couldn't wake up the next morning. I have chronic fatigue syndrome so beeing tired during the day is something i'm used to, but the way I felt today was horrible. I'm guessing it's because of the remeron. I felt so out of it and like I was sleepwalking the whole day. And I was already more hungry than I usually am. Now I am asking for your help. I don't want to start remeron if this is how I will be everyday. Do the side effects get better? Will this medication help my anxiety? If you had a choice of going back in time and given a choice of remeron or something else would you still choose remeron after know what it really feels like? Please i need your help. This is a tough decision for me and I'd really appreciate your insight. Thank you! mmatur@hotmail.com
Posted by allisonm on November 28, 2000, at 18:57:41
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
I would suggest reading the other posts on this thread if you have not already. Remeron generally hits people like this at first. Your doctor should have warned you. Generally, it goes away, but you could reduce your dose to 15 mg if it doesn't go away. Ask your doctor. There is an egroups site on Remeron that might help you decide for yourself what to do. However, I don't think taking just one dose is a good enough trial.
Just my opinion...
Allison
Posted by JohnB on November 28, 2000, at 23:55:35
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by allisonm on November 28, 2000, at 18:57:41
Hi All,
Remeron blocks the the 2A and H1 antihistamine receptors, and thus the side effect of sedation, and blocking the serotonin 2C and H1receptors accounts for the side effect of weight gain. It's the price you have pay, although adding Wellbutrin or Reboxetine to the mix might mitigate those side effects.
Posted by bissie66 on November 29, 2000, at 10:31:33
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
I was on Remeron for a month and didn't like it, but i have read other people's positive experiences. from what i've read, you'll know if it works. i stuck with it about a month, but it just didn't relieve my depression. the only symptom that was relieved was my anxiety. but my other symptoms, including worry, excessive crying, lethargy, constant sadness, feelings of hopelessnes, all remained. i didn't gain weight (even though my dr. was hoping i would -- weight loss is another symptome of my depression). i didn't like the fact that remeron made it even harder for me to get up and face the day. low energy is already a big problem of mine. i switched to celexa, which is working fairly well, and i still take 7.5 mg. of remeron at night to help me sleep. the one great thing about remeron is didn't cause sexual dysfunction like all the SSRIs do with me. That's the reason i tried it in the first place. good luck
>
> Hi everyone,
> I'm a 17 yr. old male and my doctor wants me to start remeron 30mg to treat my anxiety, sleep and light depression. I took my first dose last night and I slept great, but couldn't wake up the next morning. I have chronic fatigue syndrome so beeing tired during the day is something i'm used to, but the way I felt today was horrible. I'm guessing it's because of the remeron. I felt so out of it and like I was sleepwalking the whole day. And I was already more hungry than I usually am. Now I am asking for your help. I don't want to start remeron if this is how I will be everyday. Do the side effects get better? Will this medication help my anxiety? If you had a choice of going back in time and given a choice of remeron or something else would you still choose remeron after know what it really feels like? Please i need your help. This is a tough decision for me and I'd really appreciate your insight. Thank you! mmatur@hotmail.com
Posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:18:45
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 2000, at 10:39:35
Elizabeth, are you still on the Remeron? How have you been? Are things still going well? I find your situation closes to mine because my primary problem is Anxiety (I suffer from some depression that is a result of my anxiety -- depressed about my situation). I have been taking Remeron (30mg) for 14 days now. It seems that my anxienty has decreased considerably though I have had some depression still. I haven't taken any Xanax in 5 days and when I was taking it it was in minimal dosages (.25 or .50 every other day). Are you experiencing any other side affects? Are you drowsy or lethargic? I seem to be tired in the morning and somewhat throughout the day (I need the sleep because I wasn't getting much before and I'm eating good so the weight gain is welcomed because I had lost 20 pounds). I also have persistant dreams (though not nightmares). Prior to the Remeron I tried Paxil and it setoff bouts of ugly anxienty and depression. That's why I switched to Remeron. A response would be appreciated. Thank you and good mental health! PS. I hope that you found a new job!!! > >
Posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:33:57
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 3, 2000, at 12:22:46
Hi MMatur! I also just began taking Remeron. I have Generalized Anxiety that was brought on by some initial Panic attacks started by Paxil that was pescribed for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This happened to me once before about 7 years ago (though there was no Paxil involved). I kicked it then without the use of meds other than Xanax for a short time. This time though I thought that I would try something less addictive so that if it works I would know that I can fall back on it if this comes back again (I haven't kicked it yet this time though so I guess I'm being optimistic). The first week that I was on Remeron (30mg) the groggyness was pretty bad. The second week (I've been on it for just 14 days) the groggyness is better though I'm hoping for more improvement. I dream every night which I think attributes to some of my tiredness. Other than that the side effects haven't been to bad. My appetite has improved (I wasn't sleeping or eating very well after the anxiety started and before the Remeron). I am also taking Xanax on a as-needed basis (I haven't had any in the last 5 days). My anxiety seems to be lessening though the depression resulting from this latest bout of anxiety seems to resurface from time to time so I'm hoping that that goes away as well. So far I have tolerated the medicine pretty well and I am ultra sensitive to medicines. If a med lists a side effect I usually get it. One thing I almost forgot...I seem to have some lingering anxiety in my legs, kind of like a restlessness. -- wierd. Anyway I hope this helps. Keep me updated on your progress.
Posted by mmatur on December 5, 2000, at 10:27:08
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:33:57
hi everyone and thank you for your help. I thought I'd just follow up on my previous message. I 've benn on 30mg of Remeron for about a week and a half. The low energy I had the first few days is gone now and I'm back to my normal energy level, except for the morning . I'm sleeping about 3 hours longer than usual and it is extremely hard to get up. I see that everyone is having some problems with excessive dreaming. I had that problem for 3 nights, but then I started taking 5-10mg of Ambien before bed. I noticed that the Ambien gives me a more refreshing sleep, which helps me to have some more energy during the day. It also stops the dreams. If anyone has a question for me please feel free to ask. And once again thanks to all those who helped me.
mmatur
Posted by Somber on December 5, 2000, at 21:07:48
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:18:45
I have been on Remeron for over a year now. I started out with 30mg of Remeron but after a few weeks I couldn't tell I was on it. I started feeling more depressed and etc. I went up to 45 mg of Remeron then and it worked for a couple of months but then it stopped working as well. Now I am taking 30 mg of Remeron at bedtime due to the fact it makes me sleepy and I'm on 150 mg of Effexor XR. So far the drug cocktail is working pretty good. I sleep better. My nightmares are almost to nothing now which is great news! I have gained about ten pounds in a year but I needed to anyway because I was very underweight. Now that I am on the combo I stay hyper all the time. I have indigestion all the time too but my symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are a great deal better. Oh yeah, I shouldn't leave out that I stay thirsty all the time too. Drinking lots of water these days. I just hope this combo last and doesn't end up like the last few attempts.
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