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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bissie66 on January 9, 2001, at 9:10:08
In reply to Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
> > Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?
> I started the drug two days ago, but am alomost ready
> to quit because of all the talk of weight gain. I thought
> it was only a side effect 17% of the time. I've tried
> Paxil, celexa, serzone, effexor, and wellbutrin
> and nothing else has helped my depression.I didn't gain weight. The problem is, it makes you really hungry about 1/2 hour after you take it. But it also makes you really tired. I found I was so tired that I could choose to go to sleep rather than go to the kitchen to get something to eat. Even though I was starving I was so exhausted I could choose sleep. Just make sure you take it shortly before you are ready to go to sleep for the night.
Posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
In reply to Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
Increased appetite/ weight gain can definitely accompany Remeron if you aren't careful. As others have said, it can also be a life saver. If it works don't give up on it because of the possible weight gain. I'm on it for the 2nd time. The 1st time I took it @60mg/night for 3 months. I gained about 30 pounds. The weight gain upset me so much that I stopped the remeron and tried another med. I lost the weight, but the other med didn't work. I'm taking 67.5 mg now, I was at 45mg for about 3 months but it never completely resolved the depression, 60mg and above do the trick for me. The only time I've seen the appetite lessen is when I added Provigil, but the Provigil made me too foggy. I feel great and I will stay on the Remeron forever if I need to. I have kept the weight off this time, here's how I did it:
1.keep a daily food diary write everything down and how many calories you are eating
2.keep your caloric intake @ or below what is required for your height, weight and activity level.
3.Remeron really increases both your stomach hunger pangs and the hand to mouth motion so try to substitue low calorie foods, tea, and sugarfree gum when you feel like you need to stick something in your mouth.
4. exercise a few times a week
5. Don't constantly fall prey to the carb cravings. Remeron makes a lot of people (me esp!) crave candy and breads. Protein fills you up, and it is harder to gorge on. A handful of nuts is a great snack health-wise.
I probably ate 1000 calories over what I should have been eating daily the 1st time I took Remeron, and much of this was candy and pasta and bagels. I now realize that I could have avoided that weight gain had I been a little more cautious about my eating habits. If Remeron works stick to it. If you stay on top of your eating habits the Remeron won't cause you too many problems. Best of luck!
cole
Posted by MarkC on January 10, 2001, at 10:37:30
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Jancie, posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
I to have had good success with Remeron for anxiety and anxiety induced depression. One thing that I have notice though is that I get low grade headaches at higher dosages (45mg) therefore I keep my dosage at 30 mg. Anyone else experience headaches?
Posted by JoeW on January 16, 2001, at 8:31:56
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Jancie, posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
I notice I especially get the munchies right after
I take the Remeron, which is also at bedtime, a
bad time to be eating a lot of food. Here's what
I did:1) started following the Zone diet. I have found
that balancing carbs with protein really cuts
down on the craving for sugar.
2) started exercising every day...one day aerobic,
next day weights. I do about half an hour of
exercise and then walk for a bit to cool down (if
I have time)...5 to 15 minutes.
3) started eating healthier, period...fruit for
dessert instead of cake, cookies, candy, etc. (most
of the time, anyway). Started eating oatmeal,
10 grain cereal, etc. for breakfast instead of
sweet rolls and donuts. Stuff like that. Cut out
fast food. I've had french fries twice in the
past year instead of every week.Having said all that I have to say that I gained
25 pounds since I've been on the Remeron, but I
had lost 25 pounds due to side effects from Paxil,
and that 25 pounds was fat. I put it back on
mostly as muscle because of the increased exercise.
Now I'd say I'm 10 pounds overweight and really
have to work at my weight, but it is doable. I
just have to watch my habits, and when I find one
that causes me to add weight, change the habit.
Posted by JohnL on January 17, 2001, at 1:51:13
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by JoeW on January 16, 2001, at 8:31:56
I haven't gained any weight with Remeron. But I only take 7.5mg about 30 minutes befor bedtime. The first couple months I think I gained about 5 pounds. That initial weight gain resolved by itself and I'm back to my baseline.
The one and only med I've ever taken that gave me astounding weight gain was Zyprexa.
John
Posted by Holly120 on January 17, 2001, at 12:56:49
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!In response to the weight issues, I haven't started taking it--I've just discussed it with my doctor at this point. I'm taking 25mg of Trazadone to get my sleep pattern back to normal, then we'll see if I still need Remeron. What she told me about weight gain is that if you take pepcid (over the counter zantac or something similar) while taking the Remeron, it does not seem to cause any weight gain. It was something about blocking something...anyway, it's worth a try for those of you who are gaining weight. I sympathize with you because I took Paxil for several years and gained a lot of weight. There wasn't a solution as there might be with the Remeron.
Posted by mmatur on January 17, 2001, at 21:54:40
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on December 5, 2000, at 10:27:08
I just started taking 60mg of Remeron. The side effects are now gone. I was previously taking 45mg and experienced some weight gain and tiredness. I think going on 60mg has eliminated the side effects. I feel great and hope that I only get better.
Posted by Danny J on January 18, 2001, at 10:30:01
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by JohnL on January 17, 2001, at 1:51:13
I was prescribed Mirtazapine (Zispin/Remeron) for eight weeks. I did not notice any sedating effects. They are, however, a result of the anti histamine properties the medicine contains. I was most surprised that I did not feel this effect because most people appear to.
The weight gain is directly related to the increased appetite that occurs in those who use the medicine.
I hope I have satisfied some of the questions raised.
Posted by SalArmy4me on January 18, 2001, at 10:54:10
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by JoeW on January 16, 2001, at 8:31:56
I don't have weight gain on Remeron. I did on MAOIs.
Posted by Greg A. on January 26, 2001, at 13:43:22
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
I'm currently taking 45 mg Remeron for depression and anxiety. My doc introduced this on top of the 40 mg Prozac and 300 mg Wellbutrin I was on previously. (The latter two drugs were definitely pooping out) I experienced immediate relief from much of my anxiety and now, three months later I can say that there is significant improvement in my mood. As with other patients, the initial dose of Remeron made me feel out of it the next day and I had difficulty getting going. This has largely disappeared with the higher dosage. I have gained 25 pounds which in part results from increased appetite, but having been treatment resistant for much of the past ten years, I regard this as a small price to pay. My doc says to start reducing the Wellbutrin and Prozac but I am reluctant to tamper with a good thing. I am also wondering about a higher dose of Remeron to increase the good results.
Remeron is currently not 'licensed' for use in Canada, but is available under special permit through your doc. Because of the few patients on it here, I have found the info on this site very valuable. Thanks to everyone for answering a lot of questions for me.
Posted by Jill on January 29, 2001, at 17:41:30
In reply to Re: Remeron - Higher Dosage?, posted by Greg A. on January 26, 2001, at 13:43:22
Hi...I just saw my pdoc and told him about the weight gain problem. He recommended taking Zantac with the Remeron. Have many others found that helps to reduce hunger? Also, my dentist says I've been grinding my teeth quite a bit. I guess, unfortunately, that's a common side effect of antidepressants. My pdoc recommended trying Busbar (antianxiety med, I think). He says it really helps with that side effect. However, I think I may have had head aches when I tried that med a long time ago. Could anyone share their experiences with Remeron +Zantac and/or Remeron +Busbar? Thanks a lot.
Posted by Bill L on January 30, 2001, at 7:38:31
In reply to Re: Remeron Weight Gain/Zantac/Teeth, posted by Jill on January 29, 2001, at 17:41:30
A Reuters article from 1/21/01 reports that Buspar relieves the symptoms of teeth grinding and headaches caused by SSRI's. This is according to Dr. John Bostwick of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Their findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 1999;60:857-860.
Although Remeron is not an SSRI, I'm sure the principal is the same. It's believed that Buspar controls dopamine.
> Hi...I just saw my pdoc and told him about the weight gain problem. He recommended taking Zantac with the Remeron. Have many others found that helps to reduce hunger? Also, my dentist says I've been grinding my teeth quite a bit. I guess, unfortunately, that's a common side effect of antidepressants. My pdoc recommended trying Busbar (antianxiety med, I think). He says it really helps with that side effect. However, I think I may have had head aches when I tried that med a long time ago. Could anyone share their experiences with Remeron +Zantac and/or Remeron +Busbar? Thanks a lot.
Posted by ART on March 1, 2001, at 22:33:40
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I have severe deppression. Im already extremely over weight(5'2'' -246 lbs), struggling with that for over 10 years now. I've tried Prozac and Extendryl, the first worked okay for a while but the second made me extremely worse. The doc said this is the last try, Is it worth it ? I also already have a major sleeping problem, want to sleep all the time. Also aready with very bad realistic nightmares in which I canot wake myself. Any advise from anyone similar to me. I'm 33 yr old, female.
Posted by mmatur on March 2, 2001, at 11:04:15
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions-Should I start This?, posted by ART on March 1, 2001, at 22:33:40
My advice for you would be to not take remeron. The weight gain is hard to control, and the drug makes you very tired during the day. But if this is your last hope than I will say that remeron does work. I wish you the best.
Posted by allisonm on March 2, 2001, at 20:35:24
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions-Should I start This?, posted by ART on March 1, 2001, at 22:33:40
If you've only been on two ADs over the last 10 years, I would ask your pdoc why Remeron is the last chance. There are a lot of different ADs out there -- Effexor, Wellbutrin, Celexa, as well as the older ones. If Remeron is only the third, I don't think your pdoc is trying hard enough.
I was on Remeron for more than two years and it helped me. Unlike you, I have insomnia and welcomed the sleep at night. However the AD effect was not enough.
Good luck.
Posted by jimmygold70 on March 2, 2001, at 20:56:29
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
It is sedating. Weight gain is promenient, unbearable to some people. I would suugest you to try Effexor insted, unstead you are suffering from either insomnia, nervousness or severe anxiety.
> 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.
Posted by ART on March 3, 2001, at 15:01:58
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions-Should I start This?, posted by ART on March 1, 2001, at 22:33:40
I ask for advise a couple days ago. But, I did take my first dose of 15mg remeron last night. I sure did not expect anything to happen with the first dose. I will not take another dose though. All night I was up and down to the bathroom, but I was so light headed and dizzy I could barely walk and definately not straight. I could'nt wake up to get my husband off to work this morn. It is now about 4pm the next day, I am still extremely tired feeling and dizzy. I would not recommend this medicine to anyone. Even if it helped my deppression theres no way I could function daily feeling like this. Thanks for your advice and for this site otherwise I would have just thought this was something else weird my body was doing.
Posted by allisonm on March 3, 2001, at 18:47:37
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions-Should I start This?, posted by ART on March 3, 2001, at 15:01:58
I would consider taking Remeron for longer than one dose. The initial sedation is very common, but wears off. That is why my pdoc recommended starting it on a weekend. I think I slept most of the weekend.
I would suggest talking with your pdoc about discontinuing before you do it.
Posted by Jill on March 3, 2001, at 19:32:03
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions-Should I start This?, posted by allisonm on March 3, 2001, at 18:47:37
> I would consider taking Remeron for longer than one dose. The initial sedation is very common, but wears off. That is why my pdoc recommended starting it on a weekend. I think I slept most of the weekend.
>
> I would suggest talking with your pdoc about discontinuing before you do it.Yes, I've taken Remeron successfully for over 3 1/2 years. My first night was tough, though. I made the mistake of having two drinks with dinner that evening. Well,I passed out the next morning. My doctor said "Jill, you can't do that!!!"(Needless to say, I don't advise drinking while depressed or on Remeron!). However, that was only the first day, and things got progressively better. Also, my pdoc increased the dosage from 15 to 30 to 45mg over just a couple of weeks, which really cut down on the drowsiness. Anyway,I agree that you need to give it some time AND talk to your doctor. This drug has helped me so much. My life is so much fuller and happier now that I'm not depressed or overwhelmed by OCD.
Good luck!
Posted by Jill on March 3, 2001, at 19:37:16
In reply to Re: Remeron Weight Gain/Zantac/Teeth, posted by Bill L on January 30, 2001, at 7:38:31
> A Reuters article from 1/21/01 reports that Buspar relieves the symptoms of teeth grinding and headaches caused by SSRI's. This is according to Dr. John Bostwick of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Their findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 1999;60:857-860.
>
> Although Remeron is not an SSRI, I'm sure the principal is the same. It's believed that Buspar controls dopamine.
>
> > Hi...I just saw my pdoc and told him about the weight gain problem. He recommended taking Zantac with the Remeron. Have many others found that helps to reduce hunger? Also, my dentist says I've been grinding my teeth quite a bit. I guess, unfortunately, that's a common side effect of antidepressants. My pdoc recommended trying Busbar (antianxiety med, I think). He says it really helps with that side effect. However, I think I may have had head aches when I tried that med a long time ago. Could anyone share their experiences with Remeron +Zantac and/or Remeron +Busbar? Thanks a lot.I just started the Buspar today. Has anyone else taken both Remeron and Buspar? I don't really like taking another drug, but I've really ground down my teeth. I'm hoping this will help. I'd appreciate any info on Buspar experiences. Thanks!
Posted by Brenda Veltri on March 4, 2001, at 16:04:18
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by juniper on March 2, 2000, at 22:56:26
Wondering if Remeron causes insomnia. I am on Effexor and am experiencing insomnia. Maybe I need to switch
Posted by allisonm on March 4, 2001, at 17:45:36
In reply to Re: Insomnia, posted by Brenda Veltri on March 4, 2001, at 16:04:18
Generally Remeron causes somnolence, which is why it often is prescribed to people with insomnia. However, in a few people it may cause insomnia.
Posted by Marsha on March 13, 2001, at 15:25:18
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » mmatur, posted by bissie66 on November 29, 2000, at 10:31:33
Yes, I had a bad experience with Remeron. I had nightmares, difficulty disguishing reality from dreams, being in a constant fog, tired, feeling unsafe driving, outbursts of anger, my eyes began to jerk and still do 10 days after stopping the med. I am having trouble with short term memory still. It was a terrible experience and I never want to take anti-depressents again. I feel so much better now that I am off them. My family says they are glad to have me "back again". If it were not for a concerned psychiatrist that learned I was put on these drugs, I would probably still be on them and going downhill. He invited me to his house to talk about what my doctor had put me on and talked some sense into my head about them. He continues to check on me regularly at church and we communicate via email during the week sometimes. I am convinced I have done the right thing to quit taking them and he is too. Now I have to face my doctor next week.....I know he will not be happy I quit and I have the job of convincing him I am better without them.
> 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 mmatur on March 14, 2001, at 10:09:25
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on December 5, 2000, at 10:27:08
My doctor just put me on wellbutrin sr along with remeron. Does anyone know anything about taking these two together, or has anyone taken them before?
Posted by allisonm on March 14, 2001, at 21:05:51
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on March 14, 2001, at 10:09:25
Yes. I took both together in varying amounts between June of 99 and October 00. Started with 30mg Rem and 100-150mg Wb working up to 200mg, and then went to 400mg WB with 15mg Rem. I found having the WB as the primary and the Rem as the augmentor worked better for me, but your mileage may vary. There are folders on Remeron and Wellbutrin if you follow the link at the top of this page to Psycho-babble Tips.
Good luck.
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