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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 144 to 168 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by ItzaSecret on March 10, 2002, at 13:15:21
I have just started Remeron and I feel like a truck rolled over me. I am achy, foggy, severe stomache cramps etc. I also already have a weight problem and the fear of gaining on this drug is real. I am irritable and cranky as well, and my sleep pattern is as always poor. I am on day four and really feel I should cut the 30 mg dose in half or I will go nuts. Are these normal reactions to just starting a drug like this???
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 26, 2002, at 11:22:21
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
What you describe is typical for ADs like Remeron and Serzone, Trazadone and most of the TCA's. I'm on Remeron and at the beginning had some gut discomfort but not at all severe, mainly just feeling like I was plugged up with cotton. It got completely better for me after the middle of the third week, although I still have trouble waking up. I really like Remeron, but it may not be the drug for you. For example, I never got past those awful side effects with Serzone and it didn't help my depression.
I wish that pdocs could appreciate how disabling these groggy side effects are and would prescribe a stim or something to counterat it. Also, I did gain weight (I'm also on Lithium), but because I'm feeling soooooooooo much better, I've started an exercise program and am now losing weight. Give it another few weeks. If Remeron is going to work for you, it's a great med. - Barbara
> I have just started Remeron and I feel like a truck rolled over me. I am achy, foggy, severe stomache cramps etc. I also already have a weight problem and the fear of gaining on this drug is real. I am irritable and cranky as well, and my sleep pattern is as always poor. I am on day four and really feel I should cut the 30 mg dose in half or I will go nuts. Are these normal reactions to just starting a drug like this???
Posted by ItzaSecret on March 26, 2002, at 11:29:44
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
Personally, I wouldn't think those are normal reactions at all to starting a new med...they are all side effects of the Remeron. The combination of 150 mgs of Trazadone and 45 mgs of Remeron gave me raging nightmares. I couldn't wake up during the day, totally fatigued all day long, no motivation to move,aching, bloating, memory loss, and immediate weight gain, all of the things you are now suffering. Since stopping the use of Remeron all together, I have lost 10 pounds in three weeks (I gained 30 pounds in 4 months on Remeron). My advice would be to speak immediately to your physician regarding these side effects to taking Remeron for such a short period of time, possibly asking for a change in medication. My doctor put me on Effexor to replace the Remeron, and I felt wwwwwonderful the first day I was off the Remeron.
Posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Scotty, posted by pellmell on June 16, 2001, at 19:19:03
> Hello. I've been on 15mg of Remeron for ~2 weeks now. For the first few days I was heavily sedated, which carried over to the mornings. After taking the pill earlier in the evening I was able to avoid this, and now that effect is gone. However, I was shocked to notice that I've put on 5 lbs. in this timeframe. For me, that is a lot. I also tend to feel bloated after eating, as if I am a glutton. The benefits have been desireable so far, so the weight gain isn't such a problem. I've also been noticing that my workouts at the gym feel more difficult to finish; like I'm weaker on this med. Has anyone else experienced this?
> > > > > > > > > > > > > >
>
> I've been on Remeron for a month now, 30mg for the first three, and 60mg this week (I increased my dose because I wasn't feeling any sort of an antidepressant/anxeity effect. More on that later). I don't work out much, but I do walk all the time, and I've been having to drag computers all over the place in my job recently. I do feel significantly weaker on Remeron. In fact, I've felt less coordinated, too. When I walk I trudge more than I used to. Bleh. And I'm pretty sure I've gained some weight. Fortunately at 6'2ish and currently at a "normal" BMI I hide it well.
>
> I haven't felt a significant antidepressant effect even at 60mg, and the sedation hasn't yet gone away. For me Remeron's antidepressant/antianxeity effect is not nearly as profound the SSRIs or Effexor...and god, I think I need that kind of effect. Even after three weeks I was so anxious that my resting heart rate at one point (six hours after my last caffienated whatever) was 110 beats per minute. damn. I didn't know I was that *physically* anxious.
>
> I think I've given Remeron an adequate trial. Effexor made me feel so much better, but I quit after the trial pack because of the sexual side effects and a feeling that my symptoms were mild enough that I could afford to play around with my meds. I think I'm going to call my pdoc on Monday and ask for another one of those Effexor sample packs...I'll deal with the side effects.
>
> Then I can start posting one one of those undead Effexor threads. "This is the thread that doesn't end..."
>
> Lamb Chop will be proud.
>
> -pmPellmell,
I too have gained a little (perhaps 5 needed pounds) on Remeron. I started at 15 mg and am now on 60mg. Still hungrier than before, though. I am a personal trainer, thus I exercise consistantly. Although I take my Remeron at night, I still feel as though my am workouts have become much more challenging. I also feel as though a have constant abomdominal bloating. I don't think it's fat tissue. I'm looking to add a more energizing AD (tolerable) to Remeron. good luck,
Nala
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 17, 2002, at 23:16:39
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
> > Hello. I've been on 15mg of Remeron for ~2 weeks now. For the first few days I was heavily sedated, which carried over to the mornings. After taking the pill earlier in the evening I was able to avoid this, and now that effect is gone. However, I was shocked to notice that I've put on 5 lbs. in this timeframe. For me, that is a lot. I also tend to feel bloated after eating, as if I am a glutton. The benefits have been desireable so far, so the weight gain isn't such a problem. I've also been noticing that my workouts at the gym feel more difficult to finish; like I'm weaker on this med. Has anyone else experienced this?
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
> >
> > I've been on Remeron for a month now, 30mg for the first three, and 60mg this week (I increased my dose because I wasn't feeling any sort of an antidepressant/anxeity effect. More on that later). I don't work out much, but I do walk all the time, and I've been having to drag computers all over the place in my job recently. I do feel significantly weaker on Remeron. In fact, I've felt less coordinated, too. When I walk I trudge more than I used to. Bleh. And I'm pretty sure I've gained some weight. Fortunately at 6'2ish and currently at a "normal" BMI I hide it well.
> >
> > I haven't felt a significant antidepressant effect even at 60mg, and the sedation hasn't yet gone away. For me Remeron's antidepressant/antianxeity effect is not nearly as profound the SSRIs or Effexor...and god, I think I need that kind of effect. Even after three weeks I was so anxious that my resting heart rate at one point (six hours after my last caffienated whatever) was 110 beats per minute. damn. I didn't know I was that *physically* anxious.
> >
> > I think I've given Remeron an adequate trial. Effexor made me feel so much better, but I quit after the trial pack because of the sexual side effects and a feeling that my symptoms were mild enough that I could afford to play around with my meds. I think I'm going to call my pdoc on Monday and ask for another one of those Effexor sample packs...I'll deal with the side effects.
> >
> > Then I can start posting one one of those undead Effexor threads. "This is the thread that doesn't end..."
> >
> > Lamb Chop will be proud.
> >
> > -pm
>
> Pellmell,
> I too have gained a little (perhaps 5 needed pounds) on Remeron. I started at 15 mg and am now on 60mg. Still hungrier than before, though. I am a personal trainer, thus I exercise consistantly. Although I take my Remeron at night, I still feel as though my am workouts have become much more challenging. I also feel as though a have constant abomdominal bloating. I don't think it's fat tissue. I'm looking to add a more energizing AD (tolerable) to Remeron. good luck,
> NalaI've been on Rem since Sept and am currently on 75mg and thinking of tapering off altogether and trying something else, or not. Especially after reading about the muscle weakness and unsteady gait. I have fibromyalgia, but have noticed unsteadyness much more since taking Rem. It's called ataxia and more of it I do not need. Also, I think Rem has definitely helped with the depression, but I'm still not feeling terrific like I think I should be. And gaining weight! 20lbs that I cannot shake no matter what I do. Oh, but I do so hate tapering off these meds. I can't decide if going to the dentist without novacaine is as bad and at least it's over with soon rather than such prolonged agony. I hope we all can keep each other informed of our endeavors. This post may well end up being the Energizer Bunny of posts, y'know, keeps going, and going.... - BarbaraCat
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on July 18, 2002, at 9:08:33
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 10:12:42
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Nala, posted by Sleepy Lizard on July 18, 2002, at 9:08:33
It's definitely not the 'depression lifts, appetite increases' theory. I've had a few late night food frenzies which I never had before (well, except for occassional chocolate crazies), so it does increase appetite, but that's not the entire picture. I, as well as many others, have found that one simply does not shed the weight with normal eating. I went on a fast for 5 days and exercised moderately during this time. Lost 5lbs in 5 DAYS of not eating and gained it back within 2 days of eating nothing but raw salad-type veggies. It packs on pounds in some other way besides the normal one. Rem also can cause constipation and that is a big factor. - BCat
> I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
>
> http://www.organon-conferences.com/rsem2001/
Posted by McPac on July 18, 2002, at 16:32:40
In reply to Remeron sexual side effects, posted by BarbaraCat on March 15, 2002, at 20:12:17
BarbaraCat---You said in an earlier post of yours "I love Remeron, even though it's put 10 pounds on me. It's the only AD I've ever been able to tolerate, but it needs Lithium to avoid poop-out."
Barbara, I take Zoloft & Remeron and I USED to take Lithium too. I have been off the Lithium now for awhile. I notice that I do NOT feel as good at all without the Lithium (I feel more depressed, more anxiety, more temper/anger). When you said that your Remeron needs Lithium to avoid "poop-out", did you mean that you need the Lithium also in order to feel better? (That's what I think I've noticed about myself---that the antidepressant alone does NOT work as well for me without the Lithium). Thanks for any response in advance! Mike
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
In reply to BarbaraCat » BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 18, 2002, at 16:32:40
Hi Mike,
Remeron worked great for the first month and then quit working and I got very depressed. This happens with most SSRI's that I've taken, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. My pdoc suggested I add lithium to it as an 'augmentor', meaning that sometimes adding another drug potentiates the action of the antidepressant. Lithium added to it worked very well. Within 1 month I was feeling very good, even though I started gaining weight like crazy. Lithium also causes weight gain and along with the Remeron I put on 25 lbs in 4 months.Since that time (February) I started suspecting, mainly from reading posts on this board, that my mood disorder was not simply major depression, but was actually Bipolar II. All the symptoms are there: antidepressants stop working and actually make things worse, episodes of hypomania where I'd get jacked up and not sleep and then crash and burn, along with other red flags. My depressions would also be extremely agitated and horrible, known as as mixed states in the Bipolar spectrum.
Anyhow, long story short, I'm beginning to think that I don't need Remeron at all, but definitely do need lithium or some other mood stabiliser that works primarily on Bipololar disorder. That being said, Remeron is notorious for pooping out, or quitting after a while, and generally needs something to augment it with. I happen to like lithium (I think - never been on just it alone) and am going to try to add Lamictal, another mood stabiliser to it, without the Rem. The main reason is due to weight gain, and unsteadiness. If that doesn't work, I'm back to Remeron. As I said earlier, it's the best AD I've been on. But maybe AD's aren't what I really need. Hope this helps and let me know if there's anything else I can answer. I'm probably one of the few people in this country that have gone up to 75mg on it. -Barbara
> BarbaraCat---You said in an earlier post of yours "I love Remeron, even though it's put 10 pounds on me. It's the only AD I've ever been able to tolerate, but it needs Lithium to avoid poop-out."
>
> Barbara, I take Zoloft & Remeron and I USED to take Lithium too. I have been off the Lithium now for awhile. I notice that I do NOT feel as good at all without the Lithium (I feel more depressed, more anxiety, more temper/anger). When you said that your Remeron needs Lithium to avoid "poop-out", did you mean that you need the Lithium also in order to feel better? (That's what I think I've noticed about myself---that the antidepressant alone does NOT work as well for me without the Lithium). Thanks for any response in advance! Mike
Posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 0:41:38
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
I'm on 45mgs. I've gained 20 pounds in 3 months. I'm making sure that I don't overeat and I've increased my physical activity. My weight hasn't budged even though I'm starting to get my waistline back. I wish I understood the physiology of the stuff. I've wondered if it's a combination of having an appetite (I had no appetite when I was on Zoloft) and lowered metabolism. Remeron works like a muscle relaxant on me. Overall muscle tone is decreased. I would think this would lower metabolism if muscle activity in general (even at rest) is reduced.
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 1:06:51
In reply to Remeron and weight gain, posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 0:41:38
Has it been good as an antidepressant? I believe it's been a pretty good one for me along with lithium. But if I continue gaining weight at the rate of about 5 lbs a month, it's going to get unhealthy real quick. I literally have to work out strenuously and eat like a bird if I'm to stay at a stable weight and it sucks. Hopefully, when I'm off it in a few months I'll be able to reverse this pork trend. I'm putting together a dance class for September and - yikes! I'm going to be too dang embarrassed to show up.
> I'm on 45mgs. I've gained 20 pounds in 3 months. I'm making sure that I don't overeat and I've increased my physical activity. My weight hasn't budged even though I'm starting to get my waistline back. I wish I understood the physiology of the stuff. I've wondered if it's a combination of having an appetite (I had no appetite when I was on Zoloft) and lowered metabolism. Remeron works like a muscle relaxant on me. Overall muscle tone is decreased. I would think this would lower metabolism if muscle activity in general (even at rest) is reduced.
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 1:07:00
In reply to Remeron and weight gain, posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 0:41:38
Has it been good as an antidepressant? I believe it's been a pretty good one for me along with lithium. But if I continue gaining weight at the rate of about 5 lbs a month, it's going to get unhealthy real quick. I literally have to work out strenuously and eat like a bird if I'm to stay at a stable weight and it sucks. Hopefully, when I'm off it in a few months I'll be able to reverse this pork trend. I'm putting together a dance class for September and - yikes! I'm going to be too dang embarrassed to show up.
> I'm on 45mgs. I've gained 20 pounds in 3 months. I'm making sure that I don't overeat and I've increased my physical activity. My weight hasn't budged even though I'm starting to get my waistline back. I wish I understood the physiology of the stuff. I've wondered if it's a combination of having an appetite (I had no appetite when I was on Zoloft) and lowered metabolism. Remeron works like a muscle relaxant on me. Overall muscle tone is decreased. I would think this would lower metabolism if muscle activity in general (even at rest) is reduced.
Posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 8:02:21
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
I've taken Remeron now for 5 years with no "poop-out." My pdoc told me that Remeron actually is less likely to poop-out than SSRIs. It's not an SSRI, but rather a novel antidepressant in a different class (sorry, name escapes me...tetracyclic?).
Anyway, I don't have bipolar depression, so that may be why my body's reacted differently to it (I have mild-moderate OCD and major depression.)
I feel great on this drug, but my partner and I are discussing marriage/children, so I may have to switch to a more well-know drug during the pregnancy (need to stay on something or get so depressed I can't function). I'm thinking of Celexa??? Any thoughts on that, anyone?
Good luck with the Remeron. I just wanted to put my plug in for it.
Jill :)
Posted by Essence on July 19, 2002, at 8:42:21
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat, posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 8:02:21
Hi Jill;
Sorry to butt in here, but I was so happy to see your post to BarbaraCat. I am a Remeron user, 7 mos now at 30 mg and I have been worried about the quick "Poop out" affect everyone seems to feel Remeron has. Your post has definately made me feel so much better about being on this medication. It is one of the best AD's I have taken, but always in the back of my mind was the worry whether or not it would "poop out". Once again, thanks for sharing your experience, it sure made my day. Your right, Remeron is is a tetracyclic antidepressant, an SNRI.
Ess
Posted by deli on July 19, 2002, at 9:31:18
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
Gained 20lbs in two months. My doc added Topamax to help stabilize moods and to counteract weight gain. We'll see what happens.Deli ;)
Posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 15:11:41
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain » LyndaK, posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 1:06:51
I feel like it's been a good antidepressant. It doesn't make me happy, but it keeps me from getting suicidal and I do have motivation to "get back into life". The weight-gain is a real bummer though.
Posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 15:25:13
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat, posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 8:02:21
"I'm thinking of Celexa??? Any thoughts on that, anyone?"
2 thoughts:
I tried Celexa. It was pretty good. It just didn't control my anxiety enough.
Keep in mind that your body chemistry will change during pregnancy. Sometimes the elevated hormone levels of pregnancy can actually boost your mood and you can get through the pregnancy without medication -- or, at the very least, on a very low dose. The first trimester is the hardest to get through. I was able to do no meds. with my first pregnancy and a low dose of Zoloft with my second pregnancy. But watch out post-partum -- that's when my mood took a major nose-dive. It's best to keep in close contact with your p-docs so they can help you monitor what's happening during the different stages. It's good that you're thinking about this ahead of time.
Best Wishes,
Lynda
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 21:12:51
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat, posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 8:02:21
Glad Remeron is working so well for you, Jill. I've liked it the best by far. Good luck with the pregnancy. You might want to read the most recent book by Lauren Slater, I can't remember the name of it. She's a psychologist who's written very movingly about her own depressions and love/hate thing with Prozac. She became pregnant on it and decided to stop - for only a while since she simply couldn't handle it without. It's a wonderful read, as are all of her books. If Remeron is working well for you, I'm sure it's a difficult decision to switch. - BarbaraCat
> I've taken Remeron now for 5 years with no "poop-out." My pdoc told me that Remeron actually is less likely to poop-out than SSRIs. It's not an SSRI, but rather a novel antidepressant in a different class (sorry, name escapes me...tetracyclic?).
>
> Anyway, I don't have bipolar depression, so that may be why my body's reacted differently to it (I have mild-moderate OCD and major depression.)
>
> I feel great on this drug, but my partner and I are discussing marriage/children, so I may have to switch to a more well-know drug during the pregnancy (need to stay on something or get so depressed I can't function). I'm thinking of Celexa??? Any thoughts on that, anyone?
>
> Good luck with the Remeron. I just wanted to put my plug in for it.
>
> Jill :)
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 21:48:15
In reply to Remeron poop out - Jill, posted by Essence on July 19, 2002, at 8:42:21
Hi Ess,
I want to confirm that Remeron is indeed a great AD and applaud your taking it and having good results. My poop out, and probably many others as well, is more due to the fact that I'm probably Bipolar-II and not major depression. All of the other SSRI's, SNRI's and the analogs pooped after a while. Some took longer than others, Remeron was the quickest. Any increase would send me into severe panic disorder, sleeplessness, wiredness which would eventually wear off until the next poop cycle. This is a fairly common symptom of Bipolar, but I didn't know that until just a few months ago. I've been needing something like lithium all along. Remeron does have a rep of being a pooper, but maybe those for whom it poops have something besides the type of depression it was designed for. So if Remeron is the right drug for you, then you're very fortunate. It's a good one. Just wish it didn't make me porky or I'd probably stay on it.
- Barbara> Hi Jill;
>
> Sorry to butt in here, but I was so happy to see your post to BarbaraCat. I am a Remeron user, 7 mos now at 30 mg and I have been worried about the quick "Poop out" affect everyone seems to feel Remeron has. Your post has definately made me feel so much better about being on this medication. It is one of the best AD's I have taken, but always in the back of my mind was the worry whether or not it would "poop out". Once again, thanks for sharing your experience, it sure made my day. Your right, Remeron is is a tetracyclic antidepressant, an SNRI.
>
> Ess
Posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 22:36:34
In reply to Remeron poop out - Jill, posted by Essence on July 19, 2002, at 8:42:21
With all this talk about poop, is this a scatology board or something, lol?
Posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 22:56:58
In reply to Re: Remeron poop out - Jill » Essence, posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 21:48:15
BarbaraCat/Anybody: I would GREATLY appreciate any and all feedback to this request:
Could anybody who has Bipolar Disorder please state clearly what the "manic" phase of Bipolar Disorder is like? One doctor of mine years ago diagnosed me with Bipolar. Others did not. The one that did said he did "because lithium is what worked for me". I just read online recently a presentation by a shrink that said that this is NOT a valid reason to automatically diagnose someone with a specific diagnosis. He said that just because a medicine works for someone that that doesn't automatically mean that that is their diagnosis. In other words, just because the lithium helped that doesn't prove that I am Bipolar. I also told my doctor that said that, right at that time, that other meds had also worked..for example, an antidepressant that I took a couple of years earlier had also worked very well. So how could he be so sure I was bipolar just because the lithium worked???????He didn't want to talk about it anymore. He never cared to answer patient's questions. Your typical arrogant-as-hell, pompous, know-it-all shrink. Anyway, for the last 20 friggin' years I have never had another doctor conclusively come to a conclusion. So I'm asking you all here: EXACTLY what the hell does this manic phase get like? I would think that it would have to get really bad if it was something that you could be hospitalized for. It should be TERRIBLE if it's such a terrible thing. I think I only have the "hypomanic" part, because when I get "overly" happy it doesn't seem terrible at all! I know I have the terrible depression "lows". But, WHAT is this manic phase all about? Any and all replies greatly appreciated because I just want to know if I have that "manic" phase or not. Thanks!
Posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 23:05:30
In reply to Re: Remeron poop out - Jill » Essence, posted by BarbaraCat on July 19, 2002, at 21:48:15
Barbara said: "Any increase (in antidepressants) would send me into severe panic disorder, sleeplessness, wiredness which would eventually wear off until the next poop cycle. This is a fairly common symptom of Bipolar, but I didn't know that until just a few months ago."
>>>>>>Increases in my anti-d's NEVER caused any bad reaction to me...does that mean anything (like maybe I don't have Bipolar)? Do you have ANY link that says that type of quote BarbaraCat or anyone?
Posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 23:13:26
In reply to Remeron and weight gain, posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 0:41:38
LyndaK wrote "My weight hasn't budged even though I'm starting to get my waistline back. I wish I understood the physiology of the stuff. I've wondered if it's a combination of having an appetite (I had no appetite when I was on Zoloft) and lowered metabolism."
>>>>>>>Lynda, I read once that one likely hypothesis was that many of the anti-d's lowered the body's metabolism. NOT just that a person's metabolism was lowered because they didn't eat as much, felt more tired, laid around more, etc., BUT that the meds actually lowered the body's metabolism in a specific way. It was stated as very likely but at that time not totally proven. You could always try to find a guy that likes the extra "cushion".
Posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 23:50:25
In reply to LyndaK, posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 23:13:26
Lynda,
My pdoc (very reputable, in a well-established practice in a large city) explained that the weight gain from Remeron is due to increased histamine caused by the drug (the benefits of histamine include antianxiety, ease of sleep, calm...but also increase appetite).
Some pdocs prescribe Zantac to lower the histamine (just in the stomach) to help counteract this side effect. I tried it for awhile, but I actually found it increased my heartburn (weird, eh...it was almost like a rebound effect for me).
Anyway, he also said that, in his practice, he's seen this drug cause weight gain mostly in young, skinny females...versus, say, middle-aged men. Obviously, age and gender must play a role in the response. Interesting.
That said, plain old watching what I eat and exercising works for me. I have gained weight, but I was pretty thin for my body type to begin with...now I look about "average" weight. Same for my sister.
We both feel great, so the extra pounds (I'm 5' 5 1/2...athleticish body...5 years ago started at 135 (size 8) and am now 150 (size 10)...although I'm working at eating better lately...more fruits and veggies and not letting myself eat after I take my meds at night), really are a small price to pay for the calm and happiness I feel (plus no sleep or sexual problems!). Also, I probably would have gained a little even without Remeron...hitting those 30's :)
By the way, thanks to everyone for info on Celexa/pregnancy. With my history of severe depression, my pdoc said I should probably stay on something during the pregnancy. He did say I should try to switch a few months before getting pregnant, so my body would be going through so much at once.
I'm bummed that I'll probably have to switch to an older drug with more data be safer, since Remeron doesn't seem to have pregnancy data. My pdoc also said I may not feel as good on a different drug which only increases serotonin). (Remeron increases noradrenelin, serotonin, and histamine...which really helps me...and many others with depression/anxiety).
Also, I'm disappointed that I'll have to deal (probably) with the sexual and sleep issues again. Especially a bummer because I will actually be trying to get pregnant...hope it's not too much of a drag :).
I took Prozac before (not trying to get pregnant, though) and did well (except for those side effects). I also tried Paxil (made me so sick...diarrhea, major weight loss), and Luvox (bad headaches).
So, I guess Zoloft and Celexa may be the next possibilities. Anyone have any other pregnancy/med stories or suggestions? I need an SSRI type thing for OCD/depression.
Very OCD of me to be worrying about this med thing now...not even married yet (but we're discussing plans)! Ha! Anyway, thanks in advance for all your insight.
Sorry this is so long!
Be well,
Jill
Posted by Jill on July 20, 2002, at 0:08:28
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain » BarbaraCat, posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 15:11:41
p.s. This is important about weight gain/Remeron! (You may already know???).
My doctor explained that there is less weight gain at higher dosages (30mg+). I take 45 mg/night. He moved me up very quickly to that dose when I started the medication (can't remember exactly...within a few weeks, I think...) to that level.
I believe he told me he did that to avoid excessive weight gain and sleepiness (I cry frequently [not enough AD effect for me] and am totally wiped out at only 30mg...my sister had the same experience on Remeron).
I do every few months [with doctor ok] take slightly less than 45 mg/night for a couple nights to help me sleep better (and then bump my dose back up to 45 mg). It seems to increase histamine enough to help counter the noradenelin that seems to build up over time. It's a great way (for me) to keep the sleep thing in check without sleeping pills.
Of course PLEASE check with your pdoc about meds/dosing for you.
Hope this is helpful.
Jill :)
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