![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 243 to 267 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 20, 2002, at 1:34:06
In reply to Re: Alternatives, posted by Dinah on September 19, 2002, at 20:32:16
Dinah,
Eating high sugar foods (carbs, simple sugars) will create a temporary increase in serotonin along with a surge in insulin. Eating high carbs and missing meals creates a condition of insulin resistance and it takes a while to balance things. Not eating carbs and going through a snit as you describe is pretty typical. It's the sensation of deprived serotonin, kinda like a junkie needing a fix (sorry for that analogy but can't think of a better one). Just stopping carbs is bound to make anyone snarl until you get your blood sugar and cellular insulin/glucagon stores balanced. You have to go slow, and eat protein and some fat if you're going to eat carbs. Amy's suggestion of nuts, etc., is a great one. Also, if you drink alchohol and eat another carb, like chips or pasta or bread or whatever, it will send your blood sugar into a frenzy. Gotta balance it with protein and fat.
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 20, 2002, at 2:10:19
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » BarbaraCat, posted by LyndaK on September 20, 2002, at 1:06:16
Lynda,
What dose are you at now and how high do you plan to go? Remember that there's a lag time at each dose change so you may not feel the true effects until a week or so later. I felt a real kick in energy from 45mg on up and a 'brightening' effect. You may notice only a positive effect.Let me tell you about why I think the higher dose didn't sit well with me. My stress level is probably greater than most people's. My husband and I have not been working for over a year due to the bad economy in the NW, I'm sick with fibromyalgia to boot and become very ill at times which makes me and my husband worry about me. This means I can't work anyway and SS disability has been denied twice already (I'm working with a layer but it's still awful dealing with it and will be a year before I go to court on in). We're barely holding on and each month's bill paying time is trauma and intense anxiety as we empty out all our savings and IRAs. Plus we're also grappling with the IRS. For a while this past spring and summer the pristine land around our house was getting bulldozed, trees were getting crunched and the noise and destruction almost did me in. The rape of our pristine wilderness is breaking my heart. In short, I truly think I have more shit to deal with than the average bear. It may not be death and destruction but it's been very intense, and this kind of thing has been going on for a while (hell, all my life starting with an insane father). Although it's made me a very reslient and strong person, I never get used to it and eventually my perkyness turns into hysteria and hypomania, depending on the trauma that is ensuing. So I'm going to react to the anxiety component in a drug probably more so than is normal. Does this make sense? In other words, you may feel great on a higher dose. Plus, you can always use an anti-anxiety med when you need it. - BarbaraCat
Posted by Roo on September 20, 2002, at 9:17:31
In reply to Re: Another thing » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 20, 2002, at 1:09:23
My acupuncturist thinks I might be going through
withdrawal/rebound from the last of the drugs I finally
went off of. First I went off a mood stabilizer (lamictal)...
that wasn't too terribly bad) then zoloft, then effexor (pure
hell on earth, I'm still amazed I made it) and now the last thing
is this navane. I was on a tiny, tiny dose (1mg) of
navane (an antipsychotic) that I had been on for 2 years,
although I'm not sure why because when my pdoc first
prescribed this drug she said "you're only supposed to take
this drug for a short amount of time, like 6 months or so"...I
was going through a crisis period and she was anti-benzo, so I
think she was prescribing this antipsychotic kind of like a
benzo...to calm me down. Anyway I took it for 2 years. A few times
I tried to go off it, but got really anxious, and didn't feel like
dealing with that, so I kept taking it, and she kept prescribing it.
I think I knew, on some level, I was addicted to the stuff.
So anyway, the nausea and nothing tasting right and the EXTREME emotional
lability (wanting to die, feeling like I just can't take the pain, really
intense...) have started shortly after I stopped that drug. It's been\
about 10 days. So I think I'm going to try and hang in there and see if
it subsides...because I've made it through withdrawal before...it's tough,
but I know if that's what it is, it makes it easier to hold on.I hope that's what it is.
I'm sure it's the zoloft that's screwed up my gut--I've always
had a really good gut before that--very solid and dependable.I'm sure I probably do have hormonal issues...I knew that the one
ovary had to have some sort of effect...thanks for going into that...
I'm not sure I really understand. I'm going to print it out and bring
it to the acupuncturist and talk with her more about the hormonal stuff.
I'm not sure what she thinks, Barbara...I mean she tells me, but I can't
really understand it...I'm kind of passive that way I guess...I'll have to
ask more questions and make sure I understand the answers. I know she's
working alot with my liver....Even if it is hormones...so then what do you do? I guess that's a
question for her. Yes, I'm doing the medicinal teas along with the needles.I thought about you getting a job scrubbing toilets to pay for all
this...(or joking about it)...I may have to do the same. I see the
homeopathic doctor next week...The initial appt. is, gulp, $250, but
it lasts 2 and a half hours, and after that, it's pretty inexpensive.
I'm really hoping I feel some improvement. And I'm really hoping that
this really intense emotional stuff lately is withdrawal. Please God...
Cross your fingers for me....
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 20, 2002, at 12:30:52
In reply to Re: Another thing--Barbara Cat, posted by Roo on September 20, 2002, at 9:17:31
Sorry you're going through this hell, Roo. I've been there and it's amazing we survive. The only thing that's kept me from doing myself in to end it all is the firm belief that I'd just have to come back and do it again. There's no escape, only lessons to learn one way or another.
You ask about what we can do about the hormones. Everything is so interrelated - the physical chemistry affects the mental and vice versa. An endless loop where there's no real beginning or end. One thing I'm discovering is the powerful effect food has and how food and exercise can balance overproduction of insulin and energy/oxygen transport in and out of our muscles. A good place to start is to read "The Zone" by Barry Sears and to get the cook book and follow the diet and exercise ideas. It's amazing stuff. There are newer books on the subject of balancing protein, carbs and fats, but he is the father of it and the best place to start. He's very thoroughly researched how food is the entrance point into that loop I spoke about and how what and how we eat controls the 'pre'-hormones that control the pituitary, which is the 'master gland' for everything. You'll understand why binging on sweets is bringing you down.
This is where it starts, Roo. I don't believe any drug or energetic therapy we do will hold for long if we're not balancing our 'fuel' intake. Your acupuncturist sounds right-on to be working on your liver meridian. That's anger, depression and emotional energetics.
I've come to think of this food thing as trying to get your car to run better by putting fuel additives and gunk cleaner into the gastank. But nothing is going to work if you're putting diesel fuel into the tank when you need high octane unleaded! Put in the right fuel and the STP can do it's job properly. I've been following this diet for 2 weeks and can definitely see and feel the difference. But again, Dr. Sears is a starting point. There may be newer books on the same science of balancing protein/carbs/fats.
Posted by Jill on September 20, 2002, at 16:05:08
In reply to Re: Jill, re: Remeron Anxiety » McPac, posted by LyndaK on September 19, 2002, at 23:14:18
Hi again!
For me, the Remeron really DECREASED my OCD/anxiety stuff...like way down. At 45mg I feel very happy, calm (overall...but deal with regular stress like everyone else) and sleep well. Don't forgot that histamine is increased with this drug too...that's why it helps you sleep...but I also think it helps to calm you down. Plus, the increase of serotonin helps you feel better. You can control the amount of NE by adjusting your dose...it's more activated at higher doses.
That's why I "tweak" my meds (with doc's approval) every couple months and take slightly less for a few days. My body rhythm/reaction to this drug seems to be that after about 3 months at 45mg, I start to have a little trouble sleeping (more tossing and turning before settling down...restless leg stuff). However, by just lowering a bit for a few days, I get more histamine and less NE (at least how I understand it) and then can sleep fine (I go up again after a few days to my regular dose...knowing that it takes a few days for the lag of the switch to catch up).
My sister (who seems to have a similar biology/thought processes) is also much calmer and happier on this drug. Docs like it because it helps with sleep/anxiety and doesn't cause the SSRI side-effect profile (my sister took Prozac for ONE DAY and stopped because she felt like she was on speed or something. I took Prozac for 9 months, but I just didn't like the sleep/sexual side effect problems).
Hope this helps. For me, Remeron has been wonderful. Take care, and have a great weekend.
Jill :)
Posted by johnj on September 21, 2002, at 13:35:07
In reply to Re: OCD/Catholicism article, posted by Jill on September 19, 2002, at 23:06:42
HI Jill,
I am so sorry if my initial response made you feel bad. You have said some interesting things about OCD that is acutally part of my anxiety at times. Just stupid thoughts that appear to be my own brain trying to scare me. I would love to discuss this is more depth at a later date. I am not posting as much due to an exam and work is hellish right now. In a month or so I would like to bounch some feelings I have had and see if they are similiar. Like I said before if the church can't get you with love they use fear. I don't think it is like that as much now, but that is what a good friend(priest) told me so he said I should not feel guilty. Take care and sleep well.
johnj
Posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:39:20
In reply to Remeron Anxiety, posted by Jill on September 20, 2002, at 16:05:08
Jill/BarbCat/Anyone
45 mg. of Remeron has me "racing" too much---feeling too anxious, heart feels like its beating way too fast, feeling 'edgy' (is this that darned norepinephrine effect?).......I'm going to lower the dose....I was thinking of going down to 30 mg...but perhaps I should try 37.5 first.....how many days AFTER lowering the dose do you think the effects should take ("lag time")? I can't help but cursing Remeron's "architect" (the med's 'designer') for putting that damned increased norepinephrine effect in the med! I'd like to hire my very own medicine designer to TAKE IT OUT, lol!
Posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:53:57
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:39:20
One Lat Question: Re: Zoloft Withdrawal
Approx. how long does it take for the crummy Zoloft withdrawal process to end? I know it depends on various factors, but, from the time you take your last Zoloft tablet, about how long do those withdrawal symptoms last for? Anybody, from your experiences?
Posted by LyndaK on September 21, 2002, at 18:20:36
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » LyndaK, posted by BarbaraCat on September 20, 2002, at 2:10:19
Barbara,
Thanks for putting things in perspective. :(
I see why your anxiety is so high. It seems like you're doing as well as anyone possibly could!! I certainly hope your situation turns around in some way soon. You've been under major stress for WAY too long. That would take its toll on anyone.
You're now officially included in my prayers (for peace-of-mind if nothing else). :)
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on September 21, 2002, at 18:38:53
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:53:57
> One Lat Question: Re: Zoloft Withdrawal
>
> Approx. how long does it take for the crummy Zoloft withdrawal process to end? I know it depends on various factors, but, from the time you take your last Zoloft tablet, about how long do those withdrawal symptoms last for? Anybody, from your experiences?I went off Zoloft at the same time I started Remeron, but I had already decreased my Zoloft down to 50mg a day (I think) so I really didn't notice much withdrawal. Zoloft was my "drug of choice" before switching to Remeron (I would NEVER go back to it now). I remember going "cold turkey" with the Zoloft several times in the past when I just got so fed up with the side effects that I couldn't stand it anymore. Zoloft withdrawal was NOT a fun thing! In fact, that's when I was most prone to suicidal thoughts. I WISH I could remember how long the withdrawal took, but I can't. It (thankfully) seems like a long time ago. I did best when I went off Zoloft with very gradual reductions over a long period of time. But then, you seem to be having a different experience with the Remeron than me, so I'm not sure my feedback will be of much help. But I'm wondering if the increased anxiety you're feeling is part of the Zoloft withdrawal? Wish I could be of more help.
Lynda
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 21, 2002, at 21:14:10
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:53:57
Hi,
I hope I can help with both your Remeron and Zoloft questions. I'm now down to 1/4 of a 45mg Remeron pill and like it SO much better than the higher doses. I just may stay here. The NE was too much for me also, mainly terrible anxiety with is the main reason I get depressed! I thought it would be a good perker upper but I guess I don't need NE. Life doesn't seem anywhere near as worrysome here at 1/10th the dose. I'd suggest going slowly, but not as slowly as with other ADs, so go to 37.5 and then to 30 after about a week. Rem's withdrawal is about the easiest I've encountered, but I still feel it with every decrease for about a week. I'm also taking 5-HTP 50mg three times a day and I think it's helping.Now for Zoloft. I was on it off and on for 6 years, going up to 300mg at one point which is very high. I went off very very slowly, reducing by 1/4 pill every 2-3 weeks. The withdrawal is not fun. I got the sideways elevator whooshes and electric shocks the whole time coming off and for 1 month afterwards and felt extremely volatile. It's like all the anger and rage got pent up for years and suddenly released. My poor husband got raged at much more than he deserved (welllll, he did deserve some of it). I don't know what to think about taking 5-htp during the withdrawal because I didn't try it for zoloft but I'll bet it would help. Definitely take extra high quality magnesium, calcium and B vitamins. - BarbaraCat
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 21, 2002, at 21:19:53
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » BarbaraCat, posted by LyndaK on September 21, 2002, at 18:20:36
Lynda,
Thanks so much for that. It really helped to validate what I suspected - I have waaayyyyyy too much stress and it's no wonder I'm feeling it. Gotta chill. Please keep me on your prayer list and I will do the same for you. It makes my heart feel good to know we will be doing this for each other. - Barbara
>
> I see why your anxiety is so high. It seems like you're doing as well as anyone possibly could!! I certainly hope your situation turns around in some way soon. You've been under major stress for WAY too long. That would take its toll on anyone.
>
> You're now officially included in my prayers (for peace-of-mind if nothing else). :)
> Lynda
Posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 21:44:34
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:39:20
Hi MacPac..sorry you're going through anxiety stuff with Remeron. My pdoc did say that 45mg is too "activating" for some people. Like I said, I'm fairly high energy naturally and feel way too tired at 37.5...and especially at 30mg and lower (I'm also crying at those dosages...so the antidepressant effect isn't as much for me at those levels).
It may take about 1 week for your body to register the change. If you're totally "stressed out" and "hyped up" you could even talk to your doc about going down to 15mg or even 7.5 for a few days. I think you'll be amazed at how slowed down and probably very tired you'll feel at that dose...maybe after only 1 or 2 nights. You'll probably even end up wanting to go up to 22.5 or 30 mg after you get the NE levels down (or maybe your body will feel great at the very low doses...I just know that I was so exhausted at those levels I'd come home from work and lay on the couch for the rest of the evening with no energy).
You'll have to do a little experimenting to find the right dose for you, but in my experience, it's worth it.
Like I said, now that I'm engaged, my fiance and I are discussing kids and the fact that I'll probably have to switch back to SSRIs (more pregnancy data...and my doctor agrees I need to take something). I'm bummed about the sexual side effects (ironically we'll actually be TRYING to have kids...too bad I won't be able to enjoy it...lol) and the sleep problems...although, as my sister informs me (she has a 14 month old)...I might as well get used to not sleeping if I'm going to have kids :(.
Remeron really has been great for me and many others. Once you figure out the correct dosage for you, you may find it's the right one for you.Oh...does anyone have any experience with Celexa or Lexapro. I thought that I might try one of them if I do have to go back on SSRIs.
Thanks...and have a great weekend.
Jill :)
Posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 22:13:37
In reply to Re: OCD/Catholicism article » Jill, posted by johnj on September 21, 2002, at 13:35:07
Hi John,
Yes, I'd be happy to email with you about your thoughts later (after your busy time). I feel like I'm at a fairly good place right now, in terms of my religious obsessions and painful stuff around that.
My OCD thoughts will probably pop up a bit when we do communicate, but I think I can handle that (and I'll tell my fiance, too, so he and I can talk about them).
There is an old term for extreme religious guilt/obsessive thinking which was used before it was classified as OCD. The old term was "scrupulousity." I found it in very old psychology texts. It was interesting to read about it...but again, I can't read too much or I obsess a lot about it.
I think that's why yoga and prayerful reflection (often after yoga or vigorous exercise) is the best way for me to feel I can have a real, honest conversation with God/Love/Universe. I just need to quiet my whirring mind...which, of course, is a lot easier said than done.
I just went to look for a quote I'd written down several years ago. I thought of it tonight...and I think of it often. Just know that many, many people have struggled with conflicted Catholic/religious feelings...so, we're in good company ;).
Here's a quote from James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake which really knocks me to the core...I can't believe how articulate this guy is about conflicted/fear feelings associated with the Irish Catholicism he was raised with (talk about hard core Catholics! My watered down Irish-American Catholicism can't hold a candle--pun intended--to the "straight" Irish stuff.)
"That a cross may crush me--
If I refuse to believe in it
That I may rock anchor through the ages--
If I hope it isn't true"I'd be glad to email with you later about your thoughts/teelings.
Take care, and good luck with your exam.
Jill
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 21:44:34
Jill,
I know you have to consider everything carefully regarding ADs and kids, however, I'd question going back to drugs that aren't as successful for you as Remeron. The question in my mind would be why isn't Rem as safe as the supposed safety of other very simiar drugs? What is it about Rem that causes concern? I suspect it's that Rem has not been around long enough for many pregnancy studies, but that doesn't mean there's anything inherently dangerous about it. It acts on different serotonin receptors and thereby may affect smooth muscle/contraction differently than SSRI's pathways. There's a strong feedback loop between estrogen/progesterone and serotonin/NE so all these things must surely be considered. But it is sooooo stressful to switch ADs and that kind of stress surely can't be healthy for you or a developing fetus. Lots of things for you to think about and I wish you the very best. And have a great time trying!
Posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » Jill, posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
Thank you all for your informative responses.
I only took 30 mg of Remeron last night (down from 45 mg)....just can't stand 45mg.
Lynda...you said that at one time that Zoloft was your "drug of choice" but NOT anymore....what is it about the Zoloft that you 'hate'?
Barb....what effects did you 'hate' about being on Zoloft?
I need an SSRI without this idiotic increased norepinephrine effect!!!
Posted by LyndaK on September 22, 2002, at 21:25:42
In reply to BarbCat/Lynda/Jill, posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
Lynda
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 22:33:04
In reply to BarbCat/Lynda/Jill, posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
> Barb....what effects did you 'hate' about being on Zoloft?
I didn't hate Zoloft at all, in fact it was a very good AD, better in my opinion than Paxil, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Prozac. I needed a respite from the anxiety and depression and it did this beautifully. I felt carefree, confident, optimistic with very little getting me down or concerning me. The problem arose when I realized that I wasn't feeling things as deeply as I needed to - the good things, like attending a symphony that previously moved me to tears and thinking 'oh, that was interesting but rather a waste of time' or hearing about something that I previously cared passionately and morally about and wondering what the fuss was all about. I felt that everything was A-OK and all would work out, which is a worthy sentiment, however, it was more apathy than philosophy. I had some sexual dysfunction, but probably not as much as commonly reported. It was more like if a sexual encounter happened I had a fine time, but if it didn't I wasn't too bothered. Exercise? Sure, it felt pretty good to work out but if I didn't no big deal. Everything became no big deal and that started bothering me.
I started Wellbutrin at the suggestion of my pdoc to add a little dopamine to counteract the serotonin apathy, but Wellbutrin has the NE curse and it wired me too much. One of the things that happens as serotonin increases is dopamine decreases, so the pleasure and sparkle kind of dry up. In the end I couldn't live with the apathy, tried other ADs to no success, lived without any ADs for 2 years off and on and started Remeron one year ago because of encroaching depression. I'm doing well at 11.5mg. I must say that with Zoloft-induced breezy attitude I handled work alot better, effortlessly zooming up to a high stress career. That same career nearly killed me when I was back to my neurotic but compassionate self. You know what we need? A good SSRI that has dopamine and none of that stinkin' NE. - Barbara
Posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 7:43:08
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » Jill, posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
Hi Barbara,
Your hunch is right about why I am considering switching. The last time I talked to my pdoc (which was probably 1 1/2 years ago and 90 miles away from my new home...which shows how stable I've been on Remeron for 5 1/2 years...doesn't hurt that my fiance is a counselor), he said I'd probably have to switch due to the lack of data on Remeron and pregnancy.
But, I totally agree...switching meds is HELL. The few months before I settled on Remeron were probably the worst in my life.
My pdoc is very well respected (named #1 in large city) and up on things. So, my fiance and I will go talk to him in a couple months. I don't want to switch while pregnant (pdoc said to try to switch about 3 months before)...so I might even try before we're married. But, I'd wait to the spring when the days are longer and brighter to try.
I'm hoping that my well-informed pdoc may have some new info on Remeron the next time I see him. I read an interesting article stating that even though antidepressants are much LESS likely to harm a fetus than things like, say, asthma meds...that the stigma of mental illness/brain affecting chemicals is so high, that women are told to get off meds that are really NECESSARY to them...where people are less insistent that women stop other life-saving meds. (My pdoc wants me on something, though, for sure).
Thanks for your valuable input...I'm off to work.
Have a good day.
Jill :)
Posted by Roo on September 23, 2002, at 10:08:11
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 7:43:08
Hey Barbara Cat--
Just curious...has the Zone diet helped you to lose
some of the Remeron weight? Now that I've decided to
go back on AD's...trying to decide which one...I WANT
to try remeron b/c of the no sexual side effects....but
I really probably shouldn't because I can't even deal with
another 5 pounds...I'm bordering chunky now, and 5 pounds
will push me definitely into the chunky category officially.
Some people may judge that as shallow and superficial, but
let em judge. I'm 5 feet tall and the weight SHOWS on my frame...
5 pounds is like 10 when you're my height!
Anyway, didn't mean to ramble...
Also, curious about the Zone diet for depression...does it still
allow you _some_ carbs? I worry about cutting all carbs because
don't complex carbs help your brain to make seratonin?How are you, by the way? How are you feeling?
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat, posted by Roo on September 23, 2002, at 10:08:11
Hi Roo,
I'm doing well, thanks. I'm holding steady at 11.5mg Remeron down from 75 and it feels right at that dose. I've been taking 5-HTP also because intuitively it seems necessary to increase serotonin that way. Plus all my vitamin drips and other naturopathic therapies are helping. It's hard to remember how miserable you were when you start feeling better, but looking back at my journals I was in very bad shape, so I'm grateful and encouraged.I haven't been on the Zone diet for very long, however, I don't get as hungry and my energy level is good throughout the day and I've lost 5 pounds in a short time. It's not a low carb diet, but it balances the ratio of carbs pretty evenly with protein and fat. It encourages complex carbs (high fiber veggies) instead of simple ones like sugar, pasta, bread, grains, booze. Other problem carbs are high glycemic, or sweet tasting veggies like corn, white rice. You need to eat enough good quality protein and fats to delay carb sugars from the entering the bloodstream rapidly, which causes excess insulin problems. This is a very simplistic explanation. You can probably find a used copy of 'Entering the Zone' by Barry Sears and see if it makes sense. I'm still studying it and getting used to the recipes and eating differently (I ate too many carbs previously) but it makes alot of sense - even though the jury is still out among some medical circles. However, more and more nutrition experts and docs are coming over to his theories. Dr. Sears also recently wrote 'The Omega Zone' which is mainly about fish oils, but goes into his Zone theories.
Remeron and weight gain. Sigh. It's definitely a problem unless you exercise like a demon. You will want to eat eat eat (especially carbs). I'd find myself standing in front of the open fridge barely remembering how I got there. Jill on this board seems to have the least problems with it and I believe she's an avid swimmer. But she did go up a few dress sizes anyway.
Posted by JackD on September 23, 2002, at 13:11:58
In reply to Re: BarbCat/Lynda/Jill » McPac, posted by LyndaK on September 22, 2002, at 21:25:42
> What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
>
> LyndaYeh, just to butt in here, I have found SSRI's to be the most stupifying drugs out there hands down. Even benzos and stabilizers aren't nearly as bothersome. At the top I would rank Zoloft of the SSRIs I've tried.
Posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 17:11:44
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
Hi,
I did gain some weight over the last five and one half years on Remeron. I went from a skinny, nervous, obsessive 134 to my current happy, content state of 149 or so.I was actually heavier last year (my fiance too...we were commuting for a long distance relationship and ate out a lot and didn't exercise so much. Now we're both in the same city, which really helps. We go to the gym together now.), but I've been eating better and exercising more, so I'm back to approximately 15 more than I was originally.
However, some is probably due to getting older and,honestly, to being happier (I used to get so depressed/stressed that I couldn't eat...lost 20 pounds at one dark time...was very underweight for my frame...and miserable. Weight is definitely not everything.).
So, I went from a size 8 to a size 10. It's not a big deal for me...and it is possible to lose weight. Weight gain (and crazy hunger) seems to be less at dosages 30mg and above, according to my pdoc. I've been at 45mg for a long time, and really I'm feeling fit and happy.
Hope this helps.
Jill
Posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
Thanks
MoBe
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 20:50:37
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » BarbaraCat, posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29
There's a problematic thing about increasing serotonin. It decreases dopamine and decreased dopamine is implicated in myoclonus. 5-HTP increases serotonin and wouldn't help with the dopamine imbalance, if that's what's causing it. Wellbutrin increases dopamine so it's no wonder you didn't have this problem. You might want to explore natural dopamine enhancers (believe it or not, fava beans are very high in it), but anti-parkinson meds are usually prescribed. It seems like you enhance one neurotransmitter and the others just go out of whack.
> A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
> Thanks
> MoBe
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.