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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ritch on April 28, 2003, at 9:16:15
In reply to Gabitril for Sleep?, posted by Lynne on April 28, 2003, at 6:10:39
> My Pdoc has put me on 4mg of Gabitril for sleep. Has anyone else had any luck with this drug for sleep?
>
> Thanks,
> LynneHi, I was on Gabitril at much higher dosages for bipolar and I do remember sleeping rather well on the stuff. Can you tell us how you are doing just taking a low-dose at bedtime for sleep? I didn't like it during the day because it made my thinking all muddied, but I wonder if it would make a good sleeper just for hs dosing.
Posted by Lynne on April 28, 2003, at 9:30:15
In reply to Re: Gabitril for Sleep? » Lynne, posted by Ritch on April 28, 2003, at 9:16:15
Hi Ritch,
I will keep you informed on my progress with Gabitril. I have been on sleeping drugs for 8 years and want to try something that is non- addicting. So I hope this works. I will start taking the drug tonight.
Lynne
Posted by Ritch on April 28, 2003, at 12:29:07
In reply to Re: Gabitril for Sleep?(Ritch), posted by Lynne on April 28, 2003, at 9:30:15
Posted by jimmc on May 19, 2003, at 23:55:05
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » unsure, posted by BarbaraCat on March 11, 2003, at 14:21:10
Dry mouth is a serious concern for me due to gum disease and upcoming oral surgery. I just started on Remeron. What experience have others had with dry mouth while taking Remeron, compared to other SSRIs?
Posted by bek on August 5, 2003, at 6:27:00
In reply to Re: Remeron and Pregnancy??? » Jill, posted by beardedlady on March 15, 2002, at 17:25:06
Pregnancy and anti-depressants.
Does anyone know someone who has been pregnant on either of the following:
Amitriptyline - "Elavil"
Clomipramine - :Anafranil"
Mirtazapine - "Remeron" ...?
I am wanting to start a family, and am on mirtazapine. So little research into this area. Feel it is all swings and round-abouts! Could anyone pass on their experiences/advice? Much appreciated.
Posted by Barbara Cat on August 5, 2003, at 11:27:41
In reply to Re: Gabitril for Sleep?(Ritch), posted by Lynne on April 28, 2003, at 9:30:15
Hi Lynne,
Anything to share about Gabitril helping sleep? I've also been on sleeping drugs for years and would welcome a switch to something that works better without the tolerance problems.> I will keep you informed on my progress with Gabitril. I have been on sleeping drugs for 8 years and want to try something that is non- addicting. So I hope this works. I will start taking the drug tonight.
>
> Lynne
Posted by worrier on August 5, 2003, at 20:52:53
In reply to Re: Gabitril for Sleep?(Ritch) » Lynne, posted by Barbara Cat on August 5, 2003, at 11:27:41
> Hi Lynne,
> Anything to share about Gabitril helping sleep? I've also been on sleeping drugs for years and would welcome a switch to something that works better without the tolerance problems.
>
> > I will keep you informed on my progress with Gabitril. I have been on sleeping drugs for 8 years and want to try something that is non- addicting. So I hope this works. I will start taking the drug tonight.
> >
> > Lynne
>
>
> I've been taking gabitril at night for about 3 weeks now, started with 2mg.My pdoc wants me to increase to 4mg, but I find that makes me really dopey the next day. Oddly, it doesn't seem to help me fall asleep any better/faster, just makes it really hard to get out of bed in the morning. By the way I am taking it for anxiety/panic disorder along with 2mg of xanax xr in the morning and .5mg of regular xanax at night with the gabitril. Can't say I've noticed much antianxiety effect and didn't have the getting up in the morning problem until adding the gabitril.
Posted by JoJ on August 12, 2003, at 8:37:33
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 28, 2002, at 22:13:04
I am currently taking 400 mg of neurontin 5 times a day. I take 30 mg of neurontin to help with sleep, 10 mg baclofen 3 times a day. I am currently dieting and am gaining weight daily. I have gained 20 lbs since the start of the remeron. I want off of it, can't afford to gain any weight, I have fibromyalgia, along with failed back syndrome, following 7 back surgeries. I am getting more depressed everyday. Anyone have any suggestions for sleep help without the weight gain. It's bad enough to be on that much neurontin, my mind also feels like lost, since I am now very forgetful. Please help
Posted by Mary Dedrick on August 12, 2003, at 14:33:28
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Latinlover on October 31, 2002, at 12:19:20
> I have a deppressive history of both insomnia, trouble to get up in the mornings, weakness and nervousness and sometimes even angry hyperactivity. I tend to respond quickly to the medicines, though.
>
> Should I increase my Remeron gradually to 45 mg.?
>
> I really hate taking Rivotril or any other antianxyolitic.
>
> If I take Prozac I get very nervous and anxious, I am unable to eat, I can't sleep and my sex performance is awful.
>
> Effexor doesn't allow me to sleep almost anything. Makes me tired in the afternoons, makes me feel horrible after missing only 1 dose, delays orgasm until I get tired trying and after drinking amounts of alchohol as small as one beer feels like if I missed the dose and then the next day I don't have libido at all.}
>
> On Remeron I don't have any sexual side effects and I can sleep well (too well!). But I get very irritable during the whole day, I get knocked out 1 hour after taking the pill and overall I look like a crazy paranoid while I'm talking. After I drink small amounts of liquour, I feel like I'm going to have an attack of St. Vitus desease (if you know what I'm talking about). Also, I'm feeling a little more cold, cruel and "evil" lately, if you know what I'm talking about. Apart from that, I have been aphonic during the last say, 7 days. People say my voice is changing. I am also eating like a pot smoker, but a few extra kilos will be good for me. I also feel a little imprudently dishinibited. There is maybe a couple more side effects that I may forget to mention.
>
> So, in your opinion, should 45 mg. of Remeron alone be good for me?
>
> Thanks.
> Latinlover.
>
> HELP! I need advice about husband who started remeron an topamax about three weeks ago for depression (he didn't think he was all that depressed) and has turned into a detached, uncaring ass! Oh, without a sex drive, too. He doesn't seem to be aware that he is acting/feeling differently, but I see it and feel it. It's getting so bad, I think we might just throw in the towel and give up. I am no stranger to antidepressants (I took zoloft for years, pooped out, switched to lexapro (whole OTHER subject) and I take clonazapam.
Anyone got any suggestions about why the pdoc would start him out on a tricyclic instead of something newer? I feel like I'm losing my best friend and soul mate....
Mary
Posted by Bek on August 12, 2003, at 18:19:41
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Latinlover on October 31, 2002, at 12:19:20
> I have a deppressive history of both insomnia, trouble to get up in the mornings, weakness and nervousness and sometimes even angry hyperactivity. I tend to respond quickly to the medicines, though.
>
> Should I increase my Remeron gradually to 45 mg.?
>
> I really hate taking Rivotril or any other antianxyolitic.
>
> If I take Prozac I get very nervous and anxious, I am unable to eat, I can't sleep and my sex performance is awful.
>
> Effexor doesn't allow me to sleep almost anything. Makes me tired in the afternoons, makes me feel horrible after missing only 1 dose, delays orgasm until I get tired trying and after drinking amounts of alchohol as small as one beer feels like if I missed the dose and then the next day I don't have libido at all.}
>
> On Remeron I don't have any sexual side effects and I can sleep well (too well!). But I get very irritable during the whole day, I get knocked out 1 hour after taking the pill and overall I look like a crazy paranoid while I'm talking. After I drink small amounts of liquour, I feel like I'm going to have an attack of St. Vitus desease (if you know what I'm talking about). Also, I'm feeling a little more cold, cruel and "evil" lately, if you know what I'm talking about. Apart from that, I have been aphonic during the last say, 7 days. People say my voice is changing. I am also eating like a pot smoker, but a few extra kilos will be good for me. I also feel a little imprudently dishinibited. There is maybe a couple more side effects that I may forget to mention.
>
> So, in your opinion, should 45 mg. of Remeron alone be good for me?
>
> Thanks.
> Latinlover.
>
> Have recently come off Citalopram and onto Remeron,-as a depressive the SSRI's seemed to at best make me feel emotionally "flat-lining", so began Remeron which: Knoced me out flat 1-2 hours after taking them and for first 2 days made me a zombie. Two weeks on my insomnia is not an issue. Began eating anything and everything!
What I,in a mix felt tired, cranky and a bit irritable...? The reality was he walked out on me for three days! Apparently I was hell to be around:snapping and glaring! I thought I felt a bit crap and wound up. Both of us have now shared our humble pie, may be withdrawl, or stumbling block, but this is me at 2 weeks of daily 30mg.I guess its obvious that sex life since taking them has been - funnily enough... not there.
Posted by mary dedrick on August 13, 2003, at 11:05:14
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Bek on August 12, 2003, at 18:19:41
Bek, need more info...sounds very familiar. I'm trying to figure out if this is something that ties into the over all problem (his anger/frustration with dealing with his stepkids) or the meds...he has no experience with psych meds ... but I'm positive that he's less "there" on these drugs. Should I visit the pdoc with him?
Waiting for some advice!
Mary
Posted by Bek on August 13, 2003, at 19:01:49
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » Bek, posted by mary dedrick on August 13, 2003, at 11:05:14
> Bek, need more info...sounds very familiar. I'm trying to figure out if this is something that ties into the over all problem (his anger/frustration with dealing with his stepkids) or the meds...he has no experience with psych meds ... but I'm positive that he's less "there" on these drugs. Should I visit the pdoc with him?
>
> Waiting for some advice!
> MaryMary,I wish I could give you clear-cut answer, but... I certainly empathize with you, -I'm sure my partner most certainly would! Trying to compare; I have as said been on 3 diff' SSRI's for 3 years,most of which have done very little for my "down" depression or helped me get through for limited periods. I have admitted that I can be irratable - my Doc said that's "just" anxiety. It's something Ive had the odd day and kept it tolerated. My partner was made unemployed 3 weeks before I went on Remeron, yes a significant factor. At this time he appeared optimistic and I = supportive. But then, if I wasnt sleeping I did/do feel emotionally detatched. Everything means so much concentration, most a distraction and just too much to be pestered by! This is not REAL harrassment. EG t.v on dog pacing expecting a walk, AND your partner insists he reads whatever from the paper-forcing you interest(concentration) only for your daughter to ask you for something, and well frankly overload! That's 4 continious distractions/demand/ ares of focus- all at the same time.Grrrr. I know that this is an anxious part of the illness, but it just wasnt so,.. loud and all in your face too much and too near. I feel because this is all so felt, that perhaps not always will your husband feel see his behaviour. Has he been on any anti-deppressant like drugs before? I feel, if he agrees to accompany him to pdoc, as it reads that you need a bit of help in order to help him. Im sure at moments it must be tempting to let him know exactly how... he is being: IF it is more the real stuff, now is obviously not a good time to really work at things,-my head is doing 200% more work than nec'. If it is less real and more the drugs- then it would be hard for him to be clear as a bell. Either way, I'm tolerating them, yet each day I know I should let my pdoc know and come off. I'm hoping it is the first n last wierdness as your body gets familiarized. I have been on them fully for 3 weeks.Let me know how things are if/when I see pdoc I will give feedback. Don't feel very equipped considering- but if I can be of any help. Bek.
Posted by janiceg on August 17, 2003, at 16:12:12
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Mary Dedrick on August 12, 2003, at 14:33:28
Hi. The same thing happened to my husband. It was awful. He went from being despondent (before meds) to being irritable, crabby and detached on 45mgs of Remeron. He's off of it now, thank goodness and doing something very different. He's seeing an accupuncturist. After one year of not being able to find a medication that really helped him, we found this wonderful Chinese physician who uses accupuncture in her western practice. So far so good...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Janice
Posted by crazychickuk on August 18, 2003, at 18:07:07
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by karen on February 17, 1999, at 1:38:34
I have been taking 15mg for 4 weeks now i dont get sedated at night, BUT i do get tired through the day.. i can not be bothered to do anything, i am raising the dose to 30mg.. soon... i take it for ocd, depression, anxiety and mania/depression
Posted by Colin123 on September 16, 2003, at 13:50:32
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by unsure on March 11, 2003, at 10:40:18
After starting Remeron I ate constantly for the first two days. If it wasn't nailed down I consumed it. Then I stopped and actually lost interest in food and have lost weight. So far that is all I can say in a positive light.
I've been on it for 3 weeks. Can anyone tell me how long it takes it to really kick in. Right now if you look up cranky and irritable in the dictionary you'd see my face.
Posted by LyndaK on September 17, 2003, at 2:27:57
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » unsure, posted by Colin123 on September 16, 2003, at 13:50:32
Yeah, I had the initial ravenous appetite too.
Remeron has had a very slow, steady effect where "feeling good" is concerned. I would say it was a good 4 to 6 months before I was really feeling much better. I'm not saying that it takes that long for the medication to build in your system, but it took that long to get out of the deep hole of despair I was in.
As far as side-effects, "cranky and irritable" isn't what I felt. I felt dizzy and extrememly tired. Those side-effects resolved with time although I still take it at night to help me sleep.
Lynda
Posted by Yazz on September 17, 2003, at 4:11:14
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Colin123, posted by LyndaK on September 17, 2003, at 2:27:57
I'd just spent some time on Venlafaxine, which took away my appetite completely, so when I switched to Mirtazipine (Think that's the same as Remeron) my appetite did come back big time. But having lost loads of weight on the Venlafaxine (good thing), I didn't want to put it all back on, so I tried to be a bit careful about eating.
Of course that didn't really work, and I binged loads, but one month down the line, I've only gained a couple of pounds since starting on it. So maybe there's hope for you there.
> Yeah, I had the initial ravenous appetite too.
>
> Remeron has had a very slow, steady effect where "feeling good" is concerned. I would say it was a good 4 to 6 months before I was really feeling much better. I'm not saying that it takes that long for the medication to build in your system, but it took that long to get out of the deep hole of despair I was in.
>
> As far as side-effects, "cranky and irritable" isn't what I felt. I felt dizzy and extrememly tired. Those side-effects resolved with time although I still take it at night to help me sleep.
>
> Lynda
Posted by bonnie56j on September 17, 2003, at 14:28:42
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I am taking remeron 30mg for sleep I was prescribed it for depresion I take it every other day but suffer from headaches does anyone have any ideas? thanks
Posted by crazychickuk on December 8, 2003, at 16:43:49
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
WOW long long long reply's.
Posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
Is all the weight gain because rememron increases appetite and one eats way too much or because it changes how you process food that one noramlly metabolizes and burns. Not from eating too much but just changing the metabolization of normal amounts of food?
I am starting remeron and curious if how all this weight gain happens.??
Many Thanks.
Posted by wsj on December 23, 2003, at 19:27:42
In reply to Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
for me it was that remeron made food taste better > didn't matter what it was on remeron it tasted better (especially ice cream). since everything tasted better i ate more of it > ended up gaining a total of 70 lbs. > have since stopped remeron and lost 50 lbs. > remeron worked like a dream for my insomnia and helped my depression > but i couldn't live w/ the weight gain.
best of luck!
wsj
Posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
In reply to Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
I think it was/is a combination of both. I've been on Remeron for over a year now -- has really worked wonders in giving me a "normal" life again. When I first started it, it increased my appetite, or maybe a better way of describing it is that no matter how much I ate I didn't ever feel full. Knowing that, I simply made sure that I didn't eat too much, but the constant hunger was difficult to deal with. Over time (or maybe with increased dose) the increased appetite side-effect went away. But I still gain weight MUCH easier than I did before. I have not continued to gain weight. I put on 20 lbs. initially and it has stubbornly stayed put -- almost like a new "set point". I don't like the extra 20 lbs. but right now the fear of being depressed (if I stop taking the Remeron) is greater than my dislike of the extra pounds. If I had continued to gain weight, that might be a different story, but I have not continued to gain weight. But, in terms of the depression, it has COMPLETELY turned my life around. It's worth a try, especially if you know about the weight-thing upfront and are careful about your calories.
Best of luck to you.
Lynda> Is all the weight gain because rememron increases appetite and one eats way too much or because it changes how you process food that one noramlly metabolizes and burns. Not from eating too much but just changing the metabolization of normal amounts of food?
>
> I am starting remeron and curious if how all this weight gain happens.??
> Many Thanks.
Posted by 2001 on January 5, 2004, at 22:06:39
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » 2001, posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
Thank you Lynda K. I have now been on remeron for two weeks. Some depression is lifting. Not much change with weight so that is nice. But I seem to get body twitches at night as I am trying to fall asleep. I am able to sleep more at night, once asleep - still up a couple times to the bathroom but am getting back to sleep better. I am on 15mg and think the lower dose is better b/c sleep insomnia is a major issue with me. Will keep it going for at least 6 weeks and see how it goes. thanks.
Posted by LyndaK on January 6, 2004, at 2:06:09
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on January 5, 2004, at 22:06:39
Insomnia was a major issue for me as well and the Remeron has worked well for that. It's amazing what getting a good night's sleep consistantly can do for you! Glad that your weight is remaining stable so far.
Take Care.
Lynda> Thank you Lynda K. I have now been on remeron for two weeks. Some depression is lifting. Not much change with weight so that is nice. But I seem to get body twitches at night as I am trying to fall asleep. I am able to sleep more at night, once asleep - still up a couple times to the bathroom but am getting back to sleep better. I am on 15mg and think the lower dose is better b/c sleep insomnia is a major issue with me. Will keep it going for at least 6 weeks and see how it goes. thanks.
Posted by Northerngal on January 8, 2004, at 14:50:10
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » 2001, posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
I have been on Remeron off and on (mostly on and currently at 75 mg/day with 225 mg of Effexor as well) for over two years and have had a horrible time with weight gain. I have always been skinny, skinny (5'3" 98-103 lbs.) but gained 40 lbs. in the first four months of taking Remeron, despite 20+ miles of running a week. Zantac has been a gift that has brought my body's metabolism back to some level of normalacy. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise a lot to maintain 130 lbs., but at least the weight gain is controllable and I'm not gaining 10 lbs. a month (and I'm alive!). The combination of Remeron and Effexor has been the magic bullet for my depression. If anyone wants to talk further about weight gain, please feel free to write me. I truly feel like an expert now!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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