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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by stay at home mom on January 26, 2004, at 14:57:27
In reply to Re: Remeron WEIGHT GAIN!!! » LyndaK, posted by PoohBear on January 26, 2004, at 10:53:11
I've gained about about the same. I see my pdoc tomorrow.
I don't like to even get on my own scale. I'll I know is that I can't button the jeans that I've worked so hard to fit into. It really seems to be around my stomach.
Does your new med have any sexual side effects?
Remeron has been great for me that way.
Stay at home mom
my poor husband I finally want sex and now I'm feeling fat!
I'll let you all know what my doc says tomorrow.
Posted by PoohBear on January 27, 2004, at 10:25:20
In reply to Re: Remeron WEIGHT GAIN!!!, posted by stay at home mom on January 26, 2004, at 14:57:27
> I've gained about about the same. I see my pdoc tomorrow.
> I don't like to even get on my own scale. I'll I know is that I can't button the jeans that I've worked so hard to fit into. It really seems to be around my stomach.
> Does your new med have any sexual side effects?
> Remeron has been great for me that way.
> Stay at home mom
> my poor husband I finally want sex and now I'm feeling fat!
> I'll let you all know what my doc says tomorrow.
>The Topamax doesn't seem to affect sexual function. I'm a guy, so it may do different things for gals.
The Effexor means soft erections and no climax so I take a small amount of Wellbutrin to counter the effects of the Effexor. It works well for me (no pun intended...) My wife had a hysterectomy for ovarian CA in Sept., and has been a little on the frigid side most of our marriage anyway, so a little less interest is a good thing on my end.
My titration schedule called for me to up my dose of Topamax to 50mg last night. Slept through the night. Very vivid, but not bad dreams. Me sleeping through the night without getting up two or three time to use the bathroom is a miracle.
Please don't worry about a few pounds. Your hubby won't mind the extra padding to play with :) If my my wife was in the mood I'd be thrilled, even if she is bald at the moment...
Take care,
Tony
Posted by LyndaK on January 29, 2004, at 1:11:40
In reply to Re: Remeron WEIGHT GAIN!!! » stay at home mom, posted by PoohBear on January 27, 2004, at 10:25:20
> > I've gained about about the same. I see my pdoc tomorrow.
> > I don't like to even get on my own scale. I'll I know is that I can't button the jeans that I've worked so hard to fit into. It really seems to be around my stomach.
> > Does your new med have any sexual side effects?
> > Remeron has been great for me that way.
> > Stay at home mom
> > my poor husband I finally want sex and now I'm feeling fat!
> > I'll let you all know what my doc says tomorrow.
> >
>
> The Topamax doesn't seem to affect sexual function. I'm a guy, so it may do different things for gals.
>
> The Effexor means soft erections and no climax so I take a small amount of Wellbutrin to counter the effects of the Effexor. It works well for me (no pun intended...) My wife had a hysterectomy for ovarian CA in Sept., and has been a little on the frigid side most of our marriage anyway, so a little less interest is a good thing on my end.
>
> My titration schedule called for me to up my dose of Topamax to 50mg last night. Slept through the night. Very vivid, but not bad dreams. Me sleeping through the night without getting up two or three time to use the bathroom is a miracle.
>
> Please don't worry about a few pounds. Your hubby won't mind the extra padding to play with :) If my my wife was in the mood I'd be thrilled, even if she is bald at the moment...
>
> Take care,
>
> TonyFirst of all, I can relate to what "stay-at-home-mom' is saying. Most of my weight went around my middle as well. I too am doing really well emotionally and am interested in some intimacy with my husband, but he is turned off by the fat around my middle. I'm not horribly obese, mind you, I'm 5'4" and 135 lbs, but I've always been slim and now I'm . . . not.
You have a really good attitude, Tony. So sorry to hear that you and your wife have had such major stress with the cancer and all. Best of luck to you as you sort out your meds.
Lynda
Posted by stay at home mom on January 29, 2004, at 11:44:38
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by caroline on January 20, 2004, at 12:37:11
First of all Tony , thanks for the good sense of humor!
And Pooh Bear, I wish I was at 135. I'm 5'4 too. I was finally at 130 1 mo ago and was able to zip up my size 8 jeans with out sucking it in. But now I'm at 140!
I have taken control of the cravings with eating a slimfast bar very slowly when they (past tense) came on.
I've also been working out more too. If I can't get into those jeans or at least be close by my next visit in 3 weeks I might have to try something else.
I'm 35 so my metabolism sure isn't what it was, and after 2 kids I consider 130 a realistic goal.
Have you seen the new Hydroxycut comercials with the couple? My husband and I joke that the before picture is us.
Anyways,,,,,,, what I'm trying to say is don't fret pooh bear and tell your husband to get over it! :)
Stay at home mom
Posted by PoohBear on January 29, 2004, at 12:49:53
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on January 29, 2004, at 11:44:38
Caroline:
Thanks for the encouraging note. PoohBear is me, Tony. I haven't seen the commercials. My TV watching is about 1-2 hours per week...
I went from a men's size 40 to a 34. I absolutely REFUSE to go back to being a fat couch potato. I can definitely empathize with your size 8 zipper dilema. My size 34's will pray for your size 8's.
Take care!
Tony
Posted by stay at home mom on January 29, 2004, at 14:02:13
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by PoohBear on January 29, 2004, at 12:49:53
Ok, I've got it now. I was relating to Lynda.
I swear with 2 kids, everything else that life brings us, weight, meds, I'm lucky I remember my own code name.
Tony, my husband longs for his 34 pants too. I bought him all 36's so he didn't look like he had a tourniquet around his waist! :) just thinking about him walking out the door
in the 34's cracks me up. Age,..... it just creeps up on you.
Stay at home mom
Keep Smling!
Posted by LyndaK on February 1, 2004, at 15:42:07
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on January 29, 2004, at 14:02:13
Thanks for the encouragment, Stay-at-home-mom. I don't even fight with the size 8 pants anymore - I HAVE to be comfortable, so I'm in a size 10. It would just be nice to have a waistline again. I too have 2 kids (post-partum depression with both) and I'm 41 years old, so I do struggle with the question of whether I'm blaming the medication when it's really just age, but I do know that ALL the different medications I tried before affected my weight in some way -- usually made me lose weight. This is the first med I've been on that made me gain weight so dramatically. But it's also been ABSOLUTELY the best med for treating my depression and anxiety. I've actually already talked to my pdoc about trying to go off or reduce my dose and see if I maintain my current level of well-being. It's a little scarey, to be honest; but the weight thing is starting to get me down. We're going to wait until summer to do the trial -- I have a little Seasonal Affective Disorder as well, so winter is not a good time to try to reduce my meds.
Please keep us posted about your progress and whether you do or don't stay on this med. It has been so helpful to hear other people's experiences.
Lynda
Posted by stay at home mom on February 1, 2004, at 18:31:30
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by LyndaK on February 1, 2004, at 15:42:07
Lynda, I called my Doc in tears today and told her I didn't want to take another one of these pills again. I couldn't even fit into my cute sweatpants to go pick up sandwiches for the superbowl! It was then that I just lost it. This anti-depressent has made me so depressed, It looks like I'm going to" try " to go off of it cold turkey.
I will make an appt next week and I guess we will take it from there. I'll let you know how it goes.
Take care,
Stay at home mom
Posted by PoohBear on February 1, 2004, at 21:23:57
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by stay at home mom on February 1, 2004, at 18:31:30
StayAtHomeMoM:
Don't get discouraged. Take a deep breath. I quit cold from one day to the next with Remeron and had no ill effects. Everybody's different, but perhaps that will be some encouragement to you.
Take care,
Tony
Posted by stay at home mom on February 2, 2004, at 10:07:24
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by PoohBear on February 1, 2004, at 21:23:57
Thanks Tony!
I've got a full bottle of Klonopin and I'm ready the use it!
> StayAtHomeMoM:
P.S. to everyone out there, no I'm not going to take it all at once.:) I do have instructions.
>
> Don't get discouraged. Take a deep breath. I quit cold from one day to the next with Remeron and had no ill effects. Everybody's different, but perhaps that will be some encouragement to you.
>
> Take care,
>
> Tony
Posted by PoohBear on February 2, 2004, at 12:12:17
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on February 2, 2004, at 10:07:24
Stay@HomeMom:
Glad you have some ammunition...
Wanted to let you know that I've now lost about 5 pounds from my Remeron gain, which leads me to believe two things:
1. Remeron make one crave carbs.
2. Remeron makes one retain water.
I'm certain that most of the weight I've lost is water. My pants fit much better now than they did a week ago. WHEW!
By the way, the Topamax has not been working the last couple nights for sleep. I was supposed to do 5 nights at 25mg, 5 nights at 50mg and then 5 nights at 75mg. Well, the last two nights at 75mg have seen me waking up at 1 or 2 in the morning without being able to go back to sleep for the rest of the night. Not good. I'll drop the doseage back down and see what happens. I was okay when it was lower.
Best wishes,
Tony
Posted by marfaith on February 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by LyndaK on February 1, 2004, at 15:42:07
Hi. I decided to stop Remeron cold turkey too. I stopped three days ago. I can't stand the weight gain. I have never had to deal with it in my life. Does anyone know how long it takes to start losing weight? On another site a doctor said it takes about a month for your metabolism to get back to normal and that this weight gain is not permanent. That made me feel better. It did make me sleep great though. I see my doctor on the 10th and I am going to try something else. My main problem is anxiety. I don't know if the anxiety causes the depression or vice versa. So far I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms. Mary
Posted by stay at home mom on February 2, 2004, at 16:43:24
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on February 2, 2004, at 12:23:50
Mary , my main problem has been anxiety too, but for 5-6 years now I've been on anti-depressents and anti-anxiety meds.
I don't know if its just because its a sunny day and I've had good music playing, but I feel like I see clearer,like side blinders have been taken off. Maybe my high strung self is starting to come back. Or I'm just crazy. I guess I'll ride with it until I see my doc on thursday.Tony, congrats with the weight loss!
Stay at home mom
Posted by micro on February 3, 2004, at 10:32:57
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on February 2, 2004, at 10:07:24
> Thanks Tony!
> I've got a full bottle of Klonopin and I'm ready the use it!
> > StayAtHomeMoM:
> P.S. to everyone out there, no I'm not going to take it all at once.:) I do have instructions.
> >
> > Don't get discouraged. Take a deep breath. I quit cold from one day to the next with Remeron and had no ill effects. Everybody's different, but perhaps that will be some encouragement to you.
> >
> > Take care,
> >
> > Tony
>
>
Dear stayathome,
I would caution you regarding the use of klonopin, it is a very potent benzo and more short acting than has been reported for some individuals. Not every human metabolizes a medication in the same way, which from the reports on this site, appears to support what should be obvious. Different titrations are required for optimal results/per case. This is the basis for Psychopharmoclogy.I would hope. All this said, to error on the side of safety, withdrawl should be slowly done with any psychotropic med! This is especially true of benzos- the more potent the benzo and the longer the duration of dosing- the more intense the withdrawl. Does this seem logical to you? [Since your anxiety levels are already elevated due to the thought of discontinuing remeron]. Please take the klonopin for a short duration and taper slowly with the help of you doc. [As I Stated before in discussions]Consider a 6 dollar investment in John Gorman's Guide to the use of Psychiatric medicines. It will help to reduce your anxiety and help your significant others understand the nature of your therapy. Be Well. Micro
Posted by stay at home mom on February 3, 2004, at 11:09:12
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by micro on February 3, 2004, at 10:32:57
Thanks for the info, I've been taking Klonopin for 5-6 years now with my anti-depressents and I've gotten off of it twice with both pregnancies .
I feel really good , like a clould has been lifted since I stopped the Remeron. I had a rough night sleeping though. I'm hoping I can get away with just Klonopin and maybe a different sleeping med like Ambien instead of going on another anit-depressent. But....it's only been 2 days .
I see my doc on thursday
Stay at homeMom
Posted by marfaith on February 3, 2004, at 11:18:10
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on February 2, 2004, at 16:43:24
Thanks. My brother took Remeron and gained 40 lbs. When he quit taking it the weight dropped off. Hoping that is the case with me.
Posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 12:16:55
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on February 3, 2004, at 11:18:10
> Thanks. My brother took Remeron and gained 40 lbs. When he quit taking it the weight dropped off. Hoping that is the case with me.
How long was he on it before going off?
I've been on Remeron for a year-and-a-half (at least) and gained 20 lbs. I just saw my pdoc on monday and when I see him again in April we're going to try to taper me off the Remeron to see if I maintain my emotional health without it. I'm worried that the 20 lbs. won't come off! ;-(
Lynda
Posted by Northerngal on February 4, 2004, at 12:26:35
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » marfaith, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 12:16:55
I'm the one who gained 40 pounds in 6 months on Remeron and gained some control of the weight gain with Zantac. I discontinued Remeron 2 weeks ago and have already lost 8 pounds, which is similar to what happened last time. The point is, I think most people's bodies return to their normal metabolism and you lose/gain weight at pre-Remeron rates fairly quickly. My p-doc agreed that my metabolism would return to "normal" right away - it is not irreversible!
Posted by marfaith on February 4, 2004, at 12:55:25
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » marfaith, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 12:16:55
> > Thanks. My brother took Remeron and gained 40 lbs. When he quit taking it the weight dropped off. Hoping that is the case with me.
>
> How long was he on it before going off?
>
> I've been on Remeron for a year-and-a-half (at least) and gained 20 lbs. I just saw my pdoc on monday and when I see him again in April we're going to try to taper me off the Remeron to see if I maintain my emotional health without it. I'm worried that the 20 lbs. won't come off! ;-(
>
> LyndaI wasn't on Remeron for as long as you have been on it. So I just quit five days ago. I don't seem to have any withdrawal symptoms. It is probably best that you taper off with your doctor. I wish you the best. Hope we both will lose the weight we put on :) Mary
Posted by marfaith on February 4, 2004, at 12:59:55
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Northerngal on February 4, 2004, at 12:26:35
> I'm the one who gained 40 pounds in 6 months on Remeron and gained some control of the weight gain with Zantac. I discontinued Remeron 2 weeks ago and have already lost 8 pounds, which is similar to what happened last time. The point is, I think most people's bodies return to their normal metabolism and you lose/gain weight at pre-Remeron rates fairly quickly. My p-doc agreed that my metabolism would return to "normal" right away - it is not irreversible!
That is such a relief to read! It has been five days and I have lost 3 lbs. Which is good because when I was on it, I was doing 30-45 min everyday on the treadmill, along with weights and I only lost 2 lbs in two weeks. Can't wait to get back! Mary
Posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:08:52
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Northerngal on February 4, 2004, at 12:26:35
Thankyou SO MUCH for your response!! You can't imagine the sense of hope you just gave me! I do remember your post about Zantac. I didn't know what kind of drug Zantac was so I looked it up -- one of those acid reflux meds. Since I don't have problems with excess acid I didn't know what it would do to someone with a normal stomach, so I was too leary to try it. I'm not continuing to gain weight, I just can't lose the weight I put on at the beginning. But you've given me hope that once I start to taper off this med. that the weight will start to drop.
Thanks Again!!
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:21:09
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on February 4, 2004, at 12:59:55
> That is such a relief to read! It has been five days and I have lost 3 lbs. Which is good because when I was on it, I was doing 30-45 min everyday on the treadmill, along with weights and I only lost 2 lbs in two weeks. Can't wait to get back! Mary
>
>Now, that's a validating thing to read too, because sometimes when I'm talking to people who've had no experience with this med. (or anything like it), they just look at me like, "well, if you'd just get some EXERCISE maybe you'd lose a few!" Which I DO get exercise; I'm in a dance class that meets once per week and I walk my dog (long walks) 4 times per week. But I was wondering if I exercised more aggressively every day if THAT would get the weight to come off, but you DID and it made little difference. Glad you're starting to see it come off now. Thanks for sharing. Keep us posted; I'm interested in knowing how it goes for you.
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:49:21
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by stay at home mom on February 1, 2004, at 18:31:30
> Lynda, I called my Doc in tears today and told her I didn't want to take another one of these pills again. I couldn't even fit into my cute sweatpants to go pick up sandwiches for the superbowl! It was then that I just lost it. This anti-depressent has made me so depressed, It looks like I'm going to" try " to go off of it cold turkey.
> I will make an appt next week and I guess we will take it from there. I'll let you know how it goes.
> Take care,
> Stay at home momStay at home mom,
I meant to respond to this even though I'm late in doing so. I feel much compassion for you. I know how discouraging it is when you're trying one med. after another searching for what will bring you back to the state of emotional wellness that you once had in the past. I had tried a LONG list before my pdoc (a new one) tried me on the Remeron. I was SO SEVERELY depressed and had been so for SO LONG that the relief that the Remeron was offering me was all that mattered. I didn't give a rip about the extra pounds. I bought bigger clothes and was just happy that I was actually feeling happy. It's only now that I've been "well" for a while that the pounds are really starting to bug me.
I hope you find the right med. to help get you back to feeling good again. I wish I could make a suggestion of a different one to try, but all the other meds I tried either didn't work well enough or had side-effects that were even worse than the Remeron.
Best wishes and a prayer for you (if that's o.k. with you)
Lynda
Posted by marfaith on February 5, 2004, at 10:34:11
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » marfaith, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:21:09
>
> > That is such a relief to read! It has been five days and I have lost 3 lbs. Which is good because when I was on it, I was doing 30-45 min everyday on the treadmill, along with weights and I only lost 2 lbs in two weeks. Can't wait to get back! Mary
> >
> >
>
> Now, that's a validating thing to read too, because sometimes when I'm talking to people who've had no experience with this med. (or anything like it), they just look at me like, "well, if you'd just get some EXERCISE maybe you'd lose a few!" Which I DO get exercise; I'm in a dance class that meets once per week and I walk my dog (long walks) 4 times per week. But I was wondering if I exercised more aggressively every day if THAT would get the weight to come off, but you DID and it made little difference. Glad you're starting to see it come off now. Thanks for sharing. Keep us posted; I'm interested in knowing how it goes for you.
>
> LyndaI will let you know how I do, thanks. One thing I have learned from taking Remeron is how frustrating people feel when they do have a slow metabolism and they have to watch everything they eat. You sound like you are doing quite a bit with the exercise. Mary
Posted by stay at home mom on February 5, 2004, at 10:41:00
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:49:21
Thanks for the prayer Lynda, I've been an emotional wreak! I can hold it together for my kids but I have so much anger at my doc for making me wait this long to see her unstead of doing a phone consult. I'm on my period too!
I'm going to see her today then I hope to find a new doc and never see her again.
I've never felt so PSYCHO in my whole life.
Thanks for your support. And that you for this chat line Dr. Bob.
Stay at Home Psycho Mom
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