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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by stay at home mom on February 6, 2004, at 14:46:35
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by stay at home mom on February 5, 2004, at 10:41:00
Dear Tony and Lynda, I never made it to my doctors appt yesterday. I was such a mess that my mom and husband came to my rescue and took me to the ER. I've been put on Lexapro until I see a new doc next thursday. I'm just resting at home now until I can get back into the swing of things.
stay at home mom
p.s. and I'm still fat.:(
Posted by PoohBear on February 6, 2004, at 15:15:37
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on February 6, 2004, at 14:46:35
Stay@HomeMom:
You're not FAT, just dimensionally CHALLENGED.
It's nice that you family was there when you needed them. Take a nice long walk, a warm shower and snuggle up with a good book and post us in the morning with an update...
Tony
> Dear Tony and Lynda, I never made it to my doctors appt yesterday. I was such a mess that my mom and husband came to my rescue and took me to the ER. I've been put on Lexapro until I see a new doc next thursday. I'm just resting at home now until I can get back into the swing of things.
> stay at home mom
> p.s. and I'm still fat.:(
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 7, 2004, at 14:16:19
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by stay at home mom on February 5, 2004, at 10:41:00
Posted by Clayton on February 8, 2004, at 14:12:27
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » marfaith, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 12:16:55
Am I the only one? I've LOST 30 pounds since starting Remarom 6 months ago. I've sure the virurous daily cardio workouts had contrinbuted to that result. I don't think it's the Remaron that caused the weight loss.
Posted by LyndaK on February 9, 2004, at 13:24:10
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on February 5, 2004, at 10:34:11
>
> I 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
>
>Thankyou for your support, Mary. I am to the point now where I'm taking a good, HARD look at WHAT I eat as well as how much.
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on February 9, 2004, at 13:50:55
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by stay at home mom on February 6, 2004, at 14:46:35
> Dear Tony and Lynda, I never made it to my doctors appt yesterday. I was such a mess that my mom and husband came to my rescue and took me to the ER. I've been put on Lexapro until I see a new doc next thursday. I'm just resting at home now until I can get back into the swing of things.
> stay at home mom
> p.s. and I'm still fat.:(Oh! It's scarey when things go that bad. I'm so glad you have a family that's looking out for you! Glad you have an opportunity to rest. I could totally relate to the "psycho-mom" thing. It's SO hard to meet the demands of parenting when your own emotional wellbeing is so off-kilter. I hope your family continues to provide you with a lot of support so you can really focus on what you need to do for yourself. In my opinion (and my experience) weekly therapy (talk-therapy, not just a med-check) is the other HALF of the equation for getting well. Meds alone or therapy alone doesn't yield as good results as doing both together. Of course right now you're trying to find a good pdoc who will help you find the right med. for you!
Rest.
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on February 9, 2004, at 13:54:20
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by PoohBear on February 6, 2004, at 15:15:37
<<You're not FAT, just dimensionally CHALLENGED.
Tony,
You are So funny!! LOL
I have to remember that one! ;-)
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on February 9, 2004, at 14:04:48
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Clayton on February 8, 2004, at 14:12:27
> Am I the only one? I've LOST 30 pounds since starting Remarom 6 months ago. I've sure the virurous daily cardio workouts had contrinbuted to that result. I don't think it's the Remaron that caused the weight loss.
Clayton,
My pdoc says that not EVERYONE gains weight on Remeron. He does actually have clients who don't. Of the ones who don't, they are more typically men, and he has an older woman who is "skinny-as-a-rail" and hasn't gained an ounce. You're the first I've heard who has actually LOST weight on Remeron, though. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones (unless 30 pounds was TOO much weight to lose).
Lynda
Posted by justamom on February 10, 2004, at 10:15:04
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » Clayton, posted by LyndaK on February 9, 2004, at 14:04:48
I have written before, as has my daughter, Kim, her pdoc gave her Remeron about a month ago...she hasn't as yet tried it due to a heavy workload at school, but will do so during Spring Break. She is afraid of the sleepiness/dizziness that Remeron causes, and I don't believe I have been of much help either. I'm afraid of how she is going to handle this med, especially since she suffers from Anxiety Disorder, and has a fear of ALL meds. I don't know how to help her through this because we've been dealing with this disorder for almost ten years, and since I am her only support system, there are times when I feel totally overwhelmed and helpless!!! She isn't concerned with the weight gain since she is very thin...in fact she sees it as a plus, but is nevertheless afraid of the med. I know she needs to try some sort of med to finally feel normal again, which is also a fear for her since she hasn't felt "normal" in years. I suppose, in a way, I'm also afraid of the unknown, and how I'm going to handle her anxiety when the time comes to finally put this med in her mouth! I also feel that at times I can be a hindrance instead of a help because I know I will have to be the one that has to deal with her fear, and sometimes that can be so overwhelming. I'm not sure if this message is one that can be answered, but I do so appreciate the fact that there are people, like yourselves, who are there to listen...and for that I am grateful!!! Thanks to you ALL
Posted by marfaith on February 10, 2004, at 12:07:09
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by justamom on February 10, 2004, at 10:15:04
> I have written before, as has my daughter, Kim, her pdoc gave her Remeron about a month ago...she hasn't as yet tried it due to a heavy workload at school, but will do so during Spring Break. She is afraid of the sleepiness/dizziness that Remeron causes, and I don't believe I have been of much help either. I'm afraid of how she is going to handle this med, especially since she suffers from Anxiety Disorder, and has a fear of ALL meds. I don't know how to help her through this because we've been dealing with this disorder for almost ten years, and since I am her only support system, there are times when I feel totally overwhelmed and helpless!!! She isn't concerned with the weight gain since she is very thin...in fact she sees it as a plus, but is nevertheless afraid of the med. I know she needs to try some sort of med to finally feel normal again, which is also a fear for her since she hasn't felt "normal" in years. I suppose, in a way, I'm also afraid of the unknown, and how I'm going to handle her anxiety when the time comes to finally put this med in her mouth! I also feel that at times I can be a hindrance instead of a help because I know I will have to be the one that has to deal with her fear, and sometimes that can be so overwhelming. I'm not sure if this message is one that can be answered, but I do so appreciate the fact that there are people, like yourselves, who are there to listen...and for that I am grateful!!! Thanks to you ALL
Hi. I did not experience the dizziness/sleepiness that some have on Remeron. I slept great and now that I have been off it for almost two weeks, I know that it did help with my anxiety. I too am one of those that are afraid of trying new meds. The reason why I quit was because I gained 32 lbs in three months. I never had a weight problem in my life and if anything needed to gain weight. If it weren't for the weight gain I would have stayed on it. Hope your daughter gives it a try. Good luck to you both. Mary
Posted by shadows721 on February 10, 2004, at 19:13:46
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by marfaith on February 10, 2004, at 12:07:09
My doc said that the higher dosage of Remeron will by pass the histamine action. It should not have the weight gain effect. She said you will be like a zombie for 2 weeks. Anyone tried the higher dosage?
Posted by justamom on February 10, 2004, at 20:36:53
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by marfaith on February 10, 2004, at 12:07:09
> Hi. I did not experience the dizziness/sleepiness that some have on Remeron. I slept great and now that I have been off it for almost two weeks, I know that it did help with my anxiety. I too am one of those that are afraid of trying new meds. The reason why I quit was because I gained 32 lbs in three months. I never had a weight problem in my life and if anything needed to gain weight. If it weren't for the weight gain I would have stayed on it. Hope your daughter gives it a try. Good luck to you both. Mary
Thank you Mary for your response. It is good to know that it did help your anxiety. Were you on the 30 or 45?
Posted by PoohBear on February 10, 2004, at 22:48:52
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by justamom on February 10, 2004, at 20:36:53
I was on 60mg and gained weight like crazy. I don't know if I would have leveled off or not, and wasn't will to take the chance. We thought that 60mg would mitigate the weight gain, but at least for my body, no luck.
Tony
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