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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by marfaith on February 11, 2004, at 8:04:59
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by justamom on February 10, 2004, at 20:36:53
> > 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?I started at 15 and then went to 30. I was going to go to 45 because I have read that with more is less with the symptoms, but with the weight gain I didn't want to chance it.
>
>
Posted by Lisalashes on February 11, 2004, at 12:00:05
In reply to Re: Remeron and higher dosage, posted by shadows721 on February 10, 2004, at 19:13:46
> 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?
I have just come off Remeron, wasn't on it for very long, couldn't hack the side effects!
At 30 mg taken at night, I was a zombie, at 15mg, I was better, but still very sluggish.Appetite same either dose.....HUGE!!!!!And food tasted deeeeelicious!
Put on 7lbs in a fortnight!I craved fatty, tasty foods in a similar way you do when you've been drinking the night before, that also sums up how I felt on the med, like I had a constant bad hangover that wouldn't go away!
Good Luck
Posted by sadmom on February 11, 2004, at 13:19:37
In reply to Re: Remeron and higher dosage, posted by Lisalashes on February 11, 2004, at 12:00:05
Hi. I've been on Remeron for 4 months. At first I didn't gain weight. Then after 2 months my stomach started acting up and I was hungry all the time. So I tried upping the dose from 30mg to 45mg. That only seemed to make it worse. I also started taking Xantac because of the acid/heartburn. I decided to go off Remeron because of the weight gain, and was tapering off, when the stomach acid/hunger problem stopped when I was at 22.5mg. So now I'm on 22.5mg for the past 2 weeks.
Posted by Lisalashes on February 11, 2004, at 14:08:59
In reply to Re: Remeron and higher dosage, posted by sadmom on February 11, 2004, at 13:19:37
> Hi. I've been on Remeron for 4 months. At first I didn't gain weight. Then after 2 months my stomach started acting up and I was hungry all the time. So I tried upping the dose from 30mg to 45mg. That only seemed to make it worse. I also started taking Xantac because of the acid/heartburn. I decided to go off Remeron because of the weight gain, and was tapering off, when the stomach acid/hunger problem stopped when I was at 22.5mg. So now I'm on 22.5mg for the past 2 weeks.
Well done for sticking it out, how do you find it as an anti-depressant? Did you experience lots of unpleasant side effects at first?
I'm back on Prozac, my first drug of choice! I was experimenting with Remeron to see if it would suit me better, but as I couldn't hack the side effects I decided to go back on the Prozac - better the devil you know and all that!!Best of luck to you
Posted by Flipsactown on February 13, 2004, at 23:47:39
In reply to Re: Remeron and higher dosage, posted by shadows721 on February 10, 2004, at 19:13:46
I have been on 90mg remeron for over 3 months. My pdoc and I are aware of the 60mg recommended max dose. I have gained over 30 pounds even at the highest dose. However, I am also on prozac, lamictal and lithium. I want to stop remeron when I find another AD that will not make me gain weight but will relieve my unipolar depression.
Flipsactown
> 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 Kaybee on March 11, 2004, at 19:45:43
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by PoohBear on February 10, 2004, at 22:48:52
I was diagnosed with bipolar II about 9 months ago. Even with depakote I still go through manic episodes and can't sleep for sometimes up to 3 days.
My doctor prescribed me 30mg of remeron at nighttime to sleep. I've only taken it once--it made me sleep for 14 hours! I think I might decrease the dosage.
Anyway, I was wondering--is remeron making people gain weight b/c their appetite is increased, or are their eating habits the same and the weight is still gained? Do you think if i take it only at nightime I will still see side effects of weight gain? I am not willing to "experiment" and find out.
Posted by Flipsactown on March 11, 2004, at 21:15:08
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by Kaybee on March 11, 2004, at 19:45:43
Most definitely. I am on a high dose of 90mg and still have increased appetite. I watch what I eat and exercise daily. I am in the process of switching ADs and Remeron has got to go. It's either that or become blimp.
Flipsactown
> I was diagnosed with bipolar II about 9 months ago. Even with depakote I still go through manic episodes and can't sleep for sometimes up to 3 days.
>
> My doctor prescribed me 30mg of remeron at nighttime to sleep. I've only taken it once--it made me sleep for 14 hours! I think I might decrease the dosage.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering--is remeron making people gain weight b/c their appetite is increased, or are their eating habits the same and the weight is still gained? Do you think if i take it only at nightime I will still see side effects of weight gain? I am not willing to "experiment" and find out.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 12, 2004, at 0:23:48
In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by Kaybee on March 11, 2004, at 19:45:43
> I was diagnosed with bipolar II about 9 months ago. Even with depakote I still go through manic episodes and can't sleep for sometimes up to 3 days.
>
> My doctor prescribed me 30mg of remeron at nighttime to sleep. I've only taken it once--it made me sleep for 14 hours! I think I might decrease the dosage.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering--is remeron making people gain weight b/c their appetite is increased, or are their eating habits the same and the weight is still gained? Do you think if i take it only at nightime I will still see side effects of weight gain? I am not willing to "experiment" and find out.
>
>Hi Kaybee,
I would drop to 15mg if all you want it for is sleep. I find that taking more makes me sleep longer. Weight gain is due to increased appetite & sleeping longer.
Cheers,
Panda.
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