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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by John on March 14, 2000, at 15:34:02
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Michael on February 1, 1999, at 13:19:58
> > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> I have been on 30mg. for some time; gained 10 lbs but no more; sleep very well but slow to wake up; at first had a high degree of irritability but that seems to have passed; experimented with 45mg to good results, i.e. higher level of energy and interest; have also in the past taken Paxil and Well-Butrin Sr. and prefer the Remeron. Hope this helps.
Posted by allisonm on March 14, 2000, at 21:10:56
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by liz36 on March 14, 2000, at 15:16:30
a more serious side effect (at least I THINK it's from the Remeron) of excessive sweating during sllep, while waking up with chills at the same time, and a generalized muscle weakness (almost as if you'd had the flu) in all my limbs, in addition to a feeling of shakiness and hand tremors during the day- could this mean a serious problem? I had noted that Remeron can cause low white-blood cell counts and/or infection-should I be concerned? I'm feeling concerned enough to want to stop taking this med or at least cut the dose in half-any experiences or thoughts on this?
Liz,
I would suggest that you give your doctor a call and ask him/her for advice on what the problem could be before adjusting the dosage yourself.
allisonm
Posted by daniele on March 15, 2000, at 15:20:11
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
> Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
I've been on Remeron about 5 months now for moderate depression.
I started at 15mg and worked up to 45mg under my psych's direction.
I take no other psych. drugs. My experience with this has been similar
to others...at the lower dose there is considerable drousyness...after a
while and with the higher dose, the drousyness has completely disappeared
for me. Slight weight gain at first due to increased appetite, but this
has leveled off and is not a problem now. I have no other side effects
at all.While it has helped me feel "better", at times I still feel a little
"low". My psych. says no problem, try 60mg if you want for a couple of
weeks and see if it helps...if it doesn't, drop back to 45mg. I wonder
about that...Question...has anyone had experience with a dosage higher than
the 45mg per day? Any comments?kind regards to all!
Posted by Jo on March 22, 2000, at 15:39:20
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by John on March 14, 2000, at 15:34:02
> > > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> > I have been on 30mg. for some time; gained 10 lbs but no more; sleep very well but slow to wake up; at first had a high degree of irritability but that seems to have passed; experimented with 45mg to good results, i.e. higher level of energy and interest; have also in the past taken Paxil and Well-Butrin Sr. and prefer the Remeron. Hope this helps.I was gaining alot of weight on the remeron so I told my Dr. I wanted to increase the dose, that I had read that at increased doses,appetite and weight gain side effect is decreased. He laughed and told me that this was just a way the company that manufactures remeron gets you to spend more money on the drug and said there was absolutely no correlation between an increased dose and decreased side effects. I don't know if he is right or wrong but I thought it was interesting that he said that. I have tried 15, 30, and 45 mg. doses, and still want to eat all of the time. I never had a problem with my weight before now so I am going to just stop taking it. It really helped with my insomnia... for the first time in my life, I slept through the whole night. It's too bad that the weight gain was so terrible (is still, I haven't stopped it yet)
Posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Jo on March 22, 2000, at 15:39:20
> > > > > Has anyone used Trazadone with so-so results and then switched to Remeron with better results. I'm taking 200 mg. of Trazadone now for anxiety and sleep problems, and is has helped but I'm not getting my 8 hours of sleep. I get about 5 or 6 and wake up a few times at night. Does anyone know if Remeron is better?
Posted by steve on March 27, 2000, at 19:19:21
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
I've had good results with remeron at various dosages: 15-30 for the most part. When I came off it I started having trouble sleeping though I was no longer depressed. Trazadone did not work particularly well (I fall asleep reasonably easily but would wake after 5-6 hours) so I went back on a low dose (15) of remeron which worked pretty well until recently. I'm still not depressed but have resumed premature awakening. Anybody had any experience with this symptom?
Posted by Linda on March 28, 2000, at 8:30:31
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
> > > > > > Has anyone used Trazadone with so-so results and then switched to Remeron with better results. I'm taking 200 mg. of Trazadone now for anxiety and sleep problems, and is has helped but I'm not getting my 8 hours of sleep. I get about 5 or 6 and wake up a few times at night. Does anyone know if Remeron is better?
I took Remeron for 3 months. Slept well at 15 mg., but had to reduce the dose to 7.5 mg. due to fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Still slept pretty well at 7.5 mg., but eventually had to discontinue it completely because I awoke every morning with a throbbing headache. Also felt very tired and depressed while taking Remeron, plus I was hungry all the time. Just started taking Trazadone so I don't know yet how well it will work for me. I miss the good sleep that Remeron provided, but not the side effects.
Posted by Jackie on March 28, 2000, at 15:16:18
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by steve on March 27, 2000, at 19:19:21
> Thanks for the info. I too wake up after 5 or 6 hours on the Trazadone. That is my biggest complaint. Thanks for sharing. I am going to see the psychiatrist (first time) next week, and I am going to ask and see if they will put me on the Remeron.
About your not feeling depressed -- I think you can be depressed and not know it. I know that sounds strange, but I never would have thought I was depressed either. I have more anxiety due to a number of major changes in my life which is what cases the insomnia.
Good luck!
Posted by Lindsay on March 31, 2000, at 13:03:50
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by daniele on March 15, 2000, at 15:20:11
> > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> I've been on Remeron about 5 months now for moderate depression.
> I started at 15mg and worked up to 45mg under my psych's direction.
> I take no other psych. drugs. My experience with this has been similar
> to others...at the lower dose there is considerable drousyness...after a
> while and with the higher dose, the drousyness has completely disappeared
> for me. Slight weight gain at first due to increased appetite, but this
> has leveled off and is not a problem now. I have no other side effects
> at all.
>
> While it has helped me feel "better", at times I still feel a little
> "low". My psych. says no problem, try 60mg if you want for a couple of
> weeks and see if it helps...if it doesn't, drop back to 45mg. I wonder
> about that...Question...has anyone had experience with a dosage higher than
> the 45mg per day? Any comments?
>
> kind regards to all!Oops, I'll try this again. I've been on 60mg for past 2 weeks. Dr says if no change is noticed go back to the 45. Myself , I havn't noticed a change, but need to ask perople around me, sometimes it is people we associate with that notice our improvement, and we don't
Posted by Jackie on March 31, 2000, at 13:32:06
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Lindsay on March 31, 2000, at 13:03:50
> > > Lindsay, did the Remeron help you sleep?
Posted by Lindsay on March 31, 2000, at 15:47:38
In reply to Re: Did it help you sleep?, posted by Jackie on March 31, 2000, at 13:32:06
> > > > Lindsay, did the Remeron help you sleep?
>
Remeron by itself hasn't made me sleep, I need a small dose of xanax. But remeron does help with the sleep. I get about 7 hours a night which is good for me
Posted by Cindy on April 1, 2000, at 3:05:18
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by John on March 14, 2000, at 15:34:02
> > > > Can anybody tell me of their experience on Remeron? Specificly, is it really as sedating as many say it is? What about weight gain? Thanks.
> > I have been on Remeron for 2 years. I started with 45mg and after one month moved to my current dosage of 60mg. I suffered depression, Bulimia, panic attacks and sleeplessness (2 to 3 hours a night) prior to Remeron. I am diagnosed OCD, ADD and I'm a recovering addict. I am now sleeping 6 to 8 hours a night. No more Bulimia, panic attacks. I've remained drug and alcohol free for 3 years and 7 months. I feel great. I began seeing results after the first week of treatment. I have been on several combinations of Zoloft, Serazone, Doxepin, Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Hydroxyzine, and Haldol. I am very pleased with my results. I gained about 10 pounds, but lost it a year later. Sometimes hard to wake up, but that is minor. I am rarely tired during the day, but I also take a dose of Adderall in the morning. I have been on the same dose of both for 22 months now. Hope this helps, but remember to listen to your doctor. Different drugs work for different people. Also, once my depression and bulimia left me, I began to eat healthier foods and exercise 3 days a week (outdoors if possible). This last change helped bring me to where I am today.
Posted by Tony P on April 11, 2000, at 22:29:29
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
I've been taking Serzone - somewhat related to Trazadone - for about 4 years. Currently I'm taking 400 mg. a day, all at bedtime. The Serzone has been very helpful in managing night time wakefulness and anxiety attacks, as well as the underlying depression.
Lately though I seem to be waking up in the night more again. After doing some web research, I discussed switching to either Trazodone or Remeron with my doctor, and we decided to try Remeron.
But Remeron is still classed as experimental here in Canada, so neither my doctor nor my regular pharmacist have any experience with it! Has anyone any experience/suggestions re the switch-over period, e.g. overlap them or wean from Serzone first or whatever??
Tony P.
> > > > > > Has anyone used Trazadone with so-so results and then switched to Remeron with better results. I'm taking 200 mg. of Trazadone now for anxiety and sleep problems, and is has helped but I'm not getting my 8 hours of sleep. I get about 5 or 6 and wake up a few times at night. Does anyone know if Remeron is better?
Posted by Lois on April 26, 2000, at 16:36:52
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Tony P on April 11, 2000, at 22:29:29
> I started taking Remeron 15mg this week, have been experiencing throat pain and daytime drowsiness. Is this normal?
Posted by Berl on May 18, 2000, at 12:34:04
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by daniele on March 15, 2000, at 15:20:11
>
>I have been on Remeron 15mg for slightly over a year. Should I be concerned about addiction? I tried lowering my dosage to 7.5mg and had a sleepless night. I resumed taking my 15mg and it took me 4 days to recouperate. What are my chances getting off of this drug completely?
Posted by Danny on May 18, 2000, at 19:13:24
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Berl on May 18, 2000, at 12:34:04
> >
Hi BerlI'm not sure if there is a definitive answer to your question. These drugs are new, and psychiatry is constantly reassessing it's attitude towards depression. I did read an article (CBS Healthwatch?) yesterday saying that a new study found that medication in conjunction with psychotherapy was the most effective treatment for depression. I myself was on Paxil for 4 years, I don't think it is unusual to be on these meds long term. These drugs are not considered addictive, in the usual sense, because you don't need more and more over time (like heroin). On the other hand, if you need it to feel normal, you could consider it a form of addiction. Personally, in most cases, I think it is important to cover the therapy angle and hopefully improve your chances of getting off a med eventually. How and why you got depressed would also have a bearing on the long term outlook. This is my opinion only. I wish you the best of luck.
> >I have been on Remeron 15mg for slightly over a year. Should I be concerned about addiction? I tried lowering my dosage to 7.5mg and had a sleepless night. I resumed taking my 15mg and it took me 4 days to recouperate. What are my chances getting off of this drug completely?
Posted by allisonm on May 18, 2000, at 19:44:43
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Berl on May 18, 2000, at 12:34:04
Berl,
I have said this in earlier posts, so forgive me if this seems like deja vu. One of the primary reasons I sought treatment for my depression was my insomnia. The way I found out I had depression was through a screening when I signed up for a drug trial at the university for folks with insomnia and depression. I went through the trial, which meant sleeping for three nights with wires glued to my scalp while two guys watched my brain patterns all night. They paid subjects a small amount, but I figured my real reimbursement would be to be given the answer to end the insomnia. So when I asked when/how will the insomnia go away, I was floored to be told "when the depression goes away."How's your depression, Berl? Is it gone?
I've been on Remeron for more than 2 years. From what I have read and from what I have experienced, I don't believe it's addictive, but I do notice that when my sleep patterns change, it takes me several days to readjust and in that time I'm extremely moody, weepy, sad, unhappy and tired. I went to a timezone 12 hours ahead of mine for 2 weeks last summer. I felt in a stupor, slow, retarded even, and unable to control my emotions. I spent the first three days trying to act normal among normal people -- try to carry on a conversation in more than a monotone, act like I was having fun, try not to weep at the dinner table...when my friends wanted to go out at night, I had to decline. I was exhausted and just too irritable.
One other thing I have learned since my depression was diagnosed:
At first I didn't want to take drugs. I started out of desperation because I had become suicidal. For a long while I thought I would get off them someday, but the more I read this board and other sources, the more I am becoming accustomed to the idea that I may be on these drugs for the rest of my life. For whatever reason, it may be that my brain chemistry never will be normal (in fact, now I often wonder whether it ever was) and that I will need some chemical supplements to avoid the downward spirals or at least keep them from being so severe.This doesn't sound optimistic. I suppose I am resigned. Perhaps your mileage will vary. I wish you the best.
allison
Posted by SLS on May 20, 2000, at 15:02:38
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Berl on May 18, 2000, at 12:34:04
Remeron is not addicting. (See end of post)
> >I have been on Remeron 15mg for slightly over a year. Should I be concerned about addiction? I tried lowering my dosage to 7.5mg and had a sleepless night. I resumed taking my 15mg and it took me 4 days to recouperate. What are my chances getting off of this drug completely?In addition to losing sleep, did your depression return?
It is recommended that one remain on an antidepressant for an absolute minimum of 6 months after full remission is achieved. Discontinuation should be performed as a very gradual taper of dosage. The risk of relapse is greatly reduced under these conditions.
If one has been extremely treatment resistant, suffered many recurrences, is elderly, or has been depressed for a very long time, it is more likely that they will need to take medication indefinitely.
> At first I didn't want to take drugs. I started out of desperation because I had become suicidal. For a long while I thought I would get off them someday, but the more I read this board and other sources, the more I am becoming accustomed to the idea that I may be on these drugs for the rest of my life. For whatever reason, it may be that my brain chemistry never will be normal (in fact, now I often wonder whether it ever was) and that I will need some chemical supplements to avoid the downward spirals or at least keep them from being so severe.
> allison
Many diabetics are insulin-dependant. Without any major breakthroughs in treatment, they must look forward to injecting themselves several times a day for the rest of their lives.I guess it probably didn't help very much to say that.
- Scott-----------------------------------------------
ADDICTION
1: being abnormally dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs) [syn: dependence, dependency] 2: an abnormally strong craving
Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University-----------------------------------------------
I think the two important operators are:
1. Habit-forming
2. CravingRemeron is not addicting.
Psycho-Babble is addicting.
Posted by AceFinlay on June 6, 2000, at 15:34:27
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I just got out of the hospital last week, and while I was in, my doctor prescribed the Remeron (30 mg) when I was in there. At the time of going into the hospital, I was suicidel. I was on Paxil for almost a month at that time, and the only changes from that was the normal side affects from that. It picked me up a little bit, but the downward spiral had already started. 99% of my problems is chemical. There are quite a few side affects that have occured immediately. The first night I took it I slept for 36 hours. The following day I was ok. You can get a really good look into the side affects by looking at the other posts. Where I differ is that I also have ADD. Without caffene I am mellow, and normal. When I have any caffene at all, I am estatic. I am bouncing all over the place like I was when I was a kid. I shake, and have microconvulsions, to muscle spasms. I am euphoric, but drugged. My doctor prescribed Zyprexa for those times. I find that it organizes my thoughts, but makes me extremely drowsy. I am currently trying to limit the caffene intake to see if it helps. The medicaton also makes me sweat alot, have the cotton mouth, raised my blood pressure dramaticly, and gives me nightmares. The nightmares are a result of the mind releasing the problems I have had in the past, and have been told is normal with anyone in my situation. Overal, I would view this drug as good. I am hoping I can just go to the Paxil again in a year or so. I wouldnt want to be on this drug for over 2 years, but it is certainly a good short term medicine.
Ace
Posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 13:31:52
In reply to Re: Remeron vs. Trazadone, posted by Jackie on March 27, 2000, at 17:19:21
Has anyone been on both Remeron and Paxil at the same time? I'm on 45 mg of Remeron and 30 mg of Paxil (plus 2mg of Klonopin) for severe depression/anxiety. Remeron saved my life. Doctors had been messing me up with medications for the past 8 years yet I was still too depressed to work or function and finally got referred to a brilliant doctor after my last suicide attempt over a year ago. The doctor told me there was a medicine out that "has helped people who haven't responded to anything else and were at the end of their rope." This was Remeron. He asked if I was willing to try it, and at that point it was either death or trying it so I said "sure." Well the SECOND day I was on it I noticed that I felt NORMAL. Hard to explain exactly but all of a sudden, sitting at my desk, I realized that for the first time in YEARS, I did NOT feel like jumping out of my skin, or frantically waiting for the minutes of the day to go by, or the overwhelming sadness. Just felt NORMAL!!! That was about 15 months ago, and now I'm working a regular full time job and have my own place, and haven't had any severe relapses of depression.
The only bothersime side effect I've had is I've gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I'm 30 yrs old and my entire life I've been super thin and now I feel like a cow, but I'm not about to go off what has saved my life. Has anyone else had weight gain with Remeron??? If so, did you find anything to get the weight off?? I've tried Metabolife but all that speed made anxiety come back.
Posted by Greg on June 7, 2000, at 14:30:31
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 14:12:25
Cari,
I used to take Remeron for insomnia and gained 37 pounds in 4 months while taking it. Luckily I was really underweight from a recent surgery so it kind of balanced things out. It really was a good drug for me but I was afraid someone would eventually mistake me for a float in the Macy's Thankgiving Day parade and start tying ropes to my arms and legs...Weight gain is a definite side effect of the drug, for most people it seems.
Peace,
Greg> > Has anyone been on both Remeron and Paxil at the same time? I'm on 45 mg of Remeron and 30 mg of Paxil (plus 2mg of Klonopin) for severe depression/anxiety. Remeron saved my life. Doctors had been messing me up with medications for the past 8 years yet I was still too depressed to work or function and finally got referred to a brilliant doctor after my last suicide attempt over a year ago. The doctor told me there was a medicine out that "has helped people who haven't responded to anything else and were at the end of their rope." This was Remeron. He asked if I was willing to try it, and at that point it was either death or trying it so I said "sure." Well the SECOND day I was on it I noticed that I felt NORMAL. Hard to explain exactly but all of a sudden, sitting at my desk, I realized that for the first time in YEARS, I did NOT feel like jumping out of my skin, or frantically waiting for the minutes of the day to go by, or the overwhelming sadness. Just felt NORMAL!!! That was about 15 months ago, and now I'm working a regular full time job and have my own place, and haven't had any severe relapses of depression.
> > The only bothersime side effect I've had is I've gained 30 lbs in 2 months. I'm 30 yrs old and my entire life I've been super thin and now I feel like a cow, but I'm not about to go off what has saved my life. Has anyone else had weight gain with Remeron??? If so, did you find anything to get the weight off?? I've tried Metabolife but all that speed made anxiety come back.
Posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Greg on June 7, 2000, at 14:30:31
My doc recently told me that Remeron does cause weight gain, but less likely at the higher doses.
He also prescribed Zantac 150 mg. This is used with the Remeron to counter any weight gain.
Has anyone else heard about this or has taken them with success???
The Remeron seems to be helping ,but not if I have to have this weight worry constantly.!!
I also feel like time all merges together on Remeron..kinda like im in a dream state (which is better than the anxiety) but just cant ever feel fully awake...
Sleep is great..sex drive ;(
Im doing more things. Been on 45mg for about 6 weeks. I still seem to need Xanax for the panic attacks..
...
Posted by Cam W. on June 11, 2000, at 20:52:23
In reply to Re: Remeron with Zantac ..for the weight gain?, posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
Suzie - I have seen histamine-H2-antagonists (like Zantac) being used for Zyprexa-induced weight gain. I have heard of Axid (nizatadine) being used successfully for keeping off the weight, but I kinda doubt the full reliability of the source. The theory behind this is that Zyprexa stimulates the histamine receptor and other drugs that stimulate the histamine receptor cause weight gain. The cause/effect here is iffy. There are several other more plausible theories of Zyprexa-induced weight gain (eg increased leptin levels).As for Remeron (mirtazapine), I don't know. I am not sure if Remeron stimulates histamine receptors. Hopefully someone here can follow-up on this.
Hope this helps - Cam.
Posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 7:43:38
In reply to Re: Remeron with Zantac ..for the weight gain?, posted by Suzie on June 11, 2000, at 19:32:37
Suzie,
Please see Toby's (a doc that posted on Babble for quite a while) post from 2.2.99 and also notice Dr. Bob's disclaimer and Dr. Stahl's comments. Hope this helps.
Phil
Posted by Cam W. on June 12, 2000, at 9:59:45
In reply to Re: Suzie, posted by Phil on June 12, 2000, at 7:43:38
> Please see Toby's (a doc that posted on Babble for quite a while) post from 2.2.99 and also notice Dr. Bob's disclaimer and Dr. Stahl's comments. Hope this helps.
>
> PhilPhil - I can't find Toby's 2.2.99 post. I've used the search and done it manually. How do I get to it? Thanks - Cam
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