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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JaneST on November 9, 2000, at 19:12:38
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Esther on November 7, 2000, at 16:01:50
Esther:
I think most people here will agree, Remeron=weight gain...I'm the proud owner of 20+lbs myself...and from all I've read here...you usually have to go off of Rem. to lose the weight. I think there may be a few who added Wellbutrin and that seemed to help them, but it didn't do a thing for me.
Good luck, and if you figure out the magic potion, please let me know!
Love,
Jane> I started using Remeron about 6 months ago for sleep. While it works great, I gained 45 lbs since then! I never put it together that they may have something to do with each other. Does anyone have any experience in going off Remeron for weight gain? Does your weight tend to fall back to normal? Has anyone found a good substitute for sleep? I'd appreciate any advice. This extra 45 lbs isn't doing anything for my depression either.
>
> Thanks
>
> > 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 chucked on November 15, 2000, at 6:33:26
In reply to Re: Remeron vs Paxil, posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 13:31:52
> 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.I am currently using remeron and have been on paxil as well, I just started the remeron and sincerely hope that I don't gain any more weight as my gain has been significant with paxil, celexa, effexor, etc. (Tried different medications to keep my wife happy). The problem with Metabolife is that not only does it contain ma huang (ephedra) it also contains caffeine. I distribute a product called ThermoChrome which uses Sida Cordifolia which is about 1/12 the potency of ma huang and contains no caffeine. You could give it a try. I works quite well for some people for me the problem was my blood pressure tends to get high even without the help of the ThermoChrome.
http://newmillennium.unfranchise.com
The Health and Nutrition Storechuck
Posted by mattp on November 21, 2000, at 22:53:57
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MH on September 21, 2000, at 7:11:42
i have been on remeron for about 6 months @ 30mg. I have enormous trouble getting up in the morning and i can sleep as much as 15 to 16 hours straight. In addition, i often wake up thinking someone is calling me, or hearing other things that aren't there. The worst though is the dreams i have been having. I remembered my dreams almost every night before the drug now i have come off of two 12+ hour nights of sleep with constant, vivid, life-like nightmares. I actually have conscious awareness in these night mares. Has anyone had success coping with these dreams? In adddition i have the 10 lb weight gain which seems to be the remoron badge of honor but am not concerned by it.
Posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Danny on May 18, 2000, at 19:13:24
Hi everyone,
I'm a 17 yr. old male and my doctor wants me to start remeron 30mg to treat my anxiety, sleep and light depression. I took my first dose last night and I slept great, but couldn't wake up the next morning. I have chronic fatigue syndrome so beeing tired during the day is something i'm used to, but the way I felt today was horrible. I'm guessing it's because of the remeron. I felt so out of it and like I was sleepwalking the whole day. And I was already more hungry than I usually am. Now I am asking for your help. I don't want to start remeron if this is how I will be everyday. Do the side effects get better? Will this medication help my anxiety? If you had a choice of going back in time and given a choice of remeron or something else would you still choose remeron after know what it really feels like? Please i need your help. This is a tough decision for me and I'd really appreciate your insight. Thank you! mmatur@hotmail.com
Posted by allisonm on November 28, 2000, at 18:57:41
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
I would suggest reading the other posts on this thread if you have not already. Remeron generally hits people like this at first. Your doctor should have warned you. Generally, it goes away, but you could reduce your dose to 15 mg if it doesn't go away. Ask your doctor. There is an egroups site on Remeron that might help you decide for yourself what to do. However, I don't think taking just one dose is a good enough trial.
Just my opinion...
Allison
Posted by JohnB on November 28, 2000, at 23:55:35
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by allisonm on November 28, 2000, at 18:57:41
Hi All,
Remeron blocks the the 2A and H1 antihistamine receptors, and thus the side effect of sedation, and blocking the serotonin 2C and H1receptors accounts for the side effect of weight gain. It's the price you have pay, although adding Wellbutrin or Reboxetine to the mix might mitigate those side effects.
Posted by bissie66 on November 29, 2000, at 10:31:33
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on November 28, 2000, at 18:49:40
I was on Remeron for a month and didn't like it, but i have read other people's positive experiences. from what i've read, you'll know if it works. i stuck with it about a month, but it just didn't relieve my depression. the only symptom that was relieved was my anxiety. but my other symptoms, including worry, excessive crying, lethargy, constant sadness, feelings of hopelessnes, all remained. i didn't gain weight (even though my dr. was hoping i would -- weight loss is another symptome of my depression). i didn't like the fact that remeron made it even harder for me to get up and face the day. low energy is already a big problem of mine. i switched to celexa, which is working fairly well, and i still take 7.5 mg. of remeron at night to help me sleep. the one great thing about remeron is didn't cause sexual dysfunction like all the SSRIs do with me. That's the reason i tried it in the first place. good luck
>
> Hi everyone,
> I'm a 17 yr. old male and my doctor wants me to start remeron 30mg to treat my anxiety, sleep and light depression. I took my first dose last night and I slept great, but couldn't wake up the next morning. I have chronic fatigue syndrome so beeing tired during the day is something i'm used to, but the way I felt today was horrible. I'm guessing it's because of the remeron. I felt so out of it and like I was sleepwalking the whole day. And I was already more hungry than I usually am. Now I am asking for your help. I don't want to start remeron if this is how I will be everyday. Do the side effects get better? Will this medication help my anxiety? If you had a choice of going back in time and given a choice of remeron or something else would you still choose remeron after know what it really feels like? Please i need your help. This is a tough decision for me and I'd really appreciate your insight. Thank you! mmatur@hotmail.com
Posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:18:45
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 10, 2000, at 10:39:35
Elizabeth, are you still on the Remeron? How have you been? Are things still going well? I find your situation closes to mine because my primary problem is Anxiety (I suffer from some depression that is a result of my anxiety -- depressed about my situation). I have been taking Remeron (30mg) for 14 days now. It seems that my anxienty has decreased considerably though I have had some depression still. I haven't taken any Xanax in 5 days and when I was taking it it was in minimal dosages (.25 or .50 every other day). Are you experiencing any other side affects? Are you drowsy or lethargic? I seem to be tired in the morning and somewhat throughout the day (I need the sleep because I wasn't getting much before and I'm eating good so the weight gain is welcomed because I had lost 20 pounds). I also have persistant dreams (though not nightmares). Prior to the Remeron I tried Paxil and it setoff bouts of ugly anxienty and depression. That's why I switched to Remeron. A response would be appreciated. Thank you and good mental health! PS. I hope that you found a new job!!! > >
Posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:33:57
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Elizabeth on March 3, 2000, at 12:22:46
Hi MMatur! I also just began taking Remeron. I have Generalized Anxiety that was brought on by some initial Panic attacks started by Paxil that was pescribed for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This happened to me once before about 7 years ago (though there was no Paxil involved). I kicked it then without the use of meds other than Xanax for a short time. This time though I thought that I would try something less addictive so that if it works I would know that I can fall back on it if this comes back again (I haven't kicked it yet this time though so I guess I'm being optimistic). The first week that I was on Remeron (30mg) the groggyness was pretty bad. The second week (I've been on it for just 14 days) the groggyness is better though I'm hoping for more improvement. I dream every night which I think attributes to some of my tiredness. Other than that the side effects haven't been to bad. My appetite has improved (I wasn't sleeping or eating very well after the anxiety started and before the Remeron). I am also taking Xanax on a as-needed basis (I haven't had any in the last 5 days). My anxiety seems to be lessening though the depression resulting from this latest bout of anxiety seems to resurface from time to time so I'm hoping that that goes away as well. So far I have tolerated the medicine pretty well and I am ultra sensitive to medicines. If a med lists a side effect I usually get it. One thing I almost forgot...I seem to have some lingering anxiety in my legs, kind of like a restlessness. -- wierd. Anyway I hope this helps. Keep me updated on your progress.
Posted by mmatur on December 5, 2000, at 10:27:08
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:33:57
hi everyone and thank you for your help. I thought I'd just follow up on my previous message. I 've benn on 30mg of Remeron for about a week and a half. The low energy I had the first few days is gone now and I'm back to my normal energy level, except for the morning . I'm sleeping about 3 hours longer than usual and it is extremely hard to get up. I see that everyone is having some problems with excessive dreaming. I had that problem for 3 nights, but then I started taking 5-10mg of Ambien before bed. I noticed that the Ambien gives me a more refreshing sleep, which helps me to have some more energy during the day. It also stops the dreams. If anyone has a question for me please feel free to ask. And once again thanks to all those who helped me.
mmatur
Posted by Somber on December 5, 2000, at 21:07:48
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:18:45
I have been on Remeron for over a year now. I started out with 30mg of Remeron but after a few weeks I couldn't tell I was on it. I started feeling more depressed and etc. I went up to 45 mg of Remeron then and it worked for a couple of months but then it stopped working as well. Now I am taking 30 mg of Remeron at bedtime due to the fact it makes me sleepy and I'm on 150 mg of Effexor XR. So far the drug cocktail is working pretty good. I sleep better. My nightmares are almost to nothing now which is great news! I have gained about ten pounds in a year but I needed to anyway because I was very underweight. Now that I am on the combo I stay hyper all the time. I have indigestion all the time too but my symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are a great deal better. Oh yeah, I shouldn't leave out that I stay thirsty all the time too. Drinking lots of water these days. I just hope this combo last and doesn't end up like the last few attempts.
Posted by Sigolene on December 8, 2000, at 4:28:21
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by MarkC on December 4, 2000, at 18:18:45
I have been taking Miansérine for a long time. It's the European equivalent for Remeron.
It helps for sleep and depression, but too sedative during the day and i'm a lot more hungry. I fount a good solution which is to add Ritalin in the morning to cut the hungryness and give energy for the day.
Sigolène
Posted by Jill on January 6, 2001, at 15:02:28
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by JaneST on November 9, 2000, at 19:12:38
I've taken Remeron successfully for 3 1/2 years to treat major depression and mild/moderate OCD. I must say that I feel great. However, lately, the weight I've put on is starting to bother me more. Even though it's not huge (10-12 pounds), on my frame, I can tell. I take 45 mg/night. I'm increasing my exericse and am going to ask my doc about increasing the dosage to 52.5 or 60mg/night to see if that helps dampen my appetite.
Have any of you had experience taking more than 45mg? I read some stuff on Dr. Bob's site that in Europe the starting dose of the roughly equivalent drug there is 60mg??? That posting said weight gain is much less common of a side-effect then.
I do have trouble waking up in the morning too. Maybe that would lessen with a higher dose...however, I still want to be able to sleep.
Hmmm...I'd love some input. Overall, I think this drug is wonderful. Thanks
Posted by MarkC on January 8, 2001, at 10:54:18
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by Jill on January 6, 2001, at 15:02:28
I've been taking Remeron for about 7 weeks. I started at 30mg for 3 weeks, then 37.5 for 2 weeks, 45 for a week, then back to 30 for 4 days. I reduced the dosage because of headaches. Other than that the side effects haven't been to bad. My appetite though ravenous for the first 4-5 weeks had stabalized. Also, the tiredness in the morning has leveled off as well. I feel "slightly" groggy on some days but it really hasn't been a problem. As far as treating my problem -- anxiety w/ some depression brought on by the anxiety, it has been about 80% effective. I g keep wsome clonipam around if I am having a bad day. The doctor has brought up the idea about supplimenting the Remeron with 10mg of Effexor or Celexa but I'm not ready to do that yet (concerned about side effects). My problem is a bit different from yours but I guess that side effects are the same regardless of your illness. I haven't really noticed a difference regarding the side effects (accept for the headaches) at the different dosages. Wish I could be of more help!
Posted by Sandy14 on January 8, 2001, at 12:05:19
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by MarkC on January 8, 2001, at 10:54:18
> I've been taking Remeron for about a year just to help me sleep, but the weight gain has gotten too bad. I'm getting off the Remeron, does anyone know how long it takes to lose the weight you've gained while on Remeron ??
Posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
In reply to Re: Remeron and weight gain!!!, posted by MarkC on January 8, 2001, at 10:54:18
> Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?
I started the drug two days ago, but am alomost ready
to quit because of all the talk of weight gain. I thought
it was only a side effect 17% of the time. I've tried
Paxil, celexa, serzone, effexor, and wellbutrin
and nothing else has helped my depression.
Posted by Jill on January 8, 2001, at 20:06:51
In reply to Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
I just wanted to reiterate that Remeron has really changed my life for the better. I agree that I am less tired (and probably less hungry...) at higher doses. I didn't gain terribly much at first, but have become less motivated to exercise over time, which is probably why I've gained weight lately (also, not being anxious/obsessional has allowed me to be in a happy, healthy relationship AND actually eat...). I definitely recommend this drug. I feel really great...much better than when I was on Prozac. And, higher doses do seem to cause less tiredness and hunger.
Yes, I still am hungrier than before Remeron. However, not having sleep problems or sexual side effects in addition to not feeling depressed and really dampening my OCD really makes this a wonderful drug for me (and people who care for me). Plus, exercising and watching diet can definitely help with this...and I have probably only gained 10 pounds (over 3 1/2 years), which I can't necessarily all attribute to Remeron.
Good luck to everyone, and I'm still interested in hearing from anyone who takes over 45mg/day. As always, talk with your doctors.
Be well, Jill
Posted by bissie66 on January 9, 2001, at 9:10:08
In reply to Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
> > Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?
> I started the drug two days ago, but am alomost ready
> to quit because of all the talk of weight gain. I thought
> it was only a side effect 17% of the time. I've tried
> Paxil, celexa, serzone, effexor, and wellbutrin
> and nothing else has helped my depression.I didn't gain weight. The problem is, it makes you really hungry about 1/2 hour after you take it. But it also makes you really tired. I found I was so tired that I could choose to go to sleep rather than go to the kitchen to get something to eat. Even though I was starving I was so exhausted I could choose sleep. Just make sure you take it shortly before you are ready to go to sleep for the night.
Posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
In reply to Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Jancie on January 8, 2001, at 18:59:35
Increased appetite/ weight gain can definitely accompany Remeron if you aren't careful. As others have said, it can also be a life saver. If it works don't give up on it because of the possible weight gain. I'm on it for the 2nd time. The 1st time I took it @60mg/night for 3 months. I gained about 30 pounds. The weight gain upset me so much that I stopped the remeron and tried another med. I lost the weight, but the other med didn't work. I'm taking 67.5 mg now, I was at 45mg for about 3 months but it never completely resolved the depression, 60mg and above do the trick for me. The only time I've seen the appetite lessen is when I added Provigil, but the Provigil made me too foggy. I feel great and I will stay on the Remeron forever if I need to. I have kept the weight off this time, here's how I did it:
1.keep a daily food diary write everything down and how many calories you are eating
2.keep your caloric intake @ or below what is required for your height, weight and activity level.
3.Remeron really increases both your stomach hunger pangs and the hand to mouth motion so try to substitue low calorie foods, tea, and sugarfree gum when you feel like you need to stick something in your mouth.
4. exercise a few times a week
5. Don't constantly fall prey to the carb cravings. Remeron makes a lot of people (me esp!) crave candy and breads. Protein fills you up, and it is harder to gorge on. A handful of nuts is a great snack health-wise.
I probably ate 1000 calories over what I should have been eating daily the 1st time I took Remeron, and much of this was candy and pasta and bagels. I now realize that I could have avoided that weight gain had I been a little more cautious about my eating habits. If Remeron works stick to it. If you stay on top of your eating habits the Remeron won't cause you too many problems. Best of luck!
cole
Posted by MarkC on January 10, 2001, at 10:37:30
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Jancie, posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
I to have had good success with Remeron for anxiety and anxiety induced depression. One thing that I have notice though is that I get low grade headaches at higher dosages (45mg) therefore I keep my dosage at 30 mg. Anyone else experience headaches?
Posted by JoeW on January 16, 2001, at 8:31:56
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Jancie, posted by cole on January 9, 2001, at 20:50:07
I notice I especially get the munchies right after
I take the Remeron, which is also at bedtime, a
bad time to be eating a lot of food. Here's what
I did:1) started following the Zone diet. I have found
that balancing carbs with protein really cuts
down on the craving for sugar.
2) started exercising every day...one day aerobic,
next day weights. I do about half an hour of
exercise and then walk for a bit to cool down (if
I have time)...5 to 15 minutes.
3) started eating healthier, period...fruit for
dessert instead of cake, cookies, candy, etc. (most
of the time, anyway). Started eating oatmeal,
10 grain cereal, etc. for breakfast instead of
sweet rolls and donuts. Stuff like that. Cut out
fast food. I've had french fries twice in the
past year instead of every week.Having said all that I have to say that I gained
25 pounds since I've been on the Remeron, but I
had lost 25 pounds due to side effects from Paxil,
and that 25 pounds was fat. I put it back on
mostly as muscle because of the increased exercise.
Now I'd say I'm 10 pounds overweight and really
have to work at my weight, but it is doable. I
just have to watch my habits, and when I find one
that causes me to add weight, change the habit.
Posted by JohnL on January 17, 2001, at 1:51:13
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by JoeW on January 16, 2001, at 8:31:56
I haven't gained any weight with Remeron. But I only take 7.5mg about 30 minutes befor bedtime. The first couple months I think I gained about 5 pounds. That initial weight gain resolved by itself and I'm back to my baseline.
The one and only med I've ever taken that gave me astounding weight gain was Zyprexa.
John
Posted by Holly120 on January 17, 2001, at 12:56:49
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Janis on February 19, 1999, at 12:36:05
> > > > 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.
> > >
> > >
> > > Steve - I'vebeen on 15,30, and 45mg. trials. Am hard pressed to note any side effect other than some mild weigh gain and increased appetite. I am told this is less a problem at higher doses. My personal eperience is one of still having a healthy appetite but leveling off on the weight gain at thew higher dosage. I experienced profound, immediate relief of anxiety which was very severe and nonresponsive to any other agent on any onging basis. I have been on remeron for 6 months and have had no return of anxiety symptoms.
> > I've been on remeron for about a month and have gained over five pounds. My question is, is it possible that the weight will be lost after adjusting to the medicine. I don't want to take a higher dose, since I'm doing well on the lower one. Any experience with losing the weight?
>
> I am going to start on remeron in about a week. My dose is 15mg. I will let you know what happens!In response to the weight issues, I haven't started taking it--I've just discussed it with my doctor at this point. I'm taking 25mg of Trazadone to get my sleep pattern back to normal, then we'll see if I still need Remeron. What she told me about weight gain is that if you take pepcid (over the counter zantac or something similar) while taking the Remeron, it does not seem to cause any weight gain. It was something about blocking something...anyway, it's worth a try for those of you who are gaining weight. I sympathize with you because I took Paxil for several years and gained a lot of weight. There wasn't a solution as there might be with the Remeron.
Posted by mmatur on January 17, 2001, at 21:54:40
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by mmatur on December 5, 2000, at 10:27:08
I just started taking 60mg of Remeron. The side effects are now gone. I was previously taking 45mg and experienced some weight gain and tiredness. I think going on 60mg has eliminated the side effects. I feel great and hope that I only get better.
Posted by Danny J on January 18, 2001, at 10:30:01
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by JohnL on January 17, 2001, at 1:51:13
I was prescribed Mirtazapine (Zispin/Remeron) for eight weeks. I did not notice any sedating effects. They are, however, a result of the anti histamine properties the medicine contains. I was most surprised that I did not feel this effect because most people appear to.
The weight gain is directly related to the increased appetite that occurs in those who use the medicine.
I hope I have satisfied some of the questions raised.
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