![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 129 to 153 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by LyndaK on March 12, 2002, at 1:09:28
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » ItzaSecret, posted by beardedlady on March 10, 2002, at 13:51:35
I'm glad I came back to browse. This is a good thread on Remeron. I just started on it this past weekend. My pdoc told me to wait until Friday to start it because it would make me real drowsy at first. Good thing he warned me! Reading the above posts have restored my confidence enough to take my dose (30mg) tonight. I've been super dizzy in addition to feeling drowsy. The dizziness makes me too nervous to drive. I'm supposed to go to work tomorrow but I may not make it in because of this side-effect. Hopefully it will go away with time. It has also increased my appetite (literally overnight!) but I figure I can control what I put in my mouth.
Wish me luck!
Lynda
Posted by ItzaSecret on March 12, 2002, at 9:15:02
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by LyndaK on March 12, 2002, at 1:09:28
I have ALWAYS been able to control what I put in my mouth, weighing in at a slight 112 pounds for 52 years.....thx to Remeron, I now weigh 150 pounds after only four months of being on the medication....I hate it! A short visit with my doctor yesterday ended up with Remeron being removed and replaced by Effexor.
Posted by JaneB on March 12, 2002, at 9:31:46
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by ItzaSecret on March 12, 2002, at 9:15:02
I have NEVER been a big eater but Remeron gave me uncontrollable munchies. I felt so good on it until I started swelling all over. I was also switched to Effexor. The experience gave me a compassion for people who overeat continually. It made me think there must be a glitch in their brain. JaneB
Posted by ItzaSecret on March 12, 2002, at 10:44:24
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by JaneB on March 12, 2002, at 9:31:46
I also have suffered from the swelling/bloating, as well as weakness of body, being groggy all day long, and it isn't fun. Even after just one day of not taking the Remeron, I feel so much more like myself again it is unbelieveable....I wished I hadn't waited for four months before researching the side effects of Remeron.
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 12, 2002, at 11:54:55
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by ItzaSecret on March 10, 2002, at 13:15:21
Remeron - a love/hate story. I love Remeron. It's the only AD I've been able to stay on and feel like I'm getting better. I'm also taking lithium because the Remeron alone was pooping out (as do all AD's). The combo is behemoth-city! You think Remeron alone makes you want to munch - you should try it with lithium! I find myself at the fridge door late at night praying some fat fairy left a huge chunk of chocolate cake for me. I do think more exercise would help, but it used to be that the amount of exercise I normally get was plenty. No longer. I'm going to put out a new thread asking (pleading) if anyone has any drugs that work, cause willpower just ain't working and I can't take any other AD. - Barbara
Posted by Jill on March 12, 2002, at 16:13:28
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by ItzaSecret on March 12, 2002, at 9:15:02
At 45mg (for depression/OCD), I have gained maybe 20 pounds over 5 years...and, honestly, most is not due to Remeron...it's due to exercising less and getting a bit older. I used to swim competitively, and up until recently, I continued to eat like I was still swimming (not the best for weight maintenance at 32!) I'm not a particularly tall woman (5' 5.5"), but am fairly muscular. I went from wearing a size 8 before Remeron (was wearing a 6 at times due to not eating due to depression...not healthy) to a size 10 now. Not a big deal for me...especially because I feel so great.
I've increased exercise and lost 5 pounds in the last few weeks...adding more fruits and veggies too--less sugary stuff and bread.
Weight gain is most pronounced under 30mg/day due to increased histamine (which makes you more hungry). Above 30 (or above 45 for me) the noradrenaline kicks in more and the appetite thing is not a big deal...plus sleepiness usually isn't a problem. No, it's not a company scam, it's the biochemistry. My pdoc bumped me from 15-45 over just a couple of weeks when I first started. Weight gain was minimal that way. Over the first year, I went back to my normal weight (had been underweight due to not eating/nausea due to depression and other meds I tried). I only gained 4 pounds.
My sister's taking 45mg/day too. At 45mg, we both feel happy, have plenty of energy, sleep well, have no sexual side effects (at least I know I don't) and weight gain has been minimal.
This is really a good drug for many people. I am sad that most doctors think they should prescribe less Remeron if weight gain is a problem...going lower with the dosage actual increases appetite and tiredness.
I need to take 45 mg to not feel sleepy and out of it and not to be depressed and crying. If I would have given up at 15mg -30mg, I would never have felt so great at 45! However, I know every body is different. This drug has really changed my life (and my sister's...she was suffering from bad postpartum depression/OCD/anxiety stuff).
A last note, some docs prescribe Zantac-type drugs to lower the histamine in the stomach. This seems to help curb appetite in some people. I've found that just eating better foods (more fruits, veggies, and fiber, and drinking lots of water) and eating a small amount every 3 hours or so really helped curb my appetite...this works for many whether they are taking Remeron or not.
Good luck.
Jill
Posted by LyndaK on March 13, 2002, at 2:14:56
In reply to Remeron has been a blessing for me., posted by Jill on March 12, 2002, at 16:13:28
Thanks Jill.
I've been taking the same approach with eating as you have -- steering clear of the refined carbohydrates, making sure I get enough lean protein in balance with whole-grain carbs, eating a healthy snack BEFORE I get the attack, and drinking more water. I will also be adding daily exercise which I needed to do regardless of the Remeron. I also cut out the Caffein -- I know it works against me in the long run even though it has served as my "get-up-and-go" in the morning. I hope all this works as well for me as it has for you. (I've been through so many meds by now I DESPERATELY want this one to work!)I guess in reading everyone's responses, though, I'm truthfully very leary about this drug. I feel for those who have had such a bad experience!
My pdoc started me on 30mg even though the manufacturer's recommendation is to start at 15mg. I'm figuring he must've done that to try to minimize the side-effects (though when I started it I felt like I'd been hit by a ton of bricks!)
Thanks a lot for your input!!
Lynda
Posted by Else on March 13, 2002, at 22:04:19
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by BarbaraCat on March 12, 2002, at 11:54:55
Maybe it's just me or it's the Ritalin but Remeron is fabulous so far.
I do get these carb craving after I take my 30mg dose HS but I don't worry about that
because it's the only time I feel hungry. Remeron is probably not a good choice
if you tend to overeat when you're depressed or if you put on weight easily but it's probably
the only AD I've been able to tolerate pretty well. Everything else made me so edgy, especially
effexor, and I actually ended up eating more because I would drink so much milk to stop the stomach
aches. I suppose it's a very personal thing. I don't have much appetite in general and I have trouble
getting myself to eat even with the Remeron. But so far this is the most effective AD I have tried. I was
worried about it because I thought it would be like Desyrel (it's not) but I'm very pleased with the results
and if you have the sort of depression that makes you loose weight (rather than overeat) or if you're a skinny
anxious type of person who has trouble sleeping Remeron is great. Effexor did not work at all for my anxiety but this does. I don't
find myself ruminating as much as I used to. But I wonder... Effexor and Remeron are both supposed to act on serotonin AND noradrenaline
(as far as I know). What makes them so different? I know Remeron has anti-histamine properties and doesn't block all the serotonin receptors that
effexor does but still... It makes me think there are two different disorders present.
Posted by Roo on March 14, 2002, at 9:44:16
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Else on March 13, 2002, at 22:04:19
Else--did you get sexual side effects with Remeron?
Posted by Else on March 15, 2002, at 16:40:19
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions--Else, posted by Roo on March 14, 2002, at 9:44:16
> Else--did you get sexual side effects with Remeron?
None whatsoever. I began to loose interest in sex
when I started taking the Pill (TriCyclen) and the
problem persisted when I went on Zoloft and Effexor
later on. I had no libido whatsoever for at least
three year while on those drugs and this was a definite
change from my former self. I was prescribed many
different drugs that did not help either with my depression
or with my loss of initiative (motivation, drive, libido, etc.).
I started taking Ritalin around the same time as Remeron so
I am not sure which does what but I feel more alive now and
definitely more interested in sex. I think the Remeron
helped by 1) Not destroying my libido like some other drugs do
an also by 2) Treating my depression effectively which restored
my interest in life in general (sex being an aspect of life).
I think that probably any drug that works on your depression
is likely to improve your libido. But I find that Remeron
does not 'numb' you the way other drugs can so this is
an additional benefit. In any case, I am quite pleased with it
but I don't know if I would take it if I wasn't on Ritalin
as well. It might make me too sleepy. For instance, I
absolutely HATE the immediate side effects of Remeron
like drowsiness and problems with concentration. If the
Ritalin didn't counter those side effects, I might not
be able to tolerate the Remeron. But to answer your
question, No, there were no sexual side effects,
quite the contrary.
Posted by Jill on March 15, 2002, at 17:18:12
In reply to Re: Remeron has been a blessing for me. » Jill, posted by LyndaK on March 13, 2002, at 2:14:56
Just wondering...does anyone know anyone who is pregnant and/or has had a baby while on Remeron.
I know Remeron is a newer drug and is a Class C. I know there is more research about pregnancy and the SSRIs, which have been judged (by many) to be permisable during pregnancy if truly needed. I would love to learn anything in this area.
Thank you, Jill
Posted by beardedlady on March 15, 2002, at 17:25:06
In reply to Remeron and Pregnancy???, posted by Jill on March 15, 2002, at 17:18:12
Jill:
I went through the same problem a few months ago with Serzone. I called EVERYONE: the FDA, the NIH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the local hospitals, doctors, and others. NO ONE would/could give me any information. There's absolutely nowhere to go to tell someone you are on a Class C med and pregnant and report your results. No one tracks it. Consequently, there's no one to check with when you're pregnant on a Class C med.
It has made me want to start some organization that tracks this data. I wish you luck on your search. I had none at all.
beardy : (>
Posted by michael on March 15, 2002, at 19:56:57
In reply to Re: Remeron has been a blessing for me., posted by michael on March 15, 2002, at 19:25:41
> > My pdoc started me on 30mg even though the manufacturer's recommendation is to start at 15mg. I'm figuring he must've done that to try to minimize the side-effects (though when I started it I felt like I'd been hit by a ton of bricks!)
> >
>
15mg hit me like a ton of bricks! Nonetheless, I'd prefer to be trying 30. I may ask next week, but I'm afraid my doc's too conservative for that.
I asked about side effects lessening at higher doses for some people - both he and the nurse said that that was incorrect, side effects usually increased with dose.
Even if that's the case generally (admittedly, we here at PB may not be your normal cross section of patients) - of which I am doubtful -
it doesn't seem to be that big of a secret... or at least it shouldn't be...
I know I'm not a doctor, but it's a bit frustrating... not the first time either... I know, I should get another doc.... I will at some point... (wasn't comfortable w/trying mirapex (pramipexole) to augment either).For the moment, I'll wait, and see how the remeron works out -- and he seems to be okay w/trying an maoi - which is the next option I'd like to try if this ends up not working. [Although I would've liked to try the mirapex first... ] However, I'm pretty sure he'll shoot down selegiline, which would've been my choice for my initial maoi trial, followed by parnate, if necessary (...maybe he'll bite if the patch is approved). Oh well - with luck, remeron will work, and those issues will be moot.
(sorry about the premature post - and the rambling)
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 15, 2002, at 20:12:17
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions--Else, posted by Else on March 15, 2002, at 16:40:19
I love Remeron, even though it's put 10 pounds on me. It's the only AD I've ever been able to tolerate, but it needs Lithium to avoid poop-out. About sexual side effects. As long as my husband takes his Viagra, I have no problem! It's more like I have to consciously turn off my sexuality because I don't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed cause he can't perform (sigh). I'd have to say I do find it easier to do this (turn off) than when I'm not on AD's.
Posted by Cressida on March 16, 2002, at 22:22:03
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Else on March 13, 2002, at 22:04:19
But I wonder... Effexor and Remeron are both supposed to act on serotonin AND noradrenaline
(as far as I know). What makes them so different? I know Remeron has anti-histamine properties and doesn't block all the serotonin receptors that
effexor does but still... It makes me think there are two different disorders present./////////////////////////////////////////////////
I have not read the follow-up threads on this post, so hopefully I'm not repeating anything. The following is from a referenece book on psychiatric drugs, "Psychotropic Drugs, 3rd Edition" by Keltner and Folks:
On Effexor - "Venlafaxine is a structurally novel antidepressant that causes clinically significant inhibition of serotonin and norepinephren reuptake. It is a weak inhibitor of dopamine reuptake at higher dosages. It is unique, promoting rapid onset of noradrenergic subsensitivity and acts as an atypical serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Venlafaxine has no impact on alpha-adrenergic, histaminergic, or cholinergic receptors."
On Remeron - "Mirtazapine is a reletively new antidepressant, demonstrating efficacy over placebo in several clinical studies. As with many of the other atypical new-generation antidepressants, mirtazapine is devoid of side effects often observed with the classical TCAs or the second-generation SSRIs. Mirtazapine has a unique structure and mechanism of action, different from that of TCAs, SSRIs, and MAOIs, and could be best described as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. Mirtazapine is a 5HT2 antagonist, or blocking agent, similar to nefazodone, but is also a potent and direct alpha-2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, causing enhancement of both noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission."
Just FYI...So, did you already know this??? Hopefully not all of it! Take care and best wishes...
Posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by ItzaSecret on March 10, 2002, at 13:15:21
I have just started Remeron and I feel like a truck rolled over me. I am achy, foggy, severe stomache cramps etc. I also already have a weight problem and the fear of gaining on this drug is real. I am irritable and cranky as well, and my sleep pattern is as always poor. I am on day four and really feel I should cut the 30 mg dose in half or I will go nuts. Are these normal reactions to just starting a drug like this???
Posted by BarbaraCat on March 26, 2002, at 11:22:21
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
What you describe is typical for ADs like Remeron and Serzone, Trazadone and most of the TCA's. I'm on Remeron and at the beginning had some gut discomfort but not at all severe, mainly just feeling like I was plugged up with cotton. It got completely better for me after the middle of the third week, although I still have trouble waking up. I really like Remeron, but it may not be the drug for you. For example, I never got past those awful side effects with Serzone and it didn't help my depression.
I wish that pdocs could appreciate how disabling these groggy side effects are and would prescribe a stim or something to counterat it. Also, I did gain weight (I'm also on Lithium), but because I'm feeling soooooooooo much better, I've started an exercise program and am now losing weight. Give it another few weeks. If Remeron is going to work for you, it's a great med. - Barbara
> I have just started Remeron and I feel like a truck rolled over me. I am achy, foggy, severe stomache cramps etc. I also already have a weight problem and the fear of gaining on this drug is real. I am irritable and cranky as well, and my sleep pattern is as always poor. I am on day four and really feel I should cut the 30 mg dose in half or I will go nuts. Are these normal reactions to just starting a drug like this???
Posted by ItzaSecret on March 26, 2002, at 11:29:44
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by madisonrat on March 26, 2002, at 8:57:23
Personally, I wouldn't think those are normal reactions at all to starting a new med...they are all side effects of the Remeron. The combination of 150 mgs of Trazadone and 45 mgs of Remeron gave me raging nightmares. I couldn't wake up during the day, totally fatigued all day long, no motivation to move,aching, bloating, memory loss, and immediate weight gain, all of the things you are now suffering. Since stopping the use of Remeron all together, I have lost 10 pounds in three weeks (I gained 30 pounds in 4 months on Remeron). My advice would be to speak immediately to your physician regarding these side effects to taking Remeron for such a short period of time, possibly asking for a change in medication. My doctor put me on Effexor to replace the Remeron, and I felt wwwwwonderful the first day I was off the Remeron.
Posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Scotty, posted by pellmell on June 16, 2001, at 19:19:03
> Hello. I've been on 15mg of Remeron for ~2 weeks now. For the first few days I was heavily sedated, which carried over to the mornings. After taking the pill earlier in the evening I was able to avoid this, and now that effect is gone. However, I was shocked to notice that I've put on 5 lbs. in this timeframe. For me, that is a lot. I also tend to feel bloated after eating, as if I am a glutton. The benefits have been desireable so far, so the weight gain isn't such a problem. I've also been noticing that my workouts at the gym feel more difficult to finish; like I'm weaker on this med. Has anyone else experienced this?
> > > > > > > > > > > > > >
>
> I've been on Remeron for a month now, 30mg for the first three, and 60mg this week (I increased my dose because I wasn't feeling any sort of an antidepressant/anxeity effect. More on that later). I don't work out much, but I do walk all the time, and I've been having to drag computers all over the place in my job recently. I do feel significantly weaker on Remeron. In fact, I've felt less coordinated, too. When I walk I trudge more than I used to. Bleh. And I'm pretty sure I've gained some weight. Fortunately at 6'2ish and currently at a "normal" BMI I hide it well.
>
> I haven't felt a significant antidepressant effect even at 60mg, and the sedation hasn't yet gone away. For me Remeron's antidepressant/antianxeity effect is not nearly as profound the SSRIs or Effexor...and god, I think I need that kind of effect. Even after three weeks I was so anxious that my resting heart rate at one point (six hours after my last caffienated whatever) was 110 beats per minute. damn. I didn't know I was that *physically* anxious.
>
> I think I've given Remeron an adequate trial. Effexor made me feel so much better, but I quit after the trial pack because of the sexual side effects and a feeling that my symptoms were mild enough that I could afford to play around with my meds. I think I'm going to call my pdoc on Monday and ask for another one of those Effexor sample packs...I'll deal with the side effects.
>
> Then I can start posting one one of those undead Effexor threads. "This is the thread that doesn't end..."
>
> Lamb Chop will be proud.
>
> -pmPellmell,
I too have gained a little (perhaps 5 needed pounds) on Remeron. I started at 15 mg and am now on 60mg. Still hungrier than before, though. I am a personal trainer, thus I exercise consistantly. Although I take my Remeron at night, I still feel as though my am workouts have become much more challenging. I also feel as though a have constant abomdominal bloating. I don't think it's fat tissue. I'm looking to add a more energizing AD (tolerable) to Remeron. good luck,
Nala
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 17, 2002, at 23:16:39
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
> > Hello. I've been on 15mg of Remeron for ~2 weeks now. For the first few days I was heavily sedated, which carried over to the mornings. After taking the pill earlier in the evening I was able to avoid this, and now that effect is gone. However, I was shocked to notice that I've put on 5 lbs. in this timeframe. For me, that is a lot. I also tend to feel bloated after eating, as if I am a glutton. The benefits have been desireable so far, so the weight gain isn't such a problem. I've also been noticing that my workouts at the gym feel more difficult to finish; like I'm weaker on this med. Has anyone else experienced this?
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
> >
> > I've been on Remeron for a month now, 30mg for the first three, and 60mg this week (I increased my dose because I wasn't feeling any sort of an antidepressant/anxeity effect. More on that later). I don't work out much, but I do walk all the time, and I've been having to drag computers all over the place in my job recently. I do feel significantly weaker on Remeron. In fact, I've felt less coordinated, too. When I walk I trudge more than I used to. Bleh. And I'm pretty sure I've gained some weight. Fortunately at 6'2ish and currently at a "normal" BMI I hide it well.
> >
> > I haven't felt a significant antidepressant effect even at 60mg, and the sedation hasn't yet gone away. For me Remeron's antidepressant/antianxeity effect is not nearly as profound the SSRIs or Effexor...and god, I think I need that kind of effect. Even after three weeks I was so anxious that my resting heart rate at one point (six hours after my last caffienated whatever) was 110 beats per minute. damn. I didn't know I was that *physically* anxious.
> >
> > I think I've given Remeron an adequate trial. Effexor made me feel so much better, but I quit after the trial pack because of the sexual side effects and a feeling that my symptoms were mild enough that I could afford to play around with my meds. I think I'm going to call my pdoc on Monday and ask for another one of those Effexor sample packs...I'll deal with the side effects.
> >
> > Then I can start posting one one of those undead Effexor threads. "This is the thread that doesn't end..."
> >
> > Lamb Chop will be proud.
> >
> > -pm
>
> Pellmell,
> I too have gained a little (perhaps 5 needed pounds) on Remeron. I started at 15 mg and am now on 60mg. Still hungrier than before, though. I am a personal trainer, thus I exercise consistantly. Although I take my Remeron at night, I still feel as though my am workouts have become much more challenging. I also feel as though a have constant abomdominal bloating. I don't think it's fat tissue. I'm looking to add a more energizing AD (tolerable) to Remeron. good luck,
> NalaI've been on Rem since Sept and am currently on 75mg and thinking of tapering off altogether and trying something else, or not. Especially after reading about the muscle weakness and unsteady gait. I have fibromyalgia, but have noticed unsteadyness much more since taking Rem. It's called ataxia and more of it I do not need. Also, I think Rem has definitely helped with the depression, but I'm still not feeling terrific like I think I should be. And gaining weight! 20lbs that I cannot shake no matter what I do. Oh, but I do so hate tapering off these meds. I can't decide if going to the dentist without novacaine is as bad and at least it's over with soon rather than such prolonged agony. I hope we all can keep each other informed of our endeavors. This post may well end up being the Energizer Bunny of posts, y'know, keeps going, and going.... - BarbaraCat
Posted by Sleepy Lizard on July 18, 2002, at 9:08:33
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by Nala on July 17, 2002, at 5:24:05
I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 10:12:42
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Nala, posted by Sleepy Lizard on July 18, 2002, at 9:08:33
It's definitely not the 'depression lifts, appetite increases' theory. I've had a few late night food frenzies which I never had before (well, except for occassional chocolate crazies), so it does increase appetite, but that's not the entire picture. I, as well as many others, have found that one simply does not shed the weight with normal eating. I went on a fast for 5 days and exercised moderately during this time. Lost 5lbs in 5 DAYS of not eating and gained it back within 2 days of eating nothing but raw salad-type veggies. It packs on pounds in some other way besides the normal one. Rem also can cause constipation and that is a big factor. - BCat
> I have not used Remeron, but I've read that people gain about 5 pounds (in some documents 10 pounds). According to one study, the placebo group also gained the weight. The explanation was that when depression lifts, appitite increases. I suspect that it is more than that, perhaps metabolic, or due to the sedation. You can read some about remeron at:
>
> http://www.organon-conferences.com/rsem2001/
Posted by McPac on July 18, 2002, at 16:32:40
In reply to Remeron sexual side effects, posted by BarbaraCat on March 15, 2002, at 20:12:17
BarbaraCat---You said in an earlier post of yours "I love Remeron, even though it's put 10 pounds on me. It's the only AD I've ever been able to tolerate, but it needs Lithium to avoid poop-out."
Barbara, I take Zoloft & Remeron and I USED to take Lithium too. I have been off the Lithium now for awhile. I notice that I do NOT feel as good at all without the Lithium (I feel more depressed, more anxiety, more temper/anger). When you said that your Remeron needs Lithium to avoid "poop-out", did you mean that you need the Lithium also in order to feel better? (That's what I think I've noticed about myself---that the antidepressant alone does NOT work as well for me without the Lithium). Thanks for any response in advance! Mike
Posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
In reply to BarbaraCat » BarbaraCat, posted by McPac on July 18, 2002, at 16:32:40
Hi Mike,
Remeron worked great for the first month and then quit working and I got very depressed. This happens with most SSRI's that I've taken, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. My pdoc suggested I add lithium to it as an 'augmentor', meaning that sometimes adding another drug potentiates the action of the antidepressant. Lithium added to it worked very well. Within 1 month I was feeling very good, even though I started gaining weight like crazy. Lithium also causes weight gain and along with the Remeron I put on 25 lbs in 4 months.Since that time (February) I started suspecting, mainly from reading posts on this board, that my mood disorder was not simply major depression, but was actually Bipolar II. All the symptoms are there: antidepressants stop working and actually make things worse, episodes of hypomania where I'd get jacked up and not sleep and then crash and burn, along with other red flags. My depressions would also be extremely agitated and horrible, known as as mixed states in the Bipolar spectrum.
Anyhow, long story short, I'm beginning to think that I don't need Remeron at all, but definitely do need lithium or some other mood stabiliser that works primarily on Bipololar disorder. That being said, Remeron is notorious for pooping out, or quitting after a while, and generally needs something to augment it with. I happen to like lithium (I think - never been on just it alone) and am going to try to add Lamictal, another mood stabiliser to it, without the Rem. The main reason is due to weight gain, and unsteadiness. If that doesn't work, I'm back to Remeron. As I said earlier, it's the best AD I've been on. But maybe AD's aren't what I really need. Hope this helps and let me know if there's anything else I can answer. I'm probably one of the few people in this country that have gone up to 75mg on it. -Barbara
> BarbaraCat---You said in an earlier post of yours "I love Remeron, even though it's put 10 pounds on me. It's the only AD I've ever been able to tolerate, but it needs Lithium to avoid poop-out."
>
> Barbara, I take Zoloft & Remeron and I USED to take Lithium too. I have been off the Lithium now for awhile. I notice that I do NOT feel as good at all without the Lithium (I feel more depressed, more anxiety, more temper/anger). When you said that your Remeron needs Lithium to avoid "poop-out", did you mean that you need the Lithium also in order to feel better? (That's what I think I've noticed about myself---that the antidepressant alone does NOT work as well for me without the Lithium). Thanks for any response in advance! Mike
Posted by LyndaK on July 19, 2002, at 0:41:38
In reply to Re: BarbaraCat » McPac, posted by BarbaraCat on July 18, 2002, at 23:24:04
I'm on 45mgs. I've gained 20 pounds in 3 months. I'm making sure that I don't overeat and I've increased my physical activity. My weight hasn't budged even though I'm starting to get my waistline back. I wish I understood the physiology of the stuff. I've wondered if it's a combination of having an appetite (I had no appetite when I was on Zoloft) and lowered metabolism. Remeron works like a muscle relaxant on me. Overall muscle tone is decreased. I would think this would lower metabolism if muscle activity in general (even at rest) is reduced.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.