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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 255 to 279 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 21:44:34
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by McPac on September 21, 2002, at 14:39:20
Hi MacPac..sorry you're going through anxiety stuff with Remeron. My pdoc did say that 45mg is too "activating" for some people. Like I said, I'm fairly high energy naturally and feel way too tired at 37.5...and especially at 30mg and lower (I'm also crying at those dosages...so the antidepressant effect isn't as much for me at those levels).
It may take about 1 week for your body to register the change. If you're totally "stressed out" and "hyped up" you could even talk to your doc about going down to 15mg or even 7.5 for a few days. I think you'll be amazed at how slowed down and probably very tired you'll feel at that dose...maybe after only 1 or 2 nights. You'll probably even end up wanting to go up to 22.5 or 30 mg after you get the NE levels down (or maybe your body will feel great at the very low doses...I just know that I was so exhausted at those levels I'd come home from work and lay on the couch for the rest of the evening with no energy).
You'll have to do a little experimenting to find the right dose for you, but in my experience, it's worth it.
Like I said, now that I'm engaged, my fiance and I are discussing kids and the fact that I'll probably have to switch back to SSRIs (more pregnancy data...and my doctor agrees I need to take something). I'm bummed about the sexual side effects (ironically we'll actually be TRYING to have kids...too bad I won't be able to enjoy it...lol) and the sleep problems...although, as my sister informs me (she has a 14 month old)...I might as well get used to not sleeping if I'm going to have kids :(.
Remeron really has been great for me and many others. Once you figure out the correct dosage for you, you may find it's the right one for you.Oh...does anyone have any experience with Celexa or Lexapro. I thought that I might try one of them if I do have to go back on SSRIs.
Thanks...and have a great weekend.
Jill :)
Posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 22:13:37
In reply to Re: OCD/Catholicism article » Jill, posted by johnj on September 21, 2002, at 13:35:07
Hi John,
Yes, I'd be happy to email with you about your thoughts later (after your busy time). I feel like I'm at a fairly good place right now, in terms of my religious obsessions and painful stuff around that.
My OCD thoughts will probably pop up a bit when we do communicate, but I think I can handle that (and I'll tell my fiance, too, so he and I can talk about them).
There is an old term for extreme religious guilt/obsessive thinking which was used before it was classified as OCD. The old term was "scrupulousity." I found it in very old psychology texts. It was interesting to read about it...but again, I can't read too much or I obsess a lot about it.
I think that's why yoga and prayerful reflection (often after yoga or vigorous exercise) is the best way for me to feel I can have a real, honest conversation with God/Love/Universe. I just need to quiet my whirring mind...which, of course, is a lot easier said than done.
I just went to look for a quote I'd written down several years ago. I thought of it tonight...and I think of it often. Just know that many, many people have struggled with conflicted Catholic/religious feelings...so, we're in good company ;).
Here's a quote from James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake which really knocks me to the core...I can't believe how articulate this guy is about conflicted/fear feelings associated with the Irish Catholicism he was raised with (talk about hard core Catholics! My watered down Irish-American Catholicism can't hold a candle--pun intended--to the "straight" Irish stuff.)
"That a cross may crush me--
If I refuse to believe in it
That I may rock anchor through the ages--
If I hope it isn't true"I'd be glad to email with you later about your thoughts/teelings.
Take care, and good luck with your exam.
Jill
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by Jill on September 21, 2002, at 21:44:34
Jill,
I know you have to consider everything carefully regarding ADs and kids, however, I'd question going back to drugs that aren't as successful for you as Remeron. The question in my mind would be why isn't Rem as safe as the supposed safety of other very simiar drugs? What is it about Rem that causes concern? I suspect it's that Rem has not been around long enough for many pregnancy studies, but that doesn't mean there's anything inherently dangerous about it. It acts on different serotonin receptors and thereby may affect smooth muscle/contraction differently than SSRI's pathways. There's a strong feedback loop between estrogen/progesterone and serotonin/NE so all these things must surely be considered. But it is sooooo stressful to switch ADs and that kind of stress surely can't be healthy for you or a developing fetus. Lots of things for you to think about and I wish you the very best. And have a great time trying!
Posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » Jill, posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
Thank you all for your informative responses.
I only took 30 mg of Remeron last night (down from 45 mg)....just can't stand 45mg.
Lynda...you said that at one time that Zoloft was your "drug of choice" but NOT anymore....what is it about the Zoloft that you 'hate'?
Barb....what effects did you 'hate' about being on Zoloft?
I need an SSRI without this idiotic increased norepinephrine effect!!!
Posted by LyndaK on September 22, 2002, at 21:25:42
In reply to BarbCat/Lynda/Jill, posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
Lynda
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 22:33:04
In reply to BarbCat/Lynda/Jill, posted by McPac on September 22, 2002, at 15:40:08
> Barb....what effects did you 'hate' about being on Zoloft?
I didn't hate Zoloft at all, in fact it was a very good AD, better in my opinion than Paxil, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Prozac. I needed a respite from the anxiety and depression and it did this beautifully. I felt carefree, confident, optimistic with very little getting me down or concerning me. The problem arose when I realized that I wasn't feeling things as deeply as I needed to - the good things, like attending a symphony that previously moved me to tears and thinking 'oh, that was interesting but rather a waste of time' or hearing about something that I previously cared passionately and morally about and wondering what the fuss was all about. I felt that everything was A-OK and all would work out, which is a worthy sentiment, however, it was more apathy than philosophy. I had some sexual dysfunction, but probably not as much as commonly reported. It was more like if a sexual encounter happened I had a fine time, but if it didn't I wasn't too bothered. Exercise? Sure, it felt pretty good to work out but if I didn't no big deal. Everything became no big deal and that started bothering me.
I started Wellbutrin at the suggestion of my pdoc to add a little dopamine to counteract the serotonin apathy, but Wellbutrin has the NE curse and it wired me too much. One of the things that happens as serotonin increases is dopamine decreases, so the pleasure and sparkle kind of dry up. In the end I couldn't live with the apathy, tried other ADs to no success, lived without any ADs for 2 years off and on and started Remeron one year ago because of encroaching depression. I'm doing well at 11.5mg. I must say that with Zoloft-induced breezy attitude I handled work alot better, effortlessly zooming up to a high stress career. That same career nearly killed me when I was back to my neurotic but compassionate self. You know what we need? A good SSRI that has dopamine and none of that stinkin' NE. - Barbara
Posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 7:43:08
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety » Jill, posted by BarbaraCat on September 22, 2002, at 13:44:34
Hi Barbara,
Your hunch is right about why I am considering switching. The last time I talked to my pdoc (which was probably 1 1/2 years ago and 90 miles away from my new home...which shows how stable I've been on Remeron for 5 1/2 years...doesn't hurt that my fiance is a counselor), he said I'd probably have to switch due to the lack of data on Remeron and pregnancy.
But, I totally agree...switching meds is HELL. The few months before I settled on Remeron were probably the worst in my life.
My pdoc is very well respected (named #1 in large city) and up on things. So, my fiance and I will go talk to him in a couple months. I don't want to switch while pregnant (pdoc said to try to switch about 3 months before)...so I might even try before we're married. But, I'd wait to the spring when the days are longer and brighter to try.
I'm hoping that my well-informed pdoc may have some new info on Remeron the next time I see him. I read an interesting article stating that even though antidepressants are much LESS likely to harm a fetus than things like, say, asthma meds...that the stigma of mental illness/brain affecting chemicals is so high, that women are told to get off meds that are really NECESSARY to them...where people are less insistent that women stop other life-saving meds. (My pdoc wants me on something, though, for sure).
Thanks for your valuable input...I'm off to work.
Have a good day.
Jill :)
Posted by Roo on September 23, 2002, at 10:08:11
In reply to Re: Remeron Anxiety, posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 7:43:08
Hey Barbara Cat--
Just curious...has the Zone diet helped you to lose
some of the Remeron weight? Now that I've decided to
go back on AD's...trying to decide which one...I WANT
to try remeron b/c of the no sexual side effects....but
I really probably shouldn't because I can't even deal with
another 5 pounds...I'm bordering chunky now, and 5 pounds
will push me definitely into the chunky category officially.
Some people may judge that as shallow and superficial, but
let em judge. I'm 5 feet tall and the weight SHOWS on my frame...
5 pounds is like 10 when you're my height!
Anyway, didn't mean to ramble...
Also, curious about the Zone diet for depression...does it still
allow you _some_ carbs? I worry about cutting all carbs because
don't complex carbs help your brain to make seratonin?How are you, by the way? How are you feeling?
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat, posted by Roo on September 23, 2002, at 10:08:11
Hi Roo,
I'm doing well, thanks. I'm holding steady at 11.5mg Remeron down from 75 and it feels right at that dose. I've been taking 5-HTP also because intuitively it seems necessary to increase serotonin that way. Plus all my vitamin drips and other naturopathic therapies are helping. It's hard to remember how miserable you were when you start feeling better, but looking back at my journals I was in very bad shape, so I'm grateful and encouraged.I haven't been on the Zone diet for very long, however, I don't get as hungry and my energy level is good throughout the day and I've lost 5 pounds in a short time. It's not a low carb diet, but it balances the ratio of carbs pretty evenly with protein and fat. It encourages complex carbs (high fiber veggies) instead of simple ones like sugar, pasta, bread, grains, booze. Other problem carbs are high glycemic, or sweet tasting veggies like corn, white rice. You need to eat enough good quality protein and fats to delay carb sugars from the entering the bloodstream rapidly, which causes excess insulin problems. This is a very simplistic explanation. You can probably find a used copy of 'Entering the Zone' by Barry Sears and see if it makes sense. I'm still studying it and getting used to the recipes and eating differently (I ate too many carbs previously) but it makes alot of sense - even though the jury is still out among some medical circles. However, more and more nutrition experts and docs are coming over to his theories. Dr. Sears also recently wrote 'The Omega Zone' which is mainly about fish oils, but goes into his Zone theories.
Remeron and weight gain. Sigh. It's definitely a problem unless you exercise like a demon. You will want to eat eat eat (especially carbs). I'd find myself standing in front of the open fridge barely remembering how I got there. Jill on this board seems to have the least problems with it and I believe she's an avid swimmer. But she did go up a few dress sizes anyway.
Posted by JackD on September 23, 2002, at 13:11:58
In reply to Re: BarbCat/Lynda/Jill » McPac, posted by LyndaK on September 22, 2002, at 21:25:42
> What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
>
> LyndaYeh, just to butt in here, I have found SSRI's to be the most stupifying drugs out there hands down. Even benzos and stabilizers aren't nearly as bothersome. At the top I would rank Zoloft of the SSRIs I've tried.
Posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 17:11:44
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
Hi,
I did gain some weight over the last five and one half years on Remeron. I went from a skinny, nervous, obsessive 134 to my current happy, content state of 149 or so.I was actually heavier last year (my fiance too...we were commuting for a long distance relationship and ate out a lot and didn't exercise so much. Now we're both in the same city, which really helps. We go to the gym together now.), but I've been eating better and exercising more, so I'm back to approximately 15 more than I was originally.
However, some is probably due to getting older and,honestly, to being happier (I used to get so depressed/stressed that I couldn't eat...lost 20 pounds at one dark time...was very underweight for my frame...and miserable. Weight is definitely not everything.).
So, I went from a size 8 to a size 10. It's not a big deal for me...and it is possible to lose weight. Weight gain (and crazy hunger) seems to be less at dosages 30mg and above, according to my pdoc. I've been at 45mg for a long time, and really I'm feeling fit and happy.
Hope this helps.
Jill
Posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28
A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
Thanks
MoBe
Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 20:50:37
In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » BarbaraCat, posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29
There's a problematic thing about increasing serotonin. It decreases dopamine and decreased dopamine is implicated in myoclonus. 5-HTP increases serotonin and wouldn't help with the dopamine imbalance, if that's what's causing it. Wellbutrin increases dopamine so it's no wonder you didn't have this problem. You might want to explore natural dopamine enhancers (believe it or not, fava beans are very high in it), but anti-parkinson meds are usually prescribed. It seems like you enhance one neurotransmitter and the others just go out of whack.
> A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
> Thanks
> MoBe
Posted by LyndaK on September 24, 2002, at 22:08:42
In reply to SSRI's make me stupid too, posted by JackD on September 23, 2002, at 13:11:58
> > What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
> >
> > Lynda
>
> Yeh, just to butt in here, I have found SSRI's to be the most stupifying drugs out there hands down. Even benzos and stabilizers aren't nearly as bothersome. At the top I would rank Zoloft of the SSRIs I've tried.Glad to know I'm not the only one. I haven't noticed that particular side-effect being mentioned very often.
Posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:20:18
In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by confused on September 26, 2000, at 9:59:56
> > Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
>
> In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
>
> Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
>
> signed confused
>
I am on Topomax 200 mg and was changed to Remeron since May for Biplor Disorder. I take 60 mg at night and I have gained 20 pds so far. My driving is dangerously impaired, I am tired all the time, my moods are a rollercoaster, I forget everything, I fight with everyone, my skin is greasy and my sex life sucks. But I sleep great and my depression isnt too bad, but my mania is pretty scary. I get ugly. I want off this crap, before something major happens. Thats why my name is Dazed because I am. Also when I first started this med I couldnt eat because everything tasted really bad, I had to even scape chocolate jimmies off icecream! And Pizza tasted like grease. Now I just want to eat everything in site so its not take more and the weight will come off not true at all. I wanna know has anyone had greasy hair and skin? I am washing my face 4-5 times a day with soap and it is still just gross. I am going tues and hopefully I am getting off this stuff so I can think right again. This is not worth it to me!Dazed1961
>
Posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:29:07
In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by confused on September 26, 2000, at 9:59:56
I just needed to clarify that I am on Topomax but my antidepressant was changed to Remeron and I still continue to take Topomax. Thanks Dazed
Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
In reply to Re: Alternatives » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 19, 2002, at 14:54:03
I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Ritch on September 28, 2002, at 22:13:04
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
> I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
>
> I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
>
> I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.
Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 28, 2002, at 22:13:04
> > I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
> >
> > I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
> >
> > I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.
>
>depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.
Posted by cybercafe on September 28, 2002, at 22:28:22
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58
> depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.parnate worked quite well for my depression, increased my socialability, and side effects involved weight loss, increased energy and increased libido ....
wellbutrin also is good for weight loss and libido ..........
Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:30:56
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by cybercafe on September 28, 2002, at 22:28:22
>
> > depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.
>
> parnate worked quite well for my depression, increased my socialability, and side effects involved weight loss, increased energy and increased libido ....
>
> wellbutrin also is good for weight loss and libido ..........
>What is parnate? - I have tried to augment with wellbutrin but made my anxiety worse.
Posted by McPac on September 28, 2002, at 23:09:47
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
You wrote, "I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can".
>>>>>>>DON'T DO THAT! He sounds like a very good, understanding guy.
Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 0:55:03
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
> I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
>
> I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
>
> I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not a pdoc, but my first reaction was that seems like an awful lot of medication to be taking every day. It seems like if it were really working well you wouldn't need to take that much. So it's probably good that your doc is thinking of other options to try.I too have been on a long list of antidepressants. I know that some people swear by a "cocktail" of meds but I think it's difficult to differentiate all the different side-effects when you are on more than one. I know nothing about neurontin so I don't feel I can comment about that. I was on Zoloft before switching to Remeron. Zoloft alone tended to significantly impair my memory and concentration. Remeron has not done that. Remeron has worked beautifully to quiet my anxiety. The down side -- I felt drugged and dizzy the first 3 to 4 days after starting it -- could NOT drive during this time. But that resolved and I don't feel that way at all on it anymore. I also gained 20 pounds but that has stabilized -- I have not gained any more. You will feel VERY hungry when you start Remeron. You'll feel like you're STARVING -- just remind yourself that you're NOT. Snack on fresh veggies and you'll be o.k.(no dip).
There's something else you need to know -- most people feel withdrawal symptoms when coming off of Zoloft. The slower you come off the easier it will be, but I think it's important that you know that up front. Try not to make any major decisions for a while.
I hope you find some relief soon.
Best of Luck
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 1:02:21
In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:20:18
> > > Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
> >
> > In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
> >
> > Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
> >
> > signed confused
> >
> I am on Topomax 200 mg and was changed to Remeron since May for Biplor Disorder. I take 60 mg at night and I have gained 20 pds so far. My driving is dangerously impaired, I am tired all the time, my moods are a rollercoaster, I forget everything, I fight with everyone, my skin is greasy and my sex life sucks. But I sleep great and my depression isnt too bad, but my mania is pretty scary. I get ugly. I want off this crap, before something major happens. Thats why my name is Dazed because I am. Also when I first started this med I couldnt eat because everything tasted really bad, I had to even scape chocolate jimmies off icecream! And Pizza tasted like grease. Now I just want to eat everything in site so its not take more and the weight will come off not true at all. I wanna know has anyone had greasy hair and skin? I am washing my face 4-5 times a day with soap and it is still just gross. I am going tues and hopefully I am getting off this stuff so I can think right again. This is not worth it to me!
>
> Dazed1961
> >
>
>
I think I read somewhere that Remeron can make mania worse. It sounds like it may be doing that to you.? Good thing you're going to be seeing your doc soon. I think there are better meds for bi-polar disorder than this one.Good Luck
Lynda
Posted by cybercafe on September 29, 2002, at 9:02:43
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:30:56
> What is parnate? - I have tried to augment with wellbutrin but made my anxiety worse.
parnate made my anxiety better but made me a bit more agitated ... in all, i can get away with taking less benzos now (which work for both anxiety and agitation) ...
i just wanted to point out that there are lots of different options for you so try to stay positive :)
after 2 antidepressants i thought i would never feel optimistic again, now i do
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