Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 127039

Shown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Remeron

Posted by cubbybear on November 9, 2002, at 9:27:54

Hello Heide,
Saw your post on Remeron. That's an awful lot of meds you're on, and unfortunately there's no way of knowing what kind of interactions may be going on with any of the others. Even so, every patient reacts to every drug in a different way. I've discovered this from spending countless hours looking at this (great) message board. As far as my experience with Remeron was concerned, I started at 30 mg. My only significant side effects were weight gain and drowsiness in the morning. The drug helped my depression to a great degree but after six months, it totally pooped out on me and I found myself in a black hole of depression. So everyone's response is different. If you trust your doctor's expertise, you should talk to him immediately about the side-effects you're experiencing.
Good luck.

 

Re: Remeron » cubbybear

Posted by LyndaK on November 12, 2002, at 22:33:07

In reply to Remeron, posted by cubbybear on November 9, 2002, at 9:27:54

You said the Remeron worked great but then pooped out. Did you try upping the dose? My pdoc started me on 30, upped me to 45 within a month or so knowing that the sedation would be lower at 45. 45 worked well for a number of months but then started to poop out so we upped it to 60 and I feel good. Now I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't poop out again, but this is the best I've felt in a long time.

 

Re: Remeron

Posted by cubbybear on November 13, 2002, at 9:24:25

In reply to Re: Remeron » cubbybear, posted by LyndaK on November 12, 2002, at 22:33:07

> You said the Remeron worked great but then pooped out. Did you try upping the dose? My pdoc started me on 30, upped me to 45 within a month or so knowing that the sedation would be lower at 45. 45 worked well for a number of months but then started to poop out so we upped it to 60 and I feel good. Now I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't poop out again, but this is the best I've felt in a long time.

Well, I wish you much luck because I had also increased my dosage to 45 and then to 60 mg. before it pooped out. That doesn't necessarily mean it will fail you, too, since EVERY person is different. At the time of the final poopout, I was going through some of the most painful transitions in my personal life, i.e. lost my job, developed a stubborn intestinal infection, lost a lot of weight, needed a colonoscopy (I am 53), and woke up to the brutal realization that big changes had to be made in my personal life and my depression was severe. The bottom line was that the Remeron failed me when i needed it most. . I hope that you will have much better luck with it than I did. Feel free to let me know how you do in the coming days and weeks [E-mail suankrit226@yahoo.com if you want it.].
Steve

 

Re: Remeron » cubbybear

Posted by LyndaK on November 13, 2002, at 16:59:11

In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by cubbybear on November 13, 2002, at 9:24:25

Thankyou for your reply. Wouldn't an intestinal infection affect your ability to absorb the medication? Maybe the medication failed you because it couldn't get into the bloodstream where it needed to be. (Can you tell I'm really hoping that's the right answer?) I know that everyBODY is different in how it responds to medication, but it still makes me nervous when I hear of a medication working well for someone and then NOT. As I was posting last night I thought of the movie "Awakenings" and suddenly identified with the catatonic individuals who were "brought back to life" for a time, but then, as the medication stopped working, going back to their catatonic state of existence. There's a desperation in wanting this medication to work because I don't want to "go back" to that other state of existence.

Thankyou so much for responding and for your email address. I prefer to communicate through this board. I always check the box to "notify (me) of later follow-ups".

Lynda

 

Re: Remeron

Posted by cubbybear on November 14, 2002, at 1:01:31

In reply to Re: Remeron » cubbybear, posted by LyndaK on November 13, 2002, at 16:59:11

> Thankyou for your reply. Wouldn't an intestinal infection affect your ability to absorb the medication? Maybe the medication failed you because it couldn't get into the bloodstream where it needed to be. (Can you tell I'm really hoping that's the right answer?) I know that everyBODY is different in how it responds to medication, but it still makes me nervous when I hear of a medication working well for someone and then NOT. As I was posting last night I thought of the movie "Awakenings" and suddenly identified with the catatonic individuals who were "brought back to life" for a time, but then, as the medication stopped working, going back to their catatonic state of existence. There's a desperation in wanting this medication to work because I don't want to "go back" to that other state of existence.
>
> Thankyou so much for responding and for your email address. I prefer to communicate through this board. I always check the box to "notify (me) of later follow-ups".
>
> Lynda

Like you, the mere thought of an anti-depressant pooping out terrifies me. It never happened in all the years I took MAOI Parnate,and so when the poopout occurred with Remeron, I couldn't believe it was happening.
I can't speculate about the possibility that the intestinal infection had anything to do with it, but it seems that many factors can influence the absorption of any drug. I wish that all the "brains" in the pharmaceutical industry could give us some honest and educated reasons as to why an anti-depressant suddenly quits working. I know that there have been several postings from other people for whom Remeron pooped out, AND there are OTHER DRUGS as well that poop out for no apparent reason.
If it should happen to you, you have accept the unfortunate circumstance and decide which drug to try next. For me, the **MAOIs** appear to be the best of all, but that's a whole separate story. I'll tell you if you're curious about MAOIs. Meanwhile, good luck with the Remeron.

Steve

 

Re: Remeron

Posted by LyndaK on November 14, 2002, at 23:04:46

In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by cubbybear on November 14, 2002, at 1:01:31

Like you, the mere thought of an anti-depressant pooping out terrifies me. It never happened in all the years I took MAOI Parnate,and so when the poopout occurred with Remeron, I couldn't believe it was happening.

Why did you switch if the Parnate was working?

> I wish that all the "brains" in the pharmaceutical industry could give us some honest and educated reasons as to why an anti-depressant suddenly quits working.

I guess they can't do that because they don't REALLY know how or why it works in the first place.


> If it should happen to you, you have accept the unfortunate circumstance and decide which drug to try next. For me, the **MAOIs** appear to be the best of all, but that's a whole separate story. I'll tell you if you're curious about MAOIs. Meanwhile, good luck with the Remeron.
>
> Steve

Thankyou and yes, I am curious. Tell me your story. My PCP, who originally diagnosed my depression and got me started on meds, was considering an MAOI as my experience with the SSRIs proved less than functional. I was too afraid to try one.

Thanks again for your response.
Lynda

 

Re: Remeron » LyndaK

Posted by cubbybear on November 15, 2002, at 2:59:18

In reply to Re: Remeron, posted by LyndaK on November 14, 2002, at 23:04:46

Hi Lynda,
Well, you asked for it! Here's my long-winded story.

I had my first depressive episode in 1984. Back then, there was no Prozac or any of the other SSRIs. Depression was generally treated either with the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or with the MAOIs. I had limited experience with the TCAs; they have rotten side effects and are hardly used anymore.

My former psychiatrist realized then that he'd better get me onto something potent. He chose Parnate, an MAOI. In about 3-1/2 weeks, I was feeling fine again. For about 18 years, I continued taking Parnate. Sometimes I tried taking a break from it, but the depression would return within a few months (Typical relapses). But the Parnate itself never pooped out.

You asked why I switched to Remeron if the Parnate was working. Good question!! It was the dream of my life to leave the U.S. and live in a foreign country. In 1997, I moved to Thailand (and am still there) but Parnate is NOT available here!! What to do? Well, every spring, I would travel back to the U.S., and get a sufficient supply of Parnate to take back to Thailand. (no legal problems doing that)

Earlier this year, I decided for several reasons, that even though the Parnate was great, maybe I could try one of the newer anti-depressants such as Remeron. (Big mistake!!) So I started with the Remeron HERE and all was fine for a while. I took my annual trip to the U.S. in April but didn't purchase any Parnate since the Remeron was looking good. I returned to Thailand and continued taking it. All was fine for a while. BUT at the end of May, I lost my job, contracted that awful intestinal infection, lost weight and crashed into the worst depression of my life. The crowning touch came when the Remeron pooped out and I had no Parnate here to fall back upon.

I think you already know the rest. . .my doctor told me to quit taking the Remeron and start with Zoloft. My reactions to it are mixed. It's nowhere as good as Parnate was for me. It's OK, but I decided to quit it. I took my last dose of Zoloft last night.

So, now you might be wondering, what am I going to do now? (Here's where things can get a little confusing, so just bear with me.) The MAOIs first came out in the early 60s, I think, but developed a bad, (but undeserved) reputation as being dangerous. The MAOIs that are now available in the U.S., such as Parnate and Nardil, require you to NOT eat certain foods, and NOT take certain other medications (e.g. sinus and cold remedies). Yet, since the original guidelines were written, it has been found that these drugs are nowhere as problematic as the "experts" warned, and if you work closely with your doctor and adhere to the re-written guidelines, you should have no problems.

What patients in the U.S. don't know, is that there is now a new generation of MAOI that is even safer.( No diet restrictions.) The obstacle is that this new MAOI, called Aurorix, (Moclobemide) is NOT available in the U.S.!! The situation is a sham and an injustice to patients-- thanks to the dominance of Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil, + the questionable actions of the FDA, + the POWER of these huge drug companies to keep out the competition from abroad. So, even though I can't purchase Parnate in Thailand, I CAN purchase Aurorix and hope to start with it in 2 weeks.Hopefully, it will work out well. If it doesn't, I think I'll tear my hair out!

I hope that you've been able to follow all of this. If you're ever interested in starting with an MAOI, then do your Internet homework. I'm assuming that you live in the U.S., so obviously I'd recommend Parnate. (By the way, where DO you live?) Learn more about the MAOIs now, IN CASE you ever decide to switch. Don't get scared off by the food and other restrictions. Hopefully the Remeron will continue helping you and you won't have to deal with this decision after all.
Steve

 

Re: Remeron » LyndaK » cubbybear

Posted by LyndaK on November 15, 2002, at 3:45:32

In reply to Re: Remeron » LyndaK, posted by cubbybear on November 15, 2002, at 2:59:18

Wow! Thanks, Steve. You're quite articulate. I had no difficulty at all following your story.

Zoloft was my "drug of choice" before switching to Remeron. Zoloft was helpful with the depression but had some pretty significant memory/concentration side-effects. I didn't realize how sigificant until I switched to the Remeron and didn't have those side-effects anymore. It was really interfering with my ability to do my job well. My last performance eval. reflected the marked improvment. I will never go back to Zoloft.

I will do my homework on Parnate/MAOIs. Thanks for the tip and the great info. I hope Aurorix works for you. (It's gotta be better than Zoloft!)

I live in San Jose, California. ;-)
The leaves are falling off the trees and the squirrels are burying everything they can get their little hands on. I love it here.

Take Care,
Lynda

 

Re: Remeron » LyndaK

Posted by sleepy lizard on November 16, 2002, at 22:58:10

In reply to Re: Remeron » LyndaK, posted by cubbybear on November 15, 2002, at 2:59:18

Cubbybear, that is interesting what you went through. I live in Atlanta and am currently taking Remeron after having intolerable side effects of Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, and Wellbutrin. I asked my Dr. if he would prescribe Parnate and he said to try Remeron instead. He just does not want to prescribe MAOI's. And I mentioned that I am vegetarian and would not have any problem with the dietary restrictions. Apparently you did not either. Please post your results with Aurorix. Perhaps someday it will be available in the US. Good Luck to you and enjoy Tailand.

 

Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard

Posted by cubbybear on November 17, 2002, at 4:39:02

In reply to Re: Remeron » LyndaK, posted by sleepy lizard on November 16, 2002, at 22:58:10

Hello sleepy lizard,
Thanks for your feedback on my long saga. It's too bad that the medical profession as a whole has become so entrenched in its beliefs, thanks to the power of the drug companies. If you want to try an MAOI, you have t he right to do so. As adults, we should have the final right to makesuch decisions that affect our own health, even if it means taking a gamble.
If you really want to give Parnate a try, then you should consider switching doctors, and find one who will do it for you. Meanwhile, good luck with the Remeron! As far as Aurorix is concerned, I can't start taking it for another 12 days (2 weeks must elapse between discontinuance of an SSRI and the start of an MAOI).
I very much doubt if Aurorix will ever become available in the U.S., based on what I've read. It's been around for many years, but the manufacturer, Roche, reportedly gave up on the idea of trying to market it in the U.S.

 

Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard » cubbybear

Posted by sleepy lizard on November 19, 2002, at 22:58:20

In reply to Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard, posted by cubbybear on November 17, 2002, at 4:39:02

Thanks for the encouragement Cubbybear. If the Remeron does not work well for me I may have to make a stronger case for Parnate with my doctor (or find another as you mention). I'll be reading the posts to see how your new medication works for you in December.

 

Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard

Posted by cubbybear on November 20, 2002, at 2:15:41

In reply to Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard » cubbybear, posted by sleepy lizard on November 19, 2002, at 22:58:20

Hi Sleepy lizard,
I don't recall if I set my post so that I will remember to let you know (I'm not thinking clearly now, as I am now suffering from Zoloft withdrawal), but suffice it to say that I'm counting the days remaining (9) until I can start the MAOI and hopefully put an end to the miseries of SSRIs. Meanwhile, Good luck with the Remeron and if you have problems, you can keep in touch with me for (mutual?) encouragement.

 

Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard » cubbybear

Posted by sleepy lizard on November 20, 2002, at 22:34:20

In reply to Re: Remeron » sleepy lizard, posted by cubbybear on November 20, 2002, at 2:15:41

Sure enough, I'll keep in touch. I have not tried Zoloft but I imagine that the withdrawal is similar to Paxil and Effexor, and that it is difficult. Usually one gets unstable emotionally and just feeling generally bad due to the temporary lack of serotonin. I have never tried it, but I wonder if taking Melotonin during withdrawal would help any?


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