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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hope4best on October 1, 2004, at 17:54:18
Today I asked my doctor to change me from Remeron to Cymbalta because I have gained weight on Remeron which I just can't lose, even with strict diet and exercise. Doc says I have to wean off the Remeron slowly, going down to 30 mg for a week, then 15 for a week, then I can finally start the Cymbalta. Anyone know how important it is to follow this schedule exactly? I am afraid to go into remission by going off the Remeron before starting Cymbalta, especially since it might take several weeks for the Cymbalta to kick in. I am also on Wellbutrin sr 200 mg 2x a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by thinkfast on October 1, 2004, at 23:44:27
In reply to Remeron to Cymbalta--I don't wanna wait!!!, posted by hope4best on October 1, 2004, at 17:54:18
I went of Remeron cold turkey, but I had been taking effexor for about 2 months before I stoped. From what I read, effexor and cymbalta are similar in their make-up. I was taking the Remeron for sleep, but it didn't do much for depression. Seroquel replaced the Remeron. The only effect I got off of the cold turkey quit, was simply feeling scatter-brained for a few days. In my opinion, I would start the Cymbalta and give it a run for a while before you quit the Remeron. Best of luck..peace
Posted by yznhymer on October 2, 2004, at 10:23:48
In reply to Remeron to Cymbalta--I don't wanna wait!!!, posted by hope4best on October 1, 2004, at 17:54:18
Your doctors advice sounds good to me. I think he's trying to spare you the possible unpleasant side-effects that often accompany withdrawal from Remeron (read some of the other threads).
Also, it will be a lot easier to assess the effects and the side effects of Cymbalta if you don't have to try to sort out which are the effects of Remeron withdrawal. You'l want this information for further decision making about Cymbalta.
Some people actually experience a little bump up in mood in the initial period after they discontinue an AD. I would be surprised if there is big chance of a relapse in the short period between drugs.
Put another way, based on purely anecdotal evidence as well as personal experience, I think you are more likely to experience unpleasant side effects from a fast Remeron withdrawal than a relapse into depression in the period between drugs. Further, the Remeron relapse symptoms can feel worse than depression symptoms.
You'll get where you wanna go either way... Its just the quality of the ride that may be different. I wish you luck and hope Cymbalta works well for you.
Mark
> Today I asked my doctor to change me from Remeron to Cymbalta because I have gained weight on Remeron which I just can't lose, even with strict diet and exercise. Doc says I have to wean off the Remeron slowly, going down to 30 mg for a week, then 15 for a week, then I can finally start the Cymbalta. Anyone know how important it is to follow this schedule exactly? I am afraid to go into remission by going off the Remeron before starting Cymbalta, especially since it might take several weeks for the Cymbalta to kick in. I am also on Wellbutrin sr 200 mg 2x a day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by King Vultan on October 2, 2004, at 10:52:18
In reply to Remeron to Cymbalta--I don't wanna wait!!!, posted by hope4best on October 1, 2004, at 17:54:18
I tend to agree with Mark that it would be best to do as your doctor suggests. I've gone through umpteen drug changes and the last two times, have had to make do with no antidepressant at all for a two week period because I was switching to an MAOI. Sometimes, these intervals are really not that bad because of the positive effects of getting rid of the previous drug's side effects. You also have the Wellbutrin to help you during this time period.
Todd
Posted by thinkfast on October 2, 2004, at 12:04:06
In reply to Re: Remeron to Cymbalta--I don't wanna wait!!!, posted by King Vultan on October 2, 2004, at 10:52:18
above posts are prolly right after I gave it some thought. I don't know about anyone elses experience with Remeron withdrawl, but my case may be isolated. I always felt Remeron made me more depressed, and if so, it was no biggie quitting cold turkey. Best of luck peace
Posted by hope4best on October 5, 2004, at 22:40:30
In reply to Remeron to Cymbalta--I don't wanna wait!!!, posted by hope4best on October 1, 2004, at 17:54:18
Thanks for the advice. I ended up going off the Remeron over 3 days, instead of the 2 weeks my doctor advised. I don't condone going against a doctor's advice, but I wanted to post since before I stopped taking it I looked for a thread on here to see what other people experienced when going off Remeron quickly. So, for the record, I was on 60 mg Remeron a day (since July), then I went down to 30 mg for a day, then 15 mg, then I stopped taking it and started taking Cymbalta. Immediately I noticed a HUGE decrease in appetite (yay!) and I feel great. I did not notice any "withdrawal" symptons from going off the Remeron quickly--maybe just increased yawning.
This is the end of the thread.
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