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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 455 to 479 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sad Panda on April 25, 2004, at 1:07:54
In reply to Re: How long for Rem to help anxiety?, posted by ravenstorm on April 24, 2004, at 11:50:41
> Thanks for the posts Lynda and Zena. Lynda it was good to hear that going up in dosage actually helped your anxiety, because I was under the mistaken impression that if I went higher it actually might make my anxiety worse.
>
> I have two weeks in now and definitely have more day time energy am feeling less anxious in that I can go do more things in public now (but that may be bbecause I have more physical energy to get things done now!) but I still get the Physical signs of anxiety (like the explosions in my chest) that are not related to anything imparticular.
>
> All of my mucous membranes are still really dried out and my hunger is through the roof but I just don't let myself eat when I'm hungry (but I don't know if I'm going to want to live like this indefinitely). In your experience, did your appetite lessen or increase as you went up in dose. Does dry mouth lessen when you go up?
>
> Keep in touch about your titration downward. Hope all goes well for you. Did you notice any significant difference between 60mg and 45mg?
>
> Raven
>Hi Raven,
I would consider trying an SSRI again added to your Remeron as it counters SSRI's side effects brilliantly(Insomnia, Anorgasmia & Nausea). Lexapro seems like it is worth a try.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by LyndaK on April 25, 2004, at 3:10:41
In reply to Re: How long for Rem to help anxiety?, posted by ravenstorm on April 24, 2004, at 11:50:41
> Thanks for the posts Lynda and Zena. Lynda it was good to hear that going up in dosage actually helped your anxiety, because I was under the mistaken impression that if I went higher it actually might make my anxiety worse.
I have to tell you that some people DID get worse anxiety at higher doses, but that is not how it worked for me.
>
> I have two weeks in now and definitely have more day time energy am feeling less anxious in that I can go do more things in public nowI would take that as a sign that it probably IS helping your anxiety. One of the things that happened for me was, at my job, when I went to a meeting that ususally made me really nervous, not feeling very nervous at all, but being able to speak very clearly and calmly. I walked out of the meeting going "WOW!" That's when I was sold. But I probably had that experience 6 to 8 weeks into it.
< (but that may be bbecause I have more physical energy to get things done now!) but I still get the Physical signs of anxiety (like the explosions in my chest) that are not related to anything imparticular.
Stick with it a little longer and see if that gets better.
>
> All of my mucous membranes are still really dried out and my hunger is through the roof but I just don't let myself eat when I'm hungry (but I don't know if I'm going to want to live like this indefinitely). In your experience, did your appetite lessen or increase as you went up in dose. Does dry mouth lessen when you go up?I honestly don't remember having a dry mouth, though I may have and just don't remember now. I can tell you it definitely didn't stay that way. SSRI's gave me a worse dry mouth than this does. I remember the intense hunger -- just awful! Felt like I was literally STARVING even though I wasn't -- no matter how much I ate it never fully quenched the hunger. That definitely went away too, but I don't know if it was increased dose that did it or just length of time on the med. I seem to remember low-fat yogurt as something that worked well for those ravenous times in between meals.
>
> Keep in touch about your titration downward. Hope all goes well for you. Did you notice any significant difference between 60mg and 45mg?Thankyou. I seem to be a little more emotional, but not depressed. I had some increased fatigue, but that seems to be leveling off again. No significant increase in anxiety so far.
Hang in there.
Lynda
Posted by ravenstorm on April 25, 2004, at 9:41:01
In reply to Re: How long for Rem to help anxiety? » ravenstorm, posted by LyndaK on April 25, 2004, at 3:10:41
Thanks again everybody.
My "gut" tells me just to hang in at this dosage for another couple of weeks and see what happens.
I'm pretty sure the dry mouth,nose etc is from the histamine effect, so if it doesn't get better after four to six weeks I'll try upping to 30mg.
Not ready to add an SSRI again at this point, but it is a good suggestion for down the road if I'm still having problems.
Basically, I think its time to sit tight and see what happens. I am seeing some improvement already, so it is enough to keep me hanging in there.
Yes, Lynda, I feel like I am starving!! Never feel full. But no weight gain yet (but feel like I'm starving myself, even though I absolutely am not!!)
Again, all the posts from you "remeron veterans" are incredibly helpful.
Sad Panda--read a post somewhere from you that absolutely cracked me up--how you can have any mood stabilizer you want (because you live in Australia) as long as it is lithium.
Posted by j-lo on April 26, 2004, at 12:23:10
In reply to Re: How long for Rem to help anxiety?, posted by ravenstorm on April 25, 2004, at 9:41:01
hi all,
it probably seems like i'm "remeron bashing". it just didn't do anything for me. if it's working for you, that's great! i just couldn't stand the weight gain in the belly (15 lbs. around the middle:( in total...) but it's slowly coming off now and i feel so much more energetic now. i was feeling very sluggish...
lexapro was banned here in canada because it was found to have some detrimental effects to the liver...(sorry, not trying to "lexapro bash" :) , so i am curious why it's still available elsewhere in the world. anyway, good luck with it.
my doc is thinking of giving me a very small dose of a mood stabilizer...not lithium though. i'd be too scared to take that. my main concern is losing physical energy...especially now that it's close to summer. for now though, i'm just waiting for a bit to stabilize so that we know what to do next, if anything.
Posted by Chick on May 12, 2004, at 14:11:54
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by northerngal on January 11, 2004, at 3:22:36
I just recently started taking Remeron for anxiety and insomnia. For those who keep talking about the weight problem and taking Zantac. Do you take the Zantac at the same time you take the Remeron or just anytime. Is it over the counter or do you have to have a prescription and how much Zantac do you take?
Posted by ravenstorm on May 13, 2004, at 10:25:09
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Chick on May 12, 2004, at 14:11:54
I would also like to know about zantac.
Posted by cubic_me on June 9, 2004, at 7:47:04
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Chick on May 12, 2004, at 14:11:54
I've read quite a few of the posts on this thread and the info has been really helpful. I usually go on the psycho/social boards but I started taking Remeron 6 weeks ago. I've gained 20 pounds and I'm normally pretty slim. I hate it. I can only get into two pairs of trousers and 3 bras that I own and the 'belly roll' I've developed got me so worried I took a pregnancy test! (it was negative!) I go to the gym and do hard excercise 3 times a week, go jogging and eat healthily but I'm still gaining weight. The only thing that remeron has done for me so far is make me even more sleepy - I sleep 11-12 hours a day, and feel like I'm in a little world of my own. I had to cancel my last pdoc appt and can't get another one for 3 months as I'm going away.
I'm going to come off remeron over the next few days - any suggestions (I'm on 30mg)? Also have you got any tips to how to get the weight off after remeron?
Thanks, cubic
Posted by marfaith on June 9, 2004, at 10:42:36
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by cubic_me on June 9, 2004, at 7:47:04
> I've read quite a few of the posts on this thread and the info has been really helpful. I usually go on the psycho/social boards but I started taking Remeron 6 weeks ago. I've gained 20 pounds and I'm normally pretty slim. I hate it. I can only get into two pairs of trousers and 3 bras that I own and the 'belly roll' I've developed got me so worried I took a pregnancy test! (it was negative!) I go to the gym and do hard excercise 3 times a week, go jogging and eat healthily but I'm still gaining weight. The only thing that remeron has done for me so far is make me even more sleepy - I sleep 11-12 hours a day, and feel like I'm in a little world of my own. I had to cancel my last pdoc appt and can't get another one for 3 months as I'm going away.
>
> I'm going to come off remeron over the next few days - any suggestions (I'm on 30mg)? Also have you got any tips to how to get the weight off after remeron?
>
> Thanks, cubicHi. I was on Remeron last fall into winter. I have never had a weight problem in my life, if anything I needed to gain. I gained 33 lbs. When I quit, I lost eight lbs in the first week. I have now lost a total of 23 lbs and have not done a thing to lose it. It just dropped off. And I don't mind the ten lbs that I have kept. I think I look better with it on. My brother gained 40 lbs on it and when he quit the weight dropped off him also. Hope this helps you.
Good luck,
Mary
Posted by ravenstorm on June 9, 2004, at 11:11:54
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on June 9, 2004, at 10:42:36
Please keep us posted as to how the titration down goes for you. Are you going to try another AD? Good Luck!
Posted by cubic_me on June 10, 2004, at 4:04:22
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by ravenstorm on June 9, 2004, at 11:11:54
I've been on effexor (150-225mg) for about a year now, remeron was an addition to it, so I'm going to stay on the effexor until I can get another pdoc appt.
So far the titration down is going ok. I feel a bit like I'm swimming in my head, but that's all (I went from 30 to 15mg), I'll keep you posted on how its going.
Posted by cubic_me on June 10, 2004, at 4:05:31
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by marfaith on June 9, 2004, at 10:42:36
Thankyou for those encouraging words, I'm so glad it went well for you. I'll keep you updated on my progress.
Posted by joslynn on June 10, 2004, at 14:30:30
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » marfaith, posted by cubic_me on June 10, 2004, at 4:05:31
I gained about 7 lbs on it to and then it came off naturally after I went off of it. I didn't have to do anything special to lose it. So you probably don't have to do any extra exercise/dieting when you go off it, just do your usual routine and just give it time.
But with anything, you should probably go off of it gradually.
Posted by ravenstorm on June 10, 2004, at 18:10:19
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by joslynn on June 10, 2004, at 14:30:30
Joslyn-how long were you on it? Did you have any withdrawal symptoms going off?
Thanks
Posted by cubic_me on June 17, 2004, at 6:30:34
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? Joslyn, posted by ravenstorm on June 10, 2004, at 18:10:19
I went down from 30mg to 0mg over 3 days, and I've been off it for a week now. Its strange how much more 'real' I feel now - I've come back down to planet earth! For the first few days I was wanting to sleep all day every day, but now I am back to sleeping the normal hours I was before remeron. My weight is slowly getting back to normal :) tho that might be partly because I had my tongue peirced last week and could only eat icecream for 4 day because it was so swollen!
The only downside is that my suicidal ideation has returned, but I'm able to keep it under control for now.
Posted by SLS on June 17, 2004, at 7:08:37
In reply to How coming off remeron is going, posted by cubic_me on June 17, 2004, at 6:30:34
> The only downside is that my suicidal ideation has returned,
That's a hell of a downside. Do you have a treatment strategy ready to implement should you continue to deteriorate?
- Scott
Posted by cubic_me on June 17, 2004, at 8:41:11
In reply to Re: How coming off remeron is going, posted by SLS on June 17, 2004, at 7:08:37
> Do you have a treatment strategy ready to implement should you continue to deteriorate?Nothing in particular, but I talk to my boyfriend quite a bit, and I'm pretty sensible about hiding pills/razors/belts when things get really bad. I've thought about suicide on and off for years and I don't seem to be dead yet (so to speak), so I'll just see how things go from here. I seem to be able to let the suicidal thoughts and images 'wash over' me, and that way they don't affect me too much.
Hopefully a different drug/therapy will help me get past this.
cubic
Posted by Deryk on September 16, 2005, at 14:18:34
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » stay at home mom, posted by LyndaK on February 4, 2004, at 22:49:21
Hi there, just started taking Remeron a few days ago, the initial stone has wore off now and not as groggy. My appetite has increased alot though, which is a good thing to me, I am underweight so maybe I can gain a few extra punds. Could anyone on this let me know what to expect. I am currently on 15mg and next week I start on 30mg.
Deryk
Posted by flipsactown on September 16, 2005, at 17:55:39
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by Deryk on September 16, 2005, at 14:18:34
I was on Remeron for at least 3 years and I gained over 50 lbs., so I quit. That was over 5 years ago and now I am going to ask my pdoc to try it again since I am now in control of my weight. For me, Remeron did not have any sexual side effect as I have with the combo I am on now. I am male.
FST
> Hi there, just started taking Remeron a few days ago, the initial stone has wore off now and not as groggy. My appetite has increased alot though, which is a good thing to me, I am underweight so maybe I can gain a few extra punds. Could anyone on this let me know what to expect. I am currently on 15mg and next week I start on 30mg.
>
> Deryk
Posted by flipsactown on September 16, 2005, at 17:56:01
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » LyndaK, posted by Deryk on September 16, 2005, at 14:18:34
I was on Remeron for at least 3 years and I gained over 50 lbs., so I quit. That was over 5 years ago and now I am going to ask my pdoc to try it again since I am now in control of my weight. For me, Remeron did not have any sexual side effect as I have with the combo I am on now. I am male.
FST
> Hi there, just started taking Remeron a few days ago, the initial stone has wore off now and not as groggy. My appetite has increased alot though, which is a good thing to me, I am underweight so maybe I can gain a few extra punds. Could anyone on this let me know what to expect. I am currently on 15mg and next week I start on 30mg.
>
> Deryk
Posted by Joslynn on September 19, 2005, at 10:42:07
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
Seems like your question was already answered, but here's my experience....
When I have taken Remeron, I always took it at night, which is how it was prescribed. So, yes it was sedating, but since I took it at night, that was a good thing.
Weight gain...this is a tough question because I went on both Celexa and Remeron at the same time, during a severe episode of anxiety, and I did gain about 10 pounds, but who knows which of the things caused it, I am guessing Remeron. Also, I built up a better social life, which leads to more eating. My weight leveled off after the 10-pound gain. I am on Remeron again now (15 mg at night) and Lexepro (10 mg in the morning).
I haven't noticed any serious side effects, for me, on the Remeron.
Posted by MoBe on October 5, 2005, at 13:30:23
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Chick on May 12, 2004, at 14:11:54
> I just recently started taking Remeron for anxiety and insomnia. For those who keep talking about the weight problem and taking Zantac. Do you take the Zantac at the same time you take the Remeron or just anytime. Is it over the counter or do you have to have a prescription and how much Zantac do you take?
I just read a piece of medical literature on a medsite on internet and it talked about using ranitidine to halt/reduce the weight gain from psych meds. They did have success but the thing I noticed is they were giving quite a bit of zantac or ranitidine; for the weight reversal sometimes as much as 600 mg, if I am remembering correctly. Although you can get zantac over the counter in Canada, taking 600 mg would result in it being a pricey route to take. I am wondering if this avenue works because it reduces stomach acid; wouldn't giving meds that stop the stomach acid completely work even better. Of course, you would need a Dr's prescription for this one. Any comments, experiences out there with this route???
MoBe
Posted by starfox on March 6, 2007, at 13:22:59
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by crazychickuk on December 8, 2003, at 16:43:49
This medication gave me very disturbing vivid dreams and made me feel more depressed that I was before being put on the s*!t. It also made me munch about 3-4 big sized bags of peanut m&m's a day! and thats not an exaggeration.
Posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 15:36:53
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by starfox on March 6, 2007, at 13:22:59
>It also made me munch about 3-4 big sized bags of peanut m&m's a day! and thats not an exaggeration.<
-----------------------Yup, this med is notorious for weight gain....no matter what dosage you are on. I could sit down and eat a whole pumpkin pie all by myself, then look for something else to eat a few minutes later! Seriously! I would make myself feel sick from over-eating so much, but I couldn't seem to stop because of this insistent craving for the taste of food in my mouth. Grrrrr.
If you can get on a combination of Remeron and Topomax, I would recommend that. It worked great for me. I was beginning to lose some of the Remeron weight (quite quickly, actually), when I found out that my insurance didn't cover Topomax....and I just couldn't afford that med on my own. But if you could get it added on as a mood stabilizer or something, maybe insurance would cover it. It really does take away those horrible eating urges.
As for how the med itself works, I've said this before: It was my wonder drug. I simply loved it. It saved my life. I called it my "anti-suicide" drug, and it also cleared my head of ruminations. I was fairly stable during the two years that I was on it, but gaining 70 pounds made me have to say bye-bye to it. Glad to say that I'm back to 130 pounds now, so the weight CAN be lost....but not when you're on the med unless you're using something like Topomax.
Good luck, everyone.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by cubic_me on March 8, 2007, at 12:08:16
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions » starfox, posted by SandyWeb on March 6, 2007, at 15:36:53
SandyWeb, your response to it sounds exactly like mine, both in effects and side effects. I tend to cycle in depression, so have a supply of Remeron just incase I get really suicidal - it stops the ruminations and urges after 2-4 days - magic! However I gained 40lb in 9 weeks, and had an insatiable appetite for fat and sugar, I'd never get full. I wondered whether that's how people with Prada-Willi Syndrome feel (genetic disorder with one symptom being constant hunger, despite eating).
Posted by mobe on July 10, 2007, at 14:28:26
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » Northerngal, posted by LyndaK on January 9, 2004, at 22:15:47
> Thanks for your post, Northerngal.
>
> I take 60mg. of Remeron per day (nothing else) and I gained 20 lbs. that won't come off. What is Zantac and how does it help your metabolism?
>
> It's interesting that you are on both Remeron and Effexor. I took Effexor before and lost so much weight I was worried about being too thin! Have you ever taken Effexor alone? If so, what effect did it have on your weight? I'm wondering if the weight-loss side-effect of one drug can counteract the weight-gain side-effect of another.
>
> Lynda
>
>
>
> > I have been on Remeron off and on (mostly on and currently at 75 mg/day with 225 mg of Effexor as well) for over two years and have had a horrible time with weight gain. I have always been skinny, skinny (5'3" 98-103 lbs.) but gained 40 lbs. in the first four months of taking Remeron, despite 20+ miles of running a week. Zantac has been a gift that has brought my body's metabolism back to some level of normalacy. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise a lot to maintain 130 lbs., but at least the weight gain is controllable and I'm not gaining 10 lbs. a month (and I'm alive!). The combination of Remeron and Effexor has been the magic bullet for my depression. If anyone wants to talk further about weight gain, please feel free to write me. I truly feel like an expert now!
>
> Hi LyndaHow much zantac did you have to take to prevent Remeron weight gain and do you know of anyone who has actually lost weight while on Remeron and zantac. I have read in one study that the participants that took 600 mg of Zantac actually lost weight. That sure is a lot of zantac and I wonder if that would reduce your gut acid too much and cause problems.
mobe
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