![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
I had no idea. I'm eating as if I have to store up enough fat reserves to last for an entire winter season, and I conk out every afternoon for a solid 2 hour snooze. Nothing can wake me. I'm considering a noon-time pot of coffee if it might help. The eating, though - what to do? I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, the most ambitious project I've done in weeks, and they are half gone already. I'd heard about the notorious properties of this medication before, but had never experienced it first hand.
The Remeron is doing a great job of improving my depression, no question. It's allowing me to taper off of the Cymbalta this time, instead of having to stop it cold turkey. That has its own set of uncomfortable side effects, but I'll be glad to be rid of it since it clearly stopped working for me.
I have no intention of returning to the pdoc who prescribed this to me for a follow up. His comment after my last visit, which was as the result of a "help, I'm in a crisis" phone call, was that my depression was most likely not treatable and I couldn't expect a remission. (I have been on about 8 different medications in the past 11 years. Puzzling stance, yes? Considering the dizzying number of medications out there and I haven't even tried an MAOI and only 2 SSRIs.) He then went on to say that ECT was the most likely form of treatment that I'd be suitable for, and named several local hospitals that performed it. He keenly described how a person is hand bagged for breathing for several moments after the treatment, but that it was "no big deal". And that maybe 6 months' worth of memory loss could be expected. Bare-*ssed scare tactics from a professional - what a monster. Although I left in tears, they were more in anger than anything else.
My guess is that he wants a patient who takes what is given them and keeps quiet. Doesn't say, "well, actually, this AD isn't working and I want to die." What a bother. It was telling when I asked 3 of my doctors for recommendations for psychiatric care that there weren't any good referrals in the county. At least I have this appointment coming up at the end of the month in the next county to look forward to.
In the meantime, I am getting ready for the winter solstice with my extra layer of body fat.
Scratchpad
Posted by Phillipa on July 16, 2007, at 10:21:57
In reply to Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too), posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
Well for now the remeron is working hang in there end of month is close already. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on July 16, 2007, at 11:42:43
In reply to Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too), posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
My doctor mentioned things like Axid, Pepcid, and Zantac as helpful for the appetite increase. You might give them a try? I can't say they helped me or not, because -- well, because I'm nuts...
I'm so sorry you're getting the icks from it, but I'm glad it's helping your depression. Have you tried TCAs? One of them might be helpful for you, if the Remeron is helping... Otherwise, maybe your next pdoc can offer something to help with the bear thing.
Funny thing, when I was on Remeron, I couldn't sleep. That, the constipation, and the RAGE kept me from taking it. I felt so out of control, all the way around... Napping might have helped, if I could have done that...
You know what? I think one of us needs to pick up the telephone, don't you?
xoxo
Posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 20:40:44
In reply to Re: Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too) » scratchpad, posted by Racer on July 16, 2007, at 11:42:43
>
> You know what? I think one of us needs to pick up the telephone, don't you?
>
> xoxoI ran away from the phone today :-(
Afternoons are the worst, withdrawal wise. Panic-type chest tightness combined with an astounding lethargy, and the social capabilities of a badger.
Kind of runs downhill from there into a frenzy of snacking and self hatred during the course of the evening as I try to fill the yaw of my belly.
Yech.
Counting down the days to the new doctor appointment. Poor guy has no idea what's going to be walking into his practice. A blubbery, blubbering mess at this point.sp
Posted by Sigismund on July 16, 2007, at 20:43:04
In reply to Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too), posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
>ECT was the most likely form of treatment that I'd be suitable for
Scratchie, I'm appalled (which is good for me given my state of mind).
Give him the toss.
Posted by scratchpad on July 17, 2007, at 7:59:01
In reply to Re: Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too) » scratchpad, posted by Sigismund on July 16, 2007, at 20:43:04
> >ECT was the most likely form of treatment that I'd be suitable for
>
> Scratchie, I'm appalled (which is good for me given my state of mind).
> Give him the toss.Absolutely. I think he was trying to scare me out of the office at that point. Who wants a squeaky wheel in their practice?
sp
Posted by Oppycat on July 17, 2007, at 8:51:09
In reply to Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too), posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
> I had no idea. I'm eating as if I have to store up enough fat reserves to last for an entire winter season, and I conk out every afternoon for a solid 2 hour snooze. Nothing can wake me. I'm considering a noon-time pot of coffee if it might help. The eating, though - what to do? I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, the most ambitious project I've done in weeks, and they are half gone already. I'd heard about the notorious properties of this medication before, but had never experienced it first hand.
>
> The Remeron is doing a great job of improving my depression, no question. It's allowing me to taper off of the Cymbalta this time, instead of having to stop it cold turkey. That has its own set of uncomfortable side effects, but I'll be glad to be rid of it since it clearly stopped working for me.
>
> I have no intention of returning to the pdoc who prescribed this to me for a follow up. His comment after my last visit, which was as the result of a "help, I'm in a crisis" phone call, was that my depression was most likely not treatable and I couldn't expect a remission. (I have been on about 8 different medications in the past 11 years. Puzzling stance, yes? Considering the dizzying number of medications out there and I haven't even tried an MAOI and only 2 SSRIs.) He then went on to say that ECT was the most likely form of treatment that I'd be suitable for, and named several local hospitals that performed it. He keenly described how a person is hand bagged for breathing for several moments after the treatment, but that it was "no big deal". And that maybe 6 months' worth of memory loss could be expected. Bare-*ssed scare tactics from a professional - what a monster. Although I left in tears, they were more in anger than anything else.
>
> My guess is that he wants a patient who takes what is given them and keeps quiet. Doesn't say, "well, actually, this AD isn't working and I want to die." What a bother. It was telling when I asked 3 of my doctors for recommendations for psychiatric care that there weren't any good referrals in the county. At least I have this appointment coming up at the end of the month in the next county to look forward to.
>
> In the meantime, I am getting ready for the winter solstice with my extra layer of body fat.
>
> Scratchpad
Without my Adderall XR, I probably wouldn't wake up all day taking Remoron. Additionally, the Adderall cuts my appetite for lunch and dinner. If I could only take the Adderall before breakfast, I'd be in good shape, but I'm too hungry to skip breakfast and too groggy to open the pill bottle. But the Remeron does a good job on the depression.
Posted by scratchpad on July 17, 2007, at 10:01:26
In reply to Re: Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too) » scratchpad, posted by Oppycat on July 17, 2007, at 8:51:09
>
> Without my Adderall XR, I probably wouldn't wake up all day taking Remoron. Additionally, the Adderall cuts my appetite for lunch and dinner. If I could only take the Adderall before breakfast, I'd be in good shape, but I'm too hungry to skip breakfast and too groggy to open the pill bottle. But the Remeron does a good job on the depression.
>
>Does Adderall work like Provigil? I couldn't even get through the starter pack on that one - I had to be peeled off the ceiling after the second day. I'm, um, rather high strung (and have GAD). Yesterday I tried drinking some coffee at lunchtime and twitched all evening long. Managed to stay awake, though.
Scratchie
Posted by Oppycat on July 17, 2007, at 11:09:49
In reply to Re: Remeron induces hibernation??? » Oppycat, posted by scratchpad on July 17, 2007, at 10:01:26
> >
> > Without my Adderall XR, I probably wouldn't wake up all day taking Remoron. Additionally, the Adderall cuts my appetite for lunch and dinner. If I could only take the Adderall before breakfast, I'd be in good shape, but I'm too hungry to skip breakfast and too groggy to open the pill bottle. But the Remeron does a good job on the depression.
> >
> >
>
> Does Adderall work like Provigil? I couldn't even get through the starter pack on that one - I had to be peeled off the ceiling after the second day. I'm, um, rather high strung (and have GAD). Yesterday I tried drinking some coffee at lunchtime and twitched all evening long. Managed to stay awake, though.
>
> Scratchie
>No Adderall is an amphetamine and, as such, is stronger than Provigil. Although I'm very sensitive to many meds, for some reason I tolerate stimulants very well.
Posted by scratchpad on July 19, 2007, at 15:03:27
In reply to Remeron induces hibernation??? (trigger too), posted by scratchpad on July 16, 2007, at 8:05:51
Zzzzzz
I'm hungry
Which way is up?
Are my feet pointing the right way to go forward? Good.
Feeling very odd to be withdrawing from Cymbalta, with all its associated tingling bits and zapping electric brain waves, while doing my best imitation of a land-locked manatee in search of more food.Therapist was suitably appalled with pdoc story and added his name to the little black list that all therapists know not to send clients to (not that she sent me to this one). She did me the grand favour of telling me I looked slim ((((T)))). Counting down the days to the new pdoc appointment. Wishing I could stop Cymbalta altogether, though it's too soon - have only been at half dose for a week now.
I'm very impressed with how much Remeron has improved my mood, although I wish it would leave my appetite alone. The sleep, I appreciate. I am attributing the Netflix-worthy dreams to Cymbalta withdrawal as well, I presume this is true? (Not really a question, but a comment.) Had a great dream the other night about gourmet jelly beans. Honestly.
It's very nice to be looking forward to things again, and so quickly, too! Also I realized with an enormous amount of surprise that I came through this bout of depression without adding a drinking binge onto it. This counts as some kind of record for me, because I truly had never ever felt any worse or lower than I had this time around.Scratchily
This is the end of the 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.