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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 15:09:09
Hi,
First let me give you my info. I am a 32 year old male and I have been posting on here off and on for years now. My meds are 60mg Cymbalta, 4mg Klonopin, 600mg Lyrica, 200mg Luvox, 30mg Remeron
This is my delima. I was given Remeron many years ago (5 or 6) when I was hospitalized for my Depression, OCD, and GAD. The Remeron worked wonders for my insomnia. When I was released from the hospital I found a great p-doc. He basically kept me on the same meds I was on in the hospital including the Remeron. I even asked to be kept on the Remeron b/c it gave me a wonderful nights rest. Over the years my other meds have changed slightly (trying new things hoping for better results).
Well, back then I weighed approx. 165lbs. and was in good physical shape. It wasn't long after starting the Remeron that I started gaining weight. I shot up to 205lbs. quickly and generally stayed that weight for sometime. My p-doc confident I had stabalized at 205lbs. and in good physical health deceided to keep me on the Remeron. But last month my p-doc finally retired.
Well about a month ago I went off my Remeron cold turkey (I know it is wrong :)). I had absolutly no withdrawals what so ever. Within three weeks my appetite returned to normal and I went from 205lbs. to 187lbs. with my same daily physical routine.
Now the bad part. The insomnia returned about a week ago and desperate to go to sleep I took one of my Remeron pills. I slept like a baby and felt like a new person the next day. I have been taking the Remeron ever since. But I have been eating the House down. I am now back to around 195lbs.
What can I do? I know why the Remeron makes me sleep (its action on histamine).
--stuff like ambien doesn't work
--I have tried trazadone before--no luck
--done all the non med thingsSo, are there other meds similar to Remeron I could ask about but with no weight issues. I had one doc tell me that Remeron at higher doses produces less weight gain. Is that true?
I just hate to gain the weight back. But it seems the only way I can get to sleep is by taking the Remeron.
I was just hoping (you) the people like me who take these meds and know how and what they make you feel like could give me some suggestions to take to my new p-doc.
Thanks,
brc
Posted by sam K on October 19, 2008, at 15:23:45
In reply to Remeron==I don't know what to do?==please read, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 15:09:09
have you tried seroquel, that is used for insomnia. that might work for u!! hope you figure it out!
Posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 15:33:38
In reply to Re: Remeron==I don't know what to do?==please read, posted by sam K on October 19, 2008, at 15:23:45
Thanks for the reply.
Yea I tried seroquel for my OCD. But when I found out what the long term side effects could be I switched to something different.
brc
Posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 16:07:15
In reply to Remeron==I don't know what to do?==please read, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 15:09:09
Increased appetite and weight gain are an unfortunate side effect of Remeron. As far as other options for sleep aids, have you tried an over-the-counter antihistamine like diphenhydramine (trade name Benadryl) or doxylamine (trade name Unisom Sleep Gels)?
According to wikipedia, doxylamine is the most effective over-the-counter sedative available in the United States, and is more sedating than some prescription hypnotics. In a study, it was found that doxylamine succinate is possibly more effective than the barbiturate phenobarbital for use as a sedative.
> What can I do? I know why the Remeron makes me sleep (its action on histamine).
>
> --stuff like ambien doesn't work
> --I have tried trazadone before--no luck
> --done all the non med things
>
> So, are there other meds similar to Remeron I could ask about but with no weight issues. I had one doc tell me that Remeron at higher doses produces less weight gain. Is that true?
>
> I just hate to gain the weight back. But it seems the only way I can get to sleep is by taking the Remeron.
>
> I was just hoping (you) the people like me who take these meds and know how and what they make you feel like could give me some suggestions to take to my new p-doc.
>
> Thanks,
>
> brc
Posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 16:17:19
In reply to other antihistamines » BRC, posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 16:07:15
Hi,
Thanks for your response. I tried the over the counter sleep aids when I was still in high school, long before I knew what an antidepressant was. In the beginning they worked, but I guess my body built up a tolerance.
They say you are not suppose to take them for long periods of time due to dependance. That is why I was looking for an antidepressant to treat both depression and sleep. But also could be taken on a more permanant basis.
Thanks,
brc
Posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 16:38:01
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » azalea, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 16:17:19
Have you tried a TCA such as doxepin (Sinequan) or imipramine? TCAs can cause weight gain, but are effective for anxiety and depression.
What about over-the-counter melatonin or Rx Rozeram?
> Hi,
>
> Thanks for your response. I tried the over the counter sleep aids when I was still in high school, long before I knew what an antidepressant was. In the beginning they worked, but I guess my body built up a tolerance.
>
> They say you are not suppose to take them for long periods of time due to dependance. That is why I was looking for an antidepressant to treat both depression and sleep. But also could be taken on a more permanant basis.
>
> Thanks,
>
> brc
>
Posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 17:46:32
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » BRC, posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 16:38:01
Most doctors I saw tried to avoid the TCA's b/c of the many side effects. But I did take one for about a year and I don't mean to sound dumb but I can't think of it to save my life right now. Anyway it is the TCA that is approved to treat OCD.
What were you saying again about the over the counter sleep aids. Would they interfere with the other meds I currently take?
Posted by Sigismund on October 19, 2008, at 18:48:32
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » azalea, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 17:46:32
What about cyproheptadine?
It felt a little like Remeron to me.
Posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 19:26:09
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » azalea, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 17:46:32
If you decide to try an over-the-counter sleep antihistamine, you might be okay with less than a full dose because you're taking clonazepam which is also sedating. Do you take 4g clonazepam all at once or do you divide it?
> Most doctors I saw tried to avoid the TCA's b/c of the many side effects. But I did take one for about a year and I don't mean to sound dumb but I can't think of it to save my life right now. Anyway it is the TCA that is approved to treat OCD.
>
> What were you saying again about the over the counter sleep aids. Would they interfere with the other meds I currently take?
Posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2008, at 19:59:28
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » BRC, posted by azalea on October 19, 2008, at 19:26:09
My pdoc just mentioned rozeram as has melatonin. Jeez we forgot to finish that discussion. Phillipa
Posted by theo on October 19, 2008, at 20:54:33
In reply to Remeron==I don't know what to do?==please read, posted by BRC on October 19, 2008, at 15:09:09
Did Remeron help with anxiety/OCD?
Posted by theo on October 19, 2008, at 20:56:42
In reply to Re: other antihistamines, posted by Sigismund on October 19, 2008, at 18:48:32
How did Remeron feel to you? Good, bad?
> It felt a little like Remeron to me.
Posted by Sigismund on October 19, 2008, at 22:06:17
In reply to Re: other antihistamines » Sigismund, posted by theo on October 19, 2008, at 20:56:42
How did it feel?
OK while I was asleep and no good once I woke up.
It took until after lunch for the effect to go away.
Great for sleeep though.
If only it was short acting.
Posted by BRC on October 20, 2008, at 12:02:50
In reply to Re: Remeron==I don't know what to do?==please read » BRC, posted by theo on October 19, 2008, at 20:54:33
Thanks for your reply.
Yes Remeron helped really well with my anxiety b/c of its sedating effects. However, over the years as with some meds it has lost some of its "zing". But I don't thing it has done anything for my OCD.
brc
Posted by BRC on October 20, 2008, at 12:05:52
In reply to Re: other antihistamines, posted by Sigismund on October 19, 2008, at 18:48:32
What is that I have never heard of it before. Is it an AD, sleep aid, etc.
Posted by Sigismund on October 20, 2008, at 18:20:23
In reply to Re: other antihistamines, posted by Sigismund on October 19, 2008, at 18:48:32
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with effects on some(?) serotonin receptors.
Posted by copper on October 26, 2008, at 18:55:37
In reply to Re: other antihistamines, posted by Sigismund on October 20, 2008, at 18:20:23
I also take remeron and my pdoc has me take over the counter pepcid. It blocks the H2 receptor I believe thats what he told me.
I have gained a few pounds, but have been on remeron since March. Hope that helps.
Copper
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