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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
I've had this happen to me several times over the years and sometimes it's worse than others. Right now it's horrible. It get in bad moods. Black giant thunder bumper clouds form over my head and I get mad at everything. Road rage, grocery cart rage, my clothes-don't-fit-me rage, I'll get angry about anything.
And if I eat something, I feel better. Mood lifts. I'm embarrassed that I got so angry over such trivial things. I can't imagine that I got myself worked up over whatever it was that set me off at the time.
So, is this just poor meal planning? Or is it hypoglycemic stuff (I thought I was just supposed to get faint and pass out, not curse on the way down)? I have brought this up with different doctors at different times but have never had a satisfactory answer. The simple thing to do would be to have a little bag of trail mix in my purse with me; but I can't tell the difference between being in a genuinely bad mood, and being in a bad mood because I'm due for a feeding. It's not like I feel hungry - I know what that feels like, and I'd rather not get into the habit of eating every time I'm in a bad frame of mind. That just smacks of reinforcing a bad habit.
Am I just (gasp) not in control of my feelings? Do I have to wear a muzzle? Why does this happen without any warning - it comes over like a flash flood, but does not abate until I have eaten something. It doesn't matter what, and it doesn't have to be much of it - I don't go on an eating binge as a result.
What on earth is going on with me?
Thanks
ClearSkies
Posted by sunnydays on August 7, 2007, at 20:10:43
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
I'm sorry, CS, I don't know. I can get irritable if I don't eat. I can't realize when I'm hungry until I get a headache and feel like I'm going to faint. So I don't know, but it could be that. Why not try eating and see if it helps? If it doesn't, you'll know that isn't it.
sunnydays
Posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 20:38:54
In reply to Re: Irrational anger and hunger » ClearSkies, posted by sunnydays on August 7, 2007, at 20:10:43
> I'm sorry, CS, I don't know. I can get irritable if I don't eat. I can't realize when I'm hungry until I get a headache and feel like I'm going to faint. So I don't know, but it could be that. Why not try eating and see if it helps? If it doesn't, you'll know that isn't it.
>
> sunnydays:-( because I'm already getting so fat from the Remeron, I'm afraid to eat unless I'm hungry. It feels wrong to eat otherwise.
Sunnydays, thank you so much for replying to me. I am in such a state, it's quite horrible. All bloated, so my rings can't come off without soap. I feel just terrible. If it's transient, then I can put up with the nastiness. If this is life on Remeron, well? I just don't know.
Thanks again.
Posted by Dinah on August 7, 2007, at 20:55:11
In reply to Re: Irrational anger and hunger » sunnydays, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 20:38:54
Absolutely a dip in blood sugar can make you irritable. I get really crabby, and itchy jumpy. And conversely higher blood sugar can make you mellow.
With my diabetes, the results are exaggerated. So maybe it might be a good idea to check for glucose tolerance issues? You don't have to be diabetic for glucose tolerance issues to creep in.
(When I go on low carb diets, my family begs me to be fat by day three. I become a monster like they've never seen before.)
Posted by Sigismund on August 7, 2007, at 21:15:49
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
Is this Remeron rage?
Is Remeron rage associated with Remeron hunger?
(Hats off to anyone who can take the stuff.
I'd have to get by on 3 hours a night for a month to even consider it.)What sort of food do you get hungry for?
Posted by Honore on August 7, 2007, at 21:40:13
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
Maybe if you carry a pack of lifesavers for a while, you can suck on one, and see if it helps at all. That might give you some clue?
I know what you mean about feeling better when you eat. It helps me at times, when I'm extremely upset (unless I really can't stand the thought of eating). So it may also be a connection between food and mood or satisfaction.
But if a small bit of something would help, maybe you wouldn't need to eat much.
Honore
Posted by Phillipa on August 7, 2007, at 23:03:10
In reply to Re: Irrational anger and hunger » ClearSkies, posted by Honore on August 7, 2007, at 21:40:13
Clear Skies every four hours you need some protein to stabalize your blood sugar. Could be a l inch piece of cheese , a few almonds, small cup of yougurt things like that . This way you will know if it's blood sugar or that road rage whatever that is. Love Phillipa heading to self-esteem now.
Posted by DAisym on August 8, 2007, at 0:54:52
In reply to Re: Irrational anger and hunger, posted by Phillipa on August 7, 2007, at 23:03:10
Phillipa took my answer!!
Often protein is overlooked as the missing item in a diet. The other thing that occurs to me is dehydration, that makes lots of people cranky. I think you should eating (and drinking) as taking good care of yourself and NOT as negative reenforcement.
It is OK to do that, you know?
Posted by Quintal on August 8, 2007, at 6:24:21
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
The same thing happens to me. I find a slice of Apple & Bramble pie with extra-thick cream particularly therapeutic. Apparently eating plenty of protein can help stabilize your blood sugar and make you less volatile. Sometimes I get a headache and 'meat-breath' from overindulging though and that makes me irritable too, so it's a fine balance.
Q
Posted by Quintal on August 8, 2007, at 6:29:56
In reply to Re: Irrational anger and hunger » ClearSkies, posted by Quintal on August 8, 2007, at 6:24:21
Posted by ClearSkies on August 8, 2007, at 8:30:04
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
Thanks for all your thoughtful responses. I guess compounding the hunger problem is that the Remeron I started has made me gain all this weight, so I'm consciously trying not to eat as much. I'll try to have some almonds with me and see if keeping a slow nibble going helps.
You guys are the greatest, you know?
thanks again
cs
Posted by Nathan_Arizona on August 8, 2007, at 11:04:18
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
If none of the above suggestions help, I would encourage you to consider how soothing and nurturing eating can be.
It may be that you have developed a self-soothing mechanism through eating.
You are angry or upset, eat, soothe yourself and feel better - or at least the original upset has past.
I think the next time you get "ragey" (and really, don't we ALL) try another soothing mechanism like deep breathing (it does work), visualization, music or talking to a friend.
I only comment on this because I am a very emotional eater, but it can be overcome, you just have to find something to replace the eating.
Natie
Posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2007, at 11:08:24
In reply to Thank you, everyone, posted by ClearSkies on August 8, 2007, at 8:30:04
Just wanted to add to everyone else who talked about low blood sugar. When I was in my twenties (sigh) a group of us often went out to dinner on Saturday nights. In Dayton, Ohio there never seemed to be much else to do as we were too old to go tip cows. ;) So for the newer, cooler restaurants the wait could get to 2 and a half to 3 hours. I never realized why I would turn into such a b!tch while waiting until I learned about low blood sugar and how it affects me. I've gone so far as to tell new office mates that if I get really crabby, they might try throwing me some chocolate to see if that helps. :)
Hope that and the swelling gets better very soon. (I just had to take off my rings--with soap.) :(
Take care,
gg
Posted by ClearSkies on August 8, 2007, at 11:44:13
In reply to A little late, but... » ClearSkies, posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2007, at 11:08:24
>
> Hope that and the swelling gets better very soon. (I just had to take off my rings--with soap.) :(
>
> Take care,
>
> ggYou may want to cram some Kisses into your pockets next week if this doesn't resolve itself.
cs
Posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2007, at 17:25:34
In reply to Re: A little late, but... » gardenergirl, posted by ClearSkies on August 8, 2007, at 11:44:13
Absolutely! Last time, I had no chocolate whatsoever. I usually travel with a stash of some kind. Worse, I had no transportation unless I asked to borrow a car or asked someone to take me to a store. I was too embarrassed to say, "I need to go to the store RIGHT NOW because I don't have any chocolate!!!!"
After driving across the state for a wedding and being a first class wench, I was desperate. We checked into the hotel, and I found the vending machines. I stood there and cried when I discovered they only had beverages. Actually cried! That's when my pregnant sister said, "I've got some in the room." Bless her.
The stash is the first thing on my packing list. :)
gg
Posted by Gabbi-2 on August 8, 2007, at 17:57:11
In reply to Re: A little late, but... » ClearSkies, posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2007, at 17:25:34
Tears too, the veil of tears.
I sensed that my edgy irritibility was due to crashing blood sugar.. my clothes don't fit, can't find anything, my hair feels sticky.. UGHHHBut I didn't clue into this until just a couple of days ago that my sobbing I mean *sobbing* is due to that as well (not always)
But something that the day before was unpleasant but in perspective, will suddenly be in the forefront of my mind, and intolerably heartbreaking.I discovered *that* recently after using too many "energy" drinks that were full of sugar, and caffeine too, but I'll always have enough caffeine around to avoid a crash from that.
I honestly thought it was my daily dexedrine suddenly kicking out on me at the end of the day, It felt that strong.Nope..
Cinnamon is supposed to help keep your blood sugar level stable, as well as the aforementioned protein.
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2007, at 20:26:32
In reply to Re: A little Later yet » gardenergirl, posted by Gabbi-2 on August 8, 2007, at 17:57:11
Also for swelling if a diuretic is forbidden I had an OB-GYN that said at that time of the month to take B6. Usued to urinate a lot and stay away from salt with the almonds get the salt free. Love Phillipa
Posted by johnny2 on August 16, 2007, at 17:34:40
In reply to Irrational anger and hunger, posted by ClearSkies on August 7, 2007, at 14:03:57
It is probably the remeron but I am not sure why. I was very irritable on the drug and it seemed to mess with my blood sugar. Does it cause you anxiety too? I have weaned off of it twice and currently have been off for 5 weeks. I had to eat every two hours or I felt terrible. I have read remeron affects the adreanl glands and dumps a lot of adrenalin in the system but again, not sure if this is true. Regards
johnnyj
Posted by ClearSkies on August 16, 2007, at 20:26:18
In reply to Remeron » ClearSkies, posted by johnny2 on August 16, 2007, at 17:34:40
> It is probably the remeron but I am not sure why. I was very irritable on the drug and it seemed to mess with my blood sugar. Does it cause you anxiety too? I have weaned off of it twice and currently have been off for 5 weeks. I had to eat every two hours or I felt terrible. I have read remeron affects the adreanl glands and dumps a lot of adrenalin in the system but again, not sure if this is true. Regards
>
> johnnyjHi there, Johnny. I seem to have stabilized, mood-wise, quite a bit over the past several days, according to my daily charting, and how I notice I'm feeling. I am being extra careful to eat *something* every 4 hours or so, and my inclination is to eat something sweet, which makes sense since my energy level has been so low with the Remeron, too. I've switched to fruits and nuts from the less healthy choices and my weight gain has slowed, if not stopped. I'm not inclined to step on a scale at the moment, but my clothes still fit!
But I think I'm getting used to the 30mg Remeron dose. I've been on it for 16 days now and my sleeping patterns are returning to normal, my general level of awakeness is better, and the anger is nowhere near as hair-trigger as it had been. I can't say that my anxiety has increased with being on the Remeron; if anything, it has lessened slightly if only because I've been too darn tired to be anxious about much.
I'm glad I've stuck with it because if I took the first several days as an indicator of how I was responding to the medication, I would have stopped it altogether. I think it's working out well for me.
Thanks,
ClearSkies
Posted by johnny2 on August 16, 2007, at 21:30:04
In reply to Re: Remeron » johnny2, posted by ClearSkies on August 16, 2007, at 20:26:18
If you just started the anger will probably get much better. It was worse when I started but it did get better just not go away totally. I think it is a good med for some people but I am so med sensitive meds have not been particularly helpful for me the last few years.
Best of luckjohnnyj
Posted by ClearSkies on August 17, 2007, at 7:57:14
In reply to Re: Remeron +raquo; ClearSkies, posted by johnny2 on August 16, 2007, at 21:30:04
> If you just started the anger will probably get much better. It was worse when I started but it did get better just not go away totally. I think it is a good med for some people but I am so med sensitive meds have not been particularly helpful for me the last few years.
> Best of luck
>
> johnnyjThanks - I know how discouraging it is when medications just don't work out. I was so worried that this wasn't going to work for me, as my last (and now fired) pdoc told me that the next step was ECT. I think he was either trying to get me to shut up and be a quiet, compliant patient whose meds weren't working, or chase me out of his practice altogether. I chose the latter option.
take care, and nice to meet you!
ClearSkies
Posted by Tennisplayer on September 14, 2007, at 18:49:38
In reply to Re: Remeron +raquo; ClearSkies, posted by johnny2 on August 16, 2007, at 21:30:04
> If you just started the anger will probably get much better. It was worse when I started but it did get better just not go away totally. I think it is a good med for some people but I am so med sensitive meds have not been particularly helpful for me the last few years.
> Best of luck
>
> johnnyj
I am sort of coming into this discussion from out of left field, because I am going through Cymbalta withdrawal symptoms, one of the worst of which is ravenous hunger coupled with irrational anger. My suspicion is that Remeron and Cymbalta both have something in them that direly affect the adrenal system and possibly the autonomous nervous system or whatever regulates release of insulin and other metabolic hormones directly related to eating and digestion, etc. I am so hungry that I cram food into my mouth without using utensils or anything, and I crave carbohydrates and salt, a lot of times really sweet things (but not chocolate particularly--I am one of those weirdos who doesn't care too much for chocolate). Other times I just want starch, certainly not protein. I don't want to eat any kind of protein, which is really unusual for me in my normal state. I usually love meat and other forms of protein. I have always had problems with hypoglycemia, but now the sugar drop occurs much faster and the irritated feeling is off the charts. This is not "hunger" type feeling, where your stomach is growling and you want something to eat. This is the total hypoglycemic thing with "shakes", extreme weakness, dizziness, irritability triggered by noise, smells, temperature changes, people, animals, light, whatever. Except it is a nightmare version of it. I could always handle the discomfort of an empty stomach and the growling etc. this is nothing like that. And I also have the bloated gaseous thing going on. I want to badly to take the right thing to stop some of this. In my case eating some protein along with the carbs did nothing to stop the outpouring of insulin. The only way I dont have any insulin out pouring is to eat only protein, and I can't tolerate that--I get migraines, weakness, nausea, etc. and I have interstitial cystitis, which means my bladder lining has holes in it and the ketotic urine that is produced seeps through and drives the nerve endings in my bladder muscle wall to extreme pain, even more than I normall have with I.C. But recently I tried it anyway because of the hunger and rage and gaining about 10 pounds in 5 days. Eating a few nuts or a few of anything never has been able to help me. I must be one of those unlucky ones whose insulin is triggered by eating almost anything. When this ravenous thing hits me, I need tons of food, not just a little bit of this or that, and my stomach feels like it is "eating itself up with acid" until I get it really filled. I am taking Prevacid and Tums, but they don't seem to help much. There has to be something to help with this, but I think it is almost criminal that some of these drugs do this to our systems, and once you get on them you can't get off them without horrible side effects also. I am not sure what Remeron is for, but Cymbalta was supposed to be for depression and pain, and it made both of mine much worse, plus turning me into a sleeping zombie who was only awake about 8 out of the 24 hours of a daily cycle. Sorry to take so long. Has anyone had similar ravenous eating pattern that seems to be related to medication or withdrawal from medication?
Posted by ClearSkies on September 18, 2007, at 15:59:05
In reply to Re: Remeron +raquo; ClearSkies, posted by Tennisplayer on September 14, 2007, at 18:49:38
Hi, Tennisplayer. I wish I knew how all this was connected, with our appetites and our anger and the medication. If it's any consolation, my mood evened out on its own eventually. My hair trigger temper just sort of faded out and now I'm back to my usual peacable, peace-loving self. My appetite is also lessened, thank goodness, though I'm stuck with very low energy in the mornings.
I put a lot of how I was feeling down to the withdrawal period from Cymbalta, and to the ramping up on Remeron to a therapeutic dosage. I'm at a point now that I'm loathe to tamper with any of my medications because of the horrible side effects that might happen.
Hope you're feeling better today,
ClearSkies
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