![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 276 to 300 of 479. Go back in thread:
Posted by McPac on September 28, 2002, at 23:09:47
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
You wrote, "I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can".
>>>>>>>DON'T DO THAT! He sounds like a very good, understanding guy.
Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 0:55:03
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23
> I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
>
> I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
>
> I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not a pdoc, but my first reaction was that seems like an awful lot of medication to be taking every day. It seems like if it were really working well you wouldn't need to take that much. So it's probably good that your doc is thinking of other options to try.I too have been on a long list of antidepressants. I know that some people swear by a "cocktail" of meds but I think it's difficult to differentiate all the different side-effects when you are on more than one. I know nothing about neurontin so I don't feel I can comment about that. I was on Zoloft before switching to Remeron. Zoloft alone tended to significantly impair my memory and concentration. Remeron has not done that. Remeron has worked beautifully to quiet my anxiety. The down side -- I felt drugged and dizzy the first 3 to 4 days after starting it -- could NOT drive during this time. But that resolved and I don't feel that way at all on it anymore. I also gained 20 pounds but that has stabilized -- I have not gained any more. You will feel VERY hungry when you start Remeron. You'll feel like you're STARVING -- just remind yourself that you're NOT. Snack on fresh veggies and you'll be o.k.(no dip).
There's something else you need to know -- most people feel withdrawal symptoms when coming off of Zoloft. The slower you come off the easier it will be, but I think it's important that you know that up front. Try not to make any major decisions for a while.
I hope you find some relief soon.
Best of Luck
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 1:02:21
In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:20:18
> > > Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
> >
> > In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
> >
> > Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
> >
> > signed confused
> >
> I am on Topomax 200 mg and was changed to Remeron since May for Biplor Disorder. I take 60 mg at night and I have gained 20 pds so far. My driving is dangerously impaired, I am tired all the time, my moods are a rollercoaster, I forget everything, I fight with everyone, my skin is greasy and my sex life sucks. But I sleep great and my depression isnt too bad, but my mania is pretty scary. I get ugly. I want off this crap, before something major happens. Thats why my name is Dazed because I am. Also when I first started this med I couldnt eat because everything tasted really bad, I had to even scape chocolate jimmies off icecream! And Pizza tasted like grease. Now I just want to eat everything in site so its not take more and the weight will come off not true at all. I wanna know has anyone had greasy hair and skin? I am washing my face 4-5 times a day with soap and it is still just gross. I am going tues and hopefully I am getting off this stuff so I can think right again. This is not worth it to me!
>
> Dazed1961
> >
>
>
I think I read somewhere that Remeron can make mania worse. It sounds like it may be doing that to you.? Good thing you're going to be seeing your doc soon. I think there are better meds for bi-polar disorder than this one.Good Luck
Lynda
Posted by cybercafe on September 29, 2002, at 9:02:43
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:30:56
> What is parnate? - I have tried to augment with wellbutrin but made my anxiety worse.
parnate made my anxiety better but made me a bit more agitated ... in all, i can get away with taking less benzos now (which work for both anxiety and agitation) ...
i just wanted to point out that there are lots of different options for you so try to stay positive :)
after 2 antidepressants i thought i would never feel optimistic again, now i do
Posted by Ritch on September 29, 2002, at 9:52:41
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58
> > > I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
> > >
> > > I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
> > >
> > > I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.
> >
> >
>
> depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.
>
Well, if the Neurontin is making you super forgetful, you could see about getting the dose reduced. 800mg a pop sure is a whopper for Neurontin. See if your pdoc will drop the individual doses to 400mg. I couldn't stand more than 400mg 3x daily, or I would just stare at my computer screen at work for minutes at a time wondering what to do. It isn't nowhere near as notorious for weight gain as Remeron, so maybe it could be a keeper (but at a lower dosage). Will your doctor write for a benzodiazepine like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin? Cheap and effective without a lot of the sfx you don't want. Have you heard of Topamax? It is used (off-label) for PTSD, and can be quite good at calming agitation, and tends to cause weight loss for most people. What "flavor" of anxiety tends to dominate? Is it obsessiveness, worry, panic, agoraphobic stuff? Lamictal is another med you might talk to your doc about. It is commonly used for bipolar (like Topamax), and I think they are trying to get approval by the FDA for bipolar depression. I know you didn't say you were bipolar, but lots of anxiety mixed with the depression that cycles over years coupled with treatment resistance to antidepressants sounds suggestive of it.
Posted by Justherself on September 29, 2002, at 22:12:18
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 29, 2002, at 9:52:41
I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Ritch, posted by Justherself on September 29, 2002, at 22:12:18
I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.
> I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
>
>
Posted by McPac on September 30, 2002, at 16:03:33
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15
Do you have the anger/temper/irrit./agitation problems? I do. Lithium works excellent for me (in extremely low doses)...but I'm thinking of switching to Lamictal, partly because of the anti-dep. properties of the drug........what are your thoughts on Lamictal? (I will very likely take 12.5 mg ONCE every 2 DAYS or so (a very tiny dose).
Posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:41:27
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15
> I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.
>
>
> > I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
> >
> > I'm going to talk to my doc about the possibility of bi-polar. I can't get over how much better I am concentrating now that I've decreased the amount of both Zoloft and Neurontin. I can also feel a decrease in the carb-cravings. Wish me luck and thanks so much for the info and support.
>
>
Posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:44:18
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:41:27
> > I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.
> >
> >
> > > I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
> > >
> > > I'm going to talk to my doc about the possibility of bi-polar. I can't get over how much better I am concentrating now that I've decreased the amount of both Zoloft and Neurontin. I can also feel a decrease in the carb-cravings. Wish me luck and thanks so much for the info and support.
> >
PS Ritch, did you use any aids to quit smoking, ie. the patch, etc. or did you "cold turkey" it?
> >
>
>
Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 22:10:41
In reply to Ritch, posted by McPac on September 30, 2002, at 16:03:33
> Do you have the anger/temper/irrit./agitation problems? I do. Lithium works excellent for me (in extremely low doses)...but I'm thinking of switching to Lamictal, partly because of the anti-dep. properties of the drug........what are your thoughts on Lamictal? (I will very likely take 12.5 mg ONCE every 2 DAYS or so (a very tiny dose).
>Hi, I found Depakote thus far to work the best for my temper problems. I was even diagnosed with "intermittent explosive disorder" for a short time by one pdoc. Thoughts about Lamictal? Haven't tried it unfortunately. It *sounds* like it would be great for bipolar depression given they are trying to get approval by the FDA for bipolar depression. But, that leaves the manic (and temperamental) side of the coin, and it hasn't faired as well as Depakote or Lithium or even Topamax from what I have *heard*. Perhaps a Lamictal+ oneofthosethree would be a good combo? If you are having *success* with a major symptom with a current med (in this case lithium), I would just *add* the Lamictal. My 2 cents.
Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 22:19:37
In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:44:18
> PS Ritch, did you use any aids to quit smoking, ie. the patch, etc. or did you "cold turkey" it?
> > >
> >
> >
>
>Cold turkey was the only way it has *happened* for me. The first time I quit-I got very seriously ill with bronchitis and *couldn't* smoke. When I felt better, I tried a light cigarette and had to go to the ER due to an asthma attack (when I was 24). I quit cold after that for several years. I started again after some stress. Smoked heavily for a couple of more years-then had a bad accident and lost my income. I quit cold the 2nd time because I ran out of money. There weren't any patches or anything back then... Nicorette gum-which I couldn't afford...
Posted by Deejay on October 18, 2002, at 1:50:44
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I just wanted to express my personal experience, and see how it compares to others'.
I started taking Remeron 2 1/2 weeks ago, after a five day attempt with Effexor (which just made me WAY too drowsy and killed my sex drive). Right now I am at 45 mg daily. Remeron made me pretty drowsy the first few days at each level (15, 30, 45) but that pretty much goes away. However, during the day, I tend to get a little woozy at various times, making concentration difficult. It is very difficult to get up in the morning, but once I do there isn't too much problem. Wierd things I notice: my legs get sore after exercise more frequently, particularly the tendons at the back of my ankles. Also, when drifting off to sleep, I get these wierd full body shivers that occasionally are quite unpleasant (but don't really bother me much).
The problem is that, while I am much better than when I started, I am not SUBSTANTIALLY better. My psychiatrist says I should feel much better taking the drug or I should try something else. I still have generalized anxiety, which I think is stronger than the depression (I've always been anxious). Thus I will be starting clonazepam to see what happens. If it works well I'll probably wean myself off the remeron.
Is anyone else taking remeron also taking clonazepam? I would be curious to hear the results.
Posted by Essence on October 18, 2002, at 6:07:11
In reply to my experiences, posted by Deejay on October 18, 2002, at 1:50:44
I am taking Clonazepam along with Remeron. This combo works well together in my experience.
Ess
Posted by BarbaraCat on October 18, 2002, at 12:58:14
In reply to my experiences, posted by Deejay on October 18, 2002, at 1:50:44
I was taking Remeron and clonazepam. Got up to 75mg Rem for a while but mainly coasted at 45mg. It worked well at first and then pooped out. My anxiety was not helped by Rem alone and the combo was helpful, but like you, I did not feel like it was helping all that much. I also gained 30 pounds which are proving very hard to lose. The tight tendons especially in the feet and ankles were my experience as well. I do have tight hamstrings as a rule, but notice that since taking the Rem it has intensified and not gone away. Of course, that could just be aging, but I've heard this side effect from others as well. I've tried all the other SSRI's and analogs. Currently I'm on Lamictal and lorezapam with a shaving of Rem but am not feeling all that great. Some days are better than others, but for the most part I just want to be done with this constant exhausting anxiety. I guess this doesn't help to bolster you up with Remeron encouragments, but that's how it is with me.
> I just wanted to express my personal experience, and see how it compares to others'.
>
> I started taking Remeron 2 1/2 weeks ago, after a five day attempt with Effexor (which just made me WAY too drowsy and killed my sex drive). Right now I am at 45 mg daily. Remeron made me pretty drowsy the first few days at each level (15, 30, 45) but that pretty much goes away. However, during the day, I tend to get a little woozy at various times, making concentration difficult. It is very difficult to get up in the morning, but once I do there isn't too much problem. Wierd things I notice: my legs get sore after exercise more frequently, particularly the tendons at the back of my ankles. Also, when drifting off to sleep, I get these wierd full body shivers that occasionally are quite unpleasant (but don't really bother me much).
>
> The problem is that, while I am much better than when I started, I am not SUBSTANTIALLY better. My psychiatrist says I should feel much better taking the drug or I should try something else. I still have generalized anxiety, which I think is stronger than the depression (I've always been anxious). Thus I will be starting clonazepam to see what happens. If it works well I'll probably wean myself off the remeron.
>
> Is anyone else taking remeron also taking clonazepam? I would be curious to hear the results.
Posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I have been on Remeron for 2 weeks and a half. I'm taking half a pill every night before going to bed. It knoks me down inmediately. That is not so bad. But there are times (I'm in University) when I need to stay awake studyng a little while longer, and with this medicine it is a little impossible. Besides, it is always very hard for me to wake up in the mornings, and delaying the time of the dose will make it even harder. I have also a lot of anxiety and that makes me to be nervous, irritable, hyperactive and paranoid all the time. My doc prescribed me either Rivotril or Tegretol for the anxiety, but that will make even more sleepy, interferes with sex (I have been on Tegretol in the past), interacts terribly with alchohol and overall I hate those mood stabilizing kind of drugs.
Besides, Remeron is working for the depresion but I think that a little higher dose MIGHT be better. I am not depressed, but I am not sure if the depression has gone away completely, since I understand that anxiety always comes with depression and I feel very anxious. I don't know if the answer is to take a damn mood stabilizer or to augment the Remeron dose a little more, let's say a quarter - pill more. I told my doc I have no depression, but I'm not really 100% sure.
I think he's not so sure himself.But here is the big question: I'm taking 1/2 pill per night and I don't want to be knocked out so bad and so quickly when I take the pill. So if I distribute the dose throughout the day, let's say, taking 1/4 pill in the morning and 1/4 at night or if I take 1/4 every eight hours (one third of a day), will I get more used to the drug and not sleepy at all?
Thanx.
Latinlover.
Posted by Essence on October 29, 2002, at 6:13:09
In reply to HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
Remeron in smaller doses causes more sleepiness. At higher doses it's more activating. I am on 30 mg a night, sleep well and wake refreshed with no residual sleepiness during the day. You haven't been on Remeron very long, sometimes it takes several weeks for the sedative affect to go away. As for your anxiety, Remeron does not help mine, I had to add a benzo. Taking both has caused no problems with regards to being sleepy during the day time.
Ess
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 29, 2002, at 18:16:25
In reply to HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
> I have been on Remeron for 2 weeks and a half.
I know you just want your question answered, but please don't post it multiple times, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 29, 2002, at 18:18:21
In reply to HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
[Posted by wcfrench on October 28, 2002, at 22:11:21]
> No, it's more sedating at lower dosages. How much are you taking (mg) ? Taking at higher dosage often results in less dreariness because of its activating effect.
>
> -Charlie
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 29, 2002, at 18:20:37
In reply to HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
[Posted by Ritch on October 29, 2002, at 10:05:29]
> > But here is the big question: I'm taking 1/2 pill per night and I don't want to be knocked out so bad and so quickly when I take the pill. So if I distribute the dose throughout the day, let's say, taking 1/4 pill in the morning and 1/4 at night or if I take 1/4 every eight hours (one third of a day), will I get more used to the drug and not sleepy at all?
>
> Remeron is so antihistaminic that even very tiny doses results in a grogginess akin to taking sedative cold medicines or allergy products. But Remeron has about a 35 hr. half-life, so it hangs around for a long time. Increasing the dose works to help relieve the grogginess in some people because it enhances norephinephrine. That combination just made me jittery as well as stupid, unfortunately. I think you are the one that commented about Remeron being, "Forest Gump and caffeine". Fits the description of my experience with it to a T. :-)
Posted by deejay on October 29, 2002, at 19:09:13
In reply to my experiences, posted by Deejay on October 18, 2002, at 1:50:44
Just wanted to update on the clonazepam. I guess my big problem was with anxiety... the clonazepam has worked amazingly, even at half a tab dose. So much so, that I'm weaning off remeron (about 7 days each step down, 15mg right now) and almost out. The clonazepam - hope I'm spelling that right - hasn't really made me dozy in the slightest.
Now that I have almost quit the Remeron, sleep isn't coming quite as easily. But that shouldn't be too much of a problem - valerian works well for that. I'm not putting Remeron down, either; I think it works, it's just that I was more anxious than depressed.
Posted by Latinlover on October 29, 2002, at 19:16:26
In reply to HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 28, 2002, at 21:44:17
I am currently taking 1/2 pill during the nights. It knocks me out so badly that I feel afraid every time I take the medicine. I don't like to be so drugged. At which dose does Remeron mekes you to feel less sleepy and drugged? And how good is the Remeron - Rivotril (or Tegretol) combo known to be? Does Rivotril has any known sexual side effects at all? And how sedated will I be after taking both Remeron and Rivotril and is it recomended to take the Rivotril in the mornings? That cocktail sounds scary. Should I give my current Remeron dose more time?
Lots of questions, but I hope they can be of much good use to everyone if answered.
The problem is that sometimes pharmaceuticians (is it correctly spelled?) know very little about actually working with people and doctors often know how the medicine works with their patients, but know little about the whole of the properties of the drug. That is why the official reports about the drugs are sometimes entirely not complete and/or accurate.
Forums like this one are a good place to investigate and get second opinions.Peace.
Latinlover.
Posted by BarbaraCat on October 30, 2002, at 23:49:34
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Remeron, Sleepiness and Anxiety, posted by Latinlover on October 29, 2002, at 19:16:26
Hi LL,
When I was taking Remeron at higher doses than the 12.5mg I'm currently on I was also taking Ambien 10mg for sleep and Klonopin or lorezapam during the day and sometimes even at night along with Rem and Ambien. This combo did not knock me out as you might expect and there were times when I couldn't even get to sleep. Remeron left me very groggy at first but wore off after 2 weeks. I was groggy for a week or so with each subsequent increase until I hit the 45mg mark. After this point it was very energizing all day long with no additional problem in waking up other than the normal I hate to get up thing. This was too much for my tendency towards wired-ness and I've backed down but still take the anti-anxiety and sleep meds. I'm having great success so far with Lamictal for severe depressions but it doesn't address my anxiety.I seem to be on a contrary sleep schedule and get wired in the evenings. This is when my anxiety really kicks in as well. We're all so different. Are your depressions of a slowed down muddy type or more agitated? I think this question is pertinent to whether or not a med like Remeron will lose it's histamine effects. Perhaps your doc could put you on a stimulant until you're used to it. Maybe Remeron isn't the drug for you? I found it disappointing for countering anxiety and lacking in sustained AD effect. - BarbaraCat
Posted by Latinlover on October 31, 2002, at 12:19:20
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I have a deppressive history of both insomnia, trouble to get up in the mornings, weakness and nervousness and sometimes even angry hyperactivity. I tend to respond quickly to the medicines, though.
Should I increase my Remeron gradually to 45 mg.?
I really hate taking Rivotril or any other antianxyolitic.
If I take Prozac I get very nervous and anxious, I am unable to eat, I can't sleep and my sex performance is awful.
Effexor doesn't allow me to sleep almost anything. Makes me tired in the afternoons, makes me feel horrible after missing only 1 dose, delays orgasm until I get tired trying and after drinking amounts of alchohol as small as one beer feels like if I missed the dose and then the next day I don't have libido at all.}
On Remeron I don't have any sexual side effects and I can sleep well (too well!). But I get very irritable during the whole day, I get knocked out 1 hour after taking the pill and overall I look like a crazy paranoid while I'm talking. After I drink small amounts of liquour, I feel like I'm going to have an attack of St. Vitus desease (if you know what I'm talking about). Also, I'm feeling a little more cold, cruel and "evil" lately, if you know what I'm talking about. Apart from that, I have been aphonic during the last say, 7 days. People say my voice is changing. I am also eating like a pot smoker, but a few extra kilos will be good for me. I also feel a little imprudently dishinibited. There is maybe a couple more side effects that I may forget to mention.
So, in your opinion, should 45 mg. of Remeron alone be good for me?
Thanks.
Latinlover.
Posted by BarbaraCat on October 31, 2002, at 17:05:25
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Latinlover on October 31, 2002, at 12:19:20
Dear LL,
You might be greatly helped by adding lithium to your Remeron. It acts as an augmentor, helps with anxiety and smooths things out alot. The fact that you're having anger and irritability as well as anxiety suggests that you might have a bit of bipolar disorder. That was the case for me and I found lithium made Remeron work much better on much lower dosage. In fact, adding a mood stabiliser to an antidepressant is a good idea in general. I think you might find that going up to too high a dose with the Rem would not help your anxiety. Lithium in a smaller dose than is usually given for bipolar (I was taking 600mg) does not make you sleepy or have any other ill effect, at least in my experience.
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