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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by janiceg on August 17, 2003, at 16:12:12
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by Mary Dedrick on August 12, 2003, at 14:33:28
Hi. The same thing happened to my husband. It was awful. He went from being despondent (before meds) to being irritable, crabby and detached on 45mgs of Remeron. He's off of it now, thank goodness and doing something very different. He's seeing an accupuncturist. After one year of not being able to find a medication that really helped him, we found this wonderful Chinese physician who uses accupuncture in her western practice. So far so good...I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Janice
Posted by crazychickuk on August 18, 2003, at 18:07:07
In reply to Re: General Remeron Questions, posted by karen on February 17, 1999, at 1:38:34
I have been taking 15mg for 4 weeks now i dont get sedated at night, BUT i do get tired through the day.. i can not be bothered to do anything, i am raising the dose to 30mg.. soon... i take it for ocd, depression, anxiety and mania/depression
Posted by Colin123 on September 16, 2003, at 13:50:32
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron?, posted by unsure on March 11, 2003, at 10:40:18
After starting Remeron I ate constantly for the first two days. If it wasn't nailed down I consumed it. Then I stopped and actually lost interest in food and have lost weight. So far that is all I can say in a positive light.
I've been on it for 3 weeks. Can anyone tell me how long it takes it to really kick in. Right now if you look up cranky and irritable in the dictionary you'd see my face.
Posted by LyndaK on September 17, 2003, at 2:27:57
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » unsure, posted by Colin123 on September 16, 2003, at 13:50:32
Yeah, I had the initial ravenous appetite too.
Remeron has had a very slow, steady effect where "feeling good" is concerned. I would say it was a good 4 to 6 months before I was really feeling much better. I'm not saying that it takes that long for the medication to build in your system, but it took that long to get out of the deep hole of despair I was in.
As far as side-effects, "cranky and irritable" isn't what I felt. I felt dizzy and extrememly tired. Those side-effects resolved with time although I still take it at night to help me sleep.
Lynda
Posted by Yazz on September 17, 2003, at 4:11:14
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » Colin123, posted by LyndaK on September 17, 2003, at 2:27:57
I'd just spent some time on Venlafaxine, which took away my appetite completely, so when I switched to Mirtazipine (Think that's the same as Remeron) my appetite did come back big time. But having lost loads of weight on the Venlafaxine (good thing), I didn't want to put it all back on, so I tried to be a bit careful about eating.
Of course that didn't really work, and I binged loads, but one month down the line, I've only gained a couple of pounds since starting on it. So maybe there's hope for you there.
> Yeah, I had the initial ravenous appetite too.
>
> Remeron has had a very slow, steady effect where "feeling good" is concerned. I would say it was a good 4 to 6 months before I was really feeling much better. I'm not saying that it takes that long for the medication to build in your system, but it took that long to get out of the deep hole of despair I was in.
>
> As far as side-effects, "cranky and irritable" isn't what I felt. I felt dizzy and extrememly tired. Those side-effects resolved with time although I still take it at night to help me sleep.
>
> Lynda
Posted by bonnie56j on September 17, 2003, at 14:28:42
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
I am taking remeron 30mg for sleep I was prescribed it for depresion I take it every other day but suffer from headaches does anyone have any ideas? thanks
Posted by crazychickuk on December 8, 2003, at 16:43:49
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
WOW long long long reply's.
Posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
In reply to General Remeron Questions, posted by steve on December 31, 1998, at 2:08:58
Is all the weight gain because rememron increases appetite and one eats way too much or because it changes how you process food that one noramlly metabolizes and burns. Not from eating too much but just changing the metabolization of normal amounts of food?
I am starting remeron and curious if how all this weight gain happens.??
Many Thanks.
Posted by wsj on December 23, 2003, at 19:27:42
In reply to Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
for me it was that remeron made food taste better > didn't matter what it was on remeron it tasted better (especially ice cream). since everything tasted better i ate more of it > ended up gaining a total of 70 lbs. > have since stopped remeron and lost 50 lbs. > remeron worked like a dream for my insomnia and helped my depression > but i couldn't live w/ the weight gain.
best of luck!
wsj
Posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
In reply to Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on December 23, 2003, at 16:49:24
I think it was/is a combination of both. I've been on Remeron for over a year now -- has really worked wonders in giving me a "normal" life again. When I first started it, it increased my appetite, or maybe a better way of describing it is that no matter how much I ate I didn't ever feel full. Knowing that, I simply made sure that I didn't eat too much, but the constant hunger was difficult to deal with. Over time (or maybe with increased dose) the increased appetite side-effect went away. But I still gain weight MUCH easier than I did before. I have not continued to gain weight. I put on 20 lbs. initially and it has stubbornly stayed put -- almost like a new "set point". I don't like the extra 20 lbs. but right now the fear of being depressed (if I stop taking the Remeron) is greater than my dislike of the extra pounds. If I had continued to gain weight, that might be a different story, but I have not continued to gain weight. But, in terms of the depression, it has COMPLETELY turned my life around. It's worth a try, especially if you know about the weight-thing upfront and are careful about your calories.
Best of luck to you.
Lynda> Is all the weight gain because rememron increases appetite and one eats way too much or because it changes how you process food that one noramlly metabolizes and burns. Not from eating too much but just changing the metabolization of normal amounts of food?
>
> I am starting remeron and curious if how all this weight gain happens.??
> Many Thanks.
Posted by 2001 on January 5, 2004, at 22:06:39
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » 2001, posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
Thank you Lynda K. I have now been on remeron for two weeks. Some depression is lifting. Not much change with weight so that is nice. But I seem to get body twitches at night as I am trying to fall asleep. I am able to sleep more at night, once asleep - still up a couple times to the bathroom but am getting back to sleep better. I am on 15mg and think the lower dose is better b/c sleep insomnia is a major issue with me. Will keep it going for at least 6 weeks and see how it goes. thanks.
Posted by LyndaK on January 6, 2004, at 2:06:09
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by 2001 on January 5, 2004, at 22:06:39
Insomnia was a major issue for me as well and the Remeron has worked well for that. It's amazing what getting a good night's sleep consistantly can do for you! Glad that your weight is remaining stable so far.
Take Care.
Lynda> Thank you Lynda K. I have now been on remeron for two weeks. Some depression is lifting. Not much change with weight so that is nice. But I seem to get body twitches at night as I am trying to fall asleep. I am able to sleep more at night, once asleep - still up a couple times to the bathroom but am getting back to sleep better. I am on 15mg and think the lower dose is better b/c sleep insomnia is a major issue with me. Will keep it going for at least 6 weeks and see how it goes. thanks.
Posted by Northerngal on January 8, 2004, at 14:50:10
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » 2001, posted by LyndaK on January 5, 2004, at 15:51:26
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!
Posted by LyndaK on January 9, 2004, at 22:15:47
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by Northerngal on January 8, 2004, at 14:50:10
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!
Posted by northerngal on January 11, 2004, at 3:22:36
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » Northerngal, posted by LyndaK on January 9, 2004, at 22:15:47
I read about the Zantac trick on this Board - a 2000 post, I think. One of the posts suggests Zantac merely reduces hunger, but I am convinced (for me, at least) that it affects my metabolism as well. To prove to myself that I was not experiencing the placebo effect, I stopped taking the Zantac for a few days (while keeping my eating and exercising the same) - I could feel the difference and I started to gain weight again. I told my p-doc about the Zantac and, although he had not heard of using it to counteract Remeron weight gain, said it chemically made sense. Something about the histimine receptors. Yes, I have been on Effexor alone and it 1) did not completely clear my depression and 2) gave me a crawling-out-of-my skin side effect. Regarding other medications counteracting weight gain, my p-doc put me on Topamax for a while. DON'T DO IT! It dramatically reduced my cognitive ability. My doctor admitted that at a conference the joke about Topamax was that it wasn't a chemical reaction that caused weight loss but the fact that once patients took it they couldn't figure out how to find the kitchen!
Posted by SandyWeb on January 11, 2004, at 8:02:55
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by northerngal on January 11, 2004, at 3:22:36
I am interested in your use of Zantac to counter the weight gain from Remeron.
I see that both Zantac and Pepcid are H2 antagonists. I'm wondering how that relates to the weight issue.
What dose do you take? Does it control your appetite? Does it make you less hungry?
I'm always hungry on Remeron, and I'm beginning to grow out of all my clothes! Lol! I think Remeron is a wonderful medication....I just don't like the weight gain.
Thanks!!
Posted by metalflipflop on January 11, 2004, at 17:39:49
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by SandyWeb on January 11, 2004, at 8:02:55
do you take the zantac at the same time as the remeron? for example, would it be the most effective, if i'm taking remeron at night for sleep, to pop a zantac at the same time? or does that matter, in everyone's experience?
thanks!
liz
Posted by sadmom on January 12, 2004, at 10:22:39
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain?? » Northerngal, posted by LyndaK on January 9, 2004, at 22:15:47
How does Zantac help control your weight? How much do you take. I just started gaining weight on Remeron, after my Strattera pooped-out. The Strattera had been suppressing my appetite.
Posted by justamom on January 12, 2004, at 18:20:34
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain??, posted by northerngal on January 11, 2004, at 3:22:36
My daughter has been suffering with Anxiety Disorder/Panic attacks for almost 14 yrs. After all sorts of therapy including acupuncture, she still has anxiety. Her pdoc has recommended Remeron SolTab 30, but she is afraid to take them after research and finding out that she may feel drowsy or dizzy. She is in fact terrified of these feelings, especially if things around her seem distorted and unreal. She now has second thoughts about taking the Remeron, but feels she cannot continue living with the anxiety. She can't travel long distances by car or plane, and we have not had a vacation since 1989. I'm not sure if I should encourage her to take the Remeron, or look for another alternative. Can anyone tell me if it was a help for anxiety/panic attacks? Thank you so much!
Posted by Jaynee on January 12, 2004, at 19:31:04
In reply to Re: Remeron - new user, posted by justamom on January 12, 2004, at 18:20:34
I've never taken Remeron, but I know how your daughter feels. I suffered for years without taking anything, I was absolutely freaked about taking any type of medication, my feeling was that I would feel worse on the drugs than off the drugs, which really wasn't possible. But I was terrified to take medications, I was also scarred the medication wouldn't work and I would be left with no choice but kill myself. I finally had a pdoc in emergency convince me to take an ativan while he sat on the side of the bed and talked to me after I had taken it, to reassure me and to make sure it worked, and my mom was there holding my hand. Needless to say, the ativan worked and I couldn't believe I was so frighten to take it. I've never looked back, and actually feel kind of stupid about it now, but it truly was terrifying for me.
She is going to need your support if she decides to be brave and take Remeron, but you know, you can show her what I've just said and I tell you life is to short to let crippling anxiety destroy it. It might take her a few times to find the right drug, but when she finds the one that works for her, she will wonder what the hell took her so long to get help and try medication.
Good luck.
Posted by 2001 on January 12, 2004, at 20:04:32
In reply to Re: Does anyone not gain weight on Remeron? » unsure, posted by Colin123 on September 16, 2003, at 13:50:32
I have not gained any weight and have not had the cravings. Not sure why I seem to be different. But coupled with a new low carb diet, I have lost a few pounds.
Remeron has helped greatly improving my sleep and lifting some anxiety/depression
Posted by LyndaK on January 13, 2004, at 2:45:36
In reply to Re: Remeron - new user, posted by justamom on January 12, 2004, at 18:20:34
Anxiety has been a big component of my depression, but I would say my anxiety was not at the level that your daughter's is. Remeron has been wonderful at controlling my anxiety, but the start-up side-effects can be very scarey. I started at 30mg also and for the first few days I slept alot and was very dizzy (did NOT drive). Although my pdoc warned me, it still scared me bad enough that I almost stopped taking it, but I'm glad now that I "stuck it out" because it has really given me a normal life back. I've been on it about 18 months now. Hope you can convince her to try it.
Lynda
Posted by justamom on January 13, 2004, at 11:26:04
In reply to Re: Remeron - new user » justamom, posted by LyndaK on January 13, 2004, at 2:45:36
> Anxiety has been a big component of my depression, but I would say my anxiety was not at the level that your daughter's is. Remeron has been wonderful at controlling my anxiety, but the start-up side-effects can be very scarey. I started at 30mg also and for the first few days I slept alot and was very dizzy (did NOT drive). Although my pdoc warned me, it still scared me bad enough that I almost stopped taking it, but I'm glad now that I "stuck it out" because it has really given me a normal life back. I've been on it about 18 months now. Hope you can convince her to try it.
>
> LyndaLynda,
Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate your input and will speak to my daughter. Thank you again.
Posted by sadmom on January 13, 2004, at 14:10:36
In reply to Re: Remeron - new user, posted by justamom on January 13, 2004, at 11:26:04
I found an old posting on how much Zantac to take to control hunger. It said 150mg twice a day. I've been trying that and it hasn't helped the hunger, only the stomach acid.
Posted by Jeffrey on January 13, 2004, at 16:51:32
In reply to Re: Remeron - new user, posted by justamom on January 12, 2004, at 18:20:34
> My daughter has been suffering with Anxiety Disorder/Panic attacks for almost 14 yrs. After all sorts of therapy including acupuncture, she still has anxiety. Her pdoc has recommended Remeron SolTab 30, but she is afraid to take them after research and finding out that she may feel drowsy or dizzy. She is in fact terrified of these feelings, especially if things around her seem distorted and unreal. She now has second thoughts about taking the Remeron, but feels she cannot continue living with the anxiety. She can't travel long distances by car or plane, and we have not had a vacation since 1989. I'm not sure if I should encourage her to take the Remeron, or look for another alternative. Can anyone tell me if it was a help for anxiety/panic attacks? Thank you so much!
I am sympathhetic to your daughter as I have had anxiety and panic attacks. I have taken Remeron as well as other drugs like Zoloft, Effexor, Celexa and the benzos ie xanax and klonopin.I benefitted much more from each of the above drugs than I did from Remeron. I felt "out of it" and "spacy" on Remeron but it did provide me with very satisfying sleep and vivid dreams.
Everybody is different but let your daughter know there are many options other than Remeron that may help her. My prefernce would be to start with Lexapro or Celexa and combine it with a benzo until it proves effective.
Good luck and Best Wishes.
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