Posted by Jill on July 19, 2002, at 23:50:25
In reply to LyndaK, posted by McPac on July 19, 2002, at 23:13:26
Lynda,
My pdoc (very reputable, in a well-established practice in a large city) explained that the weight gain from Remeron is due to increased histamine caused by the drug (the benefits of histamine include antianxiety, ease of sleep, calm...but also increase appetite).
Some pdocs prescribe Zantac to lower the histamine (just in the stomach) to help counteract this side effect. I tried it for awhile, but I actually found it increased my heartburn (weird, eh...it was almost like a rebound effect for me).
Anyway, he also said that, in his practice, he's seen this drug cause weight gain mostly in young, skinny females...versus, say, middle-aged men. Obviously, age and gender must play a role in the response. Interesting.
That said, plain old watching what I eat and exercising works for me. I have gained weight, but I was pretty thin for my body type to begin with...now I look about "average" weight. Same for my sister.
We both feel great, so the extra pounds (I'm 5' 5 1/2...athleticish body...5 years ago started at 135 (size 8) and am now 150 (size 10)...although I'm working at eating better lately...more fruits and veggies and not letting myself eat after I take my meds at night), really are a small price to pay for the calm and happiness I feel (plus no sleep or sexual problems!). Also, I probably would have gained a little even without Remeron...hitting those 30's :)
By the way, thanks to everyone for info on Celexa/pregnancy. With my history of severe depression, my pdoc said I should probably stay on something during the pregnancy. He did say I should try to switch a few months before getting pregnant, so my body would be going through so much at once.
I'm bummed that I'll probably have to switch to an older drug with more data be safer, since Remeron doesn't seem to have pregnancy data. My pdoc also said I may not feel as good on a different drug which only increases serotonin). (Remeron increases noradrenelin, serotonin, and histamine...which really helps me...and many others with depression/anxiety).
Also, I'm disappointed that I'll have to deal (probably) with the sexual and sleep issues again. Especially a bummer because I will actually be trying to get pregnant...hope it's not too much of a drag :).
I took Prozac before (not trying to get pregnant, though) and did well (except for those side effects). I also tried Paxil (made me so sick...diarrhea, major weight loss), and Luvox (bad headaches).
So, I guess Zoloft and Celexa may be the next possibilities. Anyone have any other pregnancy/med stories or suggestions? I need an SSRI type thing for OCD/depression.
Very OCD of me to be worrying about this med thing now...not even married yet (but we're discussing plans)! Ha! Anyway, thanks in advance for all your insight.
Sorry this is so long!
Be well,
Jill
poster:Jill
thread:1924
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020718/msgs/112982.html