Posted by yxibow on September 18, 2006, at 13:15:59
In reply to remeron questions for anyone, posted by saturn on September 17, 2006, at 23:49:42
> I'd be greatful for any feedback regarding Remeron. For simplicities sake I'll just list a few questions below. Question 5 is my most important one if you only want to read one. Thanks sincerely for any input.
>
> 1. How effective is it as an antidepressant( and is this effect only achieved when the NE kicks in at 30-45 mgs)? Can it stand up to anything like the ssris or tca's (or even stimulants)?Its a very good antidepressant for some and can rival Cymbalta
> 2. How pronounced is daytime sedation and cognition at the various doses. Is it possible to retain sedative effects for sleep while still having antidepressant qualities and full mental capacities during the daytime?
Prounounced sedation. I took it in multiple parts during the day before consolidating a dose schedule. The sedation wears off a bit over time but yes, it still can affect mental capacities from just being tired.
> 3. How likely and severe is "poop-out" and is it specificially difficult to withdraw from due to the remeron's unique propenisty for sedation at lower doses and stimulation at higher.
I experienced the same sedation and side effects at lower and higher doses, some people apparently have what you describe about dose related comparedness. Poop-out is individualistic but I don't see that as a high factor. Withdrawal is mostly an insomniac effect I think.
> 4. I've heard the prevalence of agranulocytosis to be around 1/1000. Is this underestimated/underreported?Not that I'm aware of -- I had a test about a month after to be sure but its rather below Clozaril and other black box warnings.
> 5. Would Remeron be a reasonable medication for long term sleep maintenance that would allow me to be non-sedated/mentally focused and NOT DEPRESSED during the day?
Definately, its a great antidepressant and has REM sleep qualities and would allow you to continue your daily activities with the understanding that it is an individual nature as to when some (not all will) of the sedation wears off.
> 6. Lipids and weight gain. I can fight off the munchies but how bad are the lipid effects?
The lipid effects are there, possibly. But they're there in my opinion not because of the medication intrinsically, but because of munchies, which includes putting a padlock on your refrigerator. Its hard to say, the medication itself is sedating and may contribute some, but I think it has to do with massive weight gain.
It is really potentially among the best antidepressants for treatment resistant depression but the weight gain is real and there, rivaling Zyprexa. A calorie restricted diet is a must.
> Peace...Saturn
poster:yxibow
thread:686990
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060909/msgs/687098.html