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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 34. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by LyndaK on March 30, 2004, at 2:37:40
To those who have lost the extra weight from Remeron:
Did you have to go off of Remeron completely before you were able to lose the weight, or did a reduction in dose allow some weight-loss as well?
Lynda
Posted by CareBear04 on March 30, 2004, at 12:10:32
In reply to Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by LyndaK on March 30, 2004, at 2:37:40
i've heard-- don't know by experience since i refuse to try remeron-- that sedation and weight gain happen more at lower doses and decrease as you increase the dose. i don't know if that helps. cb
Posted by rainbowlight on March 30, 2004, at 19:20:09
In reply to Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by LyndaK on March 30, 2004, at 2:37:40
Posted by snapper on March 30, 2004, at 22:37:39
In reply to I would like to know too, same problem here! (nm), posted by rainbowlight on March 30, 2004, at 19:20:09
lipo-suction!! :> lol! just kidding
s
Posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 1:09:39
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here!, posted by snapper on March 30, 2004, at 22:37:39
> lipo-suction!! :> lol! just kidding
> sThanks for the laugh! That thought has actually gone though my head, but I wouldn't actually do it. I'm not that hopeless yet.
Posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 1:20:02
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron » LyndaK, posted by CareBear04 on March 30, 2004, at 12:10:32
> i've heard-- don't know by experience since i refuse to try remeron-- that sedation and weight gain happen more at lower doses and decrease as you increase the dose. i don't know if that helps. cb
Actually, I've been on it long enough now that I'm familiar with the continuum that you're talking about. I'm interested in hearing from people who have (or know people who have) gone on Remeron, gained a bunch of weight, then lost the weight. There is the increased hunger thing when first going on it, but I don't know if that would return as I went down to a lower dose, or if once that side-effect has resolved, it doesn't come back. I'm wondering the same about weight-gain. All my extra weight was put on at the beginning of treatment, then stabilized. Will it stay put until I go completely off the drug? Will it start to come off if I lower my dose? Or will I start to gain again if I go to a lower dose?
Posted by seanwrx on March 31, 2004, at 1:54:35
In reply to Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by LyndaK on March 30, 2004, at 2:37:40
I slowly put on weight while on Remeron for about 6 months. Unfortunetly the Remeron didn't help me feel any better. Anxiety and worry was still there as well as the body symptoms (bewilderment, fatigue). I tapered off and stopped taking it all together about 2 weeks ago. During the last few months on it I made a pretty solid effort to exercise and cut my calories, getting rid of most sugars, etc. I didn't lose one pound ( I had figured I gained about 12-15 pounds related to the Remeron). The last few weeks I pretty much gave up exercise - mainly because I have given up all together (but that's a different story). I have maintained my 'diet' though and have lost a few pounds in the past week. I think my max on Remeron was about 205 (I am 6'2'') and am more comfortable at 185 or so...
I don't have any scientific proof, but I believe Remeron makes people gain weight for three reasons, it causes people to be zombies when its at its most sedating. Appetite increases. And it HAS to do something to your metabolism. I figure that as it gets out of your system it will start to reverse its effects. I hope.
Posted by crazychickuk on March 31, 2004, at 2:22:05
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron » LyndaK » CareBear04, posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 1:20:02
I am losing weight whilst still on this med.... whats a little weight gain to better mental health? i am losing about 4 pounds a week doing the atkins diet.. remeron makes u crave carbs and atkins makes u hate carbs lol... its great... try it..
Posted by rainbowlight on March 31, 2004, at 3:44:44
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron ME!!!!!, posted by crazychickuk on March 31, 2004, at 2:22:05
I too am on Remeron, 30 mgs. for 2 and 1/2 years now. I have put on almost 40 pounds with it. I did Atkins, lost most of it, got tired of Atkins and it all came back on VERY fast. If you do lost the weight on Atkins you have to stay on Atkins forever. I have been unable to lose any of the Remeron weight any other way, even with vigorous exercise. I just began tapering. I want off this med. I am tired of the weight. I am now doing 15 mgs. instead of 30. It is MUCH more sedating at this dose. Appetite hasn't increased though. I am hoping the depression doesn't creep back in. The next few weeks will tell me if I can stay off this med or not.
Posted by crazychickuk on March 31, 2004, at 7:38:26
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron ME!!!!!, posted by rainbowlight on March 31, 2004, at 3:44:44
Why did u stop the atkins?
Try a herbal vitamin called L-carn something (sry forgot)
Posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 12:34:34
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by seanwrx on March 31, 2004, at 1:54:35
Thankyou for sharing your experience. I am interested in knowing how it goes for you weight-wise in the next few weeks.
I'm sorry it didn't bring you any relief. Keep working with your pdoc. It was nearly 10 years of trying different meds before my doc decided to try this one (I wasn't with the same doc the whole time). Are you getting therapeutic support in addition to meds? The therapeutic support can go a long way to keep you hanging on through all the medication trials.
Don't give up.
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 12:45:04
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron ME!!!!!, posted by crazychickuk on March 31, 2004, at 2:22:05
> I am losing weight whilst still on this med.... whats a little weight gain to better mental health? i am losing about 4 pounds a week doing the atkins diet.. remeron makes u crave carbs and atkins makes u hate carbs lol... its great... try it..
I had your attitude (about the weight) when I first started this med., but I've been well enough long enough now that the fat is really bugging me. I'll have to learn more about the Atkins diet -- especially how it works with a vegetarian diet. My sister-in-law is a critical-care nurse and she was telling me that a high protien diet can be hard on the kidneys -- I don't know if that only applies to people who already have compromised kidney function or if it applies to everyone.
I'm glad to find out that someone is actually losing weight while still on it, though. Thankyou for sharing your experience -- it has helped open my options up a bit.
Lynda
Posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 12:57:18
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron ME!!!!!, posted by rainbowlight on March 31, 2004, at 3:44:44
Thankyou for your feedback! So you too were able to lose weight with the Atkins diet -- I'm going to have to learn more about it. It's also helpful to know that increasing exercise didn't take the weight off. I've heard this from others as well. I'm curious why exercise doesn't work. It's also interesting that even though you have accommodated to the medication, lowering the dose still brings back the sedation. I'm interested in knowing if any more of the weight comes off with the lower dose (or maybe you're not going to be at the lower dose long enough to tell). It's good that your hunger didn't increase again.
Thankyou so much for sharing. Please keep posting as you continue your taper off. I'm interested in hearing how it goes.
Lynda
> I too am on Remeron, 30 mgs. for 2 and 1/2 years now. I have put on almost 40 pounds with it. I did Atkins, lost most of it, got tired of Atkins and it all came back on VERY fast. If you do lost the weight on Atkins you have to stay on Atkins forever. I have been unable to lose any of the Remeron weight any other way, even with vigorous exercise. I just began tapering. I want off this med. I am tired of the weight. I am now doing 15 mgs. instead of 30. It is MUCH more sedating at this dose. Appetite hasn't increased though. I am hoping the depression doesn't creep back in. The next few weeks will tell me if I can stay off this med or not.
Posted by snapper on March 31, 2004, at 13:44:09
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here! » snapper, posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 1:09:39
> > lipo-suction!! :> lol! just kidding
> > s
>
> Thanks for the laugh! That thought has actually gone though my head, but I wouldn't actually do it. I'm not that hopeless yet.LindaK , I am serious too if it were finacially feasible and a truly viable option , I would have it done. I am male but none the less,I know it's not just a female vanity thing guys def want to look good too!! I seriously think that if I would lose 30-40 lbs my depression would be greatly diminished - I know that may sound quirky- but hey we all know that when we feel better about are looks' then we also usually feel less depressed!! I look back to some of my pictures of 5 -10 and especially 15 years ago and think, My God I hope I can look that good again (sorry, not trying to sound vain ) It is such a double edged sword.!!
see ya
snapper
Posted by LyndaK on April 1, 2004, at 0:13:51
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here!, posted by snapper on March 31, 2004, at 13:44:09
Hi Snapper,
I'm afraid, for me, "looking good" does not necessarily equal "less depressed". Although I hate what this medication has done to my body, I am definitely less depressed. I just wear clothes that hide my middle (that's where most of the weight went). When I think back to when I was younger and REALLY looking good, I was still really struggling with depression. Besides, I bet you anything that if I had all that extra fat liposuctioned out of me it would all come back again.
Some others recommended the Atkin's diet (high protein diet) to get rid of some of the weight. I think I'll be looking into that.
Thanks for the dialogue.
Lynda
Posted by snapper on April 1, 2004, at 0:53:11
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here! » snapper, posted by LyndaK on April 1, 2004, at 0:13:51
Lynda you are probably right in re to alot of those aspects. I became depressed while I was skinny as a rail and it just worsened when the depression did'nt get better. Save for the time I got hypo-manic on parnate for 8 or 9 months I created a fabulously successful business-then I self medicated with alcohol and the parnate pooped out and I started self destructing so to speak and eventually lost everything - because my depression became so chronic and I just could'nt hold it together any more! SSDI sucks!!
I yearn and ache for my old life :(---
I am not giving up hope yet though. I still somehow have a belief that somehow some way my brain can and will heal!!! Did'nt get sick over night-and def. won't get well overnight!!!
talk to ya
Clint
Posted by rainbowlight on April 1, 2004, at 2:59:25
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here!, posted by snapper on April 1, 2004, at 0:53:11
To answer your questions about why I gave up Atkins. My hair started falling out by the handsful. I was noticably getting widows peaks (and I am female). After some research on the Net I found this is fairly common with Atkins. It took a month for it to stop, and only after buying a bunch of different supplements at GNC they recommended. I also got tired off all the meat and fat. It got old FAST. I lost the weight very fast, and then it kind of stalled. It's a pretty radical diet and it gets hard to stick to. As far as your question about being a vegeterian and doing Atkins, pretty much impossible. Atkins is centered around meat and cheese. You can't eat fruit and very few vegetables. No dairy either (except cream). I personally don't know anyone who has done it, lost weight and then was able to eat healthy/normally again. The only two people I know that have lost it and kept it off stay on Atkin's all the time. I found it dried my skin severely and made me very fatigued and left me feeling fluish. Just my opinion.
As far as the weaning, I am now down to half my normal dose (15 mgs.) So far no mood swings from the change but I definately have increased drowsiness/fatigue, nausea and shaking.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 1, 2004, at 6:37:30
In reply to Re: Atkins Diet and weaning off Remeron, posted by rainbowlight on April 1, 2004, at 2:59:25
> To answer your questions about why I gave up Atkins...
I'd like to redirect the Atkins Diet part of this discussion to Psycho-Babble Health. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20040303/msgs/331191.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by LyndaK on April 2, 2004, at 1:24:19
In reply to Re: I would like to know too, same problem here!, posted by snapper on April 1, 2004, at 0:53:11
Clint,
I know what you're saying 'cause I've been there. Didn't do the alcohol-thing, but chronic depression definitely tears your life apart. If I had owned my own business I would've gone under. I managed to hold on to my job throughout the whole thing, but I was lucky enough to work with a very supportive group of people with a supportive supervisor who I was able to be completely honest with about what was going on, but I was "out sick" a lot. I thought I would never have a "normal" life again. Then my doc decided to try me on Remeron. Within 6 months my life had significantly changed, and at this point I can say that my life is "normal" again. I have a full range of emotional response back again. Whatever it is that Remeron does in my brain, it was just the right thing. Of course, on this board I only talk about the meds, but in reality there was a lot of therapy and a lot of prayer going on too. All I know is, you can't give up. You've gotta keep trying. With medication there is ALWAYS a trade-off. There were some meds whose side-effects were as dysfunctional as the depression -- that was not an acceptable trade-off. I guess, when it comes right down to it, I would accept being a little heavier if it meant maintaining the level of emotional wellness I now have (I think it was really good for me to write this all out 'cause it clarified it for me a little more). I was diagnosed 10 years ago. I've been well for about a year and a half now. It's a long haul. It gets discouraging (hopelessly so sometimes), but you've gotta keep on. If you're not getting therapeutic support, get it. It's an important part of treatment. I hope you can find the "magic pill" (for some it's a magic combo). Whatever you do, keep trying.Lynda
> Lynda you are probably right in re to alot of those aspects. I became depressed while I was skinny as a rail and it just worsened when the depression did'nt get better. Save for the time I got hypo-manic on parnate for 8 or 9 months I created a fabulously successful business-then I self medicated with alcohol and the parnate pooped out and I started self destructing so to speak and eventually lost everything - because my depression became so chronic and I just could'nt hold it together any more! SSDI sucks!!
> I yearn and ache for my old life :(---
> I am not giving up hope yet though. I still somehow have a belief that somehow some way my brain can and will heal!!! Did'nt get sick over night-and def. won't get well overnight!!!
> talk to ya
> Clint
Posted by seanwrx on April 2, 2004, at 1:25:12
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron » seanwrx, posted by LyndaK on March 31, 2004, at 12:34:34
> Thankyou for sharing your experience. I am interested in knowing how it goes for you weight-wise in the next few weeks.
>
> I'm sorry it didn't bring you any relief. Keep working with your pdoc. It was nearly 10 years of trying different meds before my doc decided to try this one (I wasn't with the same doc the whole time). Are you getting therapeutic support in addition to meds? The therapeutic support can go a long way to keep you hanging on through all the medication trials.
>
> Don't give up.
> Lynda
Thanks Lynda,I am still doing ok on the less eating thing, I happen to have quit smoking during the same period that I worked myself off of Remeron, I used the patch and put on the last patch a few days ago. So far so good without any nicotine in my system - a few days (its been 2.5 months without a cig).
I don't want to weigh myself, and probably won't because I don't want to jinx anything but I think the effects of the Remeron wearing down. Now, I was a slim build all through life. I was up to 220 almost a few years ago while going through different SSRI's and essentially doing nothing but thinking about being anxious and eating. That weight came off fast when I switched to just Prozac and a benzo occasionally.
Doing nothing different, then usual the last few weeks, probably eating less then I might normally, but eating when I am hungary still- I am losing weight. I don't think that Remeron did jack for my anxiety but now, a few weeks off of it I can feel the depression coming back pretty strong. Crying fits and the like. Kind of hard for a 28 year old male, seemingly with it all together (to outside observers), to leave work because I just can't take it. Oh well.
I go see a new therapist in a few weeks, I haven't been in several months, though I see my p-doc once a month for my meds. I do read a lot here, on other sites and books and such. I have tried Lucinda Bassett's Attacking Anxeity program, but that didn't really work for me. I would suggest it to people that suffer from out and out panic attacks, with heart palps and the like. It's not as strong on depression...and some the the ideas are just silly.
Actually, tonight a strange thing happened. I have a 'part-time' girlfriend who lives quite a ways away, and in all honesty probably isnt the best thing for me (long story). Anyway, I see a girl that she used to work with tonight. We got to talking and the topic of my quasi-gf came up. She asked how I was doing (my gf had mentioned my 'issues' to her apparently...and it was probably all over my face tonight as well). Now, I haven't seen this girl in months (8, 9, 10 months or so)and she looked me dead in the eye and said 'your a good man, I always thought that' Normally I am put off by overly religious people but then she asked 'how is your faith?' I didn't quite get what she mean't at first but she kept right going and said 'God has a plan for you, and its not for you to feel the way you do now forever, it will get better."
I am as about as cynical as they get, an normally I would smile it off and say thanks, but I was looking at her when she said this, and I could see it in her eyes, she believed it. Now, I am not saying that I believe it, but it sure did make me feel good to know that she did. Turned my evening around really.
My point is, guys, save your $75 on a therapist and go to a coffee shop and have a cute barista girl say to you that you are a good man. Women, the male equivelent is probably a fireman, or a general contracter with a yellow hard hat on or something.
Take care.
-S
Posted by rainbowlight on April 2, 2004, at 2:57:53
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron » LyndaK, posted by seanwrx on April 2, 2004, at 1:25:12
Seanwrx, you give me the biggest laugh! I think a fireman would be much more fun than my therapist! (Have you SEEN my therapist? :) Sorry about the depression coming back. I hope you find something that works for you soon. I am in the process of weaning off Remeron due to the weight gain. I am hoping my depression doesn't come back either. Scary thought!
Posted by Zena on April 2, 2004, at 8:32:55
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by rainbowlight on April 2, 2004, at 2:57:53
> Seanwrx, you give me the biggest laugh! I think a fireman would be much more fun than my therapist! (Have you SEEN my therapist? :) Sorry about the depression coming back. I hope you find something that works for you soon. I am in the process of weaning off Remeron due to the weight gain. I am hoping my depression doesn't come back either. Scary thought!
Seanwrx,
I also tried Lucinda Bassett's program & it didn't do much for me either. I was dissapointed with the program for what I paid for it. I have anxiety/depression not pantic attacks. That's the last time I will order anything I see on TV. I have been on 15mg. of remeron for 2 yrs. & haven't gained any weight. I quess I am lucky. Dr. added lexapro 8 weeks ago so will see if I gain from that. I hear people gain weight on lex. I am a life timer at weight watchers & well below my goal weight but returned to keep tabs on this weight.Zena
Posted by seanwrx on April 2, 2004, at 9:53:30
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron, posted by Zena on April 2, 2004, at 8:32:55
> Seanwrx,
> I also tried Lucinda Bassett's program & it didn't do much for me either. I was dissapointed with the program for what I paid for it. I have anxiety/depression not pantic attacks. That's the last time I will order anything I see on TV. I have been on 15mg. of remeron for 2 yrs. & haven't gained any weight. I quess I am lucky. Dr. added lexapro 8 weeks ago so will see if I gain from that. I hear people gain weight on lex. I am a life timer at weight watchers & well below my goal weight but returned to keep tabs on this weight.
>
> Zena
>
>On Lucinda's program, I think its meant for 'everyone' but after going through it twice I think it's most beneficial to a certain type of person. Somebody that can be persuaded easily is how I quess I would put it. They did have some really good success stories, but sometimes I wonder if the people just didn't get over it in thier own time - regardless of the program. Alot of the ideas in the program are good though, and I try to use the ones that I think apply to me, but its hard.
LyndaK > I am hoping that the depression I am having is just rebounds of being on nothing after 5 years or so of constantly being on something for depression. I haven't been crazy-happy or anything, but I haven't had non-stop down in the dumps depression and anxiety. Usually there is some preprieve.
On the Lexapro, I do believe you put on weight with that if I am correct. My co-worker is taking wellbutrin/lexapro and seems to be holding his weight but he eats like there is no tommorow when we head out to lunch. Genetics is probably 9/10s of most of it (hence our problems :)
Posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:02:30
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron » LyndaK, posted by seanwrx on April 2, 2004, at 1:25:12
hey, sean, I know exactly whay you mean about someone just telling you in your eyes : man God has a plan for you ...it is sooooooo hard to believe most of the time- when I do go to Church and people ask me how I am doing, I usually look around or not directly in their eyes and so ..oh fine -I'm struggling but I think I'll make it--alll the while inside I really feel like telling them you know what (so, and so) I FEEL LIKE SH*T and I feellike dying, BUT thanks for asking!! I look at them and say man, I wish I had what you had (God), does he really make you that joyful and give you that much peace? It shows!! I have been "saved and a Christain since I was eight but Depression just steals your spiritualality and at times I just want to say to them Religion is a crock- but at the same time I think , hey there must be something to it. Not Just religion But a real relationship with my creator. A GOD who "has plans for me-hopes and dreams...) it just does'nt make sense when almost half my life has been lived through the eyes of unhappiness and heart wrenching dispair!! I am very thankful that I genuinely do have tons of people at my Church that are constantly praying for me and It makes me feel a little better!! I mean, man they are REALLY INTERESTED in my miserable pathetic existance!! I just wish my social anxiety did not get in the way so much that it permits me from taking people up on their offers to go to lunch or just to hang out and get myself out of myself - it is just sooo hard. anyhow -thanks seanwrx and Lynda for the encouragement- but after 45-50 diff meds and med combos- I just have to vascillate hourly and daily that: Okay, There Is A God who really does have something more in store for me than severe depression and anxiety ! Maybe he isn't going to heal me or make me well through modern day chemical means.... Maybe ! Maybe - Maybe there is a Miracle to be found!! I sure hope so :(...
anyhow train of thought is going arwry...and sorry about religious rant-thanks to all for reading and listening!!
peace to all of ya
Clint
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 3, 2004, at 8:04:56
In reply to Re: Weight-loss after Remeron-for seanwrx Lynda, posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:02:30
> sorry about religious rant
Thanks for being supportive, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding religious faith to Psycho-Babble Faith. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20040113/msgs/332025.html
Thanks,
Bob
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