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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
Hi guys,
Have a question for anyone with ideas to share. I was on Remeron 45 mg for 2 years. Worked GREAT at preventing any more suicide attempts. But I gained over 50 pounds, which can't be a good thing! Lol. So I stopped the Remeron. And THAT was a very, very bad idea. I stayed off it for almost 1 month, and I was pretty darn suicidal for most of that time. So I went back on Remeron again this week. It was just too dangerous to stay off it.
I used Topamax with it for about a month or two, to help keep the weight off, and it worked wonders. My weight was dropping down to my regular weight before I ever went on meds. But Topamax is not covered by my provincial med plan, and I simply can NOT afford it.
The next visit to my doctor, I want to ask for an add-on with the Remeron (because obviously I can't quit that med if I want to live). Remeron causes edema, snail-pace metabolism, and TOO much weight gain. Modifying your diet, exercise, etc, etc,....just doesn't do the trick. The weight is a major problem.
Question: What med should I ask my doctor to prescribe as an add-on for an appetite suppressant? I can't live without the Remeron, but as well....the Remeron could in itself be the death of me from heart disease or probably diabetes (I had gestational diabetes with both my babies, so I'm at a higher risk of developing it as an adult). Any suggestions? I don't want to come across as some sort of drug addict asking for stimulants or such. But I need something to curb that dreaded "Remeron Hunger"....where you can't stop eating. I was a binge eater to begin with, so the Remeron certainly doesn't help in that area!
Right now I'm on Remeron, Seroquel (for sleep), Inderal LA (for physical symptoms of anxiety), and Klonopin (anxiety). You would think a stimulant would cause even more anxiety, but that's not always the case.
I really, really need some help with this question. I just got rid of all my big-girl clothes (lol)...I went from size 7/8 to size 16 in 2 years. I'm now at about a 9/10....and that is FINE with me. I just don't want to gain more!!!
Help???
Sandy
Posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2006, at 23:04:06
In reply to Appetite Suppressant, posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
Tough question. Maybe your doc will suggest the stimulant? Love Phillipa
Posted by ClearSkies on May 7, 2006, at 11:03:10
In reply to Appetite Suppressant, posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
Hello Sandy :-)
Have you ever tried Wellbutrin? It can be too stimulating for some people, and for me it made my blood pressure go too high, so I eventually stopped it altogether; but it did not have any weight-increasing effects that I felt.
I'm on the weight-loss campaign right now; compeltely discouraged by the immensity of myself. Switching out popcorn and potato chips with dip for carrot sticks with humous is helping me more than trying to find the medication most likely to work while not affecting my appetite. I think it is just the trade off that happens with psychotropic drugs, and one that is not acceptable to so many of us.
My current and not at all proven approach is to change what is within my grasp to try to win the weight battle. The jury is out although I have lost a couple of pounds since I started my diet change 5 weeks ago.
ClearSkies
Posted by alone ranger on May 7, 2006, at 11:56:04
In reply to Appetite Suppressant, posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
> Hi guys,
>
> Have a question for anyone with ideas to share. I was on Remeron 45 mg for 2 years. Worked GREAT at preventing any more suicide attempts. But I gained over 50 pounds, which can't be a good thing! Lol. So I stopped the Remeron. And THAT was a very, very bad idea. I stayed off it for almost 1 month, and I was pretty darn suicidal for most of that time. So I went back on Remeron again this week. It was just too dangerous to stay off it.
>
> I used Topamax with it for about a month or two, to help keep the weight off, and it worked wonders. My weight was dropping down to my regular weight before I ever went on meds. But Topamax is not covered by my provincial med plan, and I simply can NOT afford it.
>
> The next visit to my doctor, I want to ask for an add-on with the Remeron (because obviously I can't quit that med if I want to live). Remeron causes edema, snail-pace metabolism, and TOO much weight gain. Modifying your diet, exercise, etc, etc,....just doesn't do the trick. The weight is a major problem.
>
> Question: What med should I ask my doctor to prescribe as an add-on for an appetite suppressant? I can't live without the Remeron, but as well....the Remeron could in itself be the death of me from heart disease or probably diabetes (I had gestational diabetes with both my babies, so I'm at a higher risk of developing it as an adult). Any suggestions? I don't want to come across as some sort of drug addict asking for stimulants or such. But I need something to curb that dreaded "Remeron Hunger"....where you can't stop eating. I was a binge eater to begin with, so the Remeron certainly doesn't help in that area!
>
> Right now I'm on Remeron, Seroquel (for sleep), Inderal LA (for physical symptoms of anxiety), and Klonopin (anxiety). You would think a stimulant would cause even more anxiety, but that's not always the case.
>
> I really, really need some help with this question. I just got rid of all my big-girl clothes (lol)...I went from size 7/8 to size 16 in 2 years. I'm now at about a 9/10....and that is FINE with me. I just don't want to gain more!!!
>
> Help???
>
> Sandy
>
Hiya Sandy,
Please continue to monitor your blood glucose levels. The great Dr. Stahl has had some success with Zantac 150mg for suppression of appetite while on Remeron. Keep in mind this doesn't always work.Best of Luck!
Off to the gym...Arrghhh
Posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 14:42:18
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant » SandyWeb, posted by Phillipa on May 6, 2006, at 23:04:06
Hi Phillipa,
I'm not too happy my doc would be to prescribe a stimulant to me, especially since I'm already on one "classified" med as it is (Klonopin). He might be nervous of an audit on himself if he just doles out "fun" drugs. But we shall see. I'm figuring he's just going to say to eat a banana when I'm hungry....but the problem I find is that, no matter what I eat (whether it's good or junk food)....as soon as I start getting a taste of food in my mouth, I'm a goner! It's so frustrating because I may not even be hungry! But the taste buds want more and more and more! Lol.
I'll let you know what he has to say the next time I see him.
Take care, hon!
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 14:55:11
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant » SandyWeb, posted by ClearSkies on May 7, 2006, at 11:03:10
Hey there ClearSkies!!!!!
Sorry about all the ruckus I got you involved in with that little group of girls. I've actually decided to stop communicating with them. If they only like me when I'm doing well, and are harsh and mean when I'm "sick".....I don't need those people for my friends. But a good thing came from it all.....you and I got connected back up again! WooHoo! I'm really looking forward to hearing how things have been going with you for the past year or two!
As for Wellbutrin, my body can't tolerate it. My pulse rate shoots to the moon!! I quit after I did a little house-cleaning one day. Vacuumed and washed the kitchen floor. Had to sit for 45 minutes, PUFFING, on the coach until my heart slowed down enough that I wasn't scared to even lift my arm again! I really thought I was going to code right there in my livingroom. 45 minutes!!!!! As well, it also made me VERY anxious (worse each day), and my eyes got so bad that I couldn't read without buying those dang drugstore reading glasses. But the heart rate was the terror story, and I wasn't even at the therapeutic level yet! The doc put me on Ativan to get my rate down. I can't remember if my blood pressure went up too, but most all antidepressants cause my blood pressure to go WAY too high....so I simply can't handle too many psych meds, it seems.
Thanks for the suggestion, though. All ideas are accepted and appreciated!!!
Hugs,
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 15:09:50
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant, posted by alone ranger on May 7, 2006, at 11:56:04
Hi "Alone Ranger",
Yes, I've tried the Zantac route. Taking 150 mg per day actually made me feel quite ill. I tried lowering the dose, but it really didn't do anything for supressing my appetite. But 150 mg was just WAY too much. I don't know how anyone could handle that! I really can only handle 75 mg whenever I have an acidic tummy....anything higher than that just makes me feel worse.
Actually, I heard that people were taking 300 mg....150 mg in the morning and 150 mg in the evening. That just can't be good for a person!
Well, we'll see what the doc has to say about the "Remeron Hunger" next time I see him. He'll probably just roll his shoulders and tell me to try harder. Let's wait together and see! *smile*
Good luck at the gym!! Hey, be thankful that you have the energy (and not having social anxiety) to allow you to be able to at least give it a try. I have my own stair stepper, and I've actually set up a TINY schedule for me to begin tomorrow. Don't want to give myself a heart attack first time on it in a few years! Lol. I'm just going to add one minute each week to my "workout". Pathetic....but a start. What I would REALLY like is a treadmill. I used to LOVE to walk....was always doing it...but now with the level of my social anxiety, I'm pretty much stuck in my home. But I'd love to be walking again, even if it's just in one spot while watching tv!!!! Lol.
Have a great workout!!!!
Sandy
Posted by alone ranger on May 7, 2006, at 17:23:51
In reply to Appetite Suppressant, posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
> Hi guys,
>
> Have a question for anyone with ideas to share. I was on Remeron 45 mg for 2 years. Worked GREAT at preventing any more suicide attempts. But I gained over 50 pounds, which can't be a good thing! Lol. So I stopped the Remeron. And THAT was a very, very bad idea. I stayed off it for almost 1 month, and I was pretty darn suicidal for most of that time. So I went back on Remeron again this week. It was just too dangerous to stay off it.
>
> I used Topamax with it for about a month or two, to help keep the weight off, and it worked wonders. My weight was dropping down to my regular weight before I ever went on meds. But Topamax is not covered by my provincial med plan, and I simply can NOT afford it.
>
> The next visit to my doctor, I want to ask for an add-on with the Remeron (because obviously I can't quit that med if I want to live). Remeron causes edema, snail-pace metabolism, and TOO much weight gain. Modifying your diet, exercise, etc, etc,....just doesn't do the trick. The weight is a major problem.
>
> Question: What med should I ask my doctor to prescribe as an add-on for an appetite suppressant? I can't live without the Remeron, but as well....the Remeron could in itself be the death of me from heart disease or probably diabetes (I had gestational diabetes with both my babies, so I'm at a higher risk of developing it as an adult). Any suggestions? I don't want to come across as some sort of drug addict asking for stimulants or such. But I need something to curb that dreaded "Remeron Hunger"....where you can't stop eating. I was a binge eater to begin with, so the Remeron certainly doesn't help in that area!
>
> Right now I'm on Remeron, Seroquel (for sleep), Inderal LA (for physical symptoms of anxiety), and Klonopin (anxiety). You would think a stimulant would cause even more anxiety, but that's not always the case.
>
> I really, really need some help with this question. I just got rid of all my big-girl clothes (lol)...I went from size 7/8 to size 16 in 2 years. I'm now at about a 9/10....and that is FINE with me. I just don't want to gain more!!!
>
> Help???
>
> Sandy
>Thanks for the wishes on the work out. I checked the literature. It appears Topamax and Zonegram are the only really successful meds at reducing Remeron induced weight gain. I belive Zonegram is not very cheap either. Might you bug your doc for samples? I'm sure the drug rep would love to et in the office. Surely the doc can understand your situation. I cringe to recommend Meridia. It's not a very safe drug and will probably hype you up.
Posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 21:24:05
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant, posted by alone ranger on May 7, 2006, at 17:23:51
Hi again "Alone Ranger",
Did you survive the workout?? I used to walk almost every single day, but for the past 2 years I've been pretty much homebound. Social anxiety is just the coolest, isn't it? *smirk*
I can go out places when I have a "safe person" with me, but I'll be puffing like an asthmatic by the time I reach the top of the anthill! Lol! I just don't get any exercise at all anymore. Now that a bunch of weight came off due to the Topamax (which I could continue to afford it!), I want to start working those poor neglected muscles again. It doesn't take as much effort to lift your legs up and down when they don't weigh as much!! *big smile*
I live in Canada, and the Topamax is an "exception status" med. It can be authorized by the provincial med plan for off-label use if the doc can persuade them that I need it for something other than epilepsy. Well, he tried twice...and I was denied twice.
We don't have Zonegran here in Canada, and Meridia is listed as having "no benefit" (so it's not covered by any drug plan...meaning $$$).
What about Dexedrine? That's a med that is covered for ADHD, but it's not "exception status"...so I guess the doc could write a script for it. But....isn't that a bit strong of a med for binge eating from the Remeron?? I don't know.
I'm glad your able to continue with your gym workouts!! I'm hoping, someday, to get back out there in the world again! I've only been impacted upon by my social anxiety since 3 years ago, and it's only been 2 years that I've had on-again/off-again agoraphobia. But one day, baby....make way as I scurry down the sidewalks with my walker and orthopedic shoes! LOL!!!
Thanks for your help. I wish you the best!
Sandy
Posted by Racer on May 8, 2006, at 1:22:28
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant » alone ranger, posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 21:24:05
I hate to say it, but I wouldn't hold my breath on Dexedrine helping with binge eating from Remeron. I hoped that I would lose weight when I started taking it, that it might boost my metabolism a bit, but no joy.
Topamax really is your best bet, from everything I've read. Down here, if we can't afford our meds, most of the drug companies have compassion programs that provide free or low cost meds for us. Since the companies are American, I'm betting that their programs don't include Canadians, but surely there's *something* like that up there? I don't know where to advise you to check, but maybe start at needymeds.com?
I'm sorry you're having trouble with the health service. I wish I could think of something that might help you get approval, but my mind's a blank.
Posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 12:18:03
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant » alone ranger, posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 15:09:50
Sandy I think the treadmill is an excellent ideas. As they say calories in calories out. So give it a try. Oh they also say lots of water will fill you up so you don't feel hungry. And now there are flavored waters with zero calories maybe try that too? And I know the social anxiety. The biggest YMCA in the nation is around the corner from me and I'm afraid to go. So I guess it's my old lady jog for now. Good luck. And is there a possiblity you could try a different antidepressant?. but if you've tried a lot and that is the one that works stick with it. And I tried needy meds when I was on cymbalta unfortunately even though neighter my husband and I are working we had to show a tax return. We sold property and that shows up as income so that option was out for me. Do the docs give out samples up there? Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 12:22:52
In reply to Appetite Suppressant, posted by SandyWeb on May 6, 2006, at 17:08:39
looks like remeron is your only option and the topamax works for you so is there any way your doc can help you get it. Love Phillipa no you don't want to gain wt and get diabetes.
Posted by llrrrpp on May 8, 2006, at 15:29:41
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant, posted by Phillipa on May 8, 2006, at 12:22:52
If the social anxiety keeps you from working out around people, you can mail-order some really nice workout videos from www.collagevideo.com
I'm not so happy about letting my peers see me get sweaty, and this way I can work out as soon as I roll out of bed. I've even done aerobics in my pajamas. If you get it out of the way first thing in the morning, it helps a lot with the guilt.
Good luck :)
Posted by alone ranger on May 8, 2006, at 17:43:41
In reply to Re: Appetite Suppressant » alone ranger, posted by SandyWeb on May 7, 2006, at 21:24:05
Sandy,
I don't have any experience with dexedrine. From what I've read, Declan seems to have a good handle of it's anti-suppressant effect.My work outs are limited. I'm in the process of deciding to whether to have surgery that will allow me to return to a refreshing work out. I'm just not one that likes the idea of being sliced and diced.
> Hi again "Alone Ranger",
>
> Did you survive the workout?? I used to walk almost every single day, but for the past 2 years I've been pretty much homebound. Social anxiety is just the coolest, isn't it? *smirk*
>
> I can go out places when I have a "safe person" with me, but I'll be puffing like an asthmatic by the time I reach the top of the anthill! Lol! I just don't get any exercise at all anymore. Now that a bunch of weight came off due to the Topamax (which I could continue to afford it!), I want to start working those poor neglected muscles again. It doesn't take as much effort to lift your legs up and down when they don't weigh as much!! *big smile*
>
> I live in Canada, and the Topamax is an "exception status" med. It can be authorized by the provincial med plan for off-label use if the doc can persuade them that I need it for something other than epilepsy. Well, he tried twice...and I was denied twice.
>
> We don't have Zonegran here in Canada, and Meridia is listed as having "no benefit" (so it's not covered by any drug plan...meaning $$$).
>
> What about Dexedrine? That's a med that is covered for ADHD, but it's not "exception status"...so I guess the doc could write a script for it. But....isn't that a bit strong of a med for binge eating from the Remeron?? I don't know.
>
> I'm glad your able to continue with your gym workouts!! I'm hoping, someday, to get back out there in the world again! I've only been impacted upon by my social anxiety since 3 years ago, and it's only been 2 years that I've had on-again/off-again agoraphobia. But one day, baby....make way as I scurry down the sidewalks with my walker and orthopedic shoes! LOL!!!
>
> Thanks for your help. I wish you the best!
>
> Sandy
>
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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