Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1924

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Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo

Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28

In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat, posted by Roo on September 23, 2002, at 10:08:11

Hi Roo,
I'm doing well, thanks. I'm holding steady at 11.5mg Remeron down from 75 and it feels right at that dose. I've been taking 5-HTP also because intuitively it seems necessary to increase serotonin that way. Plus all my vitamin drips and other naturopathic therapies are helping. It's hard to remember how miserable you were when you start feeling better, but looking back at my journals I was in very bad shape, so I'm grateful and encouraged.

I haven't been on the Zone diet for very long, however, I don't get as hungry and my energy level is good throughout the day and I've lost 5 pounds in a short time. It's not a low carb diet, but it balances the ratio of carbs pretty evenly with protein and fat. It encourages complex carbs (high fiber veggies) instead of simple ones like sugar, pasta, bread, grains, booze. Other problem carbs are high glycemic, or sweet tasting veggies like corn, white rice. You need to eat enough good quality protein and fats to delay carb sugars from the entering the bloodstream rapidly, which causes excess insulin problems. This is a very simplistic explanation. You can probably find a used copy of 'Entering the Zone' by Barry Sears and see if it makes sense. I'm still studying it and getting used to the recipes and eating differently (I ate too many carbs previously) but it makes alot of sense - even though the jury is still out among some medical circles. However, more and more nutrition experts and docs are coming over to his theories. Dr. Sears also recently wrote 'The Omega Zone' which is mainly about fish oils, but goes into his Zone theories.

Remeron and weight gain. Sigh. It's definitely a problem unless you exercise like a demon. You will want to eat eat eat (especially carbs). I'd find myself standing in front of the open fridge barely remembering how I got there. Jill on this board seems to have the least problems with it and I believe she's an avid swimmer. But she did go up a few dress sizes anyway.

 

SSRI's make me stupid too

Posted by JackD on September 23, 2002, at 13:11:58

In reply to Re: BarbCat/Lynda/Jill » McPac, posted by LyndaK on September 22, 2002, at 21:25:42

> What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
>
> Lynda

Yeh, just to butt in here, I have found SSRI's to be the most stupifying drugs out there hands down. Even benzos and stabilizers aren't nearly as bothersome. At the top I would rank Zoloft of the SSRIs I've tried.

 

Weighty Subject...ha!

Posted by Jill on September 23, 2002, at 17:11:44

In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28

Hi,
I did gain some weight over the last five and one half years on Remeron. I went from a skinny, nervous, obsessive 134 to my current happy, content state of 149 or so.

I was actually heavier last year (my fiance too...we were commuting for a long distance relationship and ate out a lot and didn't exercise so much. Now we're both in the same city, which really helps. We go to the gym together now.), but I've been eating better and exercising more, so I'm back to approximately 15 more than I was originally.

However, some is probably due to getting older and,honestly, to being happier (I used to get so depressed/stressed that I couldn't eat...lost 20 pounds at one dark time...was very underweight for my frame...and miserable. Weight is definitely not everything.).

So, I went from a size 8 to a size 10. It's not a big deal for me...and it is possible to lose weight. Weight gain (and crazy hunger) seems to be less at dosages 30mg and above, according to my pdoc. I've been at 45mg for a long time, and really I'm feeling fit and happy.

Hope this helps.
Jill

 

Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » BarbaraCat

Posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29

In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 11:33:28

A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
Thanks
MoBe

 

Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » MoBe

Posted by BarbaraCat on September 23, 2002, at 20:50:37

In reply to Re: Remeron--Zone Diet--Barbara Cat » BarbaraCat, posted by MoBe on September 23, 2002, at 20:15:29

There's a problematic thing about increasing serotonin. It decreases dopamine and decreased dopamine is implicated in myoclonus. 5-HTP increases serotonin and wouldn't help with the dopamine imbalance, if that's what's causing it. Wellbutrin increases dopamine so it's no wonder you didn't have this problem. You might want to explore natural dopamine enhancers (believe it or not, fava beans are very high in it), but anti-parkinson meds are usually prescribed. It seems like you enhance one neurotransmitter and the others just go out of whack.

> A lot of people linked to this post have had success with remeron. At 15 mg a day, it worked lovely for sleep and when I increased it to 45 mg for depression, it really helped, but I got the most annoying myoclonus. Does anyone know why a serotonin boosting drug would give myoclonus. I never got it from taking wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, which made me wonder if it had to do with a dopamine deficiency. One person suggested magnesium worked for them, but unfortunately it didn't for me. Valerian does work - but boy do I feel dopey the next day. I'm hesitant to ask my doctor for clonazapan - he would probably just take me off the remeron. ON one of the myoclonus web sites they mention 5-hydroxytryptophan. Anybody tried that?
> Thanks
> MoBe

 

Re: SSRI's make me stupid too » JackD

Posted by LyndaK on September 24, 2002, at 22:08:42

In reply to SSRI's make me stupid too, posted by JackD on September 23, 2002, at 13:11:58

> > What I hate about Zoloft is that it affects my memory and concentration. I turn into an idiot on it! Phone numbers I've known for years I suddenly can't remember. When I talk I have difficulty "finding" words, i.e. I know what I want to say but I can't pull the right word from my memory. The higher the dose the worse it gets but too low a dose doesn't do the trick for me. I liked it for anxiety but I actually think Remeron is doing a better job there too. And, of course, I had the sexual side-effects etc., etc. but the memory thing was by far the most debilitating.
> >
> > Lynda
>
> Yeh, just to butt in here, I have found SSRI's to be the most stupifying drugs out there hands down. Even benzos and stabilizers aren't nearly as bothersome. At the top I would rank Zoloft of the SSRIs I've tried.

Glad to know I'm not the only one. I haven't noticed that particular side-effect being mentioned very often.

 

Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric )

Posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:20:18

In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by confused on September 26, 2000, at 9:59:56

> > Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
>
> In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
>
> Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
>
> signed confused
>
I am on Topomax 200 mg and was changed to Remeron since May for Biplor Disorder. I take 60 mg at night and I have gained 20 pds so far. My driving is dangerously impaired, I am tired all the time, my moods are a rollercoaster, I forget everything, I fight with everyone, my skin is greasy and my sex life sucks. But I sleep great and my depression isnt too bad, but my mania is pretty scary. I get ugly. I want off this crap, before something major happens. Thats why my name is Dazed because I am. Also when I first started this med I couldnt eat because everything tasted really bad, I had to even scape chocolate jimmies off icecream! And Pizza tasted like grease. Now I just want to eat everything in site so its not take more and the weight will come off not true at all. I wanna know has anyone had greasy hair and skin? I am washing my face 4-5 times a day with soap and it is still just gross. I am going tues and hopefully I am getting off this stuff so I can think right again. This is not worth it to me!

Dazed1961
>

 

Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric )

Posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:29:07

In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by confused on September 26, 2000, at 9:59:56

I just needed to clarify that I am on Topomax but my antidepressant was changed to Remeron and I still continue to take Topomax. Thanks Dazed

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23

In reply to Re: Alternatives » Roo, posted by BarbaraCat on September 19, 2002, at 14:54:03

I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.

I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.

I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself

Posted by Ritch on September 28, 2002, at 22:13:04

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23

> I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
>
> I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
>
> I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 28, 2002, at 22:13:04

> > I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
> >
> > I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
> >
> > I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.
>
>

depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by cybercafe on September 28, 2002, at 22:28:22

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58


> depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.

parnate worked quite well for my depression, increased my socialability, and side effects involved weight loss, increased energy and increased libido ....

wellbutrin also is good for weight loss and libido ..........

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:30:56

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by cybercafe on September 28, 2002, at 22:28:22

>
> > depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.
>
> parnate worked quite well for my depression, increased my socialability, and side effects involved weight loss, increased energy and increased libido ....
>
> wellbutrin also is good for weight loss and libido ..........
>

What is parnate? - I have tried to augment with wellbutrin but made my anxiety worse.

 

Justherself

Posted by McPac on September 28, 2002, at 23:09:47

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23

You wrote, "I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can".

>>>>>>>DON'T DO THAT! He sounds like a very good, understanding guy.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself

Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 0:55:03

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:03:23

> I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
>
> I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
>
> I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.


I'm not a pdoc, but my first reaction was that seems like an awful lot of medication to be taking every day. It seems like if it were really working well you wouldn't need to take that much. So it's probably good that your doc is thinking of other options to try.

I too have been on a long list of antidepressants. I know that some people swear by a "cocktail" of meds but I think it's difficult to differentiate all the different side-effects when you are on more than one. I know nothing about neurontin so I don't feel I can comment about that. I was on Zoloft before switching to Remeron. Zoloft alone tended to significantly impair my memory and concentration. Remeron has not done that. Remeron has worked beautifully to quiet my anxiety. The down side -- I felt drugged and dizzy the first 3 to 4 days after starting it -- could NOT drive during this time. But that resolved and I don't feel that way at all on it anymore. I also gained 20 pounds but that has stabilized -- I have not gained any more. You will feel VERY hungry when you start Remeron. You'll feel like you're STARVING -- just remind yourself that you're NOT. Snack on fresh veggies and you'll be o.k.(no dip).

There's something else you need to know -- most people feel withdrawal symptoms when coming off of Zoloft. The slower you come off the easier it will be, but I think it's important that you know that up front. Try not to make any major decisions for a while.

I hope you find some relief soon.
Best of Luck
Lynda

 

Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ) » dazed1961

Posted by LyndaK on September 29, 2002, at 1:02:21

In reply to Re: Help (please!) with Remeron( Eric ), posted by dazed1961 on September 28, 2002, at 10:20:18

> > > Help! I've been on Remeron (30mg) for a week and am stoned nearly out of my mind (in a very bad way). I hardly know who and where I am much of the time. Serious, serious altering of my consciousness. Does this effect fade? I'd be most grateful for any advice. Thank you -- Eric
> >
> > In reply to Help (please)with remeron posted by eric on september 20 2000 at 13.45 06
> >
> > Ihave been on Remeron prescribed dosage 45mg since november99 Through an error by my doctor i have been taking 60mg since january2000 and have suffered severe side effects.Ifelt stoned out of my mind, suicidal, voices,loss of memory panic attacks,shakes,sweats,paranoid,confused,I did not feel in control resulting in my arrest for a serious sexual assault. Please help has anyone shared any of these experiences on 60mg .
> >
> > signed confused
> >
> I am on Topomax 200 mg and was changed to Remeron since May for Biplor Disorder. I take 60 mg at night and I have gained 20 pds so far. My driving is dangerously impaired, I am tired all the time, my moods are a rollercoaster, I forget everything, I fight with everyone, my skin is greasy and my sex life sucks. But I sleep great and my depression isnt too bad, but my mania is pretty scary. I get ugly. I want off this crap, before something major happens. Thats why my name is Dazed because I am. Also when I first started this med I couldnt eat because everything tasted really bad, I had to even scape chocolate jimmies off icecream! And Pizza tasted like grease. Now I just want to eat everything in site so its not take more and the weight will come off not true at all. I wanna know has anyone had greasy hair and skin? I am washing my face 4-5 times a day with soap and it is still just gross. I am going tues and hopefully I am getting off this stuff so I can think right again. This is not worth it to me!
>
> Dazed1961
> >
>
>
I think I read somewhere that Remeron can make mania worse. It sounds like it may be doing that to you.? Good thing you're going to be seeing your doc soon. I think there are better meds for bi-polar disorder than this one.

Good Luck
Lynda

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by cybercafe on September 29, 2002, at 9:02:43

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:30:56

> What is parnate? - I have tried to augment with wellbutrin but made my anxiety worse.

parnate made my anxiety better but made me a bit more agitated ... in all, i can get away with taking less benzos now (which work for both anxiety and agitation) ...

i just wanted to point out that there are lots of different options for you so try to stay positive :)

after 2 antidepressants i thought i would never feel optimistic again, now i do

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself

Posted by Ritch on September 29, 2002, at 9:52:41

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 28, 2002, at 22:22:58

> > > I think I've been on every anti-dep, Prozak, Paxil, Celexa, Mannerix, Effexor with no luck due to side effects. I'm taking 200 mg. Zoloft in the morning along with 800 mg's of Neurontin 3X a day. I augmented Zoloft with Lithium but it did nothing except made my hands tremor terribly. The neurontin has relieved a lot of anxiety and some depression but has made me so forgetfull I can't stand it. I write notes to myself and then forget I've written them! I write notes all over my hand cause I can't lose it!! My pdoc has suggested I start tapering down the Zoloft and start Remeron as I have never tried it. I have severe anxiety and depression. Due to each trial of anti-depressants I have gained 60 pounds. I have never weighed so much in my whole entire life. Sex drive is non-existent. I look in the mirror and wonder who this bloated, shell of a woman is and where the vibrant, confident, sensual woman of one year ago went. I don't know if I can stand to gain any more weight. The weight gain has only contributed to my depression even more. I know Remeron can cause a lot of weight gain as can Neurontin.
> > >
> > > I am considering ending my relationship with my partner because I just want to isolate myself from everything. He tried to reassure me to stop worrying about the weight however,I can't stand to be around myself so I don't see how he can.
> > >
> > > I have never been on the older type of depressants and I'm wondering if I should be considering them. I'm at the end of my very frayed rope. Please anyone, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > What's your diagnosis?? That's very important.
> >
> >
>
> depression and anxiety. I have been treated for this for 20 years. I have had long periods of times where I have not had to be on medication, however, this has been the longest and most devastating episode.
>


Well, if the Neurontin is making you super forgetful, you could see about getting the dose reduced. 800mg a pop sure is a whopper for Neurontin. See if your pdoc will drop the individual doses to 400mg. I couldn't stand more than 400mg 3x daily, or I would just stare at my computer screen at work for minutes at a time wondering what to do. It isn't nowhere near as notorious for weight gain as Remeron, so maybe it could be a keeper (but at a lower dosage). Will your doctor write for a benzodiazepine like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin? Cheap and effective without a lot of the sfx you don't want. Have you heard of Topamax? It is used (off-label) for PTSD, and can be quite good at calming agitation, and tends to cause weight loss for most people. What "flavor" of anxiety tends to dominate? Is it obsessiveness, worry, panic, agoraphobic stuff? Lamictal is another med you might talk to your doc about. It is commonly used for bipolar (like Topamax), and I think they are trying to get approval by the FDA for bipolar depression. I know you didn't say you were bipolar, but lots of anxiety mixed with the depression that cycles over years coupled with treatment resistance to antidepressants sounds suggestive of it.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Ritch

Posted by Justherself on September 29, 2002, at 22:12:18

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 29, 2002, at 9:52:41

I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself

Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Ritch, posted by Justherself on September 29, 2002, at 22:12:18

I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.


> I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
>
>

 

Ritch

Posted by McPac on September 30, 2002, at 16:03:33

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15

Do you have the anger/temper/irrit./agitation problems? I do. Lithium works excellent for me (in extremely low doses)...but I'm thinking of switching to Lamictal, partly because of the anti-dep. properties of the drug........what are your thoughts on Lamictal? (I will very likely take 12.5 mg ONCE every 2 DAYS or so (a very tiny dose).

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:41:27

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself, posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 9:46:15

> I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.
>
>
> > I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
> >
> > I'm going to talk to my doc about the possibility of bi-polar. I can't get over how much better I am concentrating now that I've decreased the amount of both Zoloft and Neurontin. I can also feel a decrease in the carb-cravings. Wish me luck and thanks so much for the info and support.
>
>

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!

Posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:44:18

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:41:27

> > I've never experienced a 'full-blown' mania either. I tend to get these 'mini-highs' that can get somewhat intense, but they usually don't last more than a few days at a stretch. Sounds like you might not have to switch the Zoloft (Zoloft caused carb cravings for me though). Maybe a different SSRI with your Neurontin? It doesn't sound like you have any type of 'full-blown' OCD either (just the 'traits' as my pdoc always says). Remeron isn't generally known to work wonders for OCD, but you hear some good stuff about anxiety (generally) with it. Interesting, that you bring up the quitting smoking thing. I hear Abbott pharmaceuticals has an experimental drug in clinical trials for ADHD/depression? that works on the nicotinic receptors in your brain (the ones involved with nicotine). I used to be a very very heavy smoker, and the smokes always seemed to help me concentrate. The first few weeks after I quit I could barely read anything it was awful.
> >
> >
> > > I've never had a bi-polar diagnosis, probably because I've never experienced a mania. I do have "good days" where I feel really good and get hopeful that I'm going to get "up" a bit, but then can't seem to stay up there. I've dropped the neurontin to 600 mgs 3X day and already noticed a difference. Not so zoned out. I've dropped the Zoloft to 150 mg per day and by next week will drop it to 100, then I'll see pdoc and discuss remeron. Maybe I won't need to switch if I maintain this mood. I do tend to count things, ie. if I'm drying cutlery I'll tend to count the knives, forks, etc. but I've never had a diagnosis of OCD either. I also practice what I call "retail therapy". Sometimes when I buy things, not big things nor do I go crazy shopping, I feel better. Most often it is "junk food" and a magazine to read and pig-out at lunch time!!. I think part of the reason I felt really awful too was I had tried to quit smoking. It is a real bone of contention with me and my man. I live in Canada and the price of cigs are astronomical, not to mention the physical price of smoking. I get so tired of feeling guilty for exposing another person to my moods, I think that's why I want to be alone, so I can smoke, eat junk food and generally be a sloth, without justifying the reasons for it to someone else!!! ARGGGG.
> > >
> > > I'm going to talk to my doc about the possibility of bi-polar. I can't get over how much better I am concentrating now that I've decreased the amount of both Zoloft and Neurontin. I can also feel a decrease in the carb-cravings. Wish me luck and thanks so much for the info and support.
> >
PS Ritch, did you use any aids to quit smoking, ie. the patch, etc. or did you "cold turkey" it?
> >
>
>

 

Lamictal + a good med for temper » McPac

Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 22:10:41

In reply to Ritch, posted by McPac on September 30, 2002, at 16:03:33

> Do you have the anger/temper/irrit./agitation problems? I do. Lithium works excellent for me (in extremely low doses)...but I'm thinking of switching to Lamictal, partly because of the anti-dep. properties of the drug........what are your thoughts on Lamictal? (I will very likely take 12.5 mg ONCE every 2 DAYS or so (a very tiny dose).
>

Hi, I found Depakote thus far to work the best for my temper problems. I was even diagnosed with "intermittent explosive disorder" for a short time by one pdoc. Thoughts about Lamictal? Haven't tried it unfortunately. It *sounds* like it would be great for bipolar depression given they are trying to get approval by the FDA for bipolar depression. But, that leaves the manic (and temperamental) side of the coin, and it hasn't faired as well as Depakote or Lithium or even Topamax from what I have *heard*. Perhaps a Lamictal+ oneofthosethree would be a good combo? If you are having *success* with a major symptom with a current med (in this case lithium), I would just *add* the Lamictal. My 2 cents.

 

Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!! » Justherself

Posted by Ritch on September 30, 2002, at 22:19:37

In reply to Re: Zoloft +Neurontin to Remeron+Neurontin-HELP!!, posted by Justherself on September 30, 2002, at 17:44:18

> PS Ritch, did you use any aids to quit smoking, ie. the patch, etc. or did you "cold turkey" it?
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Cold turkey was the only way it has *happened* for me. The first time I quit-I got very seriously ill with bronchitis and *couldn't* smoke. When I felt better, I tried a light cigarette and had to go to the ER due to an asthma attack (when I was 24). I quit cold after that for several years. I started again after some stress. Smoked heavily for a couple of more years-then had a bad accident and lost my income. I quit cold the 2nd time because I ran out of money. There weren't any patches or anything back then... Nicorette gum-which I couldn't afford...


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