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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by laurarn on January 13, 2003, at 21:39:25
I've read that Remeron can cause weight gain due to increased appetite. I've been the same weight for several months. After starting Remeron 2 weeks ago I've gained 9 lbs. Almost overnight it seems.
Does anyone know of perhaps another mechanism that might cause the weight gain?
Posted by LyndaK on January 14, 2003, at 2:21:32
In reply to Remeron weight gain!, posted by laurarn on January 13, 2003, at 21:39:25
I'm convinced that it actually lowers metabolism. I don't KNOW that it does, but it seems like it does. I don't have the increased appetite like I did when I first started taking it, and I'm not a habitual overeater. I never had weight problems before. I gained 20 lbs. on this drug -- that's it - just bumped up 20 pounds and there it sits -- doesn't get worse, doesn't get better. I don't like the extra weight, but the Remeron has pulled me out of a very deep depression and kept me out (so far). If you figure out a way to combat the weight let me know.
Lynda
Posted by laurarn on January 14, 2003, at 9:04:08
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain! » laurarn, posted by LyndaK on January 14, 2003, at 2:21:32
Thanks LyndaK. You reinforce what I already believe. I agree that the extra weight is worth it if it means your depression is being treated successfully. I'm glad it works for you so well.
I myself had no increase in appetite. I didn't have an increase in my caloric intake as I watch that carefully. My subjective experience seems to support that the weight gain is not just simply an increase in appetite but perhaps a metabolic reaction as well.
Just musing...
Posted by rainbowlight on January 15, 2003, at 0:47:11
In reply to Remeron weight gain!, posted by laurarn on January 13, 2003, at 21:39:25
I just recently quit Remeron after being on it for a little over a year. I gained 30 plus pounds on it, it sneaked up slowly on me though. I never had an appetite increase and maintained my regular diet. I was unable to lose any of the weight, even with daily vigorous exercise.
Posted by jodie on January 15, 2003, at 10:03:06
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain!, posted by rainbowlight on January 15, 2003, at 0:47:11
About a month ago, my fiance went off of Celexa, which he was on for over a year, and started Remeron. Besides depression, he was diagnosed with an unusual neuro-muscular disease, from which he has lost a lot of weight . They switched his celexa to remeron, not just to help with depression, but to help him gain weight. His neurologist said it lowers your metabolism, and increases appetite. He has already gained around 7 pounds. Which is a good thing for him. He seems to be craving mostly carbs though. Anyway just thought I would let you know what his neuro said about metabolism and remeron.
Posted by laurarn on January 15, 2003, at 11:25:10
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain!, posted by jodie on January 15, 2003, at 10:03:06
Thanks for the input everyone. At least if I understand that weight gain can happen from a metabolism change I can take extra measures to counteract that effect. This is the first time since being diagnosed with depression that I feel so frustrated at this illness. I don't want to take any medications for this.
But, I have also attempted trials of dealing with this through exercise and healthy eating. This all helps, but it doesn't completely treat the problem. Those with clinical depression know what this dark feeling is. I just have to find the right medication to add to what I am already doing.
I have a pdoc appt today. I'll discuss it all with him. Thanks again.
Posted by jodie on January 15, 2003, at 14:05:24
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain!, posted by laurarn on January 15, 2003, at 11:25:10
One thing I forgot to add, is that I know a lot of people who stopped taking remeron because of weight gain. There are so many other meds out there for depression. One good one, that actually works opposite on the weight gain issue, is Wellbutrin. Some people can't handle it, because even though it is an antidepressant, and not a stimulant, it has some stimulant properties. Some people end up with insomnia, and weight loss. With extra energy too. But the people that I know who have tried it, and the side effects go away, or they don't get to begin with, love the stuff!!! I was on it for almost a year. Since I was eventually diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, they took me off of it. I guess it can casue mania in those w/ bipolar (I'm sure because of the mild stimulating effects). But it definetely helped get rid of the depression, and I lost a little weight on it, which I was happy. My diagnosis has now changed again to Attention Deficit Disorder. So I am now one of the first to try a new non-stimulant treatment for ADD called Strattera, guess it also helps with depression.
Posted by laurarn on January 15, 2003, at 20:04:26
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain!, posted by jodie on January 15, 2003, at 14:05:24
Thanks for the input, Jodie. I am actually stopping the Remeron after a visit with my pdoc. He gave me a couple ideas to think about regarding meds. He is very good at giving me information then letting me digest it for a week or two.
Good luck with the Strattera trial. Hope it works for you!
Posted by jodie on January 16, 2003, at 0:40:50
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain! » jodie, posted by laurarn on January 15, 2003, at 20:04:26
> Thanks for the input, Jodie. I am actually stopping the Remeron after a visit with my pdoc. He gave me a couple ideas to think about regarding meds. He is very good at giving me information then letting me digest it for a week or two.
>
> Good luck with the Strattera trial. Hope it works for you!Sounds like you have a great pdoc. Thanks, I think I'm going to need all the luck I can get with this stuff!!!
Hope everything works out for you!! Good luck, keep us posted!
Posted by medlib on January 16, 2003, at 1:39:00
In reply to Remeron weight gain!, posted by laurarn on January 13, 2003, at 21:39:25
Hi Laurarn--
Remeron is an atypical antidepressant in that more is less; a higher dose actually produces less weight gain than a lower dose. Most savvy pdocs prescribe a starting dose of 45 mg., not the lowest dose (15 mg., I think). I didn't gain any weight on 45 mg., and I have a metabolism slightly lower than the giant sloth's. Unfortunately, I didn't get any less depressed, either. If Remeron helped you any at all, one option might be to try it at the higher dose as an adjunct to something else. My pdoc called the Remeron-Effexor combo the "big guns". Others refer to it as the "California cocktail". Supposedly, they have some synergy together. At least R. helps one sleep; I remember that with some nostalgia when I'm standing in line to pay $3/pill for Ambien's 4 hours of sleep.
Take care---medlib
Posted by laurarn on January 16, 2003, at 21:23:06
In reply to Re: Remeron weight gain! » laurarn, posted by medlib on January 16, 2003, at 1:39:00
Thanks Jodie. I have an excellent pdoc. I've been working with him for about a year now and it has made a big difference for me.
Medlib, I find your posts informative and very helpful. The ideas in your post somewhat mirror what my pdoc and I talked about. Very interesting. Your input gratefully accepted.
Take Care
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