Posted by cole on September 21, 2001, at 13:10:30
In reply to STORM - re Remeron: » Storm, posted by Janelle on September 19, 2001, at 12:32:05
Hi guys.
I've been on Remeron for almost 1 1/2 yrs now, and I will say that it definitely increases appetite, and for me this response does not taper off unless the med also becomes ineffective. I've gone through numerous crash and dosage increase cycles with the med, and I'm currently at 90mg. I've recently added Buspar to augment, since I was crashing again on the 90mg and couldn't take the Remeron any higher. I've seen suggestions that higher doses decrease the side effects, primarily the appetite/weight gain and the sedation. I've found that the side effects are pretty much constant from 45 to 90mg/night. I have gained weight on the med and I honestly believe it is because of increased caloric intake. I know that when I'm depressed I eat sporadically, but the Remeron increases my appetite to a ridiculous level. I eat a full meal and want to eat again within 20 minutes. My stomach just gives me that empty achy feeling. Sometimes I ignore it, but when I'm stressed I often give in. I was always thin, and even with the gain I am still within the normal range for my height, though I would prefer to lose about 10 lbs. The reason I've stuck with this med is because it works. I may need more sleep at night, but my waking hours are far more productive. I have motivation and focus, and feel less fatigued. I have recently been dx'd with fibromyalgia, and have been trying to figure out a decent plan for pain free exercise, but I go to the gym at least once a week. I suggest seriously watching your calories, I never was into cal counting, but it has really helped keep my weight moderate. I've also found that Ritalin SR clears the morning fog and supresses the appetite to a normal level. I say, if it works for the depression figure out a way to work around the side effects, especially if you are like me, and have poor or no response to most of the other AD's.
cole
poster:cole
thread:78998
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010917/msgs/79228.html