Posted by Lisa P on April 15, 2003, at 0:49:43
In reply to Re: Ambien vs. Periactin weight gain » Lisa P, posted by Mimi on April 14, 2003, at 21:32:54
Mimi,
I'm not sure how long the Amantadine has been around for - but it is used to treat influenza A - the flu, parkinsons, and drug side effects. I had muscle problems on the Geodon - they were tightening up causing me back pain due to leaning to the side, which has gotten a lot better once I got off the drug and went back to phys therapy and exercising. The Amantadine caused me to lose some weight - I felt nauseous for the first month on the drug - however it has caused my hair to fall out more than usual so I'm going to get off of it soon - I've dropped down from 300mg to 50mg. After awhile, the Amantadine didn't cover up the Geodon side effects. If you have had weight gain from drugs, Amantadine might help with weight loss - there has been at least one study done showing that it either stopped or reversed weight gain with people taking Zyprexa.
How long have you been on the Serequel? I've been on it for 6 weeks so far - 200mg. I got on it so slowly that I never felt drugged up which was great. Have you had problems with it causing weight gain, an increase in appetite, or a slowing of metabolism? Any other bothersome side effects? I haven't had anything yet which is good, since I've tried a lot of drugs where I couldn't tolerate the side effects - most often, weight gain or feeling like a zombie. I'm really worried about the Serequel causing weight gain after I get of the Amatadine, so I am reluctant to do so.
Have a good nite/morning.
Lisa> >Lisa,
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> I am familiar with Geodon and Seroquel (I take it) but am curious to know what Amantadine is used for? Is it new?
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> MIMI
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> Mimi,
> >
> > I took Ambien from Sept 2002 to Feb 2003. I was really stressed out with school and was taking Amantadine to counteract Geodon side effects - but both drugs caused insomnia. Last fall it worked fairly well - I took 20mg/nite almost every nite. After I adjusted to it (couple of nites), I would wake up feeling alert and refreshed. The first few times you take it, make sure you do so right before you go to bed, because it seems to work almost immediately. But I couldn't sleep as well after awhile - it lost its effectiveness somewhat but still worked - sometimes I would have trouble sleeping through the nite. I went off of it over Xmas break and slept on my own, but it was taking me 3 hrs/nite. So I went back on the Ambien until I switched off the Geodon onto the Serequel and have since not had sleep problems.
> >
> > The Ambien did not change my appetite whatsoever. I actually lost 12lb when I was on it, due to the Amantadine which weight loss is a side effect.
> >
> > Ambien is a good choice for short term insomnia, but for me, it was not a long term solution since it was addictive and lost effectiveness - felt like I needed more and more. I think that the Rx info only suggests using it short term.
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> > Hope this helps.
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> >
> > Lisa
> >
> >
> > > Hi all,
> > > Does anyone know if Ambien causes weight gain? I'm switching off Periactin (for sleep) tonight as I have been rapidly gaining & find it unacceptable. Are there any dangers from Ambien. I've been searching the web, but it seems that detailed med information sites have become scarce. Anyone know of any good med sites besides Psychobabble? Appreciate all answers! Thanks, MIMI
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> >
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poster:Lisa P
thread:219351
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030411/msgs/219441.html