Welcome to the remeron room! Please feel free to post a bit about yourself so we can get acquainted.

Also, new members without the 5 posts needed to start a new topic - read around the room and add a reply to any topic that fits for you. If you don't find what you are looking for, go ahead and post here in this welcome thread.

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Someone needs to start this board!  I am 38 years old and take 60 mg of remeron nightly for severe depression. I also take 5 other psych. meds.  I am a regular basket case.  I am a married elementary school teacher with two kids 10 and 12, a cat and a dog and a fish.  Anyone else out there take remeron?  Has it helped you?  Does it make you gain weight?  It does me, and I hate that side effect.

linnie,
I would subjest that you get off remeron all together. Theres too many Psyc. out there that think this is a "Wonder" drug. So they hand out the stuff to everyone like Prozack back in the late 80's & 90's. When they gave it to me, I Knew within two weeks that this was a "BAD" drug. They said just stick with it. And I told them where to stick it. I got a new Psyc. That realy understands all the meds out there. Remeron is a killer. Theres plenty of meds out there that will accomplish what you need without the real bad side effects. Do a hunt on "Google" that will put you in touch with other meds.

Navy

I don't know you or your experiences, but, with all due respect, just because Remeron didn't work for you doesn't mean it hasn't worked and won't work for others. I have read many wonderful and encouraging stories from other Remeron users who have been helped dramatically by it. I have also heard some not so encouraging stories. It depends on the person, their individual chemistry, as well as the biological and emotional issues they are struggling with.

My name is Sabrina, I am 25 and have suffered from depression since I was 14. I was on Paxil for a year at age 20, but found no benefits from it, and it had many unpleasant side effects. I have been on Remeron for a week now and I find it very low in side effects, especially compared to Paxil. I know that I am just a week into it, and it™s still too soon to tell if it's the right med for me, but I™m hopeful.

The only side effects that I have experienced thus far is drowsiness that is already improving, a bit of bloating, and a slight alteration in vision. Nothing serious. A less sensitive person might not even notice it; it's that mild.

Other than that, I would say that my anxiety has already been helped a some, but I have yet to see a change in the depression. I am due to see my doc again in a week.

I was on mirtazapine for all of three days. I was prescribed it after being on fluoxetine for four months which turned me into an itchy, impulsive zombie. Mirtazapine turned me into an aggressive, violent, dizzy monster who ate everything in sight. I was running around the house with a sharp knife and wanting to destroy things. I knew I was being horrible to my partner but I felt like I was being controlled and couldn't do anything about it. I took myself off and got revenge by crushing up all the pills and flushing them down the toilet. I went back and changed doctor and the new one prescribed lofepramine (a TCA). I've only been taking it for two days but apart from a dry mouth and a little light-headedness I feel a lot better.

Anyone have anything Good to say about remeron?

Sabrina,
I have been Clinicly Depressed since I was BORN. Get it? It's in the geno process. And for the facts on remeron. Do the research. You see I do research on ALL my meds before I start to take them. And more then likely I have been on meds much, much more longer then you have. Either it was Drugs, or meds when I became sober 15 years ago. I'm here to give Linnie some GOOD SOUND advise. When I did the research on this pitcular med 1 out of 20 it worked on. So you do the math. Or do some research before you go around judgeing others with out one leg to stand on. It's all in the research Sabrina. Didn't you learn that in college? This is for Linnie and Linnie only. Not for your personal enjoyment on being egocintric. If you have somethig GOOD to say about the said med, then state it. Just don't enter a room making prejudgements, and not coming from an area of wisdom or facts. So before you you get the facts. Just back off. Way off.

Navy

Whoa. O.K. I didn't mean to offend you. Not my intention.

I am in complete agreement with you that research is the way to go. After my horrible experience with Paxil, I spent 5 years researching different anti-depressants before I even made an appt with my doc.

I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with Remeron. My experience so far has been different. I just wanted to share it .I was in NO WAY trying to dishonor your experience. I was in no way trying to imply that everyone would have a good experience. I did say that I have read accounts by many people who have had bad experiances, but I have also read accounts by people who have said this drug saved their life. I'm sure this is true of any drug. There are two sides to every coin. That's all I meant by my post.

Again, I did not mean to offend you. I think we all have the same goal here. To support one another. I certainly support you, and I™m sorry you have struggled with depression as long as you have.

Peace.

Linnie- Aside from the weight gain, has Remeron helped you? Have you had any other side effects?

leapylees- Sorry you had such a bad experiance. I'm glad that you are on a different drug now that seems to be working for you. Good luck!

Well-I've been on remeron for about 3-4 months and I would like to get off of it.  It has helped tremendously with anxiety but only so so for depression and I am tired pretty much all the time.  The tiredness only gets worse the longer I am on it.  Also, I don't care for the "remeron belly" that makes me look 3-5 months pregnant.   If I were feeling great  I probably wouldn't care about the abdominal distention, but since I'm not feeling great it just annoys me.

I have pretty much known for the last month that this was not the drug for me, but a combination of fear, family pressure and waiting until August to see if EmSam (the MAOI patch) receives final approval have kept me on thee drug.  I've been reading some scary stuff about withdrawal and this drug, so now I wish I'd made a change sooner.  (Usually if you've only been on a drug four to six weeks you don't have to go through withdrawal).

Anyway, my pdoc wants me to add wellbutrin rather than try something else (which in my case would be a TCA-nortriptyline) and so I will do what he wants (But I'd rather just get off the remeron).  I am hoping that maybe if I can do OK on the Wellbutrin that I can drop the remeron and then add something else in for the anxiety if necessary.  If I can't handle the wellbutrin then I will  have to make a total med shift and hope the withdrawal isn't too horrible.  I am really hoping to have this sorted out by the time fall rolls aroundd because I have horrible seasonal affective disorder, but it doesn't look good.  An eight week trial of wellbutrin will take me until mid September!  I really should have done this sooner!!

Will post on the Wellbutrin board as well.

Sabrina,
Tell you what. Once you have found that "LIFE SAVING" drug, please contact me asap. Ok? Like I said, I have been sobar for 15 years. 15 years of pure horor on the meds that all the doctors were giving me. All the time saying this ONE will work. B.S. In the 15 years I have only found one med that could help me. That was "Clonazepam" It's kind of works on the Herion chain. I take it and no more Anxity. So I got that under control. But I have NEVER found just one or two meds to help me with my depression. Hell, I'm even thinking about going back to using again. At least when I was using I was happy and loved to meet everyone. I had no fear. I enjoyed life. The problem now is that all the drugs that I used to use will be out of my reach finacialy. LOL, it's always some thing that gets in my way.

Navy

Sabrina-

Welcome to the remeron board.  Most people who post here are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Unfortunately, when it comes to meds we can read about others experiences but never know what our experience will be until we try it for ourselves.

I personally was totally zonked out on this drug for only two days and then had tons of energy.  That, unfortunately, did not last (apparently people can get a bit hypomanic on drugs when they first start them) and so the first several weeks were a bit of false hope in terms of energy level.  I now find it very difficult to get out of bed in the morning and often feel sedated most of the day.

Also, when I tried to bump up on the dosage to get more of an AD effect I actually got more sedated (which is unusual with this drug).

The drug HAS worked very well on my anxiety.  But I don't feel like myself on the drug and feel pretty cognitively blunted on it.

For me, remeron took a long time to really kick in: 4 weeks for true anti anxiety (physical anxiety--I still worry about my condition and what meds I face next) and ten weeks for the anti depressant effect (what there is of it).  I just don't think I can stand the side effects much longer.

I hope it is the right drug for you.  Hang in there!

Yes aside from the weight gain I think remeron is helping me.  I am still depressed but am doing better, taking one day at a time.

I took Remeron Soltabs 45mg a day and it hardly did anything besides make me sleep very well and increased my appetite which caused unwanted weight gain.

Hi all,

I was wondering if remeron is in the same class as effexor - can they be taken together?  Effexor has been my wonder drug but is starting to 'poop out'.  Thanks for any info,

bebo

Yes, I know of several people on this combo.  

No, they are not the same type of drug.  Remeron is a tetracyclic and kind of in  a class by itself.  

Effexor is an SNRI.  If cymbalta/duloxetine ever gets final approval (Suppossedly this September), it will be the closest thing to effexor.  It is also an SNRI but works equally on noreph. and serotonin, whereas effexor works more on serotonin than noreph.

Good Luck!!

No they are not the same kind of drug, but YES you CAN take Remeron and Effexor TOGETHER.

I have been doing so for over 10 months and I have NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS COMBO!!!!
My psychiatrist prescribed Remeron in a low dose to help me sleep at night, and it has worked wonders.  I do not feel any weird sluggish side effects as I do with sleep aids.  Before Remeron, I was getting 2-3 hours of restless sleep a night, which only exacerbated my depression and anxiety problems.  Now, with a full night's rest, I am more in control.

Good luck, and don't let stories of bad experiences scare you.  Meds affect everyone differently, and what works for one may or may not work for another.

i posted in another thread but ill post here too, just started 15 mg remeron a little over a week ago, not too hungry (but a little,which is actually good for me, I'm a stick)  sleeping well, felt better depression wise right away, but today fell totally back into it, slept all afternoon.  
Do most people feel it takes a long time for the depression?  do you take a bigger dose?  I also still have to take xanax at least 4 times a day to keep myself sane.:p

Welcome to our Forums, lbigirl.  
If you do not get answers quickly, please know that it is summer..slow season for all and many are on vacation before school starts.
Please read our archived vault at
www.depressionforums.com  
as you may find some answers in there, sweetie.  :;):

Hiya IBIGirl! welcome to the forums :). 15 mg is actually a fairly low dose ... I was started out on 30 and raised fairly quickly to 45, and I suspect your doctor will raise you to at least 30 at some point, in order for you to get the full results. I shouldn't worry if you still feel depressed after only a little over a week, though... that's not long for any medication. Stick with it, and be sure to let us all know how you're doing!

Welcome, lbigirl!

I haven't personally taken remeron, but had some experience with folks using it, in my medical work.  About the only special thing I know of is that remeron is often the AD of choice when people also need to gain weight, or just have a really poor appetite.

As Jo said, one week is probably not nearly long enough for you to get the full benefits of the medication.  Most ADs can take 2 weeks to 2 months before they are fully effective.  And as she also said, perhaps your doctor intends to increase your dosage.  You probably will want to be in touch with your doctor if you haven't noticed much change after a month's time, or sooner of course if you have any problems or question.

Karen

I waited two months for prozac, for instance, to work and had almost given up but was glad that I stuck it out!! So I would not recommend ever quitting any drug until you have give it at least that long, just in case it's a really slow worker. If i'd quit prozac after a week or even a month, I'd have been back to square one.

btw am not saying remeron will take two months for you! I think prozac took longer for me than for most people. Just saying that you can never tell how long something will take to work, but eventually, hopefully, it will.

best wishes.

hi im dsl and im on remeron

hi DSL and welcome to the forums :)

Welcome, DSL!
Have you been on Remeron long? How are you doing on it? I found I was very fatigued on it at first. My doc let me try it after I'd had some poor responses to a few SSRIs.

That's why I was put on it too :). It did make me tired and also made me eat - but hey, i don't need much excuse to eat - but the upside was that it did not have a lot of the effects that ssris did on start ups.. things like shakiness and anxiety and such. Other than the two things I mentioned, I did not feel as though I was 'on' something.

HI, l have been on remoran 15mg, with my paxil 40mg. The only thing l seemed to get from it was a good night sleep. And yes does it make you eat, mostly sugared stuff. It helped with my sleep at first, which is great, because having depression and not sleeping sucks. I am currently in the middle of coming off it, l was on a low dose so l seem to be doing ok. Just thought l would share my experience about remoran. BYE :suspect:

Welcome to DF, canacool, and thanks for sharing your experience.

hi all,
Thanks for your posts, I seem to be feeling a bit better, will be seeing the doc again on Tuesday...so maybe he will up the dose.  One thing I did notice, I'm eating...but at 5'7 and 110 that's still a good thing for me.  I usually don't eat when I get depressed.  Once I'm down to 100 (which I was this winter) it's really pitiful.  I'm not really having any side effects either, so good so far on that!
Thanks again for the support, I'll keep you posted.

L

lbigirl,
Glad you're beginning to feel better!
(BTW - I'd be happy to loan you some of my extra pounds)

thanks Lizard,
Have been muddling through it,  the good days with the bad.  Seems like the Remeron is working, but I have a hard time in the morning, don't want to get out of bed, not because I'm tired but I'm paralyzed, depressed and unmotivated.  This happen to anyone else?  Once I finally drag myself out (late) then I'm ok.

Lbigirl

PS> Liz, I can feel the pounds packing on, I have to get a scale !??

Hi, I'm new to DF but I have been taking Remeron for about 2yrs now, 45mg. It is the only med I've been able to take that doesn't give me side effects, I briefly tried Prozac(made me feel like I had the flu for a whole month until I realized it was the med), Paxil (made me feel distant and detached), Serzone (I couldn't even walk at first, then I just didn't like it).  
My major symptom of depression was insomnia (horrible!), anxiety, inferiority, lack of energy and fatigue.  Remeron and Clonazepam have at least let me sleep most nights but I still have problems at time.  It has helped me with self esteem issues and I am actually assertive and get some righteous anger when appropriate.  I know with some people on this drug anger can be a problem though.  At first I did have an increased appetite but it's not a problem for me.
Lately though I have been feeling less motivated and sluggish--my pdoc has told me I could increase my doseage to 60mg, which I will try tonight, I just hope it doesn't disturb my sleep.  Well, I sorry for being so wordy, but I just wanted to let others know that this med does work and that the frustrating thing about these meds is that they effect us all differently and to different degrees.  I certainly don't agree with the previous post stating that this drug is a "killer".  
Best to all!

Hi Manno, welcome to the forums! I guess meds affect all of us differently, eh? :) that's why it's a bit pointless going by someone else's reactions to something when trying to choose something for ourselves...

Hello all, I am new to this forum.  I live in the UK and am a 26 year old male.  I have suffered from depression for approx 4 years and have been on and off meds during that time.  I took 15mg of Zispin (Mirtazaphine) for approx 4 months, with it having little effect, other than to make me tired all the time.  The Doctor increased my dose to 30mg and I have been on this for 3 weeks now.  It still doesnt feel like its having much effect. Should I give it more time or when I return to the doc's in a weeks time should I ask him to increase the dose.

I must confess I do sleep very well, but during the day I get tired, im anxious and panic virtually all the time.

hi bricktop,  i don't have any advice for you except to discuss it with your doc--he/she may want to up the dose before giving up on it.  As for me I went to 60mg last night and did not sleep very well--i do feel a little more motivated to do some things but tired at the same time. best, manno

I will see how I feel after this week.

Its difficult to monitor my progress as I have been signed off work for the last 3 weeks and am until 7th September 2004.

When I see my Doc I will discuss the dosage with him.  Over the last 18 months I have tried all kinds of meds, none this time round seeming to have had any effect.  

I think that something may be wrong with me as medication is having little or no effect.  I am considering asking my doctor for a blood test to check that its nothing else (i.e diabetes, thyroid problems)?

What are your views to this?

Welcome to DF, Manno, and thanks for sharing your experience on remeron with us. I hope you do well on the dose increase - let us know.

Welcome to you also, bricktop!
My pdoc says remeron (mirtazapine) is one of those strange meds where some patients have FEWER side-effects at higher dosages. But regardless of what you and your doc decide to do with it, I think it's always a good idea to rule out other problems that can cause or add to mood disorders.
I wish you well!

Ibigirl,
You might also discuss a dose change with your doc, or you might consider taking your dose at a different time of day (I did best taking it early evening, but everyone's different).

Has anyone else here on Meds for depression asked a doctor for a thorough medical evaluation to rule out - Thyroid disease, hypoglycaemia and hormonal imbalances.

The more I read up upon these topics the more I can see how people are misprescribed anti depressants.  These evaluations should be done before any medication is prescribed.

I am certainly going to discuss this with my GP on my next visit.  It helps to eliminate things, then we can concerntrate on tackling the real problem and getting better.

I've only had liver function checked when i started sersone but nothing since then, however, due to my traumatic emotional history i know i have depression and i know that i needs meds to deal with it.  

Bricktop, i would certainly try to rule out other causes if you are concerned, at least it would make you feel more at ease with your treatment if nothing else is wrong with you. Good luck.