![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rainbowlight on March 18, 2003, at 2:10:20
I am wondering if anyone here has gain Remeron weight and then lost it by going up to a higher dose?
Posted by LyndaK on March 19, 2003, at 0:41:30
In reply to Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by Rainbowlight on March 18, 2003, at 2:10:20
> I am wondering if anyone here has gain Remeron weight and then lost it by going up to a higher dose?
I'm on 60mg per day. Weight (gained 20 lbs.) hasn't budged. But I'm happier.
Lynda
Posted by hok on March 19, 2003, at 12:09:12
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose? » Rainbowlight, posted by LyndaK on March 19, 2003, at 0:41:30
I have only been on Remeron a week at 30mg but the appetitive effect is already subsiding a little. I think this is because the alpha-2 antagonism has kicked in more. I think if I went up to 45mg, this would totally erase the problems of weight gain, but I'm also thinking it might begin to jar my sleep at that level.
HK
Posted by LyndaK on March 20, 2003, at 21:25:55
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by hok on March 19, 2003, at 12:09:12
> I have only been on Remeron a week at 30mg but the appetitive effect is already subsiding a little. I think this is because the alpha-2 antagonism has kicked in more. I think if I went up to 45mg, this would totally erase the problems of weight gain, but I'm also thinking it might begin to jar my sleep at that level.
>
> HKMy experience is that the increased appetite definitely goes away/subsides with higher doses -- that is not an issue anymore. I think the weight gain is also a product of altered metabolism. I actually exercise more now than I did before because I feel better and have more energy -- but the 20 lbs. I put on at the beginning of Remeron treatment hasn't budged! Doesn't get worse; doesn't get better. It's like a new set point.
I still sleep well with the Remeron even at 60 mgs. per day, but I think I've read other posts of people who were having sleep or anxiety issues at higher doses.
As an antidepressant it's been the best one I've tried -- given me my life back really. It's the only medication I'm on.
Best of luck to you.
Lynda
Posted by jrbecker on March 21, 2003, at 0:44:09
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by LyndaK on March 20, 2003, at 21:25:55
Lynda-
you're definitely on to something with the belief that the effects of the remeron not only have an affect on appetite, but also metabolism itself. Just as SSRIs can cause agitation, increased body warmth, sweating, and loss of appetite, Remeron (and also Serzone) can have the opposite effect by increasing appetitive behaviors but also lowering the basal temperature of the body, and thus, lowering the metabolic rate of energy consumption.
> My experience is that the increased appetite definitely goes away/subsides with higher doses -- that is not an issue anymore. I think the weight gain is also a product of altered metabolism. I actually exercise more now than I did before because I feel better and have more energy -- but the 20 lbs. I put on at the beginning of Remeron treatment hasn't budged! Doesn't get worse; doesn't get better. It's like a new set point.
>
> I still sleep well with the Remeron even at 60 mgs. per day, but I think I've read other posts of people who were having sleep or anxiety issues at higher doses.
>
> As an antidepressant it's been the best one I've tried -- given me my life back really. It's the only medication I'm on.
>
> Best of luck to you.
> Lynda
>
Posted by LyndaK on March 22, 2003, at 0:14:07
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by jrbecker on March 21, 2003, at 0:44:09
Thankyou for your response! Sounds like you know a little more about the physiology behind it. Would a "lowered basal body temperature" translate into feeling cold? I tend to feel cold a lot.
Lynda
> Lynda-
>
> you're definitely on to something with the belief that the effects of the remeron not only have an affect on appetite, but also metabolism itself. Just as SSRIs can cause agitation, increased body warmth, sweating, and loss of appetite, Remeron (and also Serzone) can have the opposite effect by increasing appetitive behaviors but also lowering the basal temperature of the body, and thus, lowering the metabolic rate of energy consumption.
>
>
> > My experience is that the increased appetite definitely goes away/subsides with higher doses -- that is not an issue anymore. I think the weight gain is also a product of altered metabolism. I actually exercise more now than I did before because I feel better and have more energy -- but the 20 lbs. I put on at the beginning of Remeron treatment hasn't budged! Doesn't get worse; doesn't get better. It's like a new set point.
> >
> > I still sleep well with the Remeron even at 60 mgs. per day, but I think I've read other posts of people who were having sleep or anxiety issues at higher doses.
> >
> > As an antidepressant it's been the best one I've tried -- given me my life back really. It's the only medication I'm on.
> >
> > Best of luck to you.
> > Lynda
> >
>
>
Posted by jrbecker on March 22, 2003, at 13:30:47
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose? » jrbecker, posted by LyndaK on March 22, 2003, at 0:14:07
yes, I had the same sensation when taking remeron. And I have to tell you that feeling cold was a welcome relief to the increased body warmth I felt from most SSRIs. Definitely a good thing maybe now that the warmer months are approaching.
Posted by LyndaK on March 23, 2003, at 23:01:42
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by jrbecker on March 22, 2003, at 13:30:47
Thanks again for the info. It's sure nice to get an explanation, once in a while, to some of these quirky little things! Unfortunately, my norm (on no meds) is to be on the cold side, so being on Remeron has me wearing a jacket most of the time (even indoors). Oh well, still a good trade-off for having my life back. :)
Lynda
Posted by MoBe on September 6, 2003, at 18:33:57
In reply to Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by Rainbowlight on March 18, 2003, at 2:10:20
> I am wondering if anyone here has gain Remeron weight and then lost it by going up to a higher dose?
I've remained on the lower dose of 15 mg. because it definitely helps my sleep most at that dose. I've also take 150 mg of wellbutrin in the morning which helps the sleepy feeling but does not seem to undo the lowering of the metabolic rate. Have any of you actually taken your temperature upon awakening to see if it actually measurable lower? I would like to solve this problem if whether it is mostly metabolic rate or mostly overeating for two reasons - because I would like to remain on the med because it is so good with sleep and also because I am a dietitian and perhaps I can help others if I can help myself.
MoBe
Posted by LyndaK on September 8, 2003, at 1:12:05
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose? » Rainbowlight, posted by MoBe on September 6, 2003, at 18:33:57
I'm on 60mgs. per day -- have been on that dose for at least 9 months. I have not lost the weight that I initially gained, but I have not gained any more either. I have not taken my temperature -- why would the time of day make a difference? ("upon awakening"). In general I tend to feel cold more easily (I keep likening myself to a reptile -- have to go find a sunny rock in the morning to warm myself up). I'd be interested in what you find out. I certainly wouldn't mind taking off 10 or 15 pounds (I put on 20 but I was a little underweight to begin with).
Good Luck!
Lynda
> > I am wondering if anyone here has gain Remeron weight and then lost it by going up to a higher dose?
>
> I've remained on the lower dose of 15 mg. because it definitely helps my sleep most at that dose. I've also take 150 mg of wellbutrin in the morning which helps the sleepy feeling but does not seem to undo the lowering of the metabolic rate. Have any of you actually taken your temperature upon awakening to see if it actually measurable lower? I would like to solve this problem if whether it is mostly metabolic rate or mostly overeating for two reasons - because I would like to remain on the med because it is so good with sleep and also because I am a dietitian and perhaps I can help others if I can help myself.
> MoBe
>
Posted by MoBe on September 8, 2003, at 9:52:44
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by LyndaK on September 8, 2003, at 1:12:05
> I'm on 60mgs. per day -- have been on that dose for at least 9 months. I have not lost the weight that I initially gained, but I have not gained any more either. I have not taken my temperature -- why would the time of day make a difference? ("upon awakening"). In general I tend to feel cold more easily (I keep likening myself to a reptile -- have to go find a sunny rock in the morning to warm myself up). I'd be interested in what you find out. I certainly wouldn't mind taking off 10 or 15 pounds (I put on 20 but I was a little underweight to begin with).
>
> Good Luck!
> Lynda
>
>
> > > I am wondering if anyone here has gain Remeron weight and then lost it by going up to a higher dose?
> >
> > I've remained on the lower dose of 15 mg. because it definitely helps my sleep most at that dose. I've also take 150 mg of wellbutrin in the morning which helps the sleepy feeling but does not seem to undo the lowering of the metabolic rate. Have any of you actually taken your temperature upon awakening to see if it actually measurable lower? I would like to solve this problem if whether it is mostly metabolic rate or mostly overeating for two reasons - because I would like to remain on the med because it is so good with sleep and also because I am a dietitian and perhaps I can help others if I can help myself.
> > MoBe
> >
> Dear LindaKI have read books on thyroid disease that say if your temperature is low in the morning ( first thing upon awakening and I think, but am not sure that the temperature they were using was under 37 degrees Centigrade and that they were using a basal thermometer) then your metabolic rate may be low. I got the weight off from taking remeron once, by going back on wellbutrin 150 mg twice a day and discontinuing the remeron for awhile. Unfortunately, when I put the remeron back I seem to almost instantly get constipated and gain about 3 pounds. Then if I'm not carefull even more pounds pack on. I'll try to get a basal thermometer and report my findings. By the way, if you can't find a basal thermometer just ask your pharmacist.
Thanks and good luck to you too.MoBe
>
Posted by LyndaK on September 11, 2003, at 0:21:31
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose? » LyndaK, posted by MoBe on September 8, 2003, at 9:52:44
MoBe,
Interesting.
It would've been more telling, I think, if you had taken your temperature before starting the Remeron again, and then taken your temperature again after restarting the Remeron. At my dose I can't really do that. But I"ll see if I can get a Basal Thermometer and take my temp. just to see what it is.
Keep in touch.
Lynda
Posted by almondjoy on September 13, 2003, at 1:17:33
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by LyndaK on March 20, 2003, at 21:25:55
I gained 70 pounds on Remeron, after changing meds, it still stuck but after a couple months, i couldn't take it....starved myself for 6 months, and now im back to my ideal size w/o having to watch what i eat. do what u can if you're feeling much improved on it, but i would'nt recomment anyone to start it unless all other same action meds were tried.
Posted by MoBe on September 13, 2003, at 11:10:53
In reply to Re: Anyone lose Remeron weight on higher dose?, posted by almondjoy on September 13, 2003, at 1:17:33
> I gained 70 pounds on Remeron, after changing meds, it still stuck but after a couple months, i couldn't take it....starved myself for 6 months, and now im back to my ideal size w/o having to watch what i eat. do what u can if you're feeling much improved on it, but i would'nt recomment anyone to start it unless all other same action meds were tried.
My question is - what other meds are in the sedating family of antidepressents and don't cause weight gain? Also, I'm going out today to buy a basal thermometer to take my morning temperature before and after being on remeron. What I want to determine is that - is it really a metabolic rate issue or is it an "eating too much carbs issue". I know also that the body is very complicated in the way it maintains its lean body mass and burns fat, but at least taking temperature is an easy thing that I can do!!!
Will tell you how it turns out.
MoBe
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.