Posted by Daveman on November 21, 2001, at 0:30:34
In reply to SSRI (Prozac) + Remeron......the perfect combo?, posted by Swedengirl on November 20, 2001, at 9:57:55
Hi Swedengirl:
40 mg. Celexa plus 15 mg. Remeron is my combo. Perfect, no; effective, yes. Here are my best answers to your questions.
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> 1)How is Remeron working in the lower doses? Is it just antihistamine effect at this dosage?I don't know the chemical reasons, but Remeron at 15 mg. has worked well for me.
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> 2)I have a prescription for 30 mg tablets, is it possible to cut it to 7,5 mg?I also have the 30 mg. tablets, which are scored down the middle. To get to 7.5, you'd have to use a pill cutter or sharp razor blade, but I'm sure it is possible.
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> 3)I am afraid of weight gain with Remeron, is it easier to avoid this in a combo with SSRI?
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Sorry, not in my experience. I've gained about 20 pounds in 9 months, which my doc tells me is about average for this combo. For me it was a fair trade, but I was well advised in advance of this possibility and took it into account in going on this combo. If your doc is as good as mine he/she will give you the straight answers in advance so there is no surprise later.> 4)Is it true that the antihistamine effect makes you eat more, and therefore the weight gain? Do you gain weight on other sedating antihistamines in the same way too?
I cannot answer the why's, sorry.
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> 5)I am thinking of switching to Prozac because I think I need a more activating SSRI in a combo with Remeron, and maybe offset some weight gain?Can't answer this, but I found that after the first week or so I slowly adjusted to the sedation effect of the Remeron. Got to warn you, that first week is quite an experience! Prepare yourself for 10 hours sound sleep, don't plan anything for the day after you take it for the first time.
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> 6)Does Remeron helps with the initially worsening of anxiety with Prozac?Never taken Prozac, can't answer this.
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> 7)How can I do the switch in the best way?Can't help you there either.
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> Sorry for all the weight stuff, but it is an important issue to me! BTW, the first snow is falling down here, and THAT is nice!
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> Have nice day!
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> Swedengirl
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Sorry I can't give you the answers you want to hear on the weight thing, but better to know the consequences up front. Besides, maybe you won't gain weight, not everyone does. Good luck to you!Dave
poster:Daveman
thread:84754
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84824.html