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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dunder on August 18, 2006, at 5:54:19
I have been taking 30mg mirtazapine for about three months now. In the first 2 months I gained about 12 pounds. In the past month I have also been taking 100 mg 5-HTP per day and I have found that it has suppressed my appetite sufficiently that I now have lost the extra 12 pounds. I am fairly certain that it is the 5-HTP that is responsible because on the few days that I have forgotten to take it I have a return of those mega-mirtazapine-munchies.
I just hope that this "antidote" will last long term. In addition to the appetite suppressant effects I have also noticed that there is a great improvement in my mood and less of the anger/irritability that mirtazapine was causing.
Posted by Phillipa on August 18, 2006, at 12:22:40
In reply to Think I've found cure for mirtazapine weight gain, posted by Dunder on August 18, 2006, at 5:54:19
When I took l5mg for sleep not only did it not make me tired it didn't increase my wt or appetite. I guess I'm just wierd. Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on August 19, 2006, at 16:56:17
In reply to Think I've found cure for mirtazapine weight gain, posted by Dunder on August 18, 2006, at 5:54:19
> I have been taking 30mg mirtazapine for about three months now. In the first 2 months I gained about 12 pounds. In the past month I have also been taking 100 mg 5-HTP per day and I have found that it has suppressed my appetite sufficiently that I now have lost the extra 12 pounds. I am fairly certain that it is the 5-HTP that is responsible because on the few days that I have forgotten to take it I have a return of those mega-mirtazapine-munchies.
>
> I just hope that this "antidote" will last long term. In addition to the appetite suppressant effects I have also noticed that there is a great improvement in my mood and less of the anger/irritability that mirtazapine was causing.
This sounds wonderful because for most all patients its incredibly weight gaining (yet a wonderful antidepressant) -- I stopped it long ago and I am gaining on a years' worth of gym use reducing 50 lbs of weight gain. Some say it is also reductive if the dose is sky high though that I didn't see either.Congrats and good luck
-- Jay
Posted by joslynn on August 24, 2006, at 17:17:55
In reply to Think I've found cure for mirtazapine weight gain, posted by Dunder on August 18, 2006, at 5:54:19
What about interactions? Can one also take the 5htp if they are taking Remeron AND lexapro?
Where do you get it? Health food stores? Are some brands better than others?
I am going to ask my pdoc about this. Just worried about interactions is all. (Or do pdocs look down on this and it's best not to mention?)
Thanks for the tip.
Signed, Joslyn, Crazed Carbohydrate Destroyer
Posted by Dunder on August 29, 2006, at 6:01:33
In reply to Do Tell More! » Dunder, posted by joslynn on August 24, 2006, at 17:17:55
Sorry about taking a long time to reply - I have been blocked for a week. I'll try to answer your questions
> What about interactions? Can one also take the 5htp if they are taking Remeron AND lexapro?
Theoretically, 5-HTP should not be taken with serotonergic drugs such as Remeron or Lexapro because of the potential for serotonin syndrome. However, there have been no reported cases of this happening. I have combined 5-htp with effexor previously and now with remeron and have had no problems. I guess I see it as calculated risk balancing large gains against a small theoretical risk. If you read up on the symptoms of serotonin syndrome you will soon recognise the first signs if they occur (Very very unlikely). I have experienced the symptoms but that was due to high dose effexor and never 5-htp.
> Where do you get it? Health food stores? Are some brands better than others?
You can get it at health stores. I live in the UK so recommending a brand may not be useful for you. I use Holland & Barrett's brand (50mg capsules.
> I am going to ask my pdoc about this. Just worried about interactions is all. (Or do pdocs look down on this and it's best not to mention?)
My experience, which may be different outside the UK, is that doctors are very ignorant about 5-htp. Most have not heard of it. If they have heard of it they will most likely advise you not to take it because of unknown interactions.
Anyway, good luck if you decide to give it a go. It's still working for me in terms of mood and appetite so for now I am happy with it
Dunder
Posted by joslynn on September 1, 2006, at 9:53:18
In reply to Re: Do Tell More! joslynn, posted by Dunder on August 29, 2006, at 6:01:33
Thank you.
I have been doing South Beach diet (eating more protein/veggies and cutting out white flour and sugar). I find that this has been helping a lot with the Remeron cravings. It's almost easier not to eat empty carbs/desserts at all than to try eating just some. I have already lost five of the 10 pounds I gained on Remeron (I know that doesn't sound like much weight, but I am short, so on me it's significant).
It's very hard not to eat popcorn at movies or a bit of dessert when other people are eating those things, but on the Remeron, I just cannot seem to STOP once I start eating that stuff. I used to be able to share a dessert with someone and be satisfied. On Remeron, there is no such thing as sharing desserts. I order my own! I pity da fool who tries to share my dessert when I'm on Remeron.
But I will save your post in case I can't lose weight on Remeron by changing my eating habits. Thanks.
Posted by Oncewasbubbly on January 13, 2010, at 3:07:22
In reply to Re: Do Tell More! joslynn, posted by joslynn on September 1, 2006, at 9:53:18
Posted by Deneb on January 15, 2010, at 1:06:33
In reply to Re: Do Tell More! joslynn (nm) » joslynn, posted by Oncewasbubbly on January 13, 2010, at 3:07:22
Hello Oncewasbubbly!
Welcome to Psycho-Babble! That thread you're responding to hasn't been active in nearly 4 years and Joslynn doesn't have her Babblemail turned on. I'm not sure if Joselynn is still around Babble or not.
You can try starting your own thread asking your question and that will likely help you more.
Deneb
This is the end of the thread.
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