Remeron?

Hey all,

I was just curious if anyone has any personal experience with Remeron, specifically in combination with Depakote? I've done the research and I'm not particularly thrilled that the dr. prescribed it to help with my brutal sleep patterns as of the last few months. I have yet to make the switch for fear the new combination won't be any better than what I'm using right now - Effexor and Depakote. Sounds like weight gain is a problem and I'm already struggling with that.

My pdoc isn't available for a month and neither is my usual GP so I had to visit the substitute. She suggested that since the Remeron makes most people drowsy, taking it before bed will likely help to keep me sleeping through the night. Right now I only sleep in 3 hour intervals and this doesn't work when you're trying to manage a 9-5 schedule. I've already tried zopiclone to help sleep, and even though it works like magic (even on 1/2 of the smallest tablets) I can't stand the brutal taste in my mouth that lasts for days. Right now I use the Zopiclone as a standby when I'm totally beat and need a decent night's rest.

Just curious,

Putter

Hi, Putter - haven't seen you in awhile! 

I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble sleeping - it's a problem for all of us, ain't it?

Have you been tried on antipsychotics?  I know Zyprexa and Risperdal cause too much weight gain, you don't need that with depakote - but Seroquel has little to no effect on weight.  I can speak from personal experience as well - the doseage is extremely flexible and it does work really great for most people.  Remeron will defo cause weight gain, it causes intense sugar cravings.  It's also used cautiously in bipolars, because it is an antidepressant, and runs the risk of causing hypomania.  Some BPs react totally opposite on it, be careful if you take it. It also tends to have a "poop-out" effect after about a month.  But, on the other hand it could be what you need!  We're all so different, you know that.   

If you've already tried Seroquel, I'm sorry!

Thanks for the info. From what I've read, I don't know that Remeron is all that well suited for me. The weight gain is a bit of an issue for me. I've already packed on about 20lbs since I started all the medication two years ago despite the fact that I'm active and am pretty conscious of what I consume - I have a small frame and am not even 5ft so I think that much more weight and its going to be a real problem for me to maintain at a healthy level and I'm not prepared to deal with that one.

And the whole mania thing sounds a little iffy. I'm recently single, (of my own decision) and am pleased to say that I've been enjoying quite a bit of sanity lately and don't want to jeopardize that (if I end up single, its usually because I'm in the midst of a manic or depressive fit and live in a blurr for several months until all the waters smooth out). I think that for now, I'm going to tough out the sleeplessness and deal with the Zopiclone until the regular drs are back from vaca and I can have a go around with them over Seroquel.

I'm sure the doc that I saw yesterday was doing her best, but I don't know that she was really taking into account the whole BP thing. She was just looking for an alternative to the Effexor. I guess that's why they make pdocs.

Hope you are all enjoying the last few weeks of summer and I appreciate the input. It really helps take a load off.

Putter