I am currently on 30 mg a day of Lexapro and 45 mg a day of Remeron. I was on 20 mg a day of Lexapro only, which worked great at first but after a couple of years on this dose, it just wasn't cutting it anymore. So my psychiatrist added 30 mg a day of Remeron, which helped me sleep, but I started waking up in the middle of the night, so he upped it to 45. Since I was still feeling somewhat depressed he also, on my request, upped the Lexapro to 30 mg a day. My problem is that I am really hungry on these drugs and have put on close to 30 pounds since August. It has been difficult for me to lose weight even with regular exercise since I am so hungry. He told me that I could try Topamax instead of the Remeron to help me sleep (I haven't switched over yet though), but I have been researching Topamax, and the side effects scare me, especially vision and cognitive problems. I've tried other sleep meds--Rozarem, Ambien, etc., but the Rozarem didn't work and the Ambien gave me headaches. So I am not sure what to do. I hate the thought of either having cognitive and/or vision problems or being fat, or else taking neither the Remeron or the Topamax and being unable to sleep. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Depression Medications
I took Lexapro 10mg for over a year, and i gained about 20 pounds on it, and also had insomnia, couldn't sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time, and had to use sleeping pills to fall asleep. That didnt work for me after a while, so I asked to switch to Remeron 15 mg, and for the first time in a long time was able to sleep through the night, without waking up constantly. I have been taking Remeron for about 2 weeks, and have gained a few pounds, and am going to switch to 30mg. I found that I was hungry a lot on both Lexapro and Remeron. Hopefully the weight will start to come off, now that I went off the Lexapro a few days ago, stopped taking sleeping pills. I dont know if there are many meds that don't cause you to gain weight/increase appetite, it is common side effect. I have heard of Wellbutrin to treat depression, and have read on websites that it is may decrease your appetite, and may cause you to lose a few pounds. I havent tried it, but might if i gain any more weight. Anyone tried Wellbutrin to treat depression?
I tried using 15 mg remeron with 300 mg wellbutrin and 90 mg cymbalta. After 2 days terrible side affects. High anxiety level. When the cell phone rang, I would jump out of my seat. I spent several weeks tapering the wellbutrin and cymbalta to 0 mg and reducing the remeron to 7.5 mg before becoming side affect free.
Health Centers
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I've been on the Lexapro, Remeron, Prozac, Celexa, Wellbutrin, and Sinequan for depression and panic disorder. All of the above, especially the SSRIs, made me absolutely crazy. My Psch finally put me on Klonopin 2mg twice a day. It has worked wonders with no side effects. He and my friends finally convinced me I need therapy, so tomorrow I have my first session. I think it will do some good in combo with the Klonopin. Anyway, that been my story so far. Good luck.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am always curious as to what has worked with other people. Good luck with your therapy and medication and everything.