I have taken Remeron for about 5 years along with Lamictal and it has brought my depression to an acceptable level. However, the side affects of gaining weight by always wanting to eat and decreased sexual desire and capability are having a negative impact on my life. I would like to find an alternative without these side affects. Please help!
Mirtazapine - What is a good alternative to Remeron for depression?
Question posted by Ln6368 on 28 July 2009
Last updated on 21 August 2017 by dneitzel
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6 Answers
Official Answer by Drugs.com
31 July 2009
You need to talk to your doctor about changing Remeron. There are number of other anti-depressant drugs that may be used that will help your depression without the unwanted side-effects that you mention eg Venlafaxine.
Dormarie
23 Feb 2010
Good advice was what I was looking for on this site.
Studentclinics
9 Jan 2013
Definitely always talk to your physican. Never change medications without speaking to your MD, stopping any of these meds suddenly may have serious side effects.
You might want to try speaking with a psychologist as well, they often see a variety of patients on these medications and spend more time interacting with patients. They, in addition to a psychiatrist's observations, may have good insight into general patterns of responses to certain medications, which could help formulate a plan tailored to your specific needs. There's a lot of clinical judgment involved in individualized psychiatric treatment that a layperson cannot infer from drug information alone, or individual case reports on message boards.
Also please do consider psychotherapy (more likely from a psychologist--PhD, PsyD) as part of your treatment. Therapy often has substantial long-term effects and may allow you to ease off on meds slowly, take a lower dose, or take a different medication.
dneitzel
21 Aug 2017
What is a good alternative to Remeron ?
Inactive
13 Dec 2011
Hi there. I might suggest one of the cyclic anti-depressants. Vivacril (Protriptyline), is known not for gaining weight on. Its an older drug, still prescribed, generally as far as side effects are concerned, fairly well accepted. Dry mouth, dizziness and so on. But, no weight gain. Best of wishes, pledge
LiverLips
13 Dec 2011
For that helpful answer pledge, you deserve a cuppa! A large one. :D
Inactive
13 Dec 2011
Appreciated :-0) I'll bring the donuts, in case Mary shows up.
tlcandmore
14 Dec 2011
Pledge - Hi and how are you? I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about Vivacril. I think I told you a while back that I had been on Pamelor with excellent results (way back there) except for the excessive weight gain. Do you think this could be a good alternative for me?
Sorry Dormarie(sp?) I didn't mean to hijack the question and I hope you find a good med that works well for you also.
Hugs to all -Terri-
tlcandmore
14 Dec 2011
Oh I didn't notice this a really old question. Sorry :o)
Inactive
14 Dec 2011
Certainly Terri. I'm doing good thanks and hope you are as well. My pc is acting up, I'll post the info a bit later. Take care,pledge
Inactive
1 June 2012
Scrolling through my old threads. Terri I never did post what you were asking about. Over a year and some months later. I'll ear mark this and will deliver. Better late than never I suppose. Be well my friend, pledge
till33
19 Feb 2010
elavil is a good change from remeron
Dormarie
23 Feb 2010
Thank you kindly. I was on Elavil many years ago. My appetite for sweets at that time was uncontrollable and I nearly "stole" candy off of others desks. So that is out, but thanks.
Dormarie
18 Feb 2010
I have been taking mirtazapine for three years and have gained 35 lbs. I understand that it slows the metabolism and I find it nearly impossible to lose any weight. I have cut the 45 mg. in half and feel just as good. But no weight loss. I have been suggested to try Cymbalta. Maybe I will. Otherwise, mirtazapine is the best antidepressant in 15 years. I will let you know if I can.
midas50
23 Aug 2009
Remeron is an SNRI antidepressant and you'd probably need another drug from this group. I also take Lamictal along with the SNRI antidepressant Effexor XR--(I gained 30 pounds on Remeron!).
I think I'll never give up searching for a depression cure in a bottle. My depression is still a force to reckon with, but these two drugs help me the most so far.
Dormarie
23 Feb 2010
Thank you kindly. I need something to cut my appetite. I am down to 1/4 of a 45 mg. Mirtazapine, hoping to start losing weight. I might add Cymbalta soon.
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lamictal, remeron, depression, mirtazapine
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