Remeron

[bostonceltics]

Hi Doctor

I have been off an SSRI for 2 years and I feel OK, I have low grade depression and social anxiety.  When I first took Paxil like 8 years ago it worked wonders for my depression and anxiety.  My hands stopped shaking in stressfull situations, I got a good job, I went out with friends, I felt 90% cured while on Paxil.  I took celexa and lexapro after this with mixed results.  All these SSRI's definitely effected me sexually, I couldn't "finish" during sex, this was very upsetting to me, so I stopped.

Now I am on klonopin (have tried beta blockers--they didn't work), it helps a bit but I still think that an serotonin drug may make my physical symptoms better.  Also an anti depressant may make some of my racing thoughts calm down a bit so I don't feel so down and apathetic.  I have heard that Remeron has a very low incidence on sexual side effects that's why I might try it.   I hate relying on meds to live my life but I don't want to have to worry about my hands shaking when using a computer while doing a presentation.  

Do you like this drug?  Do you like using anti depressants to help with general anxiety and social anxiety?




Thanks

[xanweaner]

As a Remeron user (30 mgs.), I don't know if it has the same effects on men as women - I'm assuming you're a guy?). It's a bit sedating, causes weight gain, increase in appetite, and does effect my sexual drive (it's zero).
However, I also take a low dose of xanax - 0.5mg./day, so who knows if it's also caused by the combo of the two.

I wish I could tolerate the SSRI's - they make me too aggitated.
And, talk therapy, with the right therapist, is very effective, too. I felt my best when I combined it with my Remeron.
Good luck.....

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I prefer talk therapy, but if you need medications in addition, then you might try wellbutrin because it does not have sexual side effects, and in most cases is quite effective.