Posted by laima on July 25, 2006, at 0:57:46
In reply to Re: Everyone PLEASE share your EMSAM updates » laima, posted by mayzee on July 24, 2006, at 22:50:16
Hi Mayzee,
Wow, well maybe the matter of low blood pressure could be the problem then? I'm told that EMSAM really does lower blood pressure for many people, and some of us are more suseptable.
What you describe about fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness are classsic signs that may indicate lower than ideal blood pressure.
Especially the part about changing position being an aggrevator...I am no medical expert, no doctor-I might be very wrong-but it's my understanding that blood pressure wont just go up on it's own spontaneously, particularly if there is a drug involved.
I've always had low blood pressure too-even befiore going on EMSAM 6. Now that I'm switching to 9, and still using the small amount of ritalin, I was told to keep an eye on where it is going. Apparently the higher dose could make it dip even lower. I got a blood pressure reader at Walgreens drug store for less than 50$.-not cheap, but not as bad as I expected.
I hope you have better luck with your doctor on your next appointment, and that he or she is open to exploring this possibility. The stimulant/maoi is a classic "no-no" (because maoi plus stimulant can cause blood-pressure crisis)- but my doctor reports that in reality, it can be absolutely fine, with restraint of course, for many, many patients-particularly if they keep an eye on what their blood pressure is doing, at least until they understand it.
I wish very good luck to you- I hope you find relief from the problem you describe, despite the unfair obstacles you face, in terms of insurance, I mean.
Best wishes,
Laima
> Laima,
>
> I haven't been able to take a reading on my blood pressure yet. I have been experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred or dimmed vision at various times. Originally it was only when changing position (e.g. bending over then standing up) but lately it happens just when walking up a slight incline. I do tend to have low bp, so should get it checked out. I tried to see the pdoc today but she was out sick. I don't have medical insurance at the moment so am very limited in my doctor visits :(
>
> Thank you for your suggestion. I'll try to follow up on it.
>
> I have been hoping that this side effect will go away. Maybe the low blood pressure side effect doesn't though? I'm in my 15th day at 9mg. Didn't have this at 6mg.
>
> Best,
> mayzee
>
poster:laima
thread:640308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060724/msgs/670248.html