Posted by Seeking Peace on June 5, 2007, at 19:35:42
Hi again,
I did do a search on Emsam and there was a lot of different things being said, so I am a bit confused, hence posting. I guess everyone is different in terms of how they feel about this med, but any input/experience etc...
I started the patch about 1 1/2 wk back. Had to slow down the start (9mg) by cutting it off etc as I was having anxiety (new med, and/or the emsam itself..who knows). The anxiety has calmed down, not totally gone. Another thing was my sleep got worse (already had bad sleep). before I'd keep waking up again and again...now with emsam, I tend to have that, plus around 3 a.m. or so, I wake up, can't go back to sleep, don't feel a need though I stay in bed, then next day I get tired etc. I explained all that to pdoc,and we agreed I would slowly start on the patch, go up, but she wanted wanted me to leave it on at nights too. So it's been 1 1/2 wks. Some nights better than others (but still waking up several times). I used to be on zyprexa/welbutrin before. zyprexa used to help me with sleep etc.
Talked to pdoc yesterday bout the sleep and she says that when my depression lifts, the sleep should improve as it's a symptom of my depression. I have the option of taking ambien as needed (never have and have fears of sleep meds too) for now but supposedly sleep should be getting better. And if it doesn't, maybe this isn't the right med for me (i haven't really noticed a change in mood so far I think).
so my questions...
1) i see a lot of people taking other stuff for anxiety/sleep etc... anyone not have to take stuff as they feel it was a symptom of depression and it got better?2) anyone with experience with ambien? how long before sleeping do you take it? do you wake up refreshed? (over counter has never really worked for me...i don't sleep the night, next day I'm sleeping all day). It says to take it on empty stomach..hey what about dinner? how long after could one take it?
3) I wonder if I should somehow stay away from sleep med and see if the depression/insomnia symptom get better? What if the insomnia is not just a depression symptom but some anxiety/stress induced thing too. I tend to have a lot on my mind which doesn't help. I think the zyprexa used to address that.
4) how long before do people see a real change in mood etc with the emsam? I have to travel (long long trip) in about 2-3 wks and I just don't have time for new med adjustment etc.
I'm always so tired it seems (though today seems a little better...full patch???). Sleep doesn't come easy still and i'm afraid today will be another night so am tempted to take the ambien but not sure...
Any thoughts???
poster:Seeking Peace
thread:761406
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070604/msgs/761406.html