![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 190 to 214 of 431. Go back in thread:
Posted by egas on April 24, 2006, at 22:27:27
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Day 5-Too early??, posted by crabwalk on April 24, 2006, at 19:09:15
I have had horrible anxiety and panic after
1 week on the patch...took more xanax, still
trying to hang in there, but feel no better yet
since I cannot sleep, even when I take the
patch off at night. I was late for work
today because I was drugged from Restoril, xanax and seroquel...got some sleep but
hung over all day and felt lousy...time for
bed now and still hung over but can't sleep.
I am about to stop the patch....Best to you!> On this note, I'm getting some pretty bad anxiety from emsam on day 3. It's been sort of a rollercoaster ride so far. Very depressed and anxious the first day in a way that I'm not usually depressed. A little better yesterday, especially in the evening, and then this morning started getting my hopes up. Was feeling pretty good until maybe 10:30 and then all of a sudden I crashed and got very, very anxious, though not necessarily agitated. Been pretty anxious the rest of the day, but at least some of this is due to external factors.
>
> I'm a pretty atypical case though, since I'm looking for something that will undo the damage to my sexual functioning that ssris did. This probably wouldn't have been my first choice just for anxiety, which is what I had to begin with.
>
> Has anybody else hit anxiety, and does anybody know if it could wear off like it does for some with wellbutrin?
>
> > Don't get me wrong, I'm not an Emsam doubter. (In fact, it's going to be my next step if my current meds regimen doesn't pan out.) But I don't think we should minimize the ocurrence of side effects (and interpreting statistics correctly will help us all to better understand study results).
> >
> > In the study earlier cited, 7.1% of Emsam users dropped out due to adverse effects versus 3.6% of placebo users. 7.1% is not 3.5% higher than 3.6% but nearly 100% higher since nearly twice as many people on Emsam dropped out than those on placebo.
> >
> > If we had a total sample size of 1000 in the study, then 71 Emsam users and 36 placebo users would have dropped out. Thus 35 more or 97% more Emsam users than placebo users dropped out due to adverse reactions. If it were only 3.5% more than there would have been only 1 (0.035 x 36) more person dropping out which was clearly not the case.
> >
> > Thus Emsam's side effects (or at least their severity leading to discontinue treatment) are noticeably greater than those encountered with placebo.
>
Posted by strugglingsteve on April 24, 2006, at 23:38:58
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Day 5-Too early??, posted by egas on April 24, 2006, at 22:27:27
I had some bad agitation and anxiety but it has leveled off after two weeks. Now I am just plain old depressed and anxious with stomach aches.
> I have had horrible anxiety and panic after
> 1 week on the patch...took more xanax, still
> trying to hang in there, but feel no better yet
> since I cannot sleep, even when I take the
> patch off at night. I was late for work
> today because I was drugged from Restoril, xanax and seroquel...got some sleep but
> hung over all day and felt lousy...time for
> bed now and still hung over but can't sleep.
> I am about to stop the patch....Best to you!
>
>
>
> > On this note, I'm getting some pretty bad anxiety from emsam on day 3. It's been sort of a rollercoaster ride so far. Very depressed and anxious the first day in a way that I'm not usually depressed. A little better yesterday, especially in the evening, and then this morning started getting my hopes up. Was feeling pretty good until maybe 10:30 and then all of a sudden I crashed and got very, very anxious, though not necessarily agitated. Been pretty anxious the rest of the day, but at least some of this is due to external factors.
> >
> > I'm a pretty atypical case though, since I'm looking for something that will undo the damage to my sexual functioning that ssris did. This probably wouldn't have been my first choice just for anxiety, which is what I had to begin with.
> >
> > Has anybody else hit anxiety, and does anybody know if it could wear off like it does for some with wellbutrin?
> >
> > > Don't get me wrong, I'm not an Emsam doubter. (In fact, it's going to be my next step if my current meds regimen doesn't pan out.) But I don't think we should minimize the ocurrence of side effects (and interpreting statistics correctly will help us all to better understand study results).
> > >
> > > In the study earlier cited, 7.1% of Emsam users dropped out due to adverse effects versus 3.6% of placebo users. 7.1% is not 3.5% higher than 3.6% but nearly 100% higher since nearly twice as many people on Emsam dropped out than those on placebo.
> > >
> > > If we had a total sample size of 1000 in the study, then 71 Emsam users and 36 placebo users would have dropped out. Thus 35 more or 97% more Emsam users than placebo users dropped out due to adverse reactions. If it were only 3.5% more than there would have been only 1 (0.035 x 36) more person dropping out which was clearly not the case.
> > >
> > > Thus Emsam's side effects (or at least their severity leading to discontinue treatment) are noticeably greater than those encountered with placebo.
> >
>
>
Posted by mrporter1 on April 25, 2006, at 2:26:15
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Day 5-Too early??, posted by egas on April 24, 2006, at 22:27:27
Have you tried Rozerem? It's really different and definitely worth looking at...
Posted by RobertDavid on April 25, 2006, at 21:52:39
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Day 5-Too early?? (nm), posted by Crazy Horse on April 25, 2006, at 12:20:19
I have been taking klonopin for 12 years for my social anxiety and now that I'm having good luck with EMSAM (so far) I'm going to start a slow taper off klonopin(.25 drop every 2 weeks). I'm hopefull I'll be able to use EMSAM as mono therapy and get off klonopin.
Though klonopin has been a wonder drug for me and has make me functional over the past decade, it hasn't been perfect and I've always suspected it had a negative effect on mood and mental clarity. EMSAM seems to be eliminating what I don't like about klonopin, but I don't know if it will tackle the social anxiety which is my main issue.
I think starting EMSAM while taking klonopin was probably helpful eliminating side effects for me, but I hope I won't need it any more. I've been wanting to replace klonopin for a long time. We'll see. Rob
Posted by strugglingsteve on April 25, 2006, at 23:39:35
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 25, 2006, at 21:52:39
Are you sure you want to start a taper now while your body is just getting used to emsam? Are you being impatient about it? My doc always tells me that only one variable at a time. You could have an easy time detoxing or a rough time and you just dont know which you are going to have, so the conservative play dictates one thing and the aggresive risk taking dictates another. If emsam is the magic pill for you, you have the rest of your life to detox off Klonopin. I had a horrendous time getting off of it 4 years ago and am glad I was stable on my AD med. Just my two cents worth.....
> I have been taking klonopin for 12 years for my social anxiety and now that I'm having good luck with EMSAM (so far) I'm going to start a slow taper off klonopin(.25 drop every 2 weeks). I'm hopefull I'll be able to use EMSAM as mono therapy and get off klonopin.
>
> Though klonopin has been a wonder drug for me and has make me functional over the past decade, it hasn't been perfect and I've always suspected it had a negative effect on mood and mental clarity. EMSAM seems to be eliminating what I don't like about klonopin, but I don't know if it will tackle the social anxiety which is my main issue.
>
> I think starting EMSAM while taking klonopin was probably helpful eliminating side effects for me, but I hope I won't need it any more. I've been wanting to replace klonopin for a long time. We'll see. Rob
>
>
Posted by Iansf on April 26, 2006, at 0:05:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope » RobertDavid, posted by strugglingsteve on April 25, 2006, at 23:39:35
I agree it's worth waiting awhile to stop the klonopin. And don't overlook the possibility that Emsam and Klonopin together may be what most helps you. Unless the klonopin side effects are simply unbearable - and the fact you've been taking it for 12 years indicates they're not - you should give yourself more time.
> Are you sure you want to start a taper now while your body is just getting used to emsam? Are you being impatient about it? My doc always tells me that only one variable at a time. You could have an easy time detoxing or a rough time and you just dont know which you are going to have, so the conservative play dictates one thing and the aggresive risk taking dictates another. If emsam is the magic pill for you, you have the rest of your life to detox off Klonopin. I had a horrendous time getting off of it 4 years ago and am glad I was stable on my AD med. Just my two cents worth.....
>
>
> > I have been taking klonopin for 12 years for my social anxiety and now that I'm having good luck with EMSAM (so far) I'm going to start a slow taper off klonopin(.25 drop every 2 weeks). I'm hopefull I'll be able to use EMSAM as mono therapy and get off klonopin.
> >
> > Though klonopin has been a wonder drug for me and has make me functional over the past decade, it hasn't been perfect and I've always suspected it had a negative effect on mood and mental clarity. EMSAM seems to be eliminating what I don't like about klonopin, but I don't know if it will tackle the social anxiety which is my main issue.
> >
> > I think starting EMSAM while taking klonopin was probably helpful eliminating side effects for me, but I hope I won't need it any more. I've been wanting to replace klonopin for a long time. We'll see. Rob
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jetcity10 on April 26, 2006, at 0:45:23
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 25, 2006, at 21:52:39
Let me know how it goes, as I too am doing the EMSAM/Klonipin combo. I have been wanting to get off of the Klonipin for years but it is the only thing that has allowed me to get some sleep without side-effects the next day (I only get about four hours with the Klonipin, but it was better than nothing). Mine is mainly a philisophical issue because it bothers me that Klonipin is addictive. My doc has said in the past that we will wait a good while before we taper off, but I am interested in what your experience will be.
Posted by ed_uk on April 26, 2006, at 9:53:34
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope » RobertDavid, posted by jetcity10 on April 26, 2006, at 0:45:23
>Mine is mainly a philisophical issue because it bothers me that Klonipin is addictive.
Withdrawal symptoms are common when stopping Klonopin. This is why people say it is addictive. It's quite possible that people will have withdrawal symptoms when coming off Emsam though. Most ADs are associated with withdrawal symptoms, some more than others. Effexor is the most notorious.
Ed
Posted by ttee on April 26, 2006, at 11:43:13
In reply to WD » jetcity10, posted by ed_uk on April 26, 2006, at 9:53:34
Is the anyone NOT on Klonopin that is doing well on Emsam? How can I tell if it is Klonopin or Emsam helps with depression/anxiety?
Posted by zero on April 26, 2006, at 13:18:22
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 25, 2006, at 21:52:39
I'm with strugglingsteve on this one - one thing at a time, or you won't really know what's doing what.
If it were me (and I hope to try EMSAM if I see that it's helping people w. SP), I'd leave the Klon. in place until I knew for sure the EMSAM was working. Then a very slow taper off of the Klon.
Klon. isn't perfect, but so far, it beats everything else I've tried for SP.
Really hope the EMSAM works for you.
Best wishes,
z.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 13:59:52
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope » RobertDavid, posted by zero on April 26, 2006, at 13:18:22
> I'm with strugglingsteve on this one - one thing at a time, or you won't really know what's doing what.
>
> If it were me (and I hope to try EMSAM if I see that it's helping people w. SP), I'd leave the Klon. in place until I knew for sure the EMSAM was working. Then a very slow taper off of the Klon.
It seems several of you have the same take which seems reasonable, to just stay on klonopin for a while along with EMSAM. But how long do I wait to try to taper down? And how will I know how well EMSAM does for SP if I don't try to taper from klonopin?I recognize I'm being impatient here and even my doctor suggested I stay on klonopin for up to 6 months before trying a taper. He said to wait just so that I could spend a few months feeling good as I never did totally on klonopin alone.
What if I do this, just try to go down to say .25 once a month and see how I do. That would give my body time to continue to adjust to EMSAM while doing an extrememly slow klonopin taper. Since I'm taking 2mgs of klonopin a .25 taper once a month should be so slow that I could deal with it. If I have problems I can just go back to the 2mgs.
Perhaps by doing it this way, such a slow taper that it might be easier vs a quicker taper months down the road. Probably the smart thing to do is just wait, then do a very slow taper. I know I'm being impatient and trying to sell myself on lowering klonopin. I've wanted to find a replacement for a long time.
I also battle with occational drinking binges (about once a month, not daily) which I'm trying to avoid/quit and have heard klonopin/benzo's aren't helpful with because it can keep cravings up not to mention other serious helth issues I'm aware of. I know that's a subject for a different board, but part of my motivation to get off klonopin. Any thoughts on this concept or just continue my 2mgs and wait.
Thanks for your impute. Rob
Posted by tmapj on April 26, 2006, at 14:57:54
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 13:59:52
I was just perscribed EMSAM by my psychiatrist. Does medicaid cover this? In any case, how much does this stuff cost normally?
Posted by Last Chance on April 26, 2006, at 19:19:06
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 13:59:52
Robert David - you have said before that you are sensitive to meds - me too, extremely. Have been lowering my dose of Klonapin slowly for about a year - everytime I pinch off an eighth of a .5 mg. I suffer withdrawal symptoms after about 4 days. More anxiety, depression - just plain agitation. So - Klonapin can really be difficult. My humble advice - WAIT, maybe even a few months til you feel real stable with the Emsam and then start your K taper. .25 every two weeks is too much, I think - maybe for the first couple of cuts - but gradually go slower - let your mind and body be your guide. Don't write your detox schedule in STONE - Be Flexible. Just never go back - once you make a cut stick it out. Richard
Posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 22:59:04
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by Last Chance on April 26, 2006, at 19:19:06
Thanks for all the advise:
Today was one of my best days. It seems like after my quick start I go for a few days feeling the same, then every few days would feel a difference like today. I'm very upbeat, getting stuff done, doing good at work, feeling more social. I couldn't ask for more to this point.
I know not everyone is having the luck I have at least to this point and there is a side of me that is sensitive to that and in a way I feel bad to post such positive results.
I really don't want to be the EMSAM poster boy and hope I don't come off that way, I'm just posting my response so far (which is still to soon for conclusions).
It's been a long wait for me to have such a positive initial response to any medicine and for what it's worth I have bashed other med trials when I did poorly such as my experience with Lyrica and Remeron (which I know works well for others, just not me).
I hope that those of you trying EMSAM will find that as time goes by you'll have a positive response as well. I know some are having better luck than others.
Everyone is different and though I have had a quick response I have to think I'm not the norm and it probably takes more like a month maybe longer to determine if it's going to work. And it's quite probably that for me the klonopin blend with EMSAM is the trick.
I'll get answers to that when I try to get off klonopin (which by the way I've decided to try to drop to 1.5 mgs from 2 mgs, settle there for a while, a month maybe longer and see how it goes - I took 1.75 last night and felt great today). If that works out I'll continue a very slow taper, but if the blend of the two medicines turns out to be the ticket, so be it, I'll be good with that.
My brother in law is a psychiatrist. 10 days ago he got off wellbutrin and zoloft and started EMSAM today. He deals with social anxiety like me. It will be interesting to see his take on it being both a doctor and patient. If I hear anything interesting from his perspective I'll post.
Anyway, if nothing else EMSAM should bring more attention back to MAOI's in general so that doctors will not look past them and perscribe only SSRI's. Seems it's a quite popular topic here both positive and negative all of which is good info. Rob
Posted by jetcity10 on April 26, 2006, at 23:52:09
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 22:59:04
I have now been on EMSAM for one week. Though I have not seen a miraculous improvement I have to say that there is clearly some improvement. I too have been on and off numerous anti-depressants through the years with little positive effect and lots of negative effects. This is the first where I can see some raising of the lowest feelings. I have also had glimpses of hope which I have not had in years and glimpses of a positive life - both of which are new since EMSAM. I still feel depressed, but like I said, the low seems a little better. The anxiety is pretty high. However both the depression and anxiety are probably influenced by significant life events that had increased the severity of both before starting the EMSAM.
As to side effects: maybe some increased anxiety, maybe less sleep (even on the 1.5mg Klonipin), a little orthostatic hypotension, and it looks like some minor constipation.
But I have more energy (even with less sleep) and have even been looking forward to working out (an amazing thought).
Overall, this has been one of the best responses I have ever had since there is positive response and no side effects I can't deal with yet.
Rob, thanks for your posts, it gives hope that it can get even better, but even if it doesn't, some is better than none.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 27, 2006, at 0:14:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM, posted by jetcity10 on April 26, 2006, at 23:52:09
> I have now been on EMSAM for one week. Though I have not seen a miraculous improvement I have to say that there is clearly some improvement. I too have been on and off numerous anti-depressants through the years with little positive effect and lots of negative effects. This is the first where I can see some raising of the lowest feelings. I have also had glimpses of hope which I have not had in years and glimpses of a positive life - both of which are new since EMSAM. I still feel depressed, but like I said, the low seems a little better. The anxiety is pretty high. However both the depression and anxiety are probably influenced by significant life events that had increased the severity of both before starting the EMSAM.
>
> As to side effects: maybe some increased anxiety, maybe less sleep (even on the 1.5mg Klonipin), a little orthostatic hypotension, and it looks like some minor constipation.
>
> But I have more energy (even with less sleep) and have even been looking forward to working out (an amazing thought).
>
> Overall, this has been one of the best responses I have ever had since there is positive response and no side effects I can't deal with yet.
>
> Rob, thanks for your posts, it gives hope that it can get even better, but even if it doesn't, some is better than none.
That sounds like a very positive start and similar in many ways to mine. I too noticed that I slept a little less at first, but woke up energized, felt like doing more. I too started working out at the gym again as before I just didn't couldn't get myself to do go there.I hope that your benefits will continue and side effects will be minimal. Like you I never really knew what it felt like to have a postive start any med other than klonopin.
Please keep posting your results and I wish you the best! Rob
Posted by strugglingsteve on April 27, 2006, at 0:33:52
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope, posted by RobertDavid on April 26, 2006, at 22:59:04
Detoxing off klonopin can be a major nightmare. I detoxed off of 2.75 mg and it took me 9 months all told. I would cut a quarter mg and increase the neurontin and then once off klonopin then I weaned off of neurontin. I would hope that you would wait a few months before beginning a slow taper. Maybe it will be a breeze and maybe it will be a horror show like mine was, you just dont know. You are just getting used to a new med so be patient. You have the whole rest of your life ahead of you in happiness if you dont make a dumb mistake now. Laying off the booz is a good idea too, alcohol is a drug and can mess things up for you too. Work on that for now and the klonopin later is my advice and i have experience on both. Good luck dude...
> Thanks for all the advise:
>
> Today was one of my best days. It seems like after my quick start I go for a few days feeling the same, then every few days would feel a difference like today. I'm very upbeat, getting stuff done, doing good at work, feeling more social. I couldn't ask for more to this point.
>
> I know not everyone is having the luck I have at least to this point and there is a side of me that is sensitive to that and in a way I feel bad to post such positive results.
>
> I really don't want to be the EMSAM poster boy and hope I don't come off that way, I'm just posting my response so far (which is still to soon for conclusions).
>
> It's been a long wait for me to have such a positive initial response to any medicine and for what it's worth I have bashed other med trials when I did poorly such as my experience with Lyrica and Remeron (which I know works well for others, just not me).
>
> I hope that those of you trying EMSAM will find that as time goes by you'll have a positive response as well. I know some are having better luck than others.
>
> Everyone is different and though I have had a quick response I have to think I'm not the norm and it probably takes more like a month maybe longer to determine if it's going to work. And it's quite probably that for me the klonopin blend with EMSAM is the trick.
>
> I'll get answers to that when I try to get off klonopin (which by the way I've decided to try to drop to 1.5 mgs from 2 mgs, settle there for a while, a month maybe longer and see how it goes - I took 1.75 last night and felt great today). If that works out I'll continue a very slow taper, but if the blend of the two medicines turns out to be the ticket, so be it, I'll be good with that.
>
> My brother in law is a psychiatrist. 10 days ago he got off wellbutrin and zoloft and started EMSAM today. He deals with social anxiety like me. It will be interesting to see his take on it being both a doctor and patient. If I hear anything interesting from his perspective I'll post.
>
> Anyway, if nothing else EMSAM should bring more attention back to MAOI's in general so that doctors will not look past them and perscribe only SSRI's. Seems it's a quite popular topic here both positive and negative all of which is good info. Rob
Posted by Kristopher on April 27, 2006, at 16:21:14
In reply to Re: EMSAM-3 weeks and getting off klonopin, I hope » RobertDavid, posted by strugglingsteve on April 27, 2006, at 0:33:52
Hi everyone.
My name is Kristopher, and I've been on EMSAM since April 20th. I have also been following the development of this drug since reading about Adam's success during the study. Before EMSAM was available I attempted to take oral Selegiline and was very anxious.
So today is day 8 for me, and I've been experiencing a lot of what others on this board have. I'm sleeping a bit less, and waking easier in the morning. I have more energy during the day, and I'm actually getting things done.
For a little background information on myself, I've been on and off of psych meds since 1999. For the most part, I suffer primarily from depression and mild ocd. For a while I thought I was bipolar (and who knows, perhaps I am) because whenever I would take an SSRI I would start to cycle. I've been on all the SSRIs, and many many many many other psych meds over the last few years. I'd be willing to share my experiences if anyone has questions. I've always kept a journal of the effect of each drug, both positive and negative.
I know this is a very long post, but I've been reading Babble for quite some time, and never posted before. But when I read more and more about peoples EMSAM experiences, I just had to chime in.
I'm not having any negative side effects so far. Except I'm dreaming a lot more, and others have said that as well.
My current med cocktail in case anyone is curious is:
EMSAM 20mg (6mg/24hrs)
OMACOR (pharmaceutical fish oil) 1 gram 3x a day
Klonopin .125mg in the morning only
And XYREM in the evening. 4.5 gramsI really appreciate all of you on this board for sharing your experiences. And all I can say is that the EMSAM even after only one week, must being doing something because up to this point, I've been too depressed and unmotivated to even post here.
AND for those of you who can't afford the medication (Medicaid denied it for me) there is always the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. That's how I've been able to obtain the patch. The website is www.bmspaf.org EMSAM is not listed on the site yet because it's so new, but they do offer it.
Sincerely,
Kristopher
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 28, 2006, at 11:48:52
In reply to I'm on EMSAM also, posted by Kristopher on April 27, 2006, at 16:21:14
> My name is Kristopher, and I've been on EMSAM since April 20th...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to consolidate responses by redirecting follow-ups to this post to the earlier one. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060423/msgs/637543.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by lymom3 on April 28, 2006, at 22:57:12
In reply to Redirect: I'm on EMSAM also, posted by Dr. Bob on April 28, 2006, at 11:48:52
I'm not saying that I'm a wee bit cranky being off Lexapro and waiting to start Emsam on Wednesday, but my psychologist asked me today how much longer before I started the patch because even he thought I was cranky!!! Hope it does good for me like it has for several of you guys!
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 28, 2006, at 23:26:50
In reply to Re: EMSAM » pederspd, posted by RobertDavid on April 23, 2006, at 22:09:30
Hi. I'm a first time poster here, but I'm a desperate one. I'm really hoping someone can help me. I started on EMSAM patches on April 18th (it's now April 28th). In the past, I had always taken prozac, which was very effective for me. But the weight problem and the sexual side effects pushed me to try EMSAM. I suffer from depression, anxiety and OCD. Since I started using the patch, I've had extremely anxious periods, OCD is becoming unmanageable, and the depression seems worse rather than better. I find myself extremely emotional, crying for no reason, feelings of hopelessness, and of course the ever popular feelings of impending doom. Yesterday, the doctor added Lithium to the mix to see if it will help. I already take Klonopin. I'm also currently on a low carbohydrate diet for breakfast and lunch. Can anyone offer me opinions on whether I should stick with EMSAM or if it sounds like I'm one of the unlucky ones? I apologize for the length of the posting. Thanks
Posted by strugglingsteve on April 29, 2006, at 0:04:44
In reply to Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 28, 2006, at 23:26:50
Hi Paul. First off, give the lithium a couple weeks to see where you stand with that. Second, as to emsam, its going to take time. Some people respond rapidly and good for them. I myself have settled in to the reality of 4-6 weeks and maybe even longer. If you can hang in then do so, if you cant make it, then quit and go back to where you were.
> Hi. I'm a first time poster here, but I'm a desperate one. I'm really hoping someone can help me. I started on EMSAM patches on April 18th (it's now April 28th). In the past, I had always taken prozac, which was very effective for me. But the weight problem and the sexual side effects pushed me to try EMSAM. I suffer from depression, anxiety and OCD. Since I started using the patch, I've had extremely anxious periods, OCD is becoming unmanageable, and the depression seems worse rather than better. I find myself extremely emotional, crying for no reason, feelings of hopelessness, and of course the ever popular feelings of impending doom. Yesterday, the doctor added Lithium to the mix to see if it will help. I already take Klonopin. I'm also currently on a low carbohydrate diet for breakfast and lunch. Can anyone offer me opinions on whether I should stick with EMSAM or if it sounds like I'm one of the unlucky ones? I apologize for the length of the posting. Thanks
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 4:54:32
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » Paul on Long Island, posted by strugglingsteve on April 29, 2006, at 0:04:44
> Hey Steve. Thanks for responding so fast. I know I have to try to be patient, but it's just sooo painful. The sadness and depression and feelings of hopelessness come on so quickly and so strong. I try to fight it, but we all know how well that works, right? I'm trying not to be whiney here, but I can see I'm failing miserably :) Part of the problem is that I think the patch is what's making me so incredibly anxious (terror probably describes it best in the morning). Knowing that I have to wait 2 weeks after I go off the patch before I can go back on prozac makes it very difficult to decide which way to go. My biggest question is how do you know when it's time to give up on this and then suffer through to go back to the prozac? And incidentally, if I do go back on the prozac, does anyone have any thoughts on how to avoid the extreme weight gain I always experience? Obviously I have a lot of questions and don't have any of the answers! Do you (or anyone else) have any ideas or suggestions? I can't tell you how much I'd appreciate the help. Thanks so much.
> Hi Paul. First off, give the lithium a couple weeks to see where you stand with that. Second, as to emsam, its going to take time. Some people respond rapidly and good for them. I myself have settled in to the reality of 4-6 weeks and maybe even longer. If you can hang in then do so, if you cant make it, then quit and go back to where you were.
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> > Hi. I'm a first time poster here, but I'm a desperate one. I'm really hoping someone can help me. I started on EMSAM patches on April 18th (it's now April 28th). In the past, I had always taken prozac, which was very effective for me. But the weight problem and the sexual side effects pushed me to try EMSAM. I suffer from depression, anxiety and OCD. Since I started using the patch, I've had extremely anxious periods, OCD is becoming unmanageable, and the depression seems worse rather than better. I find myself extremely emotional, crying for no reason, feelings of hopelessness, and of course the ever popular feelings of impending doom. Yesterday, the doctor added Lithium to the mix to see if it will help. I already take Klonopin. I'm also currently on a low carbohydrate diet for breakfast and lunch. Can anyone offer me opinions on whether I should stick with EMSAM or if it sounds like I'm one of the unlucky ones? I apologize for the length of the posting. Thanks
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Posted by willyee on April 29, 2006, at 8:59:48
In reply to Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 28, 2006, at 23:26:50
Its always smart to give a new drug time to kick in,a lot of people myself included become very inpaitent.
Especialy when side effects appear BBEFORE benifits.
HOWEVER you know your body,and if your loosing a SIGNIFICANT amount of progress you had on prozac,if the majority of ur symptoms are getting worse and worse everyday,when on a different class of drugs they were held much more stable,then why do it to yourself,its not that you FAILED on emsam,it simply might not be the drug for u and letting urself go all thses weeks will possably make it that much longer and painful when and if u decide to go back to prozac to regain stability.
The med not working,or side effects are one thing,but a worsening of sympomts for me isnt worth a six week wait,thats too much to gamble in the case the drug dont work,besides u can always try it again,its so new let others test it first.
Well wishes.
Posted by ravenstorm on April 29, 2006, at 9:28:47
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by willyee on April 29, 2006, at 8:59:48
Paul, how long were you off the prozac before starting ensam? Did you leave enough of a wait period? (prozac=five weeks due to long half life) Could you be experiencing any prozac withdrawal that is contributing to this?
I agree with the previous poster, if your actual mood has deteriorated dramatically in ten days (which is different than just having crappy side effects) I'd be inclined to throw in the towel sooner rather than later.
On celexa, I only made it four days because it induced askthasia (I don't know how to spell that). That wasn't my fault and it wouldn't be your fault if you don't tolerate ensam. But only you can determine if its side effects making you feel crappy or if you are significantly emotionally worse. I feel for you. Please take care.
Oh and your not whining.
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