![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 207 to 231 of 431. Go back in thread:
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.
>
>
> > 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 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.
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 10:14:31
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by ravenstorm on April 29, 2006, at 9:28:47
Hey, I really really appreciate all the input, and if anyone else has anything to add, please do. I spoke to my doctor since my earlier post, and she offered the possibility that it may not be the EMSAM making the depression, anxiety AND ocd worse, but merely that I was getting worse before starting the EMSAM and that it just hasn't kicked in yet. She wants me to keep trying that, along with the lithium for the depression, and a combination of Klonopin and Xanax for the anxiety and ocd (which for me always gets worse when I'm more anxious). Anyone have any thoughts on this? By the way, has anyone else experienced the following: I only eat one meal a day with a significant amount of carbs (dinner), and I notice that soon after dinner, and also after I've had something with caffeine, my mood brightens considerably (at least for a while). Is it possible that the carbohydrate addict's diet I'm on might actually be a part of the problem here? Once again, thanks so much to all who've taken the time to help me here. It means so much. Paul
Posted by SFY on April 29, 2006, at 11:48:40
In reply to Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 28, 2006, at 23:26:50
The first question that comes to mind is why you would jump from Prozac to Emsam if Prozac seemed to be working for you (despite the side effects)?
Emsam and Prozac work very differently and their primary effects are on different neutrotransmitters. If Prozac was working well for you then that would be an indication to try another SSSRI or other med that had its primary effect on your serotonin levels but with less side effects than Prozac.
Most people are jumping to Emsam because nothing else worked for and MAOI's work quite differently from other meds. To make such a dramatic shift from a med that was working for you makes very little sense to me.
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 12:01:04
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » ravenstorm, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 10:14:31
I too am following the ENSAM posts and am thinking of trying it as nothing else works for me but when I am more anxious oh wow does my OCD anxiety get worse. I really want to see the ENSAM work for you and sincerely hope you doc is correct that given more time it will work. I pray that it does. I'll be following your hopefully good progress Don't hesitated to babblemail me. I am hanging on the edge of my chair as myself can't take any more of meds not working. Don't want to sound selfish but at least the prozac helped some. Good luck and I mean it I'm routing for you. Love Phillipa
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 14:05:40
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » Paul on Long Island, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 12:01:04
I know! I know! It doesn't seem on the surface to make any sense that I would go from a medication that very definitely works for me to a different type of medication that very well might not. A little background: The prozac made me gain about 80 lbs. I had spent my entire life being skinny as a rail, and now I'm out and out fat. It's affected my blood pressure, my cholesterol, my triglycerides, and given me Reflux besides. And then of course there's the ever popular sexual side effects. I've tried several of the other SSRI's including Celexa, Effexor, Luvox, and most recently Lexapro. Have also tried Cymbalta (SNSRI). The Lexapro was touted as the best of the lot because it supposedly doesn't have nearly the side effects of the other SSRI's. Well, for me, it was WORSE than all the others as far as side effects go.
I know that I can always go back to the prozac, but I'm hoping to not have to. I've already lost 18 1/2 lbs between diet, exercise and being off the SSRI's. My blood pressure has dropped significantly. And on the few occasions in the past couple of weeks where I wasn't either in terror or depressed beyond belief, I discovered that the sexual issues have lessened considerably. It's difficult for me right now, but I'm fully aware that so many others have it so much worse than I do because nothing else has worked for them. I pray that each and every one of us finds the right medication for us that works effectively, and that we can all be happy and calm. Let's all pray that happens! And thanks again to everyone. Paul
Posted by KayeBaby on April 29, 2006, at 15:39:13
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 14:05:40
When you mentioned the low carb diet it occurred to me that this may not be best for you right now. Carbs are rather soothing and if I remember correctly boost seratonin. You probably need some seratonin boost since prozac worked so well for you.
Does anyone know if it would be safe to add something like tryptophan with EMSAM. I am not knowlegeable about dietary restrictions for the patch.
I would eat whatever makes you more comfortable (aside from any restricted items) right now. If Emsam ends up working for you the weight will be easier to shed later.
Best of luck to you!
Kaye
Posted by Donna Louise on April 29, 2006, at 16:04:11
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by KayeBaby on April 29, 2006, at 15:39:13
> When you mentioned the low carb diet it occurred to me that this may not be best for you right now. Carbs are rather soothing and if I remember correctly boost seratonin. You probably need some seratonin boost since prozac worked so well for you.
>
> Does anyone know if it would be safe to add something like tryptophan with EMSAM. I am not knowlegeable about dietary restrictions for the patch.
>
> I would eat whatever makes you more comfortable (aside from any restricted items) right now. If Emsam ends up working for you the weight will be easier to shed later.
>
> Best of luck to you!
> KayeSince 5 HTP is deanimated by MOAI, I would not add any triptan type of anything. I cannot take my migraine medicine with EMSAM for that reason.
It is not a dietary consideration like tyromine, it is a drug consideration.
Donna
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 18:39:03
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Donna Louise on April 29, 2006, at 16:04:11
Donna is ENSAM working for you? Any side effects? Thanks Phillipa
Posted by ttee on April 29, 2006, at 19:40:51
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » Donna Louise, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 18:39:03
Hope things start to turn the corner for you Paul. I too would try to do one thing at a time and put the intense diet on hold. I would also beware about any supplements with the MAOI drug interactions. If it were me, I would try to stick out the Emsam trial awhile longer. Since you had to wait five weeks for the washout of Prozac before Emsam, I wouldn't want to have to do that again. Less of course you can live with the side effects from your previous meds. I am not on Emsam yet, but I would imagine that Emsam has the same time lag dilemma of most of the other meds, including other MAOI's. Many people don't get a decent response until 4 - 8 wks. Unfortunately for me, I always seem to be a very slow responder, except for the side effects that hit hard all during the wait. Good luck on whatever you and your pdoc decide. T
Posted by ttee on April 29, 2006, at 19:48:32
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by ttee on April 29, 2006, at 19:40:51
www.emsam.com is up in case you didn't know.
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 29, 2006, at 19:55:34
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by ttee on April 29, 2006, at 19:40:51
Thanks to ttee and everyone else for your support and kindness. I have something interesting to report back to you all that may fall in line with what ttee suggested regarding the diet. I've noticed that the last few nights after about 8 o'clock, I start to feel pretty darned good for the rest of the evening. This "carbohydrate addicts" diet I've been on has me only eating carbohydrates for dinner, and none for breakfast or lunch. My worst time of day seems to be right before dinner. So....tomorrow I'm going to try to add back in some small amounts of carbs with my breakfast and lunch just to see if it makes a difference. I'll report back to everyone and let you know if there's any change. I'm so glad for all the people who are getting help from the emsam, and I'm so incredibly grateful that this board and all you wonderful people are here. Thanks so much. Paul
Posted by Donna Louise on April 29, 2006, at 21:43:54
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » Donna Louise, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 18:39:03
> Donna is ENSAM working for you? Any side effects? Thanks Phillipa
Actually, tomorrow is the long-awaited (6 years is it?) first day I will slap on a patch. I am so exicited I hope I can sleep! Not really, I have been disappointed too many times but I can't help but get a little, well alot, hopeful. I have been going through effexor withdrawal hell for 10 days plus living with a migraine or two while I washout on the Maxalt. Maybe I won't have so many migraines with the patch, more hope..I will let you folks know how I am doing. Tomorrow is the big day!
I appreciate you asking me about.Donna
Posted by RobertDavid on April 30, 2006, at 15:10:23
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Donna Louise on April 29, 2006, at 21:43:54
Hard to believe for me that I need to pick up my first refil of EMSAM this week.
Putting the patch on is just part of my morning routine now and since I've had a positive response I feel recharged each time I pick a spot and slap it on.
I find it interesting and can relate to those who are just about to try it or who are just starting it, wondering if the patch can be cut, what to expect, etc.
Before I started taking EMSAM I too was concerned I'd have terrible initial side effects/poor response and considered cutting the patch. But BMS say's not to and my doctor suggested it wasn't a good idea as you wouldn't necesarily get an even dose daily.
When he told me I could just take it off (as selegiline has such a short half life) I used that as my mental parachute. If I could give any advise on that issue (not that anyones asking) I wouldn't be concerned about the need to cut the patch particularly at the 20mg dose as the medicine is delivered via a slow trickle into the blood over a 24 hour period. Again, just remember, if you want to you can just take it off.
I'm experincing more of the same from my previous posts. It continues to get better for me. Every few days I seem to get a noticable improvement in mood/concentration/energy and increased social interaction.
I did cut back .25 on the klonopin 5 days ago and other than the typical withdrawl of a few nights restless sleep (typical for me when I've tapered klonopin in the past) I'm now settling fine and seem to be getting by without issue on a smaller dose. If Icontinue to do well I'll cut back another .25 to 1.5mgs klonopin and see how that goes, probably settle there for some time as I'm in no hurry to get off klonopin, just want to ultimately see how low of a dose I can get away with and perhaps someday be off it. Either way, it's okay with me.
Anyway, I know uderstand how many have felt when they switched to an MAOI (prior to EMSAM) with life changing results. In looking back I probably should have gone to Nardil or Parnate 10 years ago when nothing else was working. So far EMSAM has improved my life in an almost undescribable way. By far it's exceeded my expectations and just seems to get better. I pray that others will get the same benefit I have. Good luck to everyone. Rob
Posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 18:22:31
In reply to EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by RobertDavid on April 30, 2006, at 15:10:23
Contratulations!
I have had to stop the patch/ no sleep in 17 days.....the WORST WITHDRAWAL ANEXIETY
AND PANIC I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.
We should have tapered the hours taking it
off. I had to go back on a few hours a day to come off.I give up.
> Hard to believe for me that I need to pick up my first refil of EMSAM this week.
>
> Putting the patch on is just part of my morning routine now and since I've had a positive response I feel recharged each time I pick a spot and slap it on.
>
> I find it interesting and can relate to those who are just about to try it or who are just starting it, wondering if the patch can be cut, what to expect, etc.
>
> Before I started taking EMSAM I too was concerned I'd have terrible initial side effects/poor response and considered cutting the patch. But BMS say's not to and my doctor suggested it wasn't a good idea as you wouldn't necesarily get an even dose daily.
>
> When he told me I could just take it off (as selegiline has such a short half life) I used that as my mental parachute. If I could give any advise on that issue (not that anyones asking) I wouldn't be concerned about the need to cut the patch particularly at the 20mg dose as the medicine is delivered via a slow trickle into the blood over a 24 hour period. Again, just remember, if you want to you can just take it off.
>
> I'm experincing more of the same from my previous posts. It continues to get better for me. Every few days I seem to get a noticable improvement in mood/concentration/energy and increased social interaction.
>
> I did cut back .25 on the klonopin 5 days ago and other than the typical withdrawl of a few nights restless sleep (typical for me when I've tapered klonopin in the past) I'm now settling fine and seem to be getting by without issue on a smaller dose. If Icontinue to do well I'll cut back another .25 to 1.5mgs klonopin and see how that goes, probably settle there for some time as I'm in no hurry to get off klonopin, just want to ultimately see how low of a dose I can get away with and perhaps someday be off it. Either way, it's okay with me.
>
> Anyway, I know uderstand how many have felt when they switched to an MAOI (prior to EMSAM) with life changing results. In looking back I probably should have gone to Nardil or Parnate 10 years ago when nothing else was working. So far EMSAM has improved my life in an almost undescribable way. By far it's exceeded my expectations and just seems to get better. I pray that others will get the same benefit I have. Good luck to everyone. Rob
Posted by Paul on Long Island on April 30, 2006, at 19:09:06
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 18:22:31
Hi guys...Paul again. First off, I want to congratulate you Rob for the wonderful response you've gotten on the medication. I hope and pray that so many, many people will find the same kind of relief you've found. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion, for several reasons, that I'm not going to be one of those lucky ones with Emsam. I've been on the patch for 13 days now. While I know most people shouldn't expect to have a great, or perhaps even minor improvement in that time, I've had a worsening, horrible depression and SEVERE anxiety and OCD in that time. My original reasons for going on emsam were due to a large weight gain and sexual side effects from prozac. Foolishly and selfishly, I didn't appreciate the fact that those things are extremely minor in the grand scheme of things, considering I had always had GREAT help from the prozac. Several people questioned why I would stop taking something so effective for only a possibility of relief from something completely different. While it may have made some kind of weird sense to me at the time, those of you who questioned it were absolutely right. Except for those side effects, I was living a very good, relatively stable emotional life. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist tomorrow, and I plan to tell her I'm quitting the emsam. She had given me lithium to try to boost the effect of the emsam, along with klonopin and xanax to get through the severe anxiety. So, I'm hoping to muddle through the next 14 days until I can go back on prozac. I hope I don't lose what's left of my mind :) One concern I have now is EGAS's posting. Apparently you've had trouble with getting off of the emsam. You mentioned severe anxiety and panic. I pray that those things will go away for you quickly. I hope that between the lithium, klonopin and xanax, I can avoid feeling any worse than I have for the past 2 weeks. It seems like the effects you've gotten from withdrawal from the emsam are the same effects I've gotten while ON it! I guess time will tell. I'll let you all know how I make out. And please, EGAS, keep us posted on how you make out. I'm pulling for you, and I'm sure everyone else is also. One more time, I want to thank you all for the incredible support, information and advice you've all given. Whatever else can be said about people with our conditions, you're obviously all extremely giving and caring people. God Bless you all! Paul
Posted by Donna Louise on April 30, 2006, at 22:18:23
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 18:22:31
> Contratulations!
>
> I have had to stop the patch/ no sleep in 17 days.....the WORST WITHDRAWAL ANEXIETY
> AND PANIC I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.
> We should have tapered the hours taking it
> off. I had to go back on a few hours a day to come off.
>
> I give up.
>
DEar Egas,
I am really truly sorry this didn't work for you. On another thread the idea came up that maybe people that have similar success and failure on the same type of meds will have the same outcome on EMSAM which leads me to wonder what if anything has worked for you in the past and what has not if you don't mind sharing that for "scientific type speculation...."Donna
Posted by Donna Louise on April 30, 2006, at 22:27:37
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by Paul on Long Island on April 30, 2006, at 19:09:06
> Hi guys...Paul again. First off, I want to congratulate you Rob for the wonderful response you've gotten on the medication. I hope and pray that so many, many people will find the same kind of relief you've found. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion, for several reasons, that I'm not going to be one of those lucky ones with Emsam. I've been on the patch for 13 days now. While I know most people shouldn't expect to have a great, or perhaps even minor improvement in that time, I've had a worsening, horrible depression and SEVERE anxiety and OCD in that time. My original reasons for going on emsam were due to a large weight gain and sexual side effects from prozac. Foolishly and selfishly, I didn't appreciate the fact that those things are extremely minor in the grand scheme of things, considering I had always had GREAT help from the prozac. Several people questioned why I would stop taking something so effective for only a possibility of relief from something completely different. While it may have made some kind of weird sense to me at the time, those of you who questioned it were absolutely right. Except for those side effects, I was living a very good, relatively stable emotional life. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist tomorrow, and I plan to tell her I'm quitting the emsam. She had given me lithium to try to boost the effect of the emsam, along with klonopin and xanax to get through the severe anxiety. So, I'm hoping to muddle through the next 14 days until I can go back on prozac. I hope I don't lose what's left of my mind :) One concern I have now is EGAS's posting. Apparently you've had trouble with getting off of the emsam. You mentioned severe anxiety and panic. I pray that those things will go away for you quickly. I hope that between the lithium, klonopin and xanax, I can avoid feeling any worse than I have for the past 2 weeks. It seems like the effects you've gotten from withdrawal from the emsam are the same effects I've gotten while ON it! I guess time will tell. I'll let you all know how I make out. And please, EGAS, keep us posted on how you make out. I'm pulling for you, and I'm sure everyone else is also. One more time, I want to thank you all for the incredible support, information and advice you've all given. Whatever else can be said about people with our conditions, you're obviously all extremely giving and caring people. God Bless you all! Paul
Gee Paul, not you too! i am so sorry. But once again, like I asked Egas, I am wondering and starting to feel sure there is a connection between what has or has not worked for some will be a clue as to how well they may do on EMSAM. The first time I took prozac I did will on it but it pooped out and over the years, they all pooped out and I developed a whole new kind of depression, almost like I "csught" the atypical kind of from SRI type drugs. I think this could be why EMSAM is going to be working for me and other with a similar med history and outcome. I am really glad that the prozac works so well for you and you can go back to that. I know, we are all looking for the "perfect" one but after a little trip into hell, the side effects of prozac are more of a minor annoyance to you now I betcha.
You will be ok, pretty soon too.Donna
Posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 23:39:02
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » egas, posted by Donna Louise on April 30, 2006, at 22:18:23
> > Contratulations!
> >
> > I have had to stop the patch/ no sleep in 17 days.....the WORST WITHDRAWAL ANEXIETY
> > AND PANIC I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE.
> > We should have tapered the hours taking it
> > off. I had to go back on a few hours a day to come off.
> >
> > I give up.
> >
> DEar Egas,
> I am really truly sorry this didn't work for you. On another thread the idea came up that maybe people that have similar success and failure on the same type of meds will have the same outcome on EMSAM which leads me to wonder what if anything has worked for you in the past and what has not if you don't mind sharing that for "scientific type speculation...."
>
> DonnaDonna,
After 72 med combinations nothing has
worked but Prozac with lamicatl...but stopped
after 3 different tries. I am not meant to be
alive, and what comes next has to be better
than the 40 years of suffering I have endured.
I am also a caregiver for my 89 year old dad.
he is doing better than me. I also have a lung
condition and can no longer take drying med
ications...so there is no more hope.Best to you and everyone.
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