![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 220 to 244 of 431. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 23:43:35
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 23:39:02
There is always hope and your Father need and wants you to live. Think of him. And if you feel suicidal and you really haven't indicated you call 9ll Love Phillipa I care and all of us here care.
Posted by lymom3 on April 30, 2006, at 23:50:16
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
What a weekend...yikes. We lost power here about 6pm or so on Saturday night and it came back on about 7pm today, so just over 24 hours. This was just wonderful on so many levels. Me with no computer and on no meds is boredsmiley.gif for everyone! My youngest son had a baseball game today. His uniform was in the washer, in a tub of dirty water when the power went out. There it sat all night as I hoped the power would come back on.
To make things better, my middle son's 18th birthday was today. I didn't have a huge bash or anything but I did make a GIANT pot of chicken cacciatore as that is what he wanted. Not a match in the house, so I had to run to the 7-11 to get a charcoal grill starter to light my stove to cook and had my battery powered lantern so I could see. Sent the birthday boy and his brother up to the laundromat to finish the load of clothes in the washer because I was cooking. Birthday boy was 18 today and brother is 14. They must have called my cell a thousand times trying to figure out how to use a washer and dryer.
I've been a tad bit on the veryangry.gif side without meds anyhow but my husband looked at me this morning and was laughing. He said if the power stayed off 3 or 4 more hours one of us would be dead...lol. We all managed to make it through the day. As luck would have it, the game got rained out and power came back on just in time for dinner. The down side is that I'm now banished to a night on the couch as too many peppers and onions are having an adverse impact on the bedroom air quality.
Back to work tomorrow...watch out!!Start Tuesday on Emsam. ....Almost afraid to leave home to go to work...I think they might change the locks on me!!!
Posted by jetcity10 on May 1, 2006, at 0:48:16
In reply to EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by RobertDavid on April 30, 2006, at 15:10:23
Rob, congratulations! One question for you or others on the patch: Have you had one yet that didn't stick? The other day I had one where half of it wouldn't stick. The instructions say to use another one put at the cost per patch I ended up taping it on with medical tape. I was just curious if anyone else has had a similar problem.
This Wednesday I will start week 3. It is by far the best response I have had with any med and while I have significant anxiety I can't help but believe some of it is related to the fact that I have been depressed most of my life and I don't have a clue how to live not feeling depressed. At 2.5 weeks the side effect of poor sleep continues but since I have increased energy during the day, I feel better than I did when I was sleeping more. There is also the anxiety, but I am more than willing to deal with it.
Posted by RobertDavid on May 1, 2006, at 1:13:54
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » RobertDavid, posted by jetcity10 on May 1, 2006, at 0:48:16
> Rob, congratulations! One question for you or others on the patch: Have you had one yet that didn't stick? The other day I had one where half of it wouldn't stick. The instructions say to use another one put at the cost per patch I ended up taping it on with medical tape. I was just curious if anyone else has had a similar problem.
>
> This Wednesday I will start week 3. It is by far the best response I have had with any med and while I have significant anxiety I can't help but believe some of it is related to the fact that I have been depressed most of my life and I don't have a clue how to live not feeling depressed. At 2.5 weeks the side effect of poor sleep continues but since I have increased energy during the day, I feel better than I did when I was sleeping more. There is also the anxiety, but I am more than willing to deal with it.
Congrats on your great start. Only a couple of times have I had a very limited part of the patch come off, just the edges. I have yet to need to "re patch" though. It's stayed on after a big sweat from exersize, from bathing or from being in a jacuzzi, but those were the occations I noticed it wasn't quite as "stuck" at least by the next morning.I make sure I put my patch on just after showering in the morning and making sure I'm dry. I also make sure I don't have any lotion on the area I apply the patch and it's washed to get rid of any oil. I have found that there are a few area's like my stomach where it sticks tighter to the point it's harder to take off.
I also slap it kind of hard after applying to get a good seal. At this point I'm so happy with it that part of the reason I slap it on so hard is I want the med to really soak through, get working which is quite a contrast from any mental thoughts I've had with taking any other medicine. I have this sense that "it's good for me", must be to have my dark cloud lifted.
Perhaps I'm not having anxiety issues as I take klonopin with it (but am slowly reducing dose). And the further out I get the better I sleep. I have on a few occations added lunesta when I really had to get up early and needed a good nights sleep, but otherwise regardles of how well I sleep I seem to have good mood and energy through the day.
Lastly something I've noticed. The few occations I've gone out drinking the typical next day blues aren't there (not sure that's a good thing for me). I used to feel quite depressed and anxious the next day after going out and having a few. I really notice a difference which shows me how much it's helping my dysthimia and anxiety.
Anyway, sounds like a very positive start and my guess is that you're body will adjust to it and you'll start sleeping better. For me when I sleep better my anxiety goes way down. Perhaps you might try ambien or lunesta a few nights to get you through these next few weeks. Otherwise if you don't take a benzo, perhaps you could short term to help out a little bit with anxiety and sleep. Just a thought. I'm glad you're doing better! Rob
Posted by Donna Louise on May 1, 2006, at 7:23:34
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 23:39:02
Dear Egas, I am deeply saddened to hear how despondant (not a strong enough word) you are feeling. Who knows about these things, but in my NSHO you must are supposed to be here and living or you wouldn't be. Even though it sucks so bad. I am just so sorry that it hurts so much. My heart goes out to you, truly.
Donna
Posted by Donna Louise on May 1, 2006, at 7:29:00
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » RobertDavid, posted by jetcity10 on May 1, 2006, at 0:48:16
My first patch came off in the middle of the night. I knew it was going to, it started trying to do that in the evening. I shower at night, can't stand to have water touch me in the morning, so I scrub a spot and then put it on. Today it is on my upper thigh. Yesterday I put it on my chest and I think my skin moves so much there it just got loose. I ride horses and sweat alot so I may end up duck taping them on. Unless someone knows a better tape. Horse people duck tape everyhthing...And I won't use a second one if I flub the first, I am way too cheap for that. I would rather look like a wounded soldier with all this grey wrapping holding me together. Ha.
Donna
Posted by stowe on May 1, 2006, at 8:39:18
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » jetcity10, posted by Donna Louise on May 1, 2006, at 7:29:00
Hi all,
First of all, Egas, please hold on. I KNOW and FEEL your pain to my core, as I have been there and that feeling of utter hopelessness is always lurking in the back of my spirit. Thankfully, my bright spirit is usually able to override the darkness. It IS hard, and no one can truly understand unless they have felt it. But please know that you matter and mean so much in this world. Hold on..... and I pray for you.
I have been following this "thread" for the last few weeks with great anticipation for all of you who are trialing this new patch. I will likely be on the same path soon. I am trying to get the courage to taper off my remeron.... It seems we all have a similar story of having tried everything and this is a last hope. I limp through my life right now on remeron and just try to cope with the massive sedation and inability to really function the way I want to. But, it beats the depression and anxiety symptoms.... and suicidal thoughts.
Anyway, I am really writing to add my thoughts re: keeping the patch on. I use an estrogen patch one week each month and it would most definetely fall off without my handy bandaid. I use the waterproof durable bandaids and it stays on beautifully for 3 days. Give that a try. May be gentler on the skin than duct tape!
Good luck to EVERYONE out there. Thank goodness for this forum of support. It is the only place I have found where I feel like others are really going through the same thing I am. What a generous and special group out there. And hand on tight, Paul, as you get back to your prozac. One moment at a time.....
HOpe to also here more success stories which are SO SO encouraging. Good luck to lymom!!
all the best and may we all have peace in our hearts,
gigi
Posted by ravenstorm on May 1, 2006, at 9:34:40
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by stowe on May 1, 2006, at 8:39:18
How is your withdrawal going? I know for me, I get severley suicidal while going through drug withdrawal, so please please please call and get help or go somewhere if you need to. Keep posting, we care!
I know how you feel. Ensam was going to be my last chance too, as I need something to bypass the stomach due to GI problems. At this point, I am waiting to try though, as I am concerned about the after affects if it doesn't work. It takes me forever to get back anywhere near sort of functioning after going through a withdrawal. I'm not real functional now, but it is way better than I am months and months after withdrawal!
THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU. At least you can take meds orally. Go to neurotransmitter.net and look at all the new drugs in phase III trials. You will be able to try one of those once they go to market.
I don't have any hope until a drug called nemifitide (which is only in phase II) comes out (it also bypasses the GI tract).
Have you considered ECT or rtMS?
Please don't give up.
Posted by stowe on May 1, 2006, at 12:25:22
In reply to Re: EMSAM-egas, posted by ravenstorm on May 1, 2006, at 9:34:40
thanks, Ravenstorm , for your support and suggestions. I actually have not gotten up the courage yet to taper/withdraw from the remeron to try the emsam. I have been on the remeron for 5 months now (after a year of trying 16 various drugs and combinations with unbearable and unlivable side effects...) I am savoring the ability to sleep at night and "having my anchor again." At some point I will need to get off this drug so I can be fully functional again, but as we all know, the depression/anxiety puts one's life in the toilet. So for now I am coasting. Managing to work 3 days a week as a nurse and somewhat be there for my husband and 2 kids. They miss the "active mom," though, I know. But I just keep telling myself that at least I am here..... I almost wasn't a few months back.
So, thanks for the suggestions and support. I will definetely check out the website you suggested. Just knowing that some other meds may come down the pipeline gives comfort. And best of luck with your med choices. everyone: keep us posted.
warmly,
gigi
Posted by tgo on May 1, 2006, at 18:40:29
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by egas on April 30, 2006, at 23:39:02
Egas dear, please don't give up. I know it is very discouraging to try a new med that you really hope will finally be the one that will work for you and then it doesn't end up helping. I'm sure we've all been in that position before and understand how it feels to feel like there is no hope left.
Please understand that is the depression that is making you feel this way. You are meant to be here. Life is a learning experience. We learn and grow from everything we go through and it is often very hard, but not more than we can handle.
There is always hope. There is much money to be made by these drug companies and consequently researchers are working everyday to come up with new drug treatments for depression and anxiety. They've got to get it right one of these times and it's too big of a market to be ignored. New drugs are always coming to market. Just hang in there.
You mentioned you have a lung condition. Please take a look at these two sites. I think it might be helpful.
http://curezone.com/forums/m.asp?f=119&i=1892
http://curezone.com/blogs/m.asp?f=573&i=73I hope you get to feeling better.
tgo
Posted by Donna Louise on May 2, 2006, at 8:41:32
In reply to Re: EMSAM-egas, posted by stowe on May 1, 2006, at 12:25:22
> thanks, Ravenstorm , for your support and suggestions. I actually have not gotten up the courage yet to taper/withdraw from the remeron to try the emsam. I have been on the remeron for 5 months now (after a year of trying 16 various drugs and combinations with unbearable and unlivable side effects...) I am savoring the ability to sleep at night and "having my anchor again." At some point I will need to get off this drug so I can be fully functional again, but as we all know, the depression/anxiety puts one's life in the toilet. So for now I am coasting. Managing to work 3 days a week as a nurse and somewhat be there for my husband and 2 kids. They miss the "active mom," though, I know. But I just keep telling myself that at least I am here..... I almost wasn't a few months back.
>
> So, thanks for the suggestions and support. I will definetely check out the website you suggested. Just knowing that some other meds may come down the pipeline gives comfort. And best of luck with your med choices. everyone: keep us posted.
>
> warmly,
> gigi
Gigi, Ravenstorm, all others who have done the horrible withdrawal thing. I have avoided this in the past by taking a little prozac briefly, no withdrawals but I am thinking for Ravenstorm that may not be possible with the gut thing going on. I did not do it the prozac way this time as I did not want to wait 5 weeks to start the patch. I went off the effexor at 75 mg from a 225mg dose and the first week as you know was awful. But now I have this patch on, Day 2, so far no side effects and feeling better. It will still be awhile before I get over the uspet stomach and veritigo from the withdrawal but I am so RELIEVED it is over with. I felt better just being off that. I blab on. I guess I am just saying after the storm and the darkest part of the night, there is the dawn and clear skies. At least for today, that is all I have given to me for now anyway.Donna
Posted by Donna Louise on May 2, 2006, at 8:44:35
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil, posted by stowe on May 1, 2006, at 8:39:18
Thanks for that bandaid tip. I hope I don't need to use it, I have put it on my upper thigh and it sticks like good glue. I think I said I was on day 2 in my last post. WEll, it is day 3, I am obviously still confused..but it doesn't like my chest but seems to like the upper thigh. The patch I mean.
Donna
Posted by ravenstorm on May 2, 2006, at 8:50:06
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » stowe, posted by Donna Louise on May 2, 2006, at 8:44:35
Oh I tried the prozac "trick" when going of paxil, didn't work. I was on only 2mg for years, just to keep from goi. . .Oh, I don't even want to explain all this again. My withdrawals last for months and its not the throwing up etc that I mind, its that I end up much worse psychiatrically than before I ever tried the drug. I was totally non-functional for over a year after paxil withdrawal.
I'm glad your withdrawal has not been too bad
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