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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 240 to 264 of 431. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by strugglingsteve on May 2, 2006, at 14:53:55
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Donna, posted by ravenstorm on May 2, 2006, at 8:50:06
It is 3 weeks today on the patch. Three days ago the serious suicidal depression lifted. I'd say I am mildly to moderately depressed and the agitation is a little better too. I still feel very frustrated and unmotivated but compared to last week, its better. I hope that this is the start of an upward trend. My friend said that its a slow progression upward, anyone out there thats had a response to an AD, is that true???
Posted by theo on May 2, 2006, at 17:21:05
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » jetcity10, posted by RobertDavid on May 1, 2006, at 1:13:54
I'm starting the patch as soon as I get my nerve up, I have had the scrip for a week!
Do you find any difference in absorbtion in placing it on your upper body versus your thigh or hip (underwear area)?
Posted by RobertDavid on May 2, 2006, at 18:24:55
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » RobertDavid, posted by theo on May 2, 2006, at 17:21:05
> I'm starting the patch as soon as I get my nerve up, I have had the scrip for a week!
>
> Do you find any difference in absorbtion in placing it on your upper body versus your thigh or hip (underwear area)?
I've pretty much kept the patch on my upper back, chest and arms. I like to keep it high as I like to take long hot baths at night and they say you're suppost to avoid long periods of heat exposure so by keeping it high it doesn't soak in the hot water (for long periods).On a couple of occations I placed it on my stomach, but never my legs. There are so many options to place it I really don't pay much attention to it and can't say that I've noticed much difference. The chart seems to suggest that it's fine either upper or lower body (outer thighs), but I suspect it doesn't make much difference. I just slap it on where ever I feel like it.
Since I've had such a positive response I will say I like the idea of having on my upper body as I want as much of the drug to get to my brain as possible, but that's just my little mental thing and probably doesn't matter at all. Once I put it on I give it a few good slaps to make sure it sticks well as I want the selegiline to really soak in.
I wish you the best of luck with it and I hope this info helps. Rob
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 2, 2006, at 19:57:46
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Donna, posted by ravenstorm on May 2, 2006, at 8:50:06
> Oh I tried the prozac "trick" when going of paxil, didn't work...
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding going of paxil to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060412/msgs/639404.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jetcity10 on May 2, 2006, at 21:19:31
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Time for next refil » theo, posted by RobertDavid on May 2, 2006, at 18:24:55
I have tried many of the places suggested on the instructions. I have not tried the stomach or upper back (I am afraid I couldn't reach well enough on my upper back to get a good stick, but then again I have had major injuries to both shoulders). My preferred places are bilateral upper chest followed by bilateral upper arm. At first I thought I had greater absorbtion of chest vs. upper thigh, though now I think it is pretty much the same everywhere. I would just try it multiple places and go with where it sticks. The lower back and thigh seem to be more in the way of my clothing and I am not letting those expensive patches fall off. Do whatever works for you. I started following Rob's suggestion and slap it once after putting it on. Maybe it is like a good luck charm...
> > I'm starting the patch as soon as I get my nerve up, I have had the scrip for a week!
> >
> > Do you find any difference in absorbtion in placing it on your upper body versus your thigh or hip (underwear area)?
>
>
> I've pretty much kept the patch on my upper back, chest and arms. I like to keep it high as I like to take long hot baths at night and they say you're suppost to avoid long periods of heat exposure so by keeping it high it doesn't soak in the hot water (for long periods).
>
> On a couple of occations I placed it on my stomach, but never my legs. There are so many options to place it I really don't pay much attention to it and can't say that I've noticed much difference. The chart seems to suggest that it's fine either upper or lower body (outer thighs), but I suspect it doesn't make much difference. I just slap it on where ever I feel like it.
>
> Since I've had such a positive response I will say I like the idea of having on my upper body as I want as much of the drug to get to my brain as possible, but that's just my little mental thing and probably doesn't matter at all. Once I put it on I give it a few good slaps to make sure it sticks well as I want the selegiline to really soak in.
>
> I wish you the best of luck with it and I hope this info helps. Rob
Posted by Donna Louise on May 3, 2006, at 8:03:27
In reply to Emsam at 3 weeks: a little better, posted by strugglingsteve on May 2, 2006, at 14:53:55
> It is 3 weeks today on the patch. Three days ago the serious suicidal depression lifted. I'd say I am mildly to moderately depressed and the agitation is a little better too. I still feel very frustrated and unmotivated but compared to last week, its better. I hope that this is the start of an upward trend. My friend said that its a slow progression upward, anyone out there thats had a response to an AD, is that true???
Dear Steve, that has been absolutely true in my experience. I have had what feels like more immediate relief but that is probably side effects and not the real therapeutic change. It sounds to me like you are progressing just like it is supposed to happen. That is one of the things we all complain about, it seems to take too long, we are so tired of feeling bad. But sounds to me like you have rounded a corner and it will continue to slowly improve until you will be so happy you just can't stand it! :-))) It is possible to be that happy, and so unfamiliar feeling.Donna
Posted by ttee on May 3, 2006, at 23:12:55
In reply to Re: Emsam at 3 weeks: a little better » strugglingsteve, posted by Donna Louise on May 3, 2006, at 8:03:27
If anyone wants to see a short video on EMSAM, click on this link. Brought to you by your friends at the FDA.
Posted by pederspd on May 4, 2006, at 0:03:49
In reply to Re: Emsam at 3 weeks: a little better, posted by ttee on May 3, 2006, at 23:12:55
I am finally starting Emsam tomorrow. These past two weeks of waiting have been torture. I am my psych doc's first patient on it and she is sooooo nervous. I made the mistake of saying how I had had tofu the night before my appt and she's made me wait to start! I tried to tell her that the diet restrictions don't matter on the lowest dose but she didn't care. Oh, well.
When I was on the patch during the study I saw improvement within the first week, so this time next week I expect to feel better.
Hope everyone else is doing well. Pat
Posted by RobertDavid on May 4, 2006, at 18:47:15
In reply to Starting Emsam tomorrow, posted by pederspd on May 4, 2006, at 0:03:49
Before EMSAM I was just about out of hope that any medicine would ever work for me. I'm so much more productive, I feel like doing things, going places, my concentration has improved and am generally more social (which is important as my primary disorter is Social Anxiety).
What I wonder now is if I'll continue to even feel better in the weeks ahead. A week ago I thought the same thing and indeed I feel better today than ever.
I know everyone is different and not all meds are going to work well for everyone including EMSAM. Perhaps I would have done as well on other MAOI's like Parnate or Nardil, but what I do know is this MAOI, EMSAM is really something special for me.
I have paid no attention to diet and have not had any issues. I do pay attention to drug interactions and threw out all the cold medicines I had to make sure I'd never have brain fade and accidentally take it.
I guess the bottom line is there is hope for everyone. Even if you've failed on EMSAM there's something out there that will help you and new meds will continue to come out as there's just to much money in it for the drug companies. If you're having trouble don't give up hope.
Best of luck to everyone EMSAMer or not. Rob
Posted by lymom3 on May 4, 2006, at 20:32:43
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
Day one for me...just came back from a walk. Now it was only 1/2 hour and only 2 miles, but that's more than I've done for months...here's hoping that it continues tomorrow.
Posted by egas on May 4, 2006, at 22:43:33
In reply to EMSAM - 28th day, posted by RobertDavid on May 4, 2006, at 18:47:15
I am so glad for you...I have had to try and taper down the patch to come off by cutting it in half. When my doctor told me to take it off for a couple days all the side effects got worse. I had the worse case of panic and anxiety and insomnia on it, and coming off is from what I hear like major addiction withdrawal...chills, fever, nausea, worse panic and anxiety...Next week will be 4 weeks since I started...this has been the worst month of my life, and no sleep for most of the nights, almost collapsed from exhaustion..sorry but I must post this possibility and wish all of you the best. This is closest I have ever come to death from depression.....this patch
is not for me..I have NEVER had panic or
anxiety in my entire life until I put the patch on.
I could never stay on the other MAOI'S because of my blood pressure going too low,
but they too, were awful...I am through with all these drugs, and am going to a Chinese herbalist..I am 55 and have never had a life
without depression, and probably never will.
The best to all on EMSAM,,,,hopefully without
these horrible side effects. I have just lost
another month of my horrible existence. I give up, I cannot get out of bed or my home or even
pay my bills...I always functioned before I put
on this dam patch.> Before EMSAM I was just about out of hope that any medicine would ever work for me. I'm so much more productive, I feel like doing things, going places, my concentration has improved and am generally more social (which is important as my primary disorter is Social Anxiety).
>
> What I wonder now is if I'll continue to even feel better in the weeks ahead. A week ago I thought the same thing and indeed I feel better today than ever.
>
> I know everyone is different and not all meds are going to work well for everyone including EMSAM. Perhaps I would have done as well on other MAOI's like Parnate or Nardil, but what I do know is this MAOI, EMSAM is really something special for me.
>
> I have paid no attention to diet and have not had any issues. I do pay attention to drug interactions and threw out all the cold medicines I had to make sure I'd never have brain fade and accidentally take it.
>
> I guess the bottom line is there is hope for everyone. Even if you've failed on EMSAM there's something out there that will help you and new meds will continue to come out as there's just to much money in it for the drug companies. If you're having trouble don't give up hope.
>
> Best of luck to everyone EMSAMer or not. Rob
Posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 8:23:40
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
Got in a walk yesterday. I did find this morning that removing that patch hurts. I will make sure I put them in an area where I have tougher skin and it won't sting so much. It's day 2 and I'm at work an hour early and am actually working...
Posted by Donna Louise on May 5, 2006, at 8:37:17
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 8:23:40
> Got in a walk yesterday. I did find this morning that removing that patch hurts. I will make sure I put them in an area where I have tougher skin and it won't sting so much. It's day 2 and I'm at work an hour early and am actually working...
I keep hitting the wrong buttons. Ignore that nm post that I just sent...
What I was trying to ask was where are you putting the patch that it is sticking so well for you. We are having opposite problems if you want to call it a problem. An issue. That is better. Certainly is not a problem like all the others in the past!Donna
Posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 8:42:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » lymom3, posted by Donna Louise on May 5, 2006, at 8:37:17
Yesterday I put it on my breastbone above my chest. Can't do that all the time but I was wearing a high necked sweater. It stuck really well...
I moved it to my arm today and so far so good. I did waste one patch yesterday by not washing the area first like I was supposed to. That did not stick at all and I had to toss it (I am on free samples still...If I was paying for those puppies right now that would have been a different story).
Posted by Donna Louise on May 5, 2006, at 9:43:02
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 8:42:56
> Yesterday I put it on my breastbone above my chest. Can't do that all the time but I was wearing a high necked sweater. It stuck really well...
>
> I moved it to my arm today and so far so good. I did waste one patch yesterday by not washing the area first like I was supposed to. That did not stick at all and I had to toss it (I am on free samples still...If I was paying for those puppies right now that would have been a different story).I will try that tomorrow. I tried it on the chest but to one side and I think my skin bends around and wrinkles up too much there. Ugh. But flat on the breastbone may do it. I will try there tomorrow. The one I put on my arm didn't stick but a few hours.
Posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 22:14:26
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
Anybody have an suggestions from docs or internet research what I could maybe put on the rashes that the patches leave behind? The red blotches aren't going to be enough to make me quit, but I'm like for them to not look so red.
Posted by egas on May 5, 2006, at 22:20:16
In reply to Rash, posted by lymom3 on May 5, 2006, at 22:14:26
Per my doctor: You can put Benedryl cream over the patch to help the rash, and or after you move the patch...hope it works!
> Anybody have an suggestions from docs or internet research what I could maybe put on the rashes that the patches leave behind? The red blotches aren't going to be enough to make me quit, but I'm like for them to not look so red.
Posted by egas on May 5, 2006, at 22:31:00
In reply to Re: EMSAM-egas, posted by tgo on May 1, 2006, at 18:40:29
Thanks very much for the other sites and your
words...I would do anything to be finished coming off this patch already and be back on
Remeron...because I was not paralyzed with
anxiety and panic...I wish you and everyone
health....I may have found a chinese doctor
to help me....MAYBE....thanks again!
> 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=73
>
> I hope you get to feeling better.
>
> tgo
>
Posted by egas on May 5, 2006, at 22:55:18
In reply to Re: EMSAM-egas, posted by ravenstorm on May 1, 2006, at 9:34:40
Thanks for the web info and your words...my computer crashed, so was not able to even open posts until yesterday....the withdrawal
still is awful...on klonipin and restoril...drugged
but paralyzed at the same time and angry as hell that my doctor did not think of starting me
out on 1/4 or 1/2 of a patch since I NEVER need a full dose of ANYTHING as I am so senstive....i went for accupuncture for the anxiety and it helps for around 2 hours....I had
2 weeks of rtms in canada last year...zero results and had 2 ect treatments and could not tolerate the headaches...I take care of my
89 year old dad's meds, so I cannot have memory loss at this time to try again, we have
no other family.....I know you offer me hope, but being 55 sucks and never having a life, it is too late to start and I am too tired to try...I cannot remember what laughter is anymore.
I had some happiness when I had my dog years ago, hopefully if I don't get better, I will
be able to join him in the next life sooner than
later....I am sorry about your GI problem and please let me know you do well on EMSAM
when you are ready.....I pray for you and all of us....we deserve a friggin break already!!!!!!!!!
My doctor no longer takes Medicare as of May
1st, so I have no one to admit me anywhere. so now I have to look for a doctor in chicago that accepts medicare...Please take care and again, good luck!!! I do
not want to stop anyone from trying the patch, so I apologize for the negativity....all I want is
some peace in my heart for more than 1 hour
before my unbearable existence ends....> 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 Donna Louise on May 6, 2006, at 6:19:32
In reply to Re: EMSAM-egas, posted by egas on May 5, 2006, at 22:55:18
Please, please, don't make any decisions until you are done withdrawal and back on the med that helped at least a little. Please just postpone it one day at a time. It could still be ok. I will have hope for you while you can't. I can tell, especially after you mention your dog, that you are a blessing.
Donna
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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