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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by d0pamine on March 25, 2007, at 3:54:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM - HAVE PEOPLE STAYED ON IT W/SUCCESS?, posted by jenro on February 25, 2007, at 14:17:52
For me, emsam has done what no other ad med has had the capacity to do (and I’ve tried quite a few). I've used it for about 10 months and would currently consider myself to have progressed to a long awaited state of relatively blissful functional normalcy. For the record it took about 6 weeks to even begin to work for me, but continued to improve for at least the first 6 months (no kidding) as the beneficial effects increased and the side effects faded (other than these occasional but quite tolerable jerks). I'm on the 12mg patch btw.
Also for a time at one point some months ago I tried combining DL-phenylalanine and it almost entirely eliminated the positive effects derived from use of emsam. This downturn was perceivable about 2 days into the experiment was realized on the third and persisted for another 3 or 4 after DLP was discontinued. Perhaps mine was an isolated case confined to my own peculiar body chemistry, but based on my experience, I'd highly recommend avoid this combo, particularly if your condition hasn’t improved sufficiently to provide enough perspective to recognize a downturn.
Posted by chiron on March 26, 2007, at 22:21:29
In reply to Re: EMSAM - HAVE PEOPLE STAYED ON IT W/SUCCESS?, posted by d0pamine on March 25, 2007, at 3:54:47
it took 6 weeks? did you feel anything in those first 6 weeks? what did you feel like before? do you relate to a general feeling of instability?
-thx
Posted by lcat10 on March 27, 2007, at 22:50:14
In reply to d0pamine - your Emsam story please, posted by chiron on March 26, 2007, at 22:21:29
I stayed on Emsam for over six weeks and was up to 12 mg. per day. I ended up quitting Emsam because I opted to do ECT. I would have had to quit anyway as I was having an allergic reaction to the patch. Now I am ready to go back on meds, but I don't think it will be Emsam.
Posted by chiron on March 31, 2007, at 23:02:45
In reply to Re: d0pamine - your Emsam story please, posted by lcat10 on March 27, 2007, at 22:50:14
lcat10, so was your Emsam trial was unsuccessful? Do you feel like it made you worse? What meds do you have left to try? And what was your experience on the ones you've been through?
I've been having a couple of ECTs while still on Emsam, but I am wondering about giving up the Emsam to just get some good shock focus to get me out of this crazy-hell. I can't say for sure if it is from the Emsam, but with the state I am in, patience doesn't come easily. I am beginning to think all meds mess me up & I may just have to be an ECT-lifer.
-thank you!
Posted by lcat10 on April 1, 2007, at 14:06:57
In reply to lcat10 question, posted by chiron on March 31, 2007, at 23:02:45
Emsam was just not working for me even at 12mg patch. Plus I was having an allergic reaction to the patch. I was on nothing and had been off Emsam for two weeks when I started ECT. I am not so sure ECT has been helpful either. I quit after 7 shocks because I was becoming so disoriented and confused, and anterograde amnesia was reeking havoc with me. I have now just started on Desipramine. I don't know if it will work or not. Most antidepressants have not worked with me because I end up with an allergic reaction or bad side effects early on. Back in the 1980's Parnate worked really well for me. And I was doing fine for around 12 to 15 years on no meds. In 2005 I developed all sorts of physical problems - COPD, sleep apnear, had to have cervical spine surgery, surgery to my nose, got diagnosed with GERD as well. I started getting depressed again, and again could not take most antidepressants. Parnate did not work this time, and my last try was Emsam. I don't know that I would do ECT again. The anesthesia part was a very bad experience for me as well as the disorientation and confusion. Good luck with ECT and be careful. I am started to feel more depressed again, and so I don't know what that is going to mean. My last ECT was on March 23rd. I started Desipramine on March 29th.
Posted by d0pamine on April 7, 2007, at 21:30:24
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by willyee on April 29, 2006, at 8:59:48
It literally took 6 weeks to start working for me and I am now pretty much 100%...Give it up sooner than that and you may be giving up feeling well.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 7, 2007, at 21:55:53
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by d0pamine on April 7, 2007, at 21:30:24
Yup, same thing here. 6-7 weeks and something just kicked in.
Posted by DoNoHarm on April 8, 2007, at 21:21:04
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
RobertDavid -
I was wondering how the Emsam is working after a year? I went through most of the thread and couldn't find info beyond your first month. I'm SO hoping you're still doing well. I just recently learned of this drug, and am seriously considering it. I've got a 24-year history of major depression along with dysthymia; have tried all classes of ADs except MAOIs, and have only responded to two tricyclics (which no longer work).
I stumbled across this site while researching Emsam, and have to stress that I am AWED at the suffering and support I have seen on this thread. It's so humbling. My heart goes out to you all - you are incredibly courageous and caring. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It truly does help.
Posted by chiron on April 8, 2007, at 23:15:58
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by d0pamine on April 7, 2007, at 21:30:24
> It literally took 6 weeks to start working for me and I am now pretty much 100%...Give it up sooner than that and you may be giving up feeling well.
Was it like a night and day reaction? Can you explain a little more? Does it help in a multitude of areas? Do you take anything else?
Thanks for the hope.
Posted by Jeff81 on April 10, 2007, at 22:01:24
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice » d0pamine, posted by chiron on April 8, 2007, at 23:15:58
What dose are you guys taking? I have been on 6mg for a month. Probably going to start 9mg on Thursday.
Posted by Shortstop on April 11, 2007, at 19:10:46
In reply to Re: Need EMSAM Advice, posted by Jeff81 on April 10, 2007, at 22:01:24
> What dose are you guys taking? I have been on 6mg for a month. Probably going to start 9mg on Thursday.
Newbie to this board here. I just started the 6 mg patch eight days ago -- more for GAD than depression. (My stomach would not tolerate any SSRI, so I figured the MAOI patch would be worth a shot. Somewhat to my surprise, since Emsam has only been cleared for major depression, my doc agreed.) Anyway, I'll keep this board posted on my progress, if folks find that helpful.
First report: So far, so ... nothing! Really, I don't notice any difference in my mood or any decrease in the level of free-floating anxiety. But neither do I have any side effects or any increase in anxiousness, so I'll give it at least 6 to 8 weeks before giving up. The patches are a little irritating. Damned painful to peel off! But a little dab of hydrocortisone cream seems to alleviate the redness and mild burning/itching by day's end each day. We shall see if the results justify the pain and suffering :-) ...
And now a question. I had been using an OTC male-enhancement solution called Stamina RX. I stopped when I started Emsam just to be on the safe side. But the stuff is terrific -- my wife and I find it works even better than Cialis or Viagra. Does anyone know if I'd be putting myself at risk to take the Stamina RX while on the Emsam? Here's a link to a page listing the ingredients:
http://www.cljhealth.com/stamina-ingredients.htm
Finally for now, thank you to Dr. Bob for establishing and maintaining this sane & sober (i.e., non-hysterical, compared with some other boards of its type) discussion site -- and to all the smart and knowlegable people who post here, from what I can see. I look forward to learning a lot, and hopefully helping others learn some things, too.
All best,
Shortstop
Posted by Stefanie1187 on April 11, 2007, at 20:54:29
In reply to EMSAM - First Day, posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
I have a question.. I just started using this patch recently and i'm reading in some places that its ok to drink beer while on this patch b/c it releases the medication slowly which was different from the pils in which you could NOT drink with, but then some places i read still do NOT drink beer while on the patch... I am a beer drinker so i am very curious, has any drank beer while on this patch yet?? If so, anything? If not, any input ??
I'd appreciate it..
Posted by chiron on April 11, 2007, at 21:58:07
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by Stefanie1187 on April 11, 2007, at 20:54:29
I drink beer occassionally and I'm on the 9mg.
The literature says to "avoid the tap beers and other beers that have not been pasteurized." (because of the tyramine)
Under "Acceptable Foods and Drinks" it says:
"As with other antidepressants, concomitant use of alcohol with EMSAM is not recommended. (Bottled and canned beers and wines contain little or no tyramine.)"
So bottled beer is okay, it is just not recommended as is the case with any antidepressant.
Posted by Shortstop on April 12, 2007, at 11:00:31
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by Stefanie1187 on April 11, 2007, at 20:54:29
Stefanie, I drink two beers every evening. Just two -- good for the heart, they say, not to mention the constitution :-). Bottles and cans, not tap. Since starting Emsam I have not curtailed my intake at all. I feel fine so far.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 14, 2007, at 1:03:23
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by Shortstop on April 12, 2007, at 11:00:31
I took Emsam for three months for GAD. It seemed to helped a but, but gave me extra energy, which in turn did not help my anxiety. However, it did appear to lift my mood out of the blue around 6-7 weeks.
I took 4mg of Seroquel and 100-150 of Seroquel to counter out the extra energy. I would say I felt like a 6 on scale of 1-10, I only switched to Nardil to go for a 10. I may only hit a 1, but Ill never know unless I try.
E me if you have Emsam Qs, Michael
Posted by Psychobabbler on July 19, 2007, at 16:02:23
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » Sarah T., posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 20:31:49
I am about to start using the EMSAM patch. I just called BMS and was told that participants in the clinical trials did not remove the patch for showers or swimming.
> > I was also wondering about getting the patch wet. What about taking a shower or going swimming? Can you take the patch off and put the same one back on?
>
> It's my understanding that the issue with the patch is primarily when it gets hot, such as in a jacuzzi or say if you put a heat pad on it as when it get's hot it may deliver the selegiline quicker.
>
> I don't think getting it wet is and issue such as a normal shower or swimming. I didn't read that anywhere or hear it from my doctor. And from seeing how good it sticks to the skin I doubt any water would get under it. I suppose I could call BMS customer service and find out, probably should.
>
> I don't think they recomend taking it off and putting it back on, probably affects the delivery, not sure.
>
>
>
Posted by crazy777girl on July 19, 2007, at 16:23:17
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » RobertDavid, posted by Psychobabbler on July 19, 2007, at 16:02:23
I could not reposition the patch AT ALL.
My experience was that if I botched the initial positioning - I ruined an entire patch. Thank God for Rx insurance - at that time.
I must admit to not much showering, at that time in my illness, but EMSAM was not effective for me anyway. Strange side effects that were non-tolerable.
Best wishes,
A> I am about to start using the EMSAM patch. I just called BMS and was told that participants in the clinical trials did not remove the patch for showers or swimming.
>
> > > I was also wondering about getting the patch wet. What about taking a shower or going swimming? Can you take the patch off and put the same one back on?
> >
> > It's my understanding that the issue with the patch is primarily when it gets hot, such as in a jacuzzi or say if you put a heat pad on it as when it get's hot it may deliver the selegiline quicker.
> >
> > I don't think getting it wet is and issue such as a normal shower or swimming. I didn't read that anywhere or hear it from my doctor. And from seeing how good it sticks to the skin I doubt any water would get under it. I suppose I could call BMS customer service and find out, probably should.
> >
> > I don't think they recomend taking it off and putting it back on, probably affects the delivery, not sure.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Robert David on July 19, 2007, at 23:23:58
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » RobertDavid, posted by Psychobabbler on July 19, 2007, at 16:02:23
Though I no longer take EMSAM I had no issues with showering or swimming with it on. Before doing so I checked in with my psychiatrist who told me it would have little affect on how it would work. If you're asking I would just go about my normal routine and not worry about showering or bathing. Best of luck to you...
Posted by headcheese01 on July 19, 2007, at 23:33:54
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » Psychobabbler, posted by Robert David on July 19, 2007, at 23:23:58
Robert David,
If you don't mind sharing, could you share why you stopped taking Emsam? It seemed to be working so brilliantly for you. How many months did you take it before you quit it?
Thanks.
>>> Though I no longer take EMSAM I had no issues with showering or swimming with it on. Before doing so I checked in with my psychiatrist who told me it would have little affect on how it would work. If you're asking I would just go about my normal routine and not worry about showering or bathing. Best of luck to you...
<<< - Robert David
Posted by Phillipa on July 20, 2007, at 18:58:51
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » Psychobabbler, posted by Robert David on July 19, 2007, at 23:23:58
Rob I feel like a celebrity popped in hope things are great for you. A great person in my opinion. Love Phillipa
Posted by Robert David on July 22, 2007, at 14:01:51
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » Robert David, posted by headcheese01 on July 19, 2007, at 23:33:54
> Robert David,
>
> If you don't mind sharing, could you share why you stopped taking Emsam? It seemed to be working so brilliantly for you. How many months did you take it before you quit it?I tried EMSAM to improve my mood, give me more energy and improve mental clarity. Also, I had hoped it might be a replacement for klonopin to treat SAD, GAD and mild depression (not clinical depression/anxiety related) which disabled me socially for over half my life prior to klonopin.
All other meds I tried as mono therapy or combined with klonopin were a bust for me. All side effects and no benefit.
When I started EMSAM in April 06 I was taking 2mgs klonopin down from 3. I had a very positive initial response to EMSAM. I had a suttle energy boost and sense of improved mental clairty. I was very encouraged.
I started having some slight issues with insomnia, but not enough to get me to stop EMSAM as I have never been a good sleeper. After a while and with my doctors permission I started to do a few things to see if I could improve sleeping.
First I cut the patch in half, basically to try it at a lower dose. I also tied taking it off a few hours before bedtime then back on early in the morning. Both helped.
During the 4 +/- months I was on EMSAM I had the energy to get back to the gym and was exercising more and was overall more motivated at work and feeling better. I improved many areas of my life such as eating better.
One night I took off the patch before bedtime and over the weekend didn't put it back on without noticing much differenceon how I felt. Then it got to be a week. At that point I stopped taking it and have not been back on it since.
While on EMSAM I was able to drop down to 1.5mgs klonopin where I still am today. Klonopin works as well for me now as it did at 3mgs, but with less tiring side effects.
So my overall take on EMSAM is for me it was the best anti depressent I've tried. It really helped give me a boost to get me going again. I don't seem to need anything other than klonopin at this time. I kept my half box of EMSAM and would not hesitate to go back on it again if I slipped back to the way I used to feel.
Though I have not followed the board much since stopping EMSAM I hope there are others that have found it to be helpful.
Posted by headcheese01 on July 23, 2007, at 12:43:54
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » headcheese01, posted by Robert David on July 22, 2007, at 14:01:51
Thanks for the followup, Robert. I appreciate it. I'm glad to hear you're still doing well.
Take care.
Posted by gibber on July 26, 2007, at 23:12:52
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day » headcheese01, posted by Robert David on July 22, 2007, at 14:01:51
I had a similar experience as Mr. David. Exept I was on Emsam for more like a year/year and a half. Later on I combined it with Lamictal. I am still am on Lamictal. I took some holidays from Lamictal (a week or two). But I seem to keep coming back. I seem to feel better on it. It has been a long time since I've been to this board. Probably since I started EMSAM. I know it is so hard living for some of you. I have been there before. I would say I'm happy infrequently, but light years from where I used to be. I started CBT around the time I started emsam (2 years ago). I am a strong believer CBT. This is after taking every drug available and doing years of psychodynamic therapy too. I'm still in CBT. I'm able to hold a rather demanding job and I'm going back to my second semester of music school. Just throwing this out there, because I know many of you need some hope. Let me know if you have any question about anything.
> > Robert David,
> >
> > If you don't mind sharing, could you share why you stopped taking Emsam? It seemed to be working so brilliantly for you. How many months did you take it before you quit it?
>
>
>
> I tried EMSAM to improve my mood, give me more energy and improve mental clarity. Also, I had hoped it might be a replacement for klonopin to treat SAD, GAD and mild depression (not clinical depression/anxiety related) which disabled me socially for over half my life prior to klonopin.
>
> All other meds I tried as mono therapy or combined with klonopin were a bust for me. All side effects and no benefit.
>
> When I started EMSAM in April 06 I was taking 2mgs klonopin down from 3. I had a very positive initial response to EMSAM. I had a suttle energy boost and sense of improved mental clairty. I was very encouraged.
>
> I started having some slight issues with insomnia, but not enough to get me to stop EMSAM as I have never been a good sleeper. After a while and with my doctors permission I started to do a few things to see if I could improve sleeping.
>
> First I cut the patch in half, basically to try it at a lower dose. I also tied taking it off a few hours before bedtime then back on early in the morning. Both helped.
>
> During the 4 +/- months I was on EMSAM I had the energy to get back to the gym and was exercising more and was overall more motivated at work and feeling better. I improved many areas of my life such as eating better.
>
> One night I took off the patch before bedtime and over the weekend didn't put it back on without noticing much differenceon how I felt. Then it got to be a week. At that point I stopped taking it and have not been back on it since.
>
> While on EMSAM I was able to drop down to 1.5mgs klonopin where I still am today. Klonopin works as well for me now as it did at 3mgs, but with less tiring side effects.
>
> So my overall take on EMSAM is for me it was the best anti depressent I've tried. It really helped give me a boost to get me going again. I don't seem to need anything other than klonopin at this time. I kept my half box of EMSAM and would not hesitate to go back on it again if I slipped back to the way I used to feel.
>
> Though I have not followed the board much since stopping EMSAM I hope there are others that have found it to be helpful.
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by headcheese01 on July 27, 2007, at 8:00:10
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by gibber on July 26, 2007, at 23:12:52
>>>I had a similar experience as Mr. David. Exept I was on Emsam for more like a year/year and a half. Later on I combined it with Lamictal. I am still am on Lamictal. ... I started CBT around the time I started emsam (2 years ago). I am a strong believer CBT. This is after taking every drug available and doing years of psychodynamic therapy too. ...<<< - Gibber
Hi Gibber,
So, if I read this right, you quit Emsam around 6 months ago, but it had worked for you before, like it did for Robert David?
Just curious, how come you quit it? And when you did take it, were there any side effects that you experienced. I'm new on Emsam myself (8 days). Still figuring out timing of taking the drug, and if the moderate fatigue issues that I get with it will resolve over a couple of weeks, or if that's just the way it will be with Emsam.
I'm a super fast metabolizer, so with all the AD's I ever took, I felt the drug kick in within an hour or so of taking it, and then depending on the drug, I felt something good for a couple to a few (but not more than 4) hours, then I'd crash. Over the years, I had concluded that that experience wasn't worth taking the meds. Yet, I remained by and large depressed... to the point that I actually had VNS implanted. VNS has been a little bit helpful, but not near enough.
So... I finally decided to give an AD another try, and it's Emsam. So far, I'm experiencing similar stuff to what I've experienced with other meds; that is, a couple of hours of feeling good, followed by a couple of hours of moderate fatigue, followed by a few hours of lesser fatigue; then I get really tired and go to bed.
It's all new to me though, so I'll try to give this a good 6 weeks unless side effects become too burdensome.
Posted by jenro on July 27, 2007, at 11:02:11
In reply to Re: EMSAM - First Day, posted by gibber on July 26, 2007, at 23:12:52
>
what's cbt?
I had a similar experience as Mr. David. Exept I was on Emsam for more like a year/year and a half. Later on I combined it with Lamictal. I am still am on Lamictal. I took some holidays from Lamictal (a week or two). But I seem to keep coming back. I seem to feel better on it. It has been a long time since I've been to this board. Probably since I started EMSAM. I know it is so hard living for some of you. I have been there before. I would say I'm happy infrequently, but light years from where I used to be. I started CBT around the time I started emsam (2 years ago). I am a strong believer CBT. This is after taking every drug available and doing years of psychodynamic therapy too. I'm still in CBT. I'm able to hold a rather demanding job and I'm going back to my second semester of music school. Just throwing this out there, because I know many of you need some hope. Let me know if you have any question about anything.
>
> > > Robert David,
> > >
> > > If you don't mind sharing, could you share why you stopped taking Emsam? It seemed to be working so brilliantly for you. How many months did you take it before you quit it?
> >
> >
> >
> > I tried EMSAM to improve my mood, give me more energy and improve mental clarity. Also, I had hoped it might be a replacement for klonopin to treat SAD, GAD and mild depression (not clinical depression/anxiety related) which disabled me socially for over half my life prior to klonopin.
> >
> > All other meds I tried as mono therapy or combined with klonopin were a bust for me. All side effects and no benefit.
> >
> > When I started EMSAM in April 06 I was taking 2mgs klonopin down from 3. I had a very positive initial response to EMSAM. I had a suttle energy boost and sense of improved mental clairty. I was very encouraged.
> >
> > I started having some slight issues with insomnia, but not enough to get me to stop EMSAM as I have never been a good sleeper. After a while and with my doctors permission I started to do a few things to see if I could improve sleeping.
> >
> > First I cut the patch in half, basically to try it at a lower dose. I also tied taking it off a few hours before bedtime then back on early in the morning. Both helped.
> >
> > During the 4 +/- months I was on EMSAM I had the energy to get back to the gym and was exercising more and was overall more motivated at work and feeling better. I improved many areas of my life such as eating better.
> >
> > One night I took off the patch before bedtime and over the weekend didn't put it back on without noticing much differenceon how I felt. Then it got to be a week. At that point I stopped taking it and have not been back on it since.
> >
> > While on EMSAM I was able to drop down to 1.5mgs klonopin where I still am today. Klonopin works as well for me now as it did at 3mgs, but with less tiring side effects.
> >
> > So my overall take on EMSAM is for me it was the best anti depressent I've tried. It really helped give me a boost to get me going again. I don't seem to need anything other than klonopin at this time. I kept my half box of EMSAM and would not hesitate to go back on it again if I slipped back to the way I used to feel.
> >
> > Though I have not followed the board much since stopping EMSAM I hope there are others that have found it to be helpful.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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