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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 30 to 54 of 54. Go back in thread:
Posted by aabag on March 1, 2006, at 0:58:46
In reply to Re: FDA Approves EMSAM... dosage? » gibber, posted by jrbecker on February 28, 2006, at 21:39:13
I know I'll certainly be read to try it when April rolls around. The reduction in side effects, and the different mechanism of action over largely "lateral move" antidepressants are two reasons to consider EMSAM.
Posted by blueberry on March 1, 2006, at 5:40:17
In reply to FDA Approves EMSAM, posted by jrbecker on February 28, 2006, at 8:11:40
I couldn't quite get it exactly, I was wondering if anyone knew if 6mg ensam is both MAOI-A and MAOI-B. I know at 6mg regular deprenyl would be just MAOI-B. ???
Posted by Last Chance on March 1, 2006, at 10:45:08
In reply to Re: FDA approves EMSAM, posted by FredPotter on February 28, 2006, at 21:34:25
> The killer blow is having to give up broad-bean pods (just kidding)
Yeah, Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti. I am still putting some faith in Emsam, and am waiting for it to be available. I tried oral Selegeline for awhile with no good results - also moclobomide, which within a week gave me negative sexual side effects which it is not supposed to do. Richard
Posted by Chairman_MAO on March 1, 2006, at 11:49:24
In reply to Re: MAOI-A and MAOI-B at 6mg?, posted by blueberry on March 1, 2006, at 5:40:17
The bioavailability of oral selegiline is poor. Much of it is eliminated by first-pass metabolism in the liver. Some of it binds to MAO-A in the gut.
With the patch, a majority of what gets into the bloodstream makes it to the CNS. The brain:gut ratio of MAO-A inhibition by selegiline patch in guinea pig is 7.5:1.
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 1, 2006, at 12:05:20
In reply to Re: FDA approves EMSAM, posted by cecilia on February 28, 2006, at 20:45:18
> Re food restrictions on higher doses but not lower-this still doesn't make a lot of sense to me because one person can have higher blood levels on a low dose than another person on a high dose. I think they're just covering their you know what and cheese etc are probably safe at any dose, though it probably makes sense to avoid the really high tyramine foods like very aged cheeses even on the low doses. I'll definitely give Emsam a try, but I'm not holding my breath, from what I've read it sounds like its likely to be one of those anxiety increasing, insomnia increasing type drugs. Cecilia
The recommendations about tyramine restriction are statistical concepts. Individuals would be foolish to pay no regard to tyramine, even if on lower doses of Emsam. It is important to determine one's own tyramine sensitivity, whenever overt manipulation of MAO activity is considered, whatever the dose.
Lar
Posted by RetiredYoung on March 1, 2006, at 12:45:52
In reply to Re: FDA Approves EMSAM » RetiredYoung, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2006, at 20:52:49
>> The question is do they work?
I assume you mean my Zyprexa/SSRI combo? To a degree. They keep me from feeling rock bottom/suicidal, but I never come close to feeling well.
Posted by cecilia on March 1, 2006, at 17:30:07
In reply to Re: FDA approves EMSAM » cecilia, posted by Larry Hoover on March 1, 2006, at 12:05:20
You're probably right Larry. I suspect there will be some big time lawsuits with people who happen to be unusually sensitive to tyramine and it will end up being taken off the market like so many new drugs. I'll be cautious at 1st. Cecilia
Posted by cecilia on March 1, 2006, at 17:31:42
In reply to Re: FDA approves EMSAM, posted by Last Chance on March 1, 2006, at 10:45:08
Don't forget the banana peels-such deprivation. Cecilia
Posted by Phillipa on March 1, 2006, at 18:19:46
In reply to Re: FDA Approves EMSAM » Phillipa, posted by RetiredYoung on March 1, 2006, at 12:45:52
Yes that's what I meant. thank, Phillipa
Posted by Jakeman on March 1, 2006, at 21:03:04
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » Jakeman, posted by RobertDavid on February 27, 2006, at 23:15:31
Posted by Iansf on March 2, 2006, at 14:58:59
In reply to Re: FDA approves EMSAM, posted by Last Chance on March 1, 2006, at 10:45:08
<I tried oral Selegeline for awhile with no good results - also moclobomide, which within a week gave me negative sexual side effects which it is not supposed to do. Richard >
Same for me with sexual side effects. I'd heard it could even boost sexual performance, but no such luck. That's my big concern with the patch - will it TRULY not have negative sexual side effects?
Posted by rvanson on March 4, 2006, at 21:16:53
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » RobertDavid, posted by Jakeman on February 27, 2006, at 20:48:17
> Can someone summarize what the benefits will be from taking selegline transdermally rather than orally?
>
> thank, JakeIt avoids first pass liver problems, unlike nardil, ect leading to less problems/SE's.
Posted by RobertDavid on March 4, 2006, at 21:21:01
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by rvanson on March 4, 2006, at 21:16:53
Getting my perscription for EMSAM Thursday. I'm told it should be available in a few weeks. I'll post how I do.
Posted by Last Chance on March 5, 2006, at 1:44:03
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by RobertDavid on March 4, 2006, at 21:21:01
> Getting my perscription for EMSAM Thursday. I'm told it should be available in a few weeks. I'll post how I do.
Got my script and now just waiting - I will also post how it is working. Richard
Posted by RobertDavid on March 5, 2006, at 13:34:02
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by Last Chance on March 5, 2006, at 1:44:03
Has anyone else noticed how much attention EMSAM's approval is getting? I've seen it several times on the news, read it in the newspaper, others that I've mentioned it to through the years have called me and said "I heard your patch got approved."
Even last night on the news segment of Saturday Night Life they did a spoof on the approval of "the first of its kind patch for depression", but they of course made a joke of it by saying it was to be used to put on your mothers mouth to keep her from talking. (LOL)
Anyway, I'd heard originally that there weren't big sales expectations by the drug companies as is would primarily be psychiatrists that would feel comfortable to perscribe it, but with this much publicity, who knows.
Posted by Iansf on March 5, 2006, at 13:49:02
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by RobertDavid on March 5, 2006, at 13:34:02
Does anyone by chance know what EMSAM will cost?
Posted by cecilia on March 5, 2006, at 22:19:27
In reply to EMSAM price, posted by Iansf on March 5, 2006, at 13:49:02
Does anyone by chance know what Emsam will cost?
A lot!
Posted by rvanson on March 6, 2006, at 4:08:00
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by RobertDavid on March 4, 2006, at 21:21:01
> Getting my perscription for EMSAM Thursday. I'm told it should be available in a few weeks. I'll post how I do.
Good luck! I will be asking my Pdoc about an Rx on my next visit. If he says "no", its the last time he will see me in his waiting room, period.Finally, the FDA got its head out of its collective $%# and I think lots of people might be helped greatly by this non-SSRI, pro-dopamine AD medication.
Posted by Last Chance on March 6, 2006, at 10:16:33
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by rvanson on March 6, 2006, at 4:08:00
> > Getting my perscription for EMSAM Thursday. I'm told it should be available in a few weeks. I'll post how I do.
>
>
> Good luck! I will be asking my Pdoc about an Rx on my next visit. If he says "no", its the last time he will see me in his waiting room, period.
>
> Finally, the FDA got its head out of its collective $%# and I think lots of people might be helped greatly by this non-SSRI, pro-dopamine AD medication.
>
> Man, do I hope it will help - my doc hasn't wanted me to wait, but take Lex instead - I am holding out - I am afraid that it will be too expensive, I don't have any insurance. Doubt if they will be dumping samples at my local clinic? Hopefully your doc will let you give it a trial. Richard
Posted by noordhoff on March 16, 2006, at 9:41:43
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by RobertDavid on March 4, 2006, at 21:21:01
I don't see how you can get a script for a med which has only just been approved but not yet manufactured or marketed. In fact, I spoke to BMS & they've informed me that there is as of today still no launch date on the books for EmSam, but that'll it'll probably take a couple of months to become available. From my research, I'd say it should be available withing the next 6 weeks, so I guess the pharma rep I spoke to was erring on the side of caution. Still, don't expect any script to be filled any time this month!
BTW, PLEASE inform me if I'm wrong, RobertDavid! I've been waiting for this bloody approval for months. Don't feel I can wait much more (but I guess I will if I have to...)
Good luck to us all.
Posted by RobertDavid on March 16, 2006, at 10:13:35
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » RobertDavid, posted by noordhoff on March 16, 2006, at 9:41:43
> I don't see how you can get a script for a med which has only just been approved but not yet manufactured or marketed. In fact, I spoke to BMS & they've informed me that there is as of today still no launch date on the books for EmSam, but that'll it'll probably take a couple of months to become available. From my research, I'd say it should be available withing the next 6 weeks, so I guess the pharma rep I spoke to was erring on the side of caution. Still, don't expect any script to be filled any time this month!
> BTW, PLEASE inform me if I'm wrong, RobertDavid! I've been waiting for this bloody approval for months. Don't feel I can wait much more (but I guess I will if I have to...)
> Good luck to us all.
I can totally relate to being frustrated about the wait. I have been watching this med in the process for about 5 years now, I feel the same way and am counting the days.Yesterday I contacted BM and after going though various departments got through to someone that gave me more info than the general "it will be a few months". He said it will launched in April. Wouldn't commit to what part of April. I got the impression from him it's finally getting close to being released. We'll see.
As for my getting a script, when I got to my psychiatrists appointment we reviewed EMSAM, drug interations (an issue for certain drugs), food restrictions (which he said shouldn't be an issue), possible side effects (which he thought would be less than most SSRI's I've tried) and an overal game plan for continued treatnent for my social anxiety/depression. And though perscribing information is posted on the BM website, I did not leave the office with a script in hand. Once released he will call the perscription into my pharmacy, no additional appointment with him will be necessary. I'm good to go. Just need product.
I understand not wanting to wait any longer. I check every other day. I'm sure I'll be one of the first "guinea pigs" and will post how I do. I am realistic that it may not work, but this is my first crack at an MAOI so I'm very anxious to give it a try. My doc thinks it will work, but again, we'll see. Good luck to everyone.
Posted by Last Chance on March 16, 2006, at 10:54:57
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » RobertDavid, posted by noordhoff on March 16, 2006, at 9:41:43
> I don't see how you can get a script for a med which has only just been approved but not yet manufactured or marketed. In fact, I spoke to BMS & they've informed me that there is as of today still no launch date on the books for EmSam, but that'll it'll probably take a couple of months to become available. From my research, I'd say it should be available withing the next 6 weeks, so I guess the pharma rep I spoke to was erring on the side of caution. Still, don't expect any script to be filled any time this month!
> BTW, PLEASE inform me if I'm wrong, RobertDavid! I've been waiting for this bloody approval for months. Don't feel I can wait much more (but I guess I will if I have to...)
> Good luck to us all.Well, I have a script, and I am looking at it right now. It is dated 11-18-'05. It is Rx'd, Selegiline Transdermal Patch 20mg - Apply 1 patch to skin QD, Doc's signature. #30. I am not expecting to have it filled til it is available at my local Pharmacy. You want me to fax you a copy? Richard
Posted by noordhoff on March 16, 2006, at 13:39:11
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » noordhoff, posted by RobertDavid on March 16, 2006, at 10:13:35
that's great news! despite the "2-3 months" line, 6 wks sounds ever so much more likely, given that thi stransdermal delivery system is a big deal for BMS. obviously, they'll really want to get it out there ASAP. after all, there's money to be made! and that ain't necessarily a bad thing for you any me.
anyway, i was wondering, are you already discontinuing your current SSRI regimen in anticipation of EnSam? When I went off Celexa/Lexapro, I found plenty of the med found its way out of me in the 1st two weeks, but didn't experience the withdrawal until a month later. Hmmm. A concern when it comes transitioning to a new drug - especially an MAOI! I find that if most of the med is out, though, at worst you get a bad headache or stomach ache or something low-level/manageable of this sort. Fears and misinformation are high when it comes to MAOI treatment. Even doctors very often try to steer clear!i check the BMS website and google for EmSam launch updates every day. Ugh.
soon. very soon. (:
Posted by RobertDavid on March 16, 2006, at 20:05:15
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow, posted by noordhoff on March 16, 2006, at 13:39:11
My doctor agrees that BMS really needed a new anti depressant to market and EMSAM is it. I feel that's one reason we will probably see it out sooner than later.
To answer your question, though I'm not currently on any anti depressant, none have worked, all side effects no benefit. The only class of anti depressants I haven't tried are MAOI's and I've held out for EMSAM (though am prepared to try others sould I not get a possitive result).
I currently take 2mgs of klonopin which has definately improved my social anxiety, but not depression. And other than an attempt to replace klonopin with Lyrica a few months ago (a failed attempt), it's been pretty much years of mono therapy wth klonopin. If EMSAM works it will either be as a blend with klonopin or hopefully as mono therapy.
I would definately seek your doctors advise for what is an appropriate wash out period switching from Celexa/Lexapro to EMSAM. Even with food restrictions practically out of the picture, drug interactions are a differnt story.
Lastly, I read many posts from a guy named Adam who was posting info to babble way back when he was in one of the initial patch studies around 2000. He had such a positive result to the patch (when nothing else seemed to work) and remember reading his battles that followed after the study ended and when he had to switch to oral selegiline. I wonder how he's doing now and what the approval of EMSAM means to him today. Anybody ever hear from him again? Anyway, I'll post my trial results once I start. It won't be long now....
Posted by aabag on March 17, 2006, at 1:40:40
In reply to Re: FDA's decision on EMSAM tomorrow » noordhoff, posted by RobertDavid on March 16, 2006, at 20:05:15
Robert,
Your condition sounds remarkably similar to mine. Monotherapy on klonopin at a dosage of .5 to 1.5 mg per day, with the reduction in social anxiety but the associated depression. I have spoke with my physician and they have suggested that EMSAM would be an appropriate course to pursue. It's a matter at this point of when EMSAM will be available at the neighborhood pharmacy.
This is the end of the thread.
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