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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on December 30, 2007, at 2:14:36
I'm still Sticking It Out with EMSAM, for the time being. I can't say that it's doing anything more for me, and I still don't feel particularly functional with it. The bethanecol is maybe helping a bit with the side effects, but not enough for me to feel physically comfortable. I just started a low dose of Seroquel, to go with the Rozerem, so I'm sleeping better. But that seems to be impairing my functioning even more -- at least, in terms of getting anything at all done.
Today, at least, I made a list of things to do, so maybe that's a start...
I'm not miserable, but I'm not interested in much of anything, I'm a bit irritable, and nothing seems all that worthwhile. I was blaming myself for laziness, but my therapist reminded me that what I was describing was depression -- low energy, amotivation, anhedonia, lack of interest, etc. Just, none of the hysterical crying. I guess that's an improvement...
I said I'd stick it out for twelve weeks. That's how long the doctor said it would take to get full effect. Since I went up to the 9mg patch at the beginning of November, I guess that takes me up to the end of January. I may ask about stopping sooner, though, at this rate. Since it's not doing nearly enough for me, I don't know that it's worth going the whole twelve weeks, since the Spring term starts at the end of January, and I'd like to be in better shape than this by then. So, I'll ask about giving this up at my next appointment. Too bad, it seemed like a good idea. Maybe keeping the Seroquel will boost the Wellbutrin/Concerta -- which is what I want to go back to, I think.
So, that's my story for now. Maybe EMSAM will kick up the juice in the next couple of weeks, and I'll stick with it.
How's everyone else doing?
Posted by Justherself54 on December 30, 2007, at 9:54:43
In reply to The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Racer on December 30, 2007, at 2:14:36
Sorry to hear you're still not feeling any effects from your med..My update:Insomnia still my biggest battle..which has caused my energy level to go down a bit..Nardil has made me slightly hypomanic but only to the point where I have lots of energy and am getting tons of projects not only started but finished..and I have been spending too much money..not on sprees tho, mostly on house renovation stuff..it's something I have to get a grip on..my memory isn't where I would like it to be yet..I've lost some weight and went on 2 dates (and for someone who could barely leave the house, that's short of miraculous)..so here's hoping it won't poop out at my 6 month to a year mark as SSRI's do..
I hope your med kicks in with a vengeance soon! Kudos to you for sticking it out as long as you have..
Posted by seldomseen on December 30, 2007, at 9:56:29
In reply to The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Racer on December 30, 2007, at 2:14:36
Racer,
I admire what you are doing. I think it takes so much courage to even try to feel better, and even more to accept that relief might not be instantaneous.
I hope emsam comes through for you.
Seldom.
Posted by Maxime on December 30, 2007, at 13:12:28
In reply to The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Racer on December 30, 2007, at 2:14:36
Still sticking out Zoloft. The apathy is awful. I am only giving it until Jan. 7th when I see my pdoc. I want to add Wellbutrin. But for now, just the Zoloft.
I'm still severely depressed and suicidal.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on December 30, 2007, at 14:08:12
In reply to Re: The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Maxime on December 30, 2007, at 13:12:28
> Still sticking out Zoloft. The apathy is awful. I am only giving it until Jan. 7th when I see my pdoc. I want to add Wellbutrin. But for now, just the Zoloft.
>
> I'm still severely depressed and suicidal.
>
> MaximeOh, and I am sticking with the Seroquel despite the weight gain and appetite. I swear it's what is holding me together (ever so slightly).
Maxime
Posted by 4WD on December 30, 2007, at 15:54:08
In reply to Re: The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Maxime on December 30, 2007, at 14:08:12
> Oh, and I am sticking with the Seroquel despite the weight gain and appetite. I swear it's what is holding me together (ever so slightly).
>
> Maxime
Maxime,Do try to hold on. Sometimes when I feeling desperate (either suicidal or just black despair and/or fear) I think about you and it helps me go on. You have been through so much and you have held on. You are a hero.
Marsha
Posted by Maxime on December 30, 2007, at 19:45:44
In reply to Re: The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread » Maxime, posted by 4WD on December 30, 2007, at 15:54:08
> Maxime,
>
> Do try to hold on. Sometimes when I feeling desperate (either suicidal or just black despair and/or fear) I think about you and it helps me go on. You have been through so much and you have held on. You are a hero.
>
> MarshaMarsha, thank you so much for writing that. A hero. Well, I've had many battles. I think we are all heroes for putting with mental illness.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on January 2, 2008, at 20:44:24
In reply to The Still Sticking It Out Club Thread, posted by Racer on December 30, 2007, at 2:14:36
Racer, you are having the worst side effects with the EMSAM. I hope something good happens with the EMSAM and soon!
xo
Maxime
This is the end of the thread.
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