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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:14:01
In reply to Re: EMSAM - DLPA laima » Jimmyboy, posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:10:31
I understand that it's phenylalanine, an amino acid known for being "activating" and for having antidepressent properties.
The synthetic form is d-phenylalanine.
The "natural" form is l-phenylalanine.
DPLA would be both together.
"The chocolate chemical".
> JB or Laima,
>
> Could you please explain what DLPA is?
>
> Thanks,
> mayzee
> (on the 6mg EMSAM patch, about to start adding Ritalin)
Posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:16:40
In reply to Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
I know that there were a couple of posters here in May or June that said they were good at the 6mg level. Certainly there are more who had to go up to higher doses.
Didn't Robert David stay at 6mg plus Klonopin with good success?
I believe I am getting some benefit at the 6mg level; but I was starting to do better at 9mg before I had to d/c due to bad low blood pressure side effects.
--mayzee
Posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:19:07
In reply to Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
Also, there were several posters who were using the 9mg or 12mg patches but not keeping them on 24 hours, trying to lessen the sleep disturbance side effects.
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:20:01
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:16:40
Well, that is good news to hear! I didn't like the notion or suggestion that the "6" could have been just for show or anything like that. Thank you for sharing your encouraging information. I may go back down to 6 myself thanks to low blood pressure issues...> I know that there were a couple of posters here in May or June that said they were good at the 6mg level. Certainly there are more who had to go up to higher doses.
>
> Didn't Robert David stay at 6mg plus Klonopin with good success?
>
> I believe I am getting some benefit at the 6mg level; but I was starting to do better at 9mg before I had to d/c due to bad low blood pressure side effects.
>
> --mayzee
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 21:26:11
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » mayzee, posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:20:01
Robert David is doing fine on 2mg of klonopin and the 6mg patch. He only came to babble to gain info on EMSAM. Love Phillipa ps he's the only one I know who is though. Some people are lurking but not posting. I met one girl who swelled up on the EMSAM and had to dc.
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 21:26:11
Hi just had my first night on EMSAM and no insomnia at all, I actually slept like a baby. Just some info for those people who are worried about the insomnia aspect of it..
JB
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 8:31:23
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Phillipa, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
That's good news-Hey, I used to have insomnia with Emsam- but that effect seems to have worn off- sleeping much better now!
> Hi just had my first night on EMSAM and no insomnia at all, I actually slept like a baby. Just some info for those people who are worried about the insomnia aspect of it..
>
> JB
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 13:50:57
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 8:31:23
Laima,
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been on EMSAM? What are your symptoms? I have always dealt with intermittent bouts of fatigue, weakness, cloudy thinking, feel like I could sleep forever. Not so much sadness .. ( although being exhausted and not being able to function can make you feel pretty low) Anyway, just wondering if you had these symptoms and if so if the EMSAM was helping...
Again, I took a little DLPA + Klonopin w/ the EMSAm today and it seems to have helped. Even met up with friends for lunch, which is a positive sign b/c I have been avoiding social stuff lately.Hope all is well
JB
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 16:58:27
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » laima, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 13:50:57
Oh I don't mind- it's been classic "atypical" depression- prone to sleeping too much, being sleepy, snacky, lethargic. Strained by stress, bouyed by positive events, sensitive to rejection. I do have sadness nowadays, though-but can connect it to certain events over the last year or so. Being sociable has been an issue for me recently too- I have to make a colassal effort not to isolate myself. However, that's improving as I steadily get to feeling better.I hear MAOIS are just the thing for this sort of depression -so I've got my hopes up that once my blood pressure gets stabilized at normalish (as opposed to way too low) I'll be doing great. Before the Emsam, nobody ever prescribed an MAOI for me because they are considered dangerous, I suppose.
I hope your great response hold up- it's very exciting and encouraging to hear about!
Laima
> Laima,
>
> If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been on EMSAM? What are your symptoms? I have always dealt with intermittent bouts of fatigue, weakness, cloudy thinking, feel like I could sleep forever. Not so much sadness .. ( although being exhausted and not being able to function can make you feel pretty low) Anyway, just wondering if you had these symptoms and if so if the EMSAM was helping...
>
>
> Again, I took a little DLPA + Klonopin w/ the EMSAm today and it seems to have helped. Even met up with friends for lunch, which is a positive sign b/c I have been avoiding social stuff lately.
>
> Hope all is well
>
> JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 20:54:05
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Phillipa, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
Please don't stop your daily posting. I heard the insomnia happens after a few days. Laima you're on 9mg right? But if you're very anxious and afraid of being alone and when alone have to get out of the house does this make me a candidate? Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 21:15:18
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 20:54:05
Weirdly and wonderfully, insomnia is stopping to be a such a big problem now. I blame yesterday's severly low blood pressure on having tried a sample of rozeram two days earlier. ( I won't do that again.) It is my impression that selegeline amplifies other drugs.Yes, I'm on 9- but took a day off today because of my experience yesterday. I plan to go back to it tomorrow.
I wouldn't say I'm neccisarily afraid of being alone (why can't I spell tonight?) - I have isolationist tendencies while depressed, am introverted in general, and actually treasure time alone. I do get lonely as a result occasionally-I am guilty of reclusing myself from my friends. We humans all need social interaction, regardless of being intoverted or extroverted. But the big picture really is improving, slowly and surely, with a few bumps and glitches along the way.
> Please don't stop your daily posting. I heard the insomnia happens after a few days. Laima you're on 9mg right? But if you're very anxious and afraid of being alone and when alone have to get out of the house does this make me a candidate? Love Phillipa
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 21:20:56
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 20:54:05
I will keep posting , if you are interested.
I am also interested to know how long people have been waiting to go up to the 9 mg dose patch.
JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 22:10:37
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 21:20:56
This is what I see the problem as. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But the people that fail at EMSAM seem to keep trying to find some high. And as a result it makes them worse in the long run. Please be honest with me. You won't hurt my feelings. Love Phillipa
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 23:31:17
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 22:10:37
Not me.. I just want stability and to be able to hold down a job, get married, kids , etc. and be a boring normal dude content to water my lawn on Sunday and maybe help a few people along the way..
JB
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 25, 2006, at 8:30:51
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 22:10:37
Philipa, I know you were interested in the possibility of insomnia w/ EMSAM. I know some people have had that, but for the first 3 nights , I have had absolutely no problems sleeping at all. Have slept hard and didn't need anything to help me fall asleep.
JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 25, 2006, at 20:47:01
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 25, 2006, at 8:30:51
That's great and I'm following your daily reports Love Phillipa
Posted by jealibeanz on August 26, 2006, at 23:37:13
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 21:20:56
JB- Do you have any added or reduced anxiety?
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 27, 2006, at 10:32:41
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by jealibeanz on August 26, 2006, at 23:37:13
Probably reduced anxiety, but the depression is not being helped so far.. also I am starting to get some of the insomnia that others have been complaining about.
JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 27, 2006, at 19:17:11
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 27, 2006, at 10:32:41
JB please no don't let that happen. Are you currently on any other meds? Love Phillipa
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 28, 2006, at 8:44:14
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 27, 2006, at 10:32:41
Hey Phillipa,
Had another great nights sleep last night, now problem falling asleep or staying asleep. So out of six nights I have slept well 5. The one night I didn;t sleep well probably had nothing to do with the EMSAM, was just stressed out. Hope this helps
JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 28, 2006, at 20:15:48
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 27, 2006, at 19:17:11
Good news. I'm glad you slept. I see my pdoc tomorrow. I have samples of EMSAM. But I haven't stopped the luvox. Have you ever taken prozac low dose? If you have do you have a comparison for anxiety? Just keep posting the great posts. Love Phillipa
Posted by luther on December 25, 2006, at 23:39:15
In reply to EMSAM for atypical depression? Does it work?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 19, 2006, at 22:32:13
I took a combination of Nardil and Valium from 93-05, adding Neurontin in 2000. I had tried every medication from every class before attemping Nardil. I ended up with a 100% improvement for my atypical depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and dysthemia. Unfortunatly Pfizer did a reformulation during the end of 03 and the Nardil finally became ineffective by the end of 05. I've yet to find a replacement and I'm basically disabled. I'm taking EMSAM 6mg at this time and have been for about 2 months. I think it cost about $500 a month, but I'm receiving free samples. It has not worked for me at all, like taking a placebo. Was doing better earlier in the year with Tricyclics and Valium. You might look into Limbitrol and Asendin, thats where I'm headed next. Oh, I took Parnate in the past and it worked better than anything other than Nardil. Unfortunatly the coating was changed at the same time as Nardil and it is no longer effective in my case. It has something to do with absorption and not making it to the small intestine. This occurred due to the FDA mandating Gluten taken out of all medications because a few people are allergic to it, thank you FDA. Good Luck! If anyone has any answers please let me know, I'm at a lose as well. (The Anxiety Community)
Posted by selma on July 7, 2007, at 13:31:38
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:16:40
Hi,
It's been a while since you posted, but for what it's worth, here's my input. I tried the 6 mgs patch for only two weeks. I was sooooo miserable still that I insisted on going to the next higher dose. I've only been on the 9 mgs patch for two days so it's too soon to tell. I am not afraid of the dietary restrictions, as for blood pressure, we'll have to wait and see. I start out with low blood pressure. My psychiatrist had tried hard to have me give the 6 mgs longer of a chance. But I had been in a hole for too long. I had been on an SSRI that was not working enough. I had been admitted to the hospital psychiatric ward because of a major depressive episode while on my SSRI. Then I had to wait three weeks before starting the Emsam. So, really, I cannot say that the 6 mgs cannot work, but I can say that, where I was, and in two weeks, I had seen zero benefits. I hope to remember to update folks here about what happens on the 9 mgs.
Posted by KarenRB53 on May 8, 2008, at 15:31:32
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » mayzee, posted by selma on July 7, 2007, at 13:31:38
> Hi,
> It's been a while since you posted, but for what it's worth, here's my input. I tried the 6 mgs patch for only two weeks. I was sooooo miserable still that I insisted on going to the next higher dose. I've only been on the 9 mgs patch for two days so it's too soon to tell. I am not afraid of the dietary restrictions, as for blood pressure, we'll have to wait and see. I start out with low blood pressure. My psychiatrist had tried hard to have me give the 6 mgs longer of a chance. But I had been in a hole for too long. I had been on an SSRI that was not working enough. I had been admitted to the hospital psychiatric ward because of a major depressive episode while on my SSRI. Then I had to wait three weeks before starting the Emsam. So, really, I cannot say that the 6 mgs cannot work, but I can say that, where I was, and in two weeks, I had seen zero benefits. I hope to remember to update folks here about what happens on the 9 mgs.Just read your post and wondered if you're still on the Emsam patch 9mg. and how its working for you?
Thanks, Karen
Posted by KarenRB53 on August 14, 2008, at 10:28:06
In reply to Re: EMSAM for atypical depression? Does it work? » Jimmyboy, posted by laima on August 20, 2006, at 7:59:51
> It would be the "maoi diet", though I seem to have the impression that it's not QUITE as dire to follow it as strictly as with some of the other maois. The diet basically restricts or forbids anything very fermented- ie, red wine, some types of beer, aged cheeses, over-ripe fruit, excess soy and soy sauce, etc. Some say chocolate, also (but for another reason.) So yes, can be a bummer- in my case the list is identical to all my favorite foods! Others on the thread likely know more about it than I do.
>
> As for kicking in, I get the impression that the time frame is similar- not super fast.
>
> I used the pills briefly myself before Emsam came out, but switched to Emsam- so my experience with them is a bit limited.
>
> I did see that there are some ancient (pre-Emsam) threads here on babble about selegeline pills- maybe dig some up to see what those people were saying?
>
> Good luck,
>
> Laima
>
> > I thought about that , do you know what kind of diet I would have to follow, or how long to get to the effective dose?
> >
> >
> > JB
>
>Hi Laima: Just wondered if you're still using the EMSAM patch and if its still working well for you?
Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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