Posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 11:15:36
Well, I've just been though my first 24 hours on EMSAM. The patch is a clear color and sticks well to the skin. Some have asked if it could be cut to take a lower dose and though they say not to cut it, it appears it could be cut and still stick just fine. The only question I would have with that is if the drug is evenly spread across the patch so you'd get the same dose each day.
Let me first say that I have SAD/GAD as my primary disorter with dysthimia. I have been taking klonopin (2mgs) for years and am continuing to take it during this EMSAM trial. My doc wants me to keep taking the klonopin for a few months, then assuming EMSAM is working slowly go down on and perhaps off the klonopin. The purpose of trying EMSAM is to see if it can lift my mood, improve my SAD without causing more anxiety.
I've always been treatment resistent to other SSRI's and SNRI's. All I have ever felt was all side effects and no benefit. I know they have helped others, just not me.
That said what I noticed throughout the day yesterday after putting on the patch was that I felt a mild increase in energy (not anxiety). I felt a little sharper mentally, seemed to be more aware of my surroundings. The typical side effects I have had from the anti depressants I have tried before weren't there. None of them.
So I got in my car and drove 3 hours in traffic to my brothers farm where I am now. Normally that would cause me a lot of stress/anxiety, but found I was okay, it wasn't a big deal. Last night at my family gathering several family members asked why I was in such a good mood. I thought to myself "I feel great, this is a good sign".
Last night I had more dreams than normal and woke up early. At first I was concerned about not getting enough sleep, but realized I'm so used to dragging myself out of bed, that perhaps this is how I should feel. I also realized I did sleep 7 hours. I got up, felt fine, and now hours later am writing this post.
So though I recognize one day is not enough to judge this medication, I'm very encouraged and felt great about slapping on the patch after my early shower this morning and am looking forward to seeing if this trend continues. It's my understanding that I might expect a theraputic response within a week. This should be interesting.
I'll post tomorrow. So far so good! Rob
poster:RobertDavid
thread:630549
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060408/msgs/630549.html