Posted by tygereyes on May 7, 2006, at 14:40:35
In reply to EMSAM Caused Severe Depression and Anxiety?, posted by Paul on Long Island on May 7, 2006, at 12:36:54
I have noticed that the best responses tend to be those who did not need to be withdrawn from antidepressants before initiating EMSAM treatment. I would bet that part of your bad response was due to Prozac withdrawal. I have heard that antidepressant withdrawal can last months, especially if you've been maintained on the same AD for a long period of time.
I am experiencing anxiety and severe depression w/ suicidal thoughts but this is my baseline. I believe it's a) because the medication isn't working yet and b) because I was on Parnate for 7 months and had a stellar response to the drug, and my brain isn't accustomed to the lack of Parnate just yet.
I start 9 mg/24 hr patches tomorrow or Tuesday, depending on when the pharmacy receives them. If my anxiety and depression increases with an increased dose, I will know it's the EMSAM. If not, I will know it's the lack of response to EMSAM and will keep my fingers crossed for a response, as well as (probably) residual Parnate withdrawal.
> One more post guys. I went on Emsam (6 mg. patch). I was on it for 13 days. In that time, while I pretty much would have expected NO discernable benefit that quickly, instead I got some heavy duty bad effects, and I'm wondering if anyone else has had them. I took my last patch last Sunday (today is Sunday also), so I can't go back on prozac until a week from tomorrow. I've always been extremely lucky with the prozac regarding the effectiveness against depression, anxiety and ocd, but foolishly tried other things because of the weight gain and the sexual side effects.
> Anyway, after a couple of days on the patch, I went into a profound depression like nothing I've felt in 20 years. I also have had severe anxiety and wake up at 4 AM in total terror. The doctor had given me lithium to try to boost the effect of the emsam, but obviously that wasn't happening. When I went off the patch, she left me on the lithium 900 mgs a day along with klonopin and xanax, which leave me feeling like a zombie. The depression, anxiety and terror haven't left me yet though. I neglected to mention the really rotten crying spells too.
> I guess what I want to know are two things. First off, has anyone else had this reaction to the emsam? And secondly, am I still feeling this horrible because it takes two weeks for the emsam to completely work it's way out of my system? Incidentally, on a curious note...in the evening, about an hour after having dinner, I tend to feel quite a bit better. Then it starts all over again at 4 AM. Any thoughts, suggestions, personal experiences?
> Also, any of those of you who are religious at all, I would appreciate it if you would pray for me. I'm one of those people who doesn't feel worthy of God's mercy, but maybe if others prayed for me, he may grant me that mercy. Thank you and bless you all.
> Paul
poster:tygereyes
thread:640954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060504/msgs/640986.html