Posted by merry_dove on May 25, 2006, at 19:29:57
In reply to EMSAM - 3 weeks - 6mg/24h dose -not working for me, posted by Enigma on May 11, 2006, at 12:50:56
I read your post with interest as I have been debating whether to take the risk of switching to Emsam. Your problems sound very similar to mine. Atypical depression, possible partial OCD, no hypo-mania, though I begin having more severe anxiety in the last few years including social anxiety. I have also had severe fatigue, racing bad thoughts at bedtime, deep depression. Each SSRI I have taken worked for awhile but eventually poops out. When I say "worked" I mean it enabled me to function a little bit. On SSRI's I have experienced weight gain, cognitive problems, memory loss, and a complete loss of motivation. Maybe I am asking too much but I just want to feel normal. I am tired of struggling to get by every single day, trying to appear normal to everyone around me for the sake of my family. That's why I was considering Emsam. My current medicines are Cymbalta, Buspar, Ritalin (to help with energy), and Serax (before bed to sleep). (It's strange - I have no trouble taking a 2 hour nap in the morning or afternoon but can't go to sleep at bedtime.) I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia - whether I truly have them or just the symptoms - since there are no conclusive tests.
In addition to the medication above, I also take 1 to 1 1/2 Vicodin pills a day. This is what really allows me to function at all. I discovered the marked effect it had on my depression when I was prescribed it for back pain a couple years ago. My primary dr. prescribed it and my psychiatrist is aware that I take it and of the benefits. The most I ever increase the dosage is by 1/2 pill a day because I don't want to chance addiction or tolerance. My psychiatrist told me it was perfectly find to take it at the current dosage as long as it benefited me - BUT he won't prescribe it. ???? I worry there may come a day when my primary dr. won't prescribe it - and that would be the end of my ability to function. So, I was wanting to try Emsam for that reason as well. Maybe I could actually feel "good" rather than just "ok". Maybe I could socialize again, cook meals, have a clean house for a change, and run more than 1 errand at a time.
It sounds like you are at the lowest point a person can get and I feel bad for you. I know how it is to be there. Maybe there's hope for Emsam yet. If not, maybe you could talk to your doctor about a low dosage of vicodin. Just thought I'd share.
poster:merry_dove
thread:642628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060525/msgs/648578.html