Posted by KayeBaby on May 28, 2007, at 15:46:40
In reply to Re: Emsam Patch » KayeBaby, posted by Seeking Peace on May 28, 2007, at 7:20:07
> It's good to know that this med does work and am hoping after all this anxiety and trouble, it does for me too. I have a few more questions if you don't mind...
>
> 1) do you monitor your bp at home or something or at doc's office??? I don't know if I should buy something to do the same. Doc did say bp would need to be monitored but i'm not sure if she meant she would monitor it..but that's like once a week.Once a week should be fine unless you feel faint or get a bad headache or some other indication that your BP is out of whack. I don't know of any problems with the 6mg and blood pressure. A problem with either high or low would seem to be the exception rather than the rule so monitor it according to your comfort level and ask your Dr. to clarify when you see her.
>
> 2) I was initially following schedule of putting it on at night, but i think that's going to go off now as night is when I have to take it off...so maybe I need to change schedule and put it on in a.m.?Sounds like a good idea-just put it on first thing and see if that help you sleep better. Also, there is a search feature towards the top of this page right above where the posts start. Type in EMSAM and you will come up with pages and pages of people recounting their Emsam experiences some are even day-by-day.
>
> 3) Last night i took off the patch, left it on desk, uncovered etc. This a.m. I cut it off in half, tried to stick it on, it wouldn't. So if you are to take it off, how do you store or put it away so that next time it's still sticky and you can put it on?
>One thing I have learned with this patch is that the skin needs to be clean and dry. Alcohol wipes are good. The real trick is this-heat. I have discovered that if the patch is warmed after you apply it it really sticks! So, a warm hair dryer works well. Just warm the patch gently and evenly on clean, dry skin and you are set. I have found my rear to be the best place. It seems to work as well as the upper body placement and stays put very well there. Probably due the warmth.
> 4) This a.m. I took out one patch from it's sealed pouch, cut half, used half. Since it says that you should take out the patch only when ready to use, does that mean the other half (that has not been taken off the sticky thing) is no good anymore?
I know that with nicotine patches you have to leave the unused part in the foil pack for it to stay fresh. Emsam is probably the same. Look on the packet and you will see notches. These are cutting guides so you can cut the patch accurately without ever having to remove the unused portion.
>
> 5) Can you take a shower etc with it? Does it matter if it's a hot shower? Can you put soap on/around it while showering?
>If I get the thing on right to start with it is not a problem. But I do try to avoid soaping it.
> 6) is it recommended due to anxiety to be off all stimulants such as caffeine, coffee, soda, etc?
If you are having anxiety I would definately avoid any stims especially caffeine. Just cut way back so you don't get the headaches and stuff from withdrawal.
>
> 7) does it seem unreasonable for me to say "oh within half hour, i started getting more anxious etc". Is that my mind or can the med kick in that fast?
>Has this response been consistant? If so, then probably for you it start effecting you this fast. I am not prone to the anxiety side effect but I could discern the medication within an hour.
> Thanks for all your help with this. I have like a zillion questions.
You are welcome. I hope this medication will help you to feel better soon!Peace,
Kaye
poster:KayeBaby
thread:759888
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070524/msgs/760024.html