Posted by SeekingSilverLining on May 12, 2014, at 12:25:38 [reposted on May 13, 2014, at 18:46:40 | original URL]
Hi,
After multiple AD other other med trials, I've I had ECT and then started using Emsam and I feel less depressed after two weeks. The problem is that over the last week I started to feel very sedated, lethargic, poor concentration, and no physical energy.
Before Emsam, I was taking Lamictal (100 mg), Trazodone (12.5 - 25 mg), and Clonazepam (1.5 mg) at night. I've been on this cocktail for years, and yes it has contributed to some slight concentration and energy problems. I don't believe the Lamictal has helped me in a long time, but for a while it did help my depression when I was not able to tolerate any of the ADs I tried. During the winter I tried to wean myself off Lamictal and was so depressed I couldn't tolerate the process.
When I plugged my meds into the drug interaction checker, I got mild, moderate and a red alert for Emsam and Trazodone. There is controversy regarding this combo, but given I'm taking small doses of both, my doctor and pharmacist agreed it was okay to continue.
I advised my pdoc that I'm concerned about the combo, but she hasn't used MAOIs very much. I thought about asking for a small dose of Provigil as that is not a true stimulant, but is supposed to provide increased energy. However, my part of me thinks adding another med is not the answer and perhaps I should focus on weaning myself off of Lamictal, then starting then start to decrease the Clonazepam (ever so slowly) and keep a little Traz just for sleep. My doc trusts me, but I'm not sure I trust myself on this one. Any thoughts are appreciated. The stuff is piling up around me and I'm supposed to be looking for a job.
Thanks and peace,
SeekingSilverLiningIf you're ever gonna find a silver lining
It's gotta be a cloudy day
It's gotta be a cloudy day
~ Kasey Musgraves
poster:SeekingSilverLining
thread:1065590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140512/msgs/1065590.html