Posted by em_kath on January 19, 2010, at 23:47:39
I am on Emsam at the 9mg dose. I've been on it for about 7 weeks, the first 2 weeks at the 6mg dose. My depression has not improved so I've decided to go off of it. I hope to switch to Parnate if my psychiatrist allows. Unfortunately, he is on vacation so I can't ask him these questions or consult with him. I feel a bit uncomfortable doing this without asking his permission first but we've been through medication switches a few times before and I don't think he would object. I have an appointment with him in 2 weeks, and I would really like to get this washout period out of the way so that I don't have to delay a new prescription.
This is assuming that a washout period is necessary when switching between two MAOIs (which doesn't make sense to me but I've read this is the case), if I wouldn't need a washout period to your knowledge please tell me so!
Anyway, I have decided to start using the 6mg patches tomorrow (I have half a box left) rather than quit cold turkey, but I would like to stop completely ASAP. I am wondering if anybody knows what kind of tapering is usually recommended for the patch? I would prefer to use the 6mg patches for 2-3 days and then stop using them at all. Would anybody recommend against doing this based on experience? I've come off of numerous antidepressants in the past with very short tapering (less than a week) with minimal withdrawal symptoms, even for meds with notoriously difficult withdrawal like Paxil and Effexor. If I could be mostly clear of the washout period when I see him next, that would be ideal. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
poster:em_kath
thread:934422
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20090801/msgs/934422.html