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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tygereyes on May 4, 2006, at 22:17:00
I've noticed that since I began EMSAM, I've been experiencing increased depression & anxiety. However, I am not sure if this is simply due to the fact that I was on Parnate for seven months and am still going through withdrawal (or at baseline), if I'm not yet at therapeutic dose of EMSAM - nor have taken it long enough to exhibit a response.
Typically, I have required doses of antidepressants exceeding FDA recommendations so my doctor prescribed the 9 mg/24 hrs when I am finished with the 6 mg/24 hrs patches. I will monitor myself to see if the depression/anxiety increases with the increased dose. If it does not, then I will be able to conclude that it was probably the result of residual Parnate withdrawal. And if I don't respond to THAT dose, I will try one month of the highest dose. I am determined to give this a fair trial, despite the allure of going back to Parnate and knowing I can experience symptom improvement within the first few weeks.
My concern is that, if I have required high doses of antidepressants before (up to 250 mg Zoloft, 80 mg Celexa, 375 mg Effexor, 90 mg Parnate, etc.), then what happens if I need a dose exceeding FDA recommendations with EMSAM? Could I put on multiple patches or would I simply have to declare myself a non-responder to this medication?
I'll keep you all posted. I know a lot of people are interested in informal "case reports" with this medication. It's too soon to tell, really, what the conclusion will be. Will EMSAM be another Prozac, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment as we know it? Or will it be another Cymbalta or Geodon, offering promise but proving to be utterly useless in treating most people's symptoms? Only time will tell...
Posted by willyee on May 5, 2006, at 8:49:44
In reply to EMSAM depression/anxiety - Parnate withdrawal?, posted by tygereyes on May 4, 2006, at 22:17:00
I dont know,i think depression is more of a side effect of parnate withdrawal,wouldent u say,cause i believe u went off it before correct?
The anxiety ur describing as i take mental notes seems to be becomming the norm with EMSAM,just about every user has complained of it!
Posted by Phillipa on May 5, 2006, at 21:36:31
In reply to Re: EMSAM depression/anxiety - Parnate withdrawal?, posted by willyee on May 5, 2006, at 8:49:44
Willyee I disagree. Find the ENSAM thread there are a few of them. From what i see most are responding better than they anticipated although with some taking a bit longer. Donna Louise is one and Robert . I'm watching closely. My doc appointment is in less than two weeks and he's willing to prescribe it for me. the way I see it if the side effects are too bad take the patch off and the effects of the med are gone in 2-6 hours. And I like the fact that you can see it and it doesn't mess with internal organs. Just my take so far. Love Phillipa
Posted by RobertDavid on May 5, 2006, at 23:54:52
In reply to EMSAM depression/anxiety - Parnate withdrawal?, posted by tygereyes on May 4, 2006, at 22:17:00
Though I have never taken Parnate and don't know about withdrawls associated with Parnate I've noticed that there have been several others who are having initial increased side effects or issues with EMSAM after just recently quiting another anti depressant including Parnate.
The complaints seem to typically be the same, increased depression and anxiety along with insomnia. I suspect that your body is both withdrawing from Parnate while adjusting to EMSAM. That perhaps there may even be a slight drug drug interaction with both medicines while Parnate is washing out.
One reason I attribute my quick positive response to EMSAM is that I had been off all meds except a benzo for a long period of time. Since your on EMSAM now I'd really try to hang in there and suspect you'll feel better once your body has gotten used to the changes you're putting it through.
Since you typically need higher doses of medicine perhaps ultimately going up to the 40mg patch will be enough. I'd be interested in knowing what dose of EMSAM is similar to oral doses of Parnate and Nardil. Perhaps Ed or one of the other savvy people out there have an answer for that.
Anyway, I hope things improve for you. Best of luck! Rob
This is the end of the thread.
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