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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on August 17, 2006, at 23:58:20
I'm preparing to try EMSAM. I know a lot of people haven't posted their EMSAM results and experiences would you please. It's a very expensive med. Would like to know any tricks rememdys you've found helpful for rashes, insomnia etc. Love Phillipa
Posted by Jost on August 18, 2006, at 5:44:42
In reply to EMSAM updates please, posted by Phillipa on August 17, 2006, at 23:58:20
I may have posted these ideas before, but will post again, just in case.
There's a "adnesive tape remover" that you can use either to loosen the patch, if it adheres as you lift it off; you can also use that to remove excess glue, etc.
Then you can use OTC cortaid creams or gels, and also, if necessary, prescription ones.
Taking a shower and washing the areas you use also seems helpful in removing invisible glue or medication and allowing any rash to subside.
Also, finally, it's better to find four or five different comfortable spots where you can attach it, so you can put it on the a different place each time.
For insomnia, I've found that taking off the patch when I get into bed, then going to sleep, and reattaching it after 6-7 hours of sleep gives me better sleep than the reverse (taking it off in the middle of the night). So far, anyway.
As a result, I use the 12 mg patch for 17-18 hours, approximately, and get about the same emsam as from a 24 hour/ 9 mg. patch
Hope these help, PhillipaJost
Posted by Phillipa on August 18, 2006, at 11:30:44
In reply to Re: EMSAM updates please » Phillipa, posted by Jost on August 18, 2006, at 5:44:42
Jost so you're still on it and do you feel better? I'm hoping some of the non-posters will post on this thread and let us know they're experiences as well. Thanks Jost I appriciated your response. Love Phillipa
Posted by Jost on August 18, 2006, at 15:42:50
In reply to Re: EMSAM updates please » Jost, posted by Phillipa on August 18, 2006, at 11:30:44
Still on it, Phillipa. I'd like to see what others have to say, too.
Only problem is with sleep. That's always been a problem, but is worse. Maybe some will ideas come up here (I hope).
Jost
Posted by mayzee on August 18, 2006, at 20:36:00
In reply to EMSAM updates please, posted by Phillipa on August 17, 2006, at 23:58:20
Hi Phillipa, I think you know my story already, but will recap it here and add the latest.
Today is my 89th day on Emsam. I had 7 weeks at the 6mg patch... felt more tired & depressed; had only 1 really good day (day 5). Side effects were initial insomnia that eased into sleep fragmentation, orthostatic hypotension, minor GI discomfort, flatulence.
Then did 20 days on the 9mg patch. On the 9th, 10th & 11th day I felt much better; had much more energy and better mood; really got my hopes up that this was starting to work. Unfortunately that's when the real problems with low blood pressure kicked in: dizzyness, dimmed vision, headache, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Had to back down to 6mg.
So today is my 20th day back down at 6mg. The bad blood pressure side effects are gone, although now that I own a monitor I can see that my bp is still lower than normal (today it was 87/58 but no dizzyness, etc.)
Emsam has dramatically affected my sleep. I used to be hypersomniac and would sleep most of the day and all night. Now I am sleeping much, much less. Unfortunately, I'm not sleeping well at night so I usually have to take an afternoon nap. I've tried .5mg Klonopin and 25mg benedryl and they help a little but I still wake up frequently. I have to say I haven't really given it a long trial with either sleep aid; just a night here and there.
I think Emsam is helping somewhat with my depression. I don't have as many "I wish I were dead" thoughts as I usually do. (when I don't have any then I know I'm really doing better)
This past week I had a consult with a pdoc who wants me to try adding Ritalin to the 6mg Emsam. He said he hopes the Ritalin might 1) enhance the antidepressant effect of Ensam, 2) improve my energy & alertness, and 3) maybe increase my bp a bit. So when I can get myself out to get the prescription filled, that's what I'm going to try. He wants me to start really low on the ritalin (5mg or even 2.5mg) because he said it might make me too anxious/nervous. I've never had a stimulant before.
So that's the scoop. Oh, and I really want to try the anti-adhesive stuff that Jost recommended. Just in the past few weeks it seems that the redness/irritation from the patch sites is taking longer to clear up. I have red marks all over the place even though I'm using OTC hydrocortisone cream. When I first started on Emsam it seemed like the redness was gone the next day. I never put the patch back in the same place till all redness is gone. Maybe it's the hot weather? Dunno.
Anyway Phillipa, hope you give Emsam a try soon and then you can report your progress for us here!
Wishing you the best,
mayzee
Posted by jealibeanz on August 19, 2006, at 22:05:07
In reply to Re: EMSAM updates please, posted by mayzee on August 18, 2006, at 20:36:00
Mayzee, although you have quite a few uncomfortable side effects to deal with, do you think that the EMSAM has helped your depression? What else have you tried in the past and how does this compare? What were the side effects or other reasons for D/C'ing other AD's?
Are you normally more susceptibly to lower blood presure dizziness, nausea and headaches?
I myself am not, but currently deal with insomnia, and anxiety, and very high blood pressure for an extremely healthy and active 23 yr old female (but this is caused by my anxiety... maaajor white coat syndrome around 150/90, but upon accurate, non-human, 24 hour halter monitoring, it's about 120/80 ish). I highly doubt I'd develop orthostatic BP.I feel I can remedy those side effects side I working at treating them effectively know anyway.
Posted by mayzee on August 20, 2006, at 13:21:43
In reply to Re: EMSAM updates please, posted by jealibeanz on August 19, 2006, at 22:05:07
> Mayzee, although you have quite a few uncomfortable side effects to deal with, do you think that the EMSAM has helped your depression?
I do think it is helping somewhat. It's hard for me to tell how much, due to the fatigue from low bp and from sleep disruption. But like I said in my post, I noticed that I don't have as many "wish I were dead" thoughts lately.
> What else have you tried in the past and how does this compare? What were the side effects or other reasons for D/C'ing other AD's?
I've tried Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, Paxil, Luvox, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta. I d/c'd them because they didn't help. Only benefit was thta I didn't cry as much. Side effects were minimal, with the exception of sedation (especially bad with Luvox!) Since hypersomnia/anhedonia were primary symptoms of my depression it was hard to tell sometimes when the drugs were exacerbating that.
> Are you normally more susceptibly to lower blood presure dizziness, nausea and headaches?
I always have low (healthy) bp, and have never had these bad low bp side effects before.
Sounds like starting out with higher bp could work in your favor with EMSAM!
--mayzee
This is the end of the thread.
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