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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 20:37:07
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 21, 2006, at 17:21:27
Technically no, but practically probably yes. I am using some l-phenylalanine, and it's working well together. I understand that the danger may be a rise in blood pressure..so if you try, do so VERY VERY VERY conservatively.
> Oh yeah, also wondering if you can combine EMSAM w/ DLPA . I had success for a time on low dose selegiline (5mg) and DLPA. Just wondering if that was an option as an add on with EMSAM.
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 21:13:26
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA? » Jimmyboy, posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 20:37:07
laima are you still on EMSAM and what dose and side effects. We need a journal like Scott has from all the EMSAM users. Day l Day 2 and what happens on those days. Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 21:51:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA? » laima, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 21:13:26
Yes, I'm still on the "9" and I owe you an email. It's working out reasonably well. For the first few weeks I considered it to be nothing but unsticky scotch-tape, but now that I went up on the dose I think it's doing something. I've also recently been "unofficially" been experimenting with using teeny amount of l-phenylalanine with it (breaking the 500mg capsule and using about a 5th of it) and that seems to have made a colassal difference. But don't tell my doctor...Main side effect that I've been grappeling with is unstable, meaning usually VERY low blood pressure (like 90 over 60) -that means weakness and sleepiness. I was using 15 mg ritalin while using the 6, but doctor took that away once I went up to the 9 because he thought it was contributing to anxiety. But it seems to me that my blood pressure and anxiety went way up during a recent heat spell that we had here were I live. I'm going to talk to him about wanting to go back to using perhaps a smaller amount of ritalin, because it kept my blood pressure up to a livable and stable level. Basically, having gone up on the Emsam, I think I should go DOWN on ritalin, not cut it altogether. If he agrees, I'll probably dump the phenylalanine.
> laima are you still on EMSAM and what dose and side effects. We need a journal like Scott has from all the EMSAM users. Day l Day 2 and what happens on those days. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 22:39:35
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA? » Phillipa, posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 21:51:47
Laima I'm really glad to hear you're still doing well. But a common denominator I've picked up on EMSAM users is that they start doing and taking meds they shouldn't and get into trouble. Not you others I know of. Please don't okay? Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 22:53:59
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA? » laima, posted by Phillipa on August 21, 2006, at 22:39:35
Thank you Phillipa, I assure you I am actually very, very conservative- no matter how it looks. I saw some studies that indicated phenylalanine boosted the effects of selelegeline- but I consede, you warning is absolutely valid. You are pointing out something important. I just get desperate for relief... I have a doctor appointment in couple of days, I will talk about my low blood pressure/severe fatigue problem.Thank you for your concern though- it really does feel nice and reassuring to have someone concerned about me :)
Laima
> Laima I'm really glad to hear you're still doing well. But a common denominator I've picked up on EMSAM users is that they start doing and taking meds they shouldn't and get into trouble. Not you others I know of. Please don't okay? Love Phillipa
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
In reply to Re: EMSAM + DLPA? » Phillipa, posted by laima on August 21, 2006, at 22:53:59
Just wondering...
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 19:56:17
In reply to Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
I need to know too. Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 20:05:41
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 19:56:17
> I need to know too. Love Phillipa
I've heard from my doctor that he went to an "Emsam conference" (for doctors) and that one guy stood up and said he treated over 150 people successfully with the 9 and 12, but almost no one with just "6". So I want to know too- is this true? Or what?
I'm getting more of a low blood pressure tank on 9 now than I've ever experienced before in my life...
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 20:34:08
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 20:05:41
laima do you have anxiety? Now and before EMSAM? Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 20:45:07
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » laima, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 20:34:08
> laima do you have anxiety? Now and before EMSAM? Love Phillipa
Yes, it's been a problem. My depression has always has some kind of stress/not coping well with stress component to it. The meds can balance it out nicely, but they can get knocked off balance easily. It's so frustrating. A few small events over past few days- insignificant things really, really stressed me to ridiculous levels. Ie, ran into old boss who made a snide comment. Hope to get back to an equilibrium soon!
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 20:45:58
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 20:05:41
Hey Laima,
STarted the EMSAM today and tried the miniscule dose of DLPA with it and immediately felt better and felt alot better after exercising.
Do you know how much DLPA you could safely add? Because it seems to add a good kick to the EMSAM.
JB
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 20:53:51
In reply to EMSAM - DLPA laima, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 20:45:58
So true! Isn't it amazing? Astonishing actually. But no, I have no idea. The studies I googled up and examined were quite different from using Emsam- ie, they involved something like 5-10 mg oral selegeline with 500mg or so of phenylalanine. So, very, very ,very conservative experimenting seem crucial to avoid any possible spike in blood pressure. The "6" patch is said to be roughly /vaguely equivalent to 20mg of oral selegeline. No accidents wanted...> Hey Laima,
>
> STarted the EMSAM today and tried the miniscule dose of DLPA with it and immediately felt better and felt alot better after exercising.
>
> Do you know how much DLPA you could safely add? Because it seems to add a good kick to the EMSAM.
>
> JB
Posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:10:31
In reply to EMSAM - DLPA laima, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 20:45:58
JB or Laima,
Could you please explain what DLPA is?
Thanks,
mayzee
(on the 6mg EMSAM patch, about to start adding Ritalin)
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:11:08
In reply to EMSAM - DLPA laima, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 20:45:58
Just want to say again, please be careful-I almost feel guilty to have mentioned it lest it end up causing a problem for anyone. Please google and use your own safety judgement! But it sure is effective...
> Hey Laima,
>
> STarted the EMSAM today and tried the miniscule dose of DLPA with it and immediately felt better and felt alot better after exercising.
>
> Do you know how much DLPA you could safely add? Because it seems to add a good kick to the EMSAM.
>
> JB
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:14:01
In reply to Re: EMSAM - DLPA laima » Jimmyboy, posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:10:31
I understand that it's phenylalanine, an amino acid known for being "activating" and for having antidepressent properties.
The synthetic form is d-phenylalanine.
The "natural" form is l-phenylalanine.
DPLA would be both together.
"The chocolate chemical".
> JB or Laima,
>
> Could you please explain what DLPA is?
>
> Thanks,
> mayzee
> (on the 6mg EMSAM patch, about to start adding Ritalin)
Posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:16:40
In reply to Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
I know that there were a couple of posters here in May or June that said they were good at the 6mg level. Certainly there are more who had to go up to higher doses.
Didn't Robert David stay at 6mg plus Klonopin with good success?
I believe I am getting some benefit at the 6mg level; but I was starting to do better at 9mg before I had to d/c due to bad low blood pressure side effects.
--mayzee
Posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:19:07
In reply to Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Jimmyboy on August 22, 2006, at 8:49:30
Also, there were several posters who were using the 9mg or 12mg patches but not keeping them on 24 hours, trying to lessen the sleep disturbance side effects.
Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:20:01
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by mayzee on August 22, 2006, at 21:16:40
Well, that is good news to hear! I didn't like the notion or suggestion that the "6" could have been just for show or anything like that. Thank you for sharing your encouraging information. I may go back down to 6 myself thanks to low blood pressure issues...> I know that there were a couple of posters here in May or June that said they were good at the 6mg level. Certainly there are more who had to go up to higher doses.
>
> Didn't Robert David stay at 6mg plus Klonopin with good success?
>
> I believe I am getting some benefit at the 6mg level; but I was starting to do better at 9mg before I had to d/c due to bad low blood pressure side effects.
>
> --mayzee
Posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 21:26:11
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » mayzee, posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 21:20:01
Robert David is doing fine on 2mg of klonopin and the 6mg patch. He only came to babble to gain info on EMSAM. Love Phillipa ps he's the only one I know who is though. Some people are lurking but not posting. I met one girl who swelled up on the EMSAM and had to dc.
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM?, posted by Phillipa on August 22, 2006, at 21:26:11
Hi just had my first night on EMSAM and no insomnia at all, I actually slept like a baby. Just some info for those people who are worried about the insomnia aspect of it..
JB
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 8:31:23
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Phillipa, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
That's good news-Hey, I used to have insomnia with Emsam- but that effect seems to have worn off- sleeping much better now!
> Hi just had my first night on EMSAM and no insomnia at all, I actually slept like a baby. Just some info for those people who are worried about the insomnia aspect of it..
>
> JB
Posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 13:50:57
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 8:31:23
Laima,
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been on EMSAM? What are your symptoms? I have always dealt with intermittent bouts of fatigue, weakness, cloudy thinking, feel like I could sleep forever. Not so much sadness .. ( although being exhausted and not being able to function can make you feel pretty low) Anyway, just wondering if you had these symptoms and if so if the EMSAM was helping...
Again, I took a little DLPA + Klonopin w/ the EMSAm today and it seems to have helped. Even met up with friends for lunch, which is a positive sign b/c I have been avoiding social stuff lately.Hope all is well
JB
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 16:58:27
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » laima, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 13:50:57
Oh I don't mind- it's been classic "atypical" depression- prone to sleeping too much, being sleepy, snacky, lethargic. Strained by stress, bouyed by positive events, sensitive to rejection. I do have sadness nowadays, though-but can connect it to certain events over the last year or so. Being sociable has been an issue for me recently too- I have to make a colassal effort not to isolate myself. However, that's improving as I steadily get to feeling better.I hear MAOIS are just the thing for this sort of depression -so I've got my hopes up that once my blood pressure gets stabilized at normalish (as opposed to way too low) I'll be doing great. Before the Emsam, nobody ever prescribed an MAOI for me because they are considered dangerous, I suppose.
I hope your great response hold up- it's very exciting and encouraging to hear about!
Laima
> Laima,
>
> If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been on EMSAM? What are your symptoms? I have always dealt with intermittent bouts of fatigue, weakness, cloudy thinking, feel like I could sleep forever. Not so much sadness .. ( although being exhausted and not being able to function can make you feel pretty low) Anyway, just wondering if you had these symptoms and if so if the EMSAM was helping...
>
>
> Again, I took a little DLPA + Klonopin w/ the EMSAm today and it seems to have helped. Even met up with friends for lunch, which is a positive sign b/c I have been avoiding social stuff lately.
>
> Hope all is well
>
> JB
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 20:54:05
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Phillipa, posted by Jimmyboy on August 23, 2006, at 8:23:28
Please don't stop your daily posting. I heard the insomnia happens after a few days. Laima you're on 9mg right? But if you're very anxious and afraid of being alone and when alone have to get out of the house does this make me a candidate? Love Phillipa
Posted by laima on August 23, 2006, at 21:15:18
In reply to Re: Has ANYONE had success on just 6mg EMSAM? » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2006, at 20:54:05
Weirdly and wonderfully, insomnia is stopping to be a such a big problem now. I blame yesterday's severly low blood pressure on having tried a sample of rozeram two days earlier. ( I won't do that again.) It is my impression that selegeline amplifies other drugs.Yes, I'm on 9- but took a day off today because of my experience yesterday. I plan to go back to it tomorrow.
I wouldn't say I'm neccisarily afraid of being alone (why can't I spell tonight?) - I have isolationist tendencies while depressed, am introverted in general, and actually treasure time alone. I do get lonely as a result occasionally-I am guilty of reclusing myself from my friends. We humans all need social interaction, regardless of being intoverted or extroverted. But the big picture really is improving, slowly and surely, with a few bumps and glitches along the way.
> Please don't stop your daily posting. I heard the insomnia happens after a few days. Laima you're on 9mg right? But if you're very anxious and afraid of being alone and when alone have to get out of the house does this make me a candidate? Love Phillipa
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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