![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 john anderton on May 7, 2007, at 18:49:08
Emsammers and the like:
I have just finished my 4th day on the Emsam 6mg patch and thus far I dont have too much to report other than maybe a very slight increase in energy and at times and I say this "sparingly" a very slight increase in mood.
I have noticed that I sleep a little bit lighter. I would not call it insomnia but I am definitely not sleeping like a rock. I use depakote for mood stabilization and zyprexa to help a little bit with the sleep as well
I am not really sure what my expectations should be? Is it to soon to think that this drug is not going to do much? What are other experiences and thoughts on this drug? What have you all heard?
Thanks for the responses and God Bless!
Posted by Shortstop on May 7, 2007, at 21:20:51
In reply to Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by john anderton on May 7, 2007, at 18:49:08
John, four days is way too soon to make any sort of call. I've been on the 6 mg patch for five weeks and still notice neither side effects nor benefits. I'm upping to 9 mg next Tuesday, after six weeks on the 6.
Quite a few people on this site have mentioned sleep disruptions related to Emsam, as you do. As for me, I sleep like a log, Emsam and all. I do take .5 mg of Klonopin about an hour before turning in -- which i've been doing for around three years now -- but that's a very low does and if I wanted to fight it to stay awake I easily could. (My main issue is generalized anxiety; that's why I take the Klonopin. I take it at night b/c it stays in your system a long time and I like to sleep off the "peak" hours so I'm not noticeably sleepy the next day, just slightly leveled off so anxiety is muted and panic episodes less likely.) The reason I'm trying Emsam is that it's the only neurotransmitter anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug offered transdermally. I tried two SSRIS but I have a very sensitive stomach (heartburn, reflux, etc.) and the SSRI pills were like pouring battery acid into my poor belly!
You don't mention why you've started on Emsam, or what else you're taking now or have tried in the past, but others on this board have said it's most effective for GAD at the higher doses. Of course, the company urges standard MAOI dietary restrictions with the 9 and 12 mg patch -- but some have said that's hooey and the co. is just covering itself on liability.
Anyway I've been writing on this board on and off ever since I went on Emsam if you want to go back and see what I've said. One of the most knowledgeable and reliable participants here is Michael, who goes by the handle UGottaHaveHope. He's been a generous source of encouragement and insight to me, and I'll be surprised if he doesn't check into this thread and offer his Emsam experience with you as well. He tried Emsam and liked it but switched to an oral MAOI -- although I don't recall why.
Hang in there, John. Give the Emsam a chance to work. It will probably take at least a month to six weeks before you notice any major improvement. Patience will pay off in the end, one way or another!
> Emsammers and the like:
>
> I have just finished my 4th day on the Emsam 6mg patch and thus far I dont have too much to report other than maybe a very slight increase in energy and at times and I say this "sparingly" a very slight increase in mood.
>
> I have noticed that I sleep a little bit lighter. I would not call it insomnia but I am definitely not sleeping like a rock. I use depakote for mood stabilization and zyprexa to help a little bit with the sleep as well
>
> I am not really sure what my expectations should be? Is it to soon to think that this drug is not going to do much? What are other experiences and thoughts on this drug? What have you all heard?
>
> Thanks for the responses and God Bless!
>
Posted by Phillipa on May 7, 2007, at 21:29:48
In reply to Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by Shortstop on May 7, 2007, at 21:20:51
Also google Robert David as he was the first to try EMSAM . Google on the Dr Bob side his name. That will bring you to the beginning of EMSAM. Good luck I still may join you as things are looking better as more is learned about EMSAM. Love Phillipa
Posted by john anderton on May 7, 2007, at 23:21:43
In reply to Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by Phillipa on May 7, 2007, at 21:29:48
Thank you for responding so quickly. Shortstop mentioned that I should maybe highlight why I am taking Emsam and what other drugs I have tried.
For starters I most likely have been misdiagnosed as GAD/depression for the last ten years in lieu of my new diagnosis which is soft bipolar disorder. What we noticed is that the SSRI's although effective at first seem to increase the cyclical nature of my illness and sometimes put me into an agry agitated state. After much effort with atypicals and lamictal as a mood stabilizer I finally settled in on Depakote which seems to have squelched the rapid cycling and or mixed state. Now I am just left with a nice case of depression that needs to be treated.
Since we had only limited success with SSRI's as monotherapy and nasty bouts of discontinuation on each of them we decided to give Emsam a try. My depression has historically not been atypical it is the anxious depression that most people deal with.
Anyway any feedback you all can provide on Emsam would be great and I look forward to posting on here about my progress.
Posted by KayeBaby on May 8, 2007, at 16:31:28
In reply to Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by john anderton on May 7, 2007, at 23:21:43
Hey John,
How are you doing? I am on day 16 or 17.It has definately helped. I have more of the atypical type depression and ADD.
I really noticed it kick in after about a week. I am alert and have more enrgy. My motivation is not where I would like it yet but bear in mind I quit smoking shortly before starting EMSAM and also quit my stims which I have been on for about 12 years straight.
I am very impressed so far and from what I have read can expect to improve more.
Take Care,
Kaye
Posted by john anderton on May 8, 2007, at 18:04:51
In reply to Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by john anderton on May 7, 2007, at 23:21:43
Kaye:
Thanks for the note. I wish I could tell you that my situation is the same. I unfortunately feel depressed. It has only been 5 days and I am at the lowest does. I am fairly uncertain what to think at this point....My hope is fasing fast!
Posted by KayeBaby on May 9, 2007, at 1:20:48
In reply to Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!, posted by john anderton on May 8, 2007, at 18:04:51
John,
It was like day 7 or 8 for me.
Before that I just felt a bit more alert.Don't be discouraged yet.
I still have a ways to go myself. No terrible side effects is a big help in being patient.
Take Care,
Kaye
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.