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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 JohnSky on August 13, 2007, at 9:32:35
I thought I would report back on EMSAM progress.
We'll I started on the 6mg patch and the anxiety was just too much for me to handle. After 5 weeks I went up to 9mg with the hope the anxiety would come down as I've heard from others. Unfortunately it did not but rather increased to the point that mid-afternoon I was really anxious and sweating. Last Friday I was having anxiety attacks and my doc reduced me back to the 6mg patch. I was on the 9m patch for 9 days. I am back on the 6mg patch for 3 days and I feel somewhat down but the anxiety persists... but at a lower level than in the beginning. Not sure what to do. I'm tempted to moved on in the hope the Lithium and Seroquel I take will do the trick in time. I'm coming up on two years of trying different medications and I am so tired and frustrated. At times I feel I will never find relief from anxiety and depression. That said my brother has been on Lithium for 5 months (2-1/2 for me) and is doing much better.
John
Posted by Phillipa on August 13, 2007, at 12:07:11
In reply to EMSAM follow up, posted by JohnSky on August 13, 2007, at 9:32:35
Seems what relatives do well on other family members do as well. Have you been diagnosed with a bipolar spectrum? Love Phillipa was hoping so bad the EMSAM would work for you.
Posted by yznhymer on August 13, 2007, at 14:37:45
In reply to EMSAM follow up, posted by JohnSky on August 13, 2007, at 9:32:35
> I thought I would report back on EMSAM progress.
>
> We'll I started on the 6mg patch and the anxiety was just too much for me to handle. After 5 weeks I went up to 9mg with the hope the anxiety would come down as I've heard from others. Unfortunately it did not but rather increased to the point that mid-afternoon I was really anxious and sweating. Last Friday I was having anxiety attacks and my doc reduced me back to the 6mg patch. I was on the 9m patch for 9 days. I am back on the 6mg patch for 3 days and I feel somewhat down but the anxiety persists... but at a lower level than in the beginning. Not sure what to do. I'm tempted to moved on in the hope the Lithium and Seroquel I take will do the trick in time. I'm coming up on two years of trying different medications and I am so tired and frustrated. At times I feel I will never find relief from anxiety and depression. That said my brother has been on Lithium for 5 months (2-1/2 for me) and is doing much better.
>
> JohnHi John...
Sorry to hear things have not evened out with EMSAM for you and that you're feeling so bad.
Since you have some medication history, I'm assuming you have tried klonopin for anxiety. But if you haven't, my experience in the last couple of weeks has been that .5mg knocked the EMSAM induced chest tightness (which I assume was an anxiety response) and the concurrent twitching right out within half an hour. In fact, it has not returned since.
.5mg is a small dose and I only use it as needed - I've been using the same dose on and off for years with no ill effects, addiction, or tolerance issues. It is something to consider unless, of course, you already have.
Good luck to you,
Y~r
Posted by JohnSky on August 13, 2007, at 15:21:28
In reply to Re: EMSAM follow up » JohnSky, posted by yznhymer on August 13, 2007, at 14:37:45
I have been using ativan to help with the anxiety. I would rather be on clonazepam (what you are on) as it is longer acting. My doc said the clonazepam made me look too sedated so he chose ativan. I may change to clonazepam as it works much longer before you need another dose.
I have been diagnosed bipolar. Which probably explains why all the anti-depressants aggitate me or make me feel anxious. I hope the Lithium kicks on soon and that I get the same reaction my brother does. I may need to get off EMSAM soon. Even at 6mg I feel anxious... and getting a few anxiety attacks.
I really don't know whether to bother trying another anti-depressant (There is only one or two I have not tried) but see what Lithium will do for me.
I am glad for you than the klonopin has really helped you with the anxiety. It is an effective medication. Even with the high dose of ativan I am taking it is hard to manage the anxiety I feel... which I attribute to EMSAM.
Do others have trouble with EMSAM anxiety and have to stop taking it...? or just those with Bipolar?
John
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