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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
Hooray! I have some wonderful news! I have been a poster and reader on this forum for 4-5 years now, relating all my experiences with various meds for depression and anxiety. I had some partial success from some meds, but there were always problems, some side effects more serious than others, or they didn't help enough, or both.
Well, I am VERY happy to say that I seem to have found a medication that REALLY works: EMSAM! Yay! I have been on it now for about 2 months, and I am so very pleased with it! I tried Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Ritalin, and Adderall. I also tried some SJW, following Larry Hoover's great recommendation of it. It worked, but not enough. So an enlightened psychiatrist said that I liked the response to SJW than a stronger MAOI might be a good try, and he suggested EMSAM which he had never actually prescribed before, although he said that in his home country he had prescribed a lot of MAOIs.
Well I went home and read about EMSAM and MAOIs and that led me to find out about atypical depression, which sounds exactly like me and my symptoms. Too bad psychiatrists don't know about atypical depression! In any case, I eventually got around to trying the EMSAM, and it has been amazing!
It has literally saved my marriage and maybe my life too. My wife probably would have left me, and I might have even killed myself, I was so miserable and unpleasant to live with and so depressed while on the other meds.
And EMSAM has been almost 100% free of side effects! The only side effect I have noticed is that my anus is always clenched (I know, it's a weird one), which can be uncomfortable, but that's about it. I have noticed some rare orthostatic hypotension when I urinate first thing in the morning, but that is not a big deal. No sexual side effects (Paxil and Lexapro), no sleep problems (Lexapro, Ritalin, and Adderall), no weird numbness or vertigo (Wellbutrin). I just feel MUCH better! Hooray!
The only thing that sucks is the high price -- with my insurance it's still $150 a month -- but reclaiming my life, my happiness, and my marriage is really priceless!
I hope that other people read this and those people who have struggled with depression for many years and tried lots of meds should read up on atypical depression and see if perhaps EMSAM would be good for them.
If anyone has any questions about EMSAM, I would be happy to answer them.
All the best!
-psychlover
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2008, at 17:47:46
In reply to EMSAM WORKS!, posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
How's it for anxiety and insomnia? Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on February 6, 2008, at 22:44:24
In reply to EMSAM WORKS!, posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
That's wonderful. I'm happy for you. I am also searching for something that will help me and EMSAM will probably be next (Marplan, Nardil and Parnate all failed).
Thanks for sharing.
brooke
Posted by brooke484 on February 6, 2008, at 22:47:03
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! » psychlover, posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2008, at 17:47:46
I read that you should take the patch off before bed. It also said that not a lot of people are aware of this.
brooke
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2008, at 23:04:58
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! Phillipa, posted by brooke484 on February 6, 2008, at 22:47:03
Brooke although that is what I'd seriously like to try next. The original thread I believe talks a lot about removing the patch at night to avoid insomnia. Some also take klonopin or a downer to sleep at night. So when will you try EMSAM? Love Phillipa
Posted by psychlover on February 7, 2008, at 1:03:03
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! Phillipa » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2008, at 23:04:58
As far as EMSAM causing insomnia, I have not had that problem. I do find I have more energy and don't feel as tired, but I have no problem sleeping. The only exception to this is I have found that sometimes if I don't put on the patch until the afternoon it will keep me up unless I take it off before bedtime. But just yesterday in fact I didn't put it on until around noon (whoops!) and I had no problem going to sleep around 11 PM last night.
As far as anxiety goes, I have noticed that since I started the EMSAM I don't need a Klonopin when I fly anymore. I still get anxious when there is turbulence, but I don't get terrified and afraid for my life.
Hope this helps.
-psychlover
Posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2008, at 18:31:38
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! - insomnia and anxiety, posted by psychlover on February 7, 2008, at 1:03:03
I think you're one of the first to say no anxiety. That's wonderful!!!!!Phillipa
Posted by queenie star on February 15, 2008, at 10:35:30
In reply to EMSAM WORKS!, posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
Hi psychlover. I read your 2/6/08 article on Emsom. I recently started it, 6mg dose; 2 weeks ago. I recently went up on dose, 9mg 2 days ago. I've read that it may make a person anxious. I also have concerns regarding food and medication interactions. Yeeks! Please let know how you've been managing. Queenie Star
Posted by psychlover on February 18, 2008, at 1:16:34
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! » psychlover, posted by queenie star on February 15, 2008, at 10:35:30
Hi, why are you raising your dose after only 2 weeks? It seems EMSAM takes up to 6 weeks to kick in. I thought about raising the dose several times, but I have stayed at 6 mg with good results.
As far as med interactions go, you have to very careful about this. MAOIs have very serious interactions with other meds, so make sure you are under the guidance of your psychiatrist before changing anything.
I have not had any problems, but I am careful. No dietary restrictions on 6 mg either, so no problems there.
Best,
psychlover
Posted by trx resistant on February 20, 2008, at 19:42:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! - insomnia and anxiety » psychlover, posted by Phillipa on February 7, 2008, at 18:31:38
Hey Plillipa:
I know I've been off For few weeks due to severe unrelated illness- but I told everyone that for me, EMSAM works, I was almost off XANAX, no anxiety!!!!
As of now, EMSAM worked so well I'm off and holding, with dr. approval. Maybe the neuro-transmitters self corrected? Or maybe EMSAM gave me the bit of boost I needed, so a bunch of wonderful things in life are happening. I'm grateful and caustious. I'll report back.former trx resistant
Posted by Phillipa on February 21, 2008, at 18:40:30
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! - insomnia and anxiety, posted by trx resistant on February 20, 2008, at 19:42:47
Please do just had surgery so can't stay up long. Phillipa great news!!!!!
Posted by trx resistant on March 2, 2008, at 12:48:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! - insomnia and anxiety » trx resistant, posted by Phillipa on February 21, 2008, at 18:40:30
HI EVERYONE! I JUST TOOK BRIEF JOURNEY FOR PLEASURE OUT OF COUNTRY. FIRST TRIP OUT OF COUNTRY SINCE 1995!
Been completely off of my usual dose of 1/2 of 6mg patch for 8 - 10 hours now since sometime in late January.
Never felt better, still clearly focused, came through 2 very long and scary ER visits for CDC "KILLER FLU BUG".
THANK GOD, I HAD BEEN OFF BECAUSE I STOPPED BREATHING SEVERAL TIMES FOR SORT PERIODS. AND RECEIVED MASSIVE DOSES OF ORAL STEROIDS FOR 2 WEEKS, IV STEROIDS, AND INHALERS!
I AM FEELING WONDEFUL AND THINGS ARE GOING WELL, DESPITE QUITE UNUSUAL TWISTS AND TURNS OF LIFE. MORE TO FOLLOW . . . .
DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOU, ALL, AND ESPECIALLY TO LAR, PHILLIPA, AND OF COURSE, TO DR. BOB!
FORMER TRX RESISTANT
Posted by vanbeethoven2112 on August 30, 2011, at 0:08:24
In reply to EMSAM WORKS!, posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
Yeah, I have suffered from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for years, and am actually on disability for it. Was even sent to the state hospital under commitment due to several serious suicide attempts.
I have been given every antidepressant under the sun, with little to no effect, or too many side effects.
Then, a wonderful ER doctor mentioned EMSAM to me, and asked me to talk to my psychiatrist about it. Although he was a little reluctant because he didnt like the restrictions associated with MAOI's, he gave it a try.
WOW!
I have been on it for 7 months, not at max dose, and it has saved my life!
Yes, there are some restrictions - mainly with medications. I have been able to tolerate most of the food restrictions. Please use care tho, each person and dose is different.
I am finally happy again! EMSAM saved my life!
It DOES work. I wish more docs were aware of it, and just how wonderful it is.
Side effects: little to none. NO SEXUAL side effects, thank god. little insomnia. Minor irritation if I reuse the same site for the patch. Otherwise - NOTHING!
EMSAM ROCKS!
Posted by Phillipa on August 30, 2011, at 23:33:28
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! » psychlover, posted by vanbeethoven2112 on August 30, 2011, at 0:08:24
That is truly wonderful so glad to hear!!!! Still very expensive? Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on August 31, 2011, at 21:58:41
In reply to Re: EMSAM WORKS! » psychlover, posted by vanbeethoven2112 on August 30, 2011, at 0:08:24
Wow! That's great. You're at 6 mg and feeling good?
I'm at 9mg and am not sleeping for beans.
Did you have an insomnia that resolved after start up?
Btw, congratulations! Thanks for sharing the good news.
Posted by buddha22 on December 7, 2011, at 17:36:47
In reply to EMSAM WORKS!, posted by psychlover on February 6, 2008, at 16:24:52
Hi psychlover!
I was thrilled to read your post. I started a thread today (12/7/2011) on EmSam b/c I just started on the 6mg dose two weeks ago and was wondering how long it took to kick in. Firstly, is it still working? and secondly, how long did it take you to feel the full effect? So far I've noticed a little improvement in 2 wks, but I need more ;-).
Anyway, congratulations on your success!
This is the end of the thread.
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