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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 13:39:34
While EMSAM helped my major depression, it was not without side effects. First insomnia, then anxiety, bursts of anger and general mood sensitivity. In time, the mood sensitivity evolved into rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, 4 doctors did note that what appeared to them to be bipolar disorder was actually caused by EMSAM. Something just "clicked" with me and I decided to taper off EMSAM and all bipolar symptoms stopped. Has anyone else experienced Bipolar Disorder being triggered by EMSAM?
Posted by linkadge on January 20, 2014, at 15:13:36
In reply to EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 13:39:34
This is certainly a possibility. While mood instability can happen with any antidepressant, EMSAM could be considered to have significant dopaminergic properties.
You're basically boosting levels of PEA which is the brain's own amphetamine.
Linkadge
Posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 15:45:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by linkadge on January 20, 2014, at 15:13:36
> This is certainly a possibility. While mood instability can happen with any antidepressant, EMSAM could be considered to have significant dopaminergic properties.
>
> You're basically boosting levels of PEA which is the brain's own amphetamine.
>
> LinkadgeGiven that four doctors diagnosed me as Bipolar and the symptoms stopped once the taper and washout period was over, I have to agree with my newest doctor that what appeared to be Bipolar disorder was in fact caused by EMSAM. I also experienced certain compulsive behaviors while taking the drug that I never experienced before.
Posted by Phillipa on January 20, 2014, at 17:48:38
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 15:45:47
What sort of compulsive stuff? Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on January 20, 2014, at 18:49:01
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 15:45:47
Have you taken other antidepressants?
Have you experienced any mood instability on other classes of antidepressant?
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on January 21, 2014, at 7:29:36
In reply to EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 13:39:34
I have a form of bipolar disorder for which mania never emerges unless it is triggered by a MAOI. However, I have not had a hint of mania since I began taking Abilify. Nothing works as well for my depression as a MAOI. Adding one or more anti-manic drugs might allow you to continue with Emsam or allow you to explore Parnate or Nardil. I currently take Abilify 10 mg/day and lithium as anti-manic mood stabilizers. If you are absolutely against this strategy, I would consider combining (Pristiq or Effexor) with (Wellbutrin and/or nortriptyline). For me Abilify has a significant antidepressant effect that I absolutely need for my depression to improve.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by emsam101 on January 21, 2014, at 10:03:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder » emsam101, posted by Phillipa on January 20, 2014, at 17:48:38
> What sort of compulsive stuff? Phillipa
Compulsive gambling via the stock market in which I lost a large sum of money, romantic obsession with somebody I only knew for a month, for me what would be considered heavy drinking.
Posted by emsam101 on January 21, 2014, at 10:06:09
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by linkadge on January 20, 2014, at 18:49:01
> Have you taken other antidepressants?
>
> Have you experienced any mood instability on other classes of antidepressant?
>
> LinkadgeThe only other antidepressant was Wellbutrin and I showed no such behavior. After stopping EMSAM, the mood cycling stopped. I am back on Wellbutrin without any mood cycling.
Posted by emsam101 on January 21, 2014, at 10:26:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder » emsam101, posted by SLS on January 21, 2014, at 7:29:36
> I have a form of bipolar disorder for which mania never emerges unless it is triggered by a MAOI. However, I have not had a hint of mania since I began taking Abilify. Nothing works as well for my depression as a MAOI. Adding one or more anti-manic drugs might allow you to continue with Emsam or allow you to explore Parnate or Nardil. I currently take Abilify 10 mg/day and lithium as anti-manic mood stabilizers. If you are absolutely against this strategy, I would consider combining (Pristiq or Effexor) with (Wellbutrin and/or nortriptyline). For me Abilify has a significant antidepressant effect that I absolutely need for my depression to improve.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - ScottThanks. Right now Wellbutrin is working for me, along with a very strict holistic approach, including light therapy, exercise, plus various supplements including nagnesium and n-acetylcysteine. I feel surprisingly good.
Posted by Sheilac on January 23, 2014, at 13:19:05
In reply to EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by emsam101 on January 20, 2014, at 13:39:34
Yes! Years ago when I tried the lowest dose of Emsam patch it caused wild mood swings. I thought I was going to lose my mind and end up in a mental hospital. Once I stopped Emsam the craziness went away.
Posted by emsam101 on January 30, 2014, at 10:25:57
In reply to Re: EMSAM Triggering Bipolar Disorder, posted by Sheilac on January 23, 2014, at 13:19:05
> Yes! Years ago when I tried the lowest dose of Emsam patch it caused wild mood swings. I thought I was going to lose my mind and end up in a mental hospital. Once I stopped Emsam the craziness went away.
Unfortunately, years passed before I realized that my crazy mood swings were caused by EMSAM. As you noted, once I stopped, the craziness ceased once the drug was out of my system (say a month). But even within a week, I noticed feeling much better.
This is the end of the thread.
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