Posted by RobertDavid on April 23, 2006, at 0:21:11
In reply to Re: EMSAM-Day 5-Too early??, posted by pederspd on April 22, 2006, at 14:59:56
Rob-
> I was in the trial where everyone was given the patch for the first 10 weeks then switched into the blind study part where you either continued on the drug or received placebo, but you didn't know which.
>
> Within 4 or 5 days on the patch I felt normal. No other medication had ever helped me before (or since). It was so wonderful. I was able to think clearly, get out of bed, enjoy life. My only side effect was heartburn. But that was easy to control with tums or rolaids. No other problems. We were only allowed to put the patch on the upper torso so I never tried it on my legs. I noticed no difference, tho, whether it was on my back, arm or chest.
>
> When the change came, I knew within a week that I was on the placebo. I hit bottom sooooo quick. I was very suicidal. I recovered in about another week and returned to my previous state of depression. After that I went on the pill form of selegiline but it never worked. I think because there wasn't the continuous release.
>
> I felt like Charlie did in Flowers for Algernon. I finally had experienced normal life and had it ripped away from me. So, I have been anxiously waiting for the release of emsam so that I can feel good again.
It is very encouraging to hear how well you did in the trial. Your response in the study seems just like mine this point. I've never had a positive response to any anti depressant before. I'm so encouraged!I find it very interesting that the patch worked significantly better than oral selegiline for you. That has been the topic of much debate and concern, that EMSAM just may not be that good because of how others have responded to taking it orally.
Many have been concerned that anxiety will be an issue with EMSAM because it seems to be an issue with oral selegiline. Would you mind expanding on the difference you felt between the two?
May I also ask if you know if your experience was similar to others in the study? The study showed that only 3.5% more people dropped out taking EMSAM vs placebo. That would suggest very few had enough side effects to quit. Do you have any insight regarding that?It must have been very difficult to have had such good luck, to have felt well for the first time and then have to wait all this time. I can only imagine how you felt!
Thanks so much for your insight. Rob
poster:RobertDavid
thread:630549
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060417/msgs/636029.html