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Re: Emsam Feedback and Request!

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!
>


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