Posted by lepus on May 24, 2011, at 13:02:00
In reply to Does EMSAM ever work for anxiety » lepus, posted by floatingbridge on May 22, 2011, at 13:14:26
> Hi Lepus,
>
> You mentioned health concerns in your first post. Do you have health issues, and if so, may I ask what?
>
> I started emsam about two weeks ago--maybe ten days.
>
> Yes, the patches can be cut. Not
> according to the manufacturer, but my doctor called the drug rep, read between the lines and gave me his blessings. It's like Scotch tape. Have you seen one?
>
> So, I'm a hyper-vigilant med-phobe. I'm also desperate. I cut my patch in half. Someone here cut theirs into quarters. I am now at a full 6mg.
>
> Now, in my experience, emsam reduced anxiety overall. However....I have also just ripped the patch off in a panic (at
> night) and downed extra xanax. The emsam, my only maoi experience, is different than any ssri/snri. When it 'bumps' up, like the second day on 1/2 a patch, I felt so darn weird. Just very stimulated in an odd, odd way that alarmed me.
>
> Another day I accidentally left on the old patch after applying the new. The last time I went swimming in a heated pool. Each excessive reaction took about 24hrs to show up. Each time I removed the patch and took extra xanax. I recovered fairly quickly when the benzo kicked in.
>
> So the anxiety answer for me is yes and no. I can understand why a doc might
> want you to take an emsam test because of the silly errors I've made in dose maintenance for example. I understand
> that an maoi is an ad that can actually kill or harm someone.
>
> You could try the low dose--cut it however, try and ride out the start up. Would your doctor short script you for a faster acting benzo in case of a panic?
>
> You know that emsam is reported to be very stimulating. I have wanted to try it for a few years because I have severe fatigue issues. I don't know how it will be for you. I *like* it ten days in, but start up is bumpy, imo.
>
> SLS has given some sound advice, imo. Nardil is the gold standard for anxiety and agoraphobia, social anxiety. Therapy with a good therapist is an amazing adjunct if you aren't already.
>
> You can post here as you go. Someone is almost always around. I post *alot* right now.
>
> Anymore emsam questions just ask me or the board. You can babblemail mail me, too. I am subscribed to this one, but don't always check the board for new ones.
>
> I am sorry to hear you are suffering so much right now. And glad to hear that you have yet to try the maoi class. They seem full of potential. I had run the gamut of AD's w/ no real luck, and because of my health, untoward side effects galore.
>
> Emsam could work. It's pretty safe. You can take it off. If it doesn't help, maybe your doc will agree to Nardil very soon.
>
> Will you keep in touch with the board?
>
> Very very best wishes. My fingers and toes are crossed for you. Ask any question that comes up.
>
> And insomnia. If you already have it, you might anticipate a change in quality. Then again, you might be fine. I always like to know more going into something than less. Helps me keep my anxiety response reasonable.
>
> fb
>
>Can you tell me more about what is causing you such massive panic attacks? Is it fear of starting the new med, the change in how you feel, the actual med itself or the errors in dosing?
How are you feeling about the medication now?
Any tips on how to cut the patch?
poster:lepus
thread:985926
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110515/msgs/986126.html