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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 13:06:41
I have been on the 6mg/24hr patch for 4 days. I feel really light headed and lethargic. I was taking Cymbalta, Abilify and Lamictal before this. I read about the Emsam side effects of insomnia, increased energy etc. I am having the opposite reaction. Anyone feel more tired when they started the patch?
Posted by Racer on February 27, 2008, at 14:08:48
In reply to Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic???, posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 13:06:41
The hardest part about answering that question involves definitions: lethargic? Fatigued? Amotivated? Apathetic? Sedated? You'll notice that those words all describe something similar, and it's hard to know which one is most appropriate -- but knowing that makes a difference in answering.
I took EMSAM for about ten weeks, and found through much of that time that I was amotivated, apathetic, and lethargic. I was not particularly fatigued, nor sedated. So, depending on what you think best fits your situation, it may be that my answer is "yes." For what it's worth, I stopped because of increased depression and the above-listed symptoms at ten weeks.
It may also be, though, that you're also experiencing discontinuation effects from the Cymbalta or one of the other medications you were taking.
Hope that helps.
Posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2008, at 15:11:57
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic??? » Moxie, posted by Racer on February 27, 2008, at 14:08:48
Racer sorry it didn't work out I know you gave it your best and wouldn't have stopped if any positive effects for you. Makes me wonder why my pdoc can make a statement to me that it would be too energizing for me. Back to the couch. Best of luck to original poster Moxie!!!! Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2008, at 15:13:42
In reply to Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic???, posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 13:06:41
Moxie I almost forgot to welcome you to babble. I see you're new and so far you're met one of our very knowledgeable posters. Welcome again. Phillipa
Posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 15:46:21
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic??? » Moxie, posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2008, at 15:13:42
Thank you for responding, just feeling tired and disconnected but actually today I feel like the "fog" is lifting. I hope this medication works for me. I have read several other postings about how great it is for others.
Posted by Phillipa on February 27, 2008, at 15:48:16
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic???, posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 15:46:21
Moxie that's great!!!!!Hope it continues to improve. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on February 27, 2008, at 17:28:33
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic???, posted by Moxie on February 27, 2008, at 15:46:21
> Thank you for responding, just feeling tired and disconnected but actually today I feel like the "fog" is lifting. I hope this medication works for me. I have read several other postings about how great it is for others.
Great! I hope that the lifting fog is a sign of this being a good and successful choice for you, and you're absolutely right -- it's a great drug for a lot of people.
If you have trouble with insomnia, my pdoc prescribed Rozerem, which worked better for me than any other hypnotic I've tried.
And don't take my experience as a sign of anything -- I am not typical in my responses to medications, almost to the point it's funny.
Good luck.
Posted by henryo on February 28, 2008, at 5:07:34
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic??? » Moxie, posted by Racer on February 27, 2008, at 17:28:33
Give it time. Please keep posting about it. MAOI's have a good record. It could take weeks for all that other stuff you were on to clear. These are big-time drugs. I want to hear how you do. I want it to work. No such thing as sleep disturbance without depression or depression without sleep disturbance. So much so that the two are one. Maybe lethargy is in the shake-out somewhere.
Posted by Moxie on February 28, 2008, at 8:36:59
In reply to Re: Emsam side effects, I am really lethargic???, posted by henryo on February 28, 2008, at 5:07:34
> Give it time. Please keep posting about it. MAOI's have a good record. It could take weeks for all that other stuff you were on to clear. These are big-time drugs. I want to hear how you do. I want it to work. No such thing as sleep disturbance without depression or depression without sleep disturbance. So much so that the two are one. Maybe lethargy is in the shake-out somewhere.
I am still really tired, I slept 8 hours last night and just feel sleepy. I am sure it is my body adjusting to the medication. I will keep posting. I just need some energy, my thinking is a little "clearer" today. Thanks for all of the support!
Moxie
This is the end of the thread.
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