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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Fischer on April 29, 2006, at 15:07:52
What dose did you start with? What dose are you on now? I started yesterday on 6mg.
Posted by strugglingsteve on April 29, 2006, at 22:39:03
In reply to Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by Fischer on April 29, 2006, at 15:07:52
Everyone is using the 6 mg patch to start. No diet restrictions with it......
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 23:35:54
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by strugglingsteve on April 29, 2006, at 22:39:03
Thanks I was going to ask that. Are you doing better. Love Phillipa I want to start but handle more anxiety. Will this be a problem for me?
Posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 7:35:46
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM » strugglingsteve, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 23:35:54
Starting day 3, I think I feel a little better but it is so hard to tell. I am bipolar with MDD and nothing else has helped recently. We are hoping this will enable me to manage my anger better and give me a better quality of life. Good luck to all.
Posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 9:35:35
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 7:35:46
Does anybody know, for med sensitive people, would cutting the patch in half, give you half the dose?
Posted by Last Chance on April 30, 2006, at 12:52:10
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 9:35:35
> Does anybody know, for med sensitive people, would cutting the patch in half, give you half the dose?
I hope someone has the answer to this question - I am also extremely med sensitive and will be starting Emsam sometime this next week. Richard
Posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 13:08:40
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by Last Chance on April 30, 2006, at 12:52:10
Me too can't tolerate SSRI's due to anxiety and panic. Love Phillipa
Posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 13:16:34
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM » Last Chance, posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 13:08:40
I have tried everything in the last 15 years. I am extremely sensitive to all meds but I started the 6 mgs patch three days ago anyway. So far no adverse effects. I feel a little more up then I have in at 8 months (since they took me off adderall). I am waiting to see how it affects my sleep. I started ambien cr with it because my insomnia had gotten really bad and I was afraid this would make it worse. Even though data says you don't have to my doctor has me on the moai diet anyway.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 30, 2006, at 14:38:27
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 13:16:34
> I have tried everything in the last 15 years. I am extremely sensitive to all meds but I started the 6 mgs patch three days ago anyway. So far no adverse effects. I feel a little more up then I have in at 8 months (since they took me off adderall). I am waiting to see how it affects my sleep. I started ambien cr with it because my insomnia had gotten really bad and I was afraid this would make it worse. Even though data says you don't have to my doctor has me on the moai diet anyway.
For 4 weeks I have not altered my diet at all. I've eaten many foods that would be a no no on the typical MAOI diet. My doctor told me he doesn't feel there would be any issues with diet even at the higher doses and the only reason the higher doses have food restrictions is that the drug companies did not spend the money to test and get approval for it.It seems like you're not taking advantage of one of the benefits of EMSAM vs oral MAOI's in not enjoying all the foods you could be eating. I don't think the FDA would have approved it without food restrictions if anyone in the study groups had food issues. The FDA is under so much pressure these days that I don't think they'd have gone out on a limb and approved it without food restrictions if there was any doubt.
Good luck to you! Rob
Posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 16:52:05
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM » Fischer, posted by RobertDavid on April 30, 2006, at 14:38:27
Fisher- the fact that you can take adderal means that you would probably tolerate ensam without getting over stimulated.
I for one crawl out of my skin on stimulants of ANY KIND, thus my question about lowering the dose. I can no longer tolerate SSRI's, could never tolerate WB or any stimulants (even cafienne) and have a paradoxical reaction to benzos.
I think we all define med sensitive a bit differently.
Posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 17:24:24
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAM, posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 16:52:05
They took me off adderall because I was cycling all the time and rarely slept.
I hope you find answers.
Posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 17:48:57
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAMravenstorm, posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 17:24:24
Hey Fischer, I can't remember if you already posted this or not, so forgive me if this is a repeat.
You mentioned cycling. So are you bipolar? Have they tried you on mood stabilizers too? I'm glad the patch is being kind to you!
Posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 18:04:05
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAMravenstorm, posted by ravenstorm on April 30, 2006, at 17:48:57
Yes I am bipolar, I have been on EVERYTHING and many combinations, because I also suffer from anxiety. I had Electro shock therapy, results inconclusive.
Zyprexa added 80 pounds in 6 months.
Geodon almost put me in the hospital, I couldn't walk after two weeks on respiradol. Lamictal and depakote lost their effectiveness. Lithium made me so nauseous I couldn't get out of bed.
I was just about to go on an oral MAOI when the patch was released.
Posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 19:54:08
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAMravenstorm, posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 18:04:05
Are you all saying that unless you are bipolar there is no anxiety with the patch? Love Phillipa
Posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 20:07:07
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAMravenstorm, posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 19:54:08
No, I am not saying that. Everyone is different, but I don't get the impression that anxiety is a side effect of the patch.
Posted by Phillipa on April 30, 2006, at 20:53:26
In reply to Re: Starting dose of EMSAMravenstorm, posted by Fischer on April 30, 2006, at 20:07:07
Thanks Fisher you have no idea what a relief that is for me to hear. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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