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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 8:26:45
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by linkadge on October 28, 2006, at 7:54:39
> Will you be combining it with nortryptaline? That could be stimulating. Emsam increasing PEA concentrations. PEA acting as an endogenious amphetamine will cause NE/DE release. PEA actually inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, like amphetamine.
Yes. I'll be keeping nortriptyline. I hadn't considered the PEA potentiation. Does Emsam produce increases in PEA levels any differently than other MAOIs? I had taken Parnate with nortriptyline not too long ago. 20 years ago, that would have kept me up all night long. Now, I sleep right through the night. My brain has become numb to these drugs.
I'll be taking:nortriptyline 100mg
Emsam 6mg/24hr
Lamictal 150mg
Topamax 100mg
Abilify 10mg
I can't tell you how much I hate the idea of having to wear a patch. I don't know why. It is certainly less invasive than wearing wires inside my neck.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on October 28, 2006, at 8:39:49
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 8:26:45
If it was any help, could you try oral selegeline?
Or have you already?Linkadge
Posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 8:51:57
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by linkadge on October 28, 2006, at 8:39:49
> If it was any help, could you try oral selegeline?
> Or have you already?I did, but it was a long time ago, and I think I only went up to 30mg. I am being really silly about this. I don't usually go into something with a negative attitude, but I have never thought much of selegiline as an antidepressant. Of course, I might be singing its praises two months from now.
- Scott
Posted by stargazer on October 28, 2006, at 11:48:27
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by linkadge on October 28, 2006, at 7:54:39
What is PEA? I never saw this abbreviation before.
SLS-
I hope Ensam works for you. I would think the patch form is a better delivery system than the oral form. Is the patch small where once it's on you don't even feel it? Can you wear it anywhere like on your abdomen? My doc wants me to try it next if Cymbalta alone (or with Seroquel)tanks.I just came off Marplan d/t minimal response(worked well 10 years ago before being discontinued by Roche) to go back on Wellbutrin but my depression returned with a vengeance and I was started on Cymbalta. I'm not sure if Cymbalta is doing anything except making me dizzy and apathetic. 60 mg gave me anorexia and extreme fear of everything.
What are the other meds doing for you that you will stay on all of them, along with Ensam. Have you ever tried to come off the other meds you are taking before starting a new one?
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been taking meds and what are your major symptoms. What was the best med (combo) and how long did it work? Have you ever stopped meds completely and for how long?
Again, hoping you have good results...
SG
Posted by Phillipa on October 28, 2006, at 12:04:11
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./?PEA, posted by stargazer on October 28, 2006, at 11:48:27
Scott really? You know I'll be following this thread. But my doc said you have to be ad free for two weeks. You're not are you? Love Phillipa
Posted by lymom3 on October 28, 2006, at 12:12:24
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./?PEA, posted by Phillipa on October 28, 2006, at 12:04:11
The patch is really not a big deal. I'll take that patch any day over the one for Ritalin...that was a horrible patch. Emsam is easy to peel off and get on you and easy to get off. I had some redness but just switched up the spots and it really was no big deal.
I really liked the way I felt until I couldn't sleep and then the edema started. It's hard not to get discouraged sometimes. I'm there right now; I know how it is. Good luck though. You are so encouraging, informative and helpful to everyone here, you deserve a break too!
Posted by corafree on October 28, 2006, at 12:49:31
In reply to Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 27, 2006, at 22:50:24
I couldn't tolerate any of the oral ERT pills, so wear an estrogen patch; have to move it around & take off remaining adhesive w/ alcohol on cotton ball, but it seems to be only delivery system for me, except injections, which are a trip to the doc.
love, cf
Posted by linkadge on October 28, 2006, at 12:51:19
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./SLS, posted by lymom3 on October 28, 2006, at 12:12:24
PEA stands for phenylethylamine. Its an endogenius amphetamine. MAO-B metabolizes PEA so an MAO-B inhibitor would potentiate the actions of PEA.
Metabolites of PEA are high in paranoid schizophrenia. This trace amine has a high binding for the amygdala. So, if you are prone to psychosis, you might want to take it slow.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 13:00:08
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./?PEA, posted by stargazer on October 28, 2006, at 11:48:27
Hi.
> What is PEA? I never saw this abbreviation before.
It stands for phenylethylamine. It is a neuroactive substance found naturally in the body that is synthesized from the amino acid, phenylalanine. It has stimulant-like properties.
> I hope Ensam works for you.
Thanks.
> I would think the patch form is a better delivery system than the oral form.
It is supposed to act like a completely different drug.
> What are the other meds doing for you that you will stay on all of them, along with Ensam.
Starting tomorrow:
Lamictal 150mg
nortriptyline 100mg
Emsam 6mg/24hr
Topamax 100mg
Abilify 10mg> Have you ever tried to come off the other meds you are taking before starting a new one?
I do quite poorly without Lamictal and nortriptyline. I'm not sure I could remain independent without the 10-15% improvement these drugs afford me.
My major symptoms are anergia, psychomotor retardation, anhedonia, mental slowing, cognitive and memory impairment, loss of interest and motivation.
I once responded well to a combination of Parnate and desipramine for a period of 9 months. The medication was discontinued when I became manic, but was not restarted when I relapsed into depression two months later. Other treatments were tried instead with poor results. After more than a year of failed treatments, the original combination was restarted, but no longer worked.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 13:02:39
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./?PEA, posted by Phillipa on October 28, 2006, at 12:04:11
> Scott really? You know I'll be following this thread. But my doc said you have to be ad free for two weeks. You're not are you? Love Phillipa
I would say that serotonin syndrome would be a significant risk were you to continue with Luvox. There is some risk with nortriptyline, but not as much.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 13:05:59
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./SLS, posted by lymom3 on October 28, 2006, at 12:12:24
Thanks for the well-wishes.
:-)
Where did you find to be the ideal locations for the patch?
- Scott
Posted by lymom3 on October 28, 2006, at 13:12:34
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam./SLS » lymom3, posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 13:05:59
I favored upper area above the breast or just reached over my shoulder and slapped it on my back. The small of your back isn't bad either but stay away from hairy spots :) Whatever adhesive they use is really not bad. It never hurt to remove the patch unlike the Daytrana patch. That one was horrible.
For certain wash and dry the area like it says. The patches stick great that way but will not stick for anything if you haven't "prepped" the area. Those suckers are too expensive to waste!
Posted by Racer on October 28, 2006, at 15:00:10
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 8:51:57
> . I am being really silly about this. I don't usually go into something with a negative attitude,
Welcome to my world, Scott! Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
At this point, I figure it's best for me to expect I'll panic over starting any new drug. That way, when I decide that my life is effectively over because the drug is poisoning me, I'll have a pretty good chance at laughing about it. At least in between the crying jags... {rolls eyes}
Seriously, though, Scott, I think it's pretty normal to find yourself thinking that way. You've had a lot of disappointments over the past year or so, and I've watched your outlook become less and less positive. I can't imagine what it must be like to be you right now, and I wish there was anything I could offer to help. I know I'm thankful my situation isn't as bleak: Wellbutrin on its own is good enough to keep me halfway functional, even if my anxiety is a problem; and the addition of Ritalin or Dexedrine boosts my mood, although the combination does nothing good for anxiety. (It does help a bit, in that I don't go into that vicious circle as often, where the anxiety and the depression whirl off into a Viennese waltz that spirals into the Slough of Despond.) At least there is something that allows me mostly a tolerable level of functioning.
I wish there was something that offered at least that much for you.
> Of course, I might be singing its praises two months from now.
>
>
> - ScottAnd so you might. I hope you are.
On a very personal note, Scott, although you often refer to the cognitive difficulties you have due to your illness, I think you may have lost sight of some of the cognitive abilities you've maintained through it all. For one thing -- a very important thing, in my not-so-humble-on-this-topic opinion -- you're curious. Your curiosity about options, mechanisms, how it all fits together, and where it fits in the larger context of life seems to be intact. That, in and of itself, is a tremendous accomplishment. And you've obviously been able to collect and synthesize information about your condition, and the options on the horizons for treating it. Again, particularly considering the complexities involved, that's pretty damned impressive, if you ask me -- although no one did. Despite your pain, you're still able to look outside of yourself to see others' pain, and try to help. And I don't just mean in the passive sense of looking at what's written here and saying, "Oh, yeah, other people say they're hurting." Whenever I read your responses here, what comes across most is how much you really seem to empathize and *care* about the people you're writing to. It never comes across as impersonal data being shared, but as though you have a personal stake in this person's recovery. That's why you're so popular here, you know. Even if you don't always see it. You've earned every bit of the respect people here have for you, as well as every bit of the affection we feel for you.
There's more, of course, but I gotta do laundry. ;^) Taken all together, though, don't you think that's one hell of an accomplishment, considering the handicap you're working under?
If I could, I'd kiss the spot under that patch every morning for luck. I can't, but the caring is still there. Good luck with it.
Posted by Lindenblüte on October 28, 2006, at 17:02:03
In reply to Welcome to my world! » SLS, posted by Racer on October 28, 2006, at 15:00:10
Yeah, I have to second Racer,
you deserve to feel better, having helped so many others with your wit and knowledge.I have 3 questions. They are not important at all, but you may be bored one of these days and feel like responding.
1) what is "anergia". Oh, I could look it up on my own, but I've never heard of it, and I'd like to hear about it from your own experience.
2) could you draw a smiley face (or a frowny face) on your Emsam patch with a permanent marker? Then you can call it your "happy tattoo"?
3)PEA is the molecule in dark chocolate that the girlie magazines say makes us feel like we're in "Love". So, what's the difference between feeling in "Love" and tipping the balance towards psychosis?
a) does chocolate PEA and emsam-nortryp.-potentiated PEA cross the BBB?
b) is it a difference in the PEA concentration, PEA receptor binding action, or (kinetics? metabolites? brain areas? comorbidity?)?
c) are people in acute "Love" also psychotic? [this is my personal favorite interpretation]
cheering you on,
-Li
Posted by Phillipa on October 28, 2006, at 20:41:23
In reply to Hey Scott,, posted by Lindenblüte on October 28, 2006, at 17:02:03
Li yeah people in love must be pschotic. Look what we do to please the other when first in love? Now half of that was joking. Seriously I agree that Scott is the most patient loving man I have ever had the experience of knowing. And I think he is very intelligent. When the patch works for him as we are positive aren't we that it will he will be the discoverer of the magic pill. Love Phillipa
Posted by snapper on October 29, 2006, at 1:28:27
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 28, 2006, at 8:26:45
> > Will you be combining it with nortryptaline? That could be stimulating. Emsam increasing PEA concentrations. PEA acting as an endogenious amphetamine will cause NE/DE release. PEA actually inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, like amphetamine.
>
> Yes. I'll be keeping nortriptyline. I hadn't considered the PEA potentiation. Does Emsam produce increases in PEA levels any differently than other MAOIs? I had taken Parnate with nortriptyline not too long ago. 20 years ago, that would have kept me up all night long. Now, I sleep right through the night. My brain has become numb to these drugs.
>
>
> I'll be taking:
>
> nortriptyline 100mg
> Emsam 6mg/24hr
> Lamictal 150mg
> Topamax 100mg
> Abilify 10mg
>
>
> I can't tell you how much I hate the idea of having to wear a patch. I don't know why. It is certainly less invasive than wearing wires inside my neck.
>
>
> - ScottHi Scott, how are ya dude? I know best as u can be. I know we have not spoken in a while.... but just wanted to let you know myself and all are pulling for you. Dude I am moving forward with VNS. I figure I have nothing to lose except a couple of minor scars and the hope it has of offering a 30% or more chance of helping me and you and many others. It does kind of freak me out to about the wires and what not ...but it is so much less invasive than short trials of meds and cocktails of meds or long for that matter and ECT...which we have been through.. man e-mail me at cinkc2003@yahoo.com ...lets chat and talk....I do not know all the answers but obviously "modern chemistry" is not getting us anywhere.... I have an appointment with an ENT surgeon on Jan 8th 2007 to discuss the 90 minute out patient surgery.... I figure if I get it done , the best thing that can happen is I have the best of "chemistry and another viable option" in my bag to help me get to at least half way normal...and if I do not, then I continue to suffer 100% more than I should. I do not say these things lightly. Man lets talk!
Best-
Clint
Posted by snapper on October 29, 2006, at 1:30:50
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by snapper on October 29, 2006, at 1:28:27
Scott.......... talk to me!!!
AKA ---Snapper
Clint
Msg above
Posted by linkadge on October 29, 2006, at 7:18:05
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam.....for SLS » snapper, posted by snapper on October 29, 2006, at 1:30:50
I read on www.neurotransmitter.net that there existed certain compounds in red wine, that are both serotonin/norepinephrine inhibitors *and* inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B.
Intereesting eh?
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on October 29, 2006, at 9:47:38
In reply to Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 27, 2006, at 22:50:24
> I am to start Emsam in a few days. I am not too enthused about it, though. I really don't think it is going to work, and I hate having to wear a patch.
I don't know if I will be able to take this drug or not. Apparently, my prescription drug plan does not have it on its formulary. I have to make some phone calls.
- Scott
Posted by corafree on October 29, 2006, at 12:55:41
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam.....for SLS, posted by linkadge on October 29, 2006, at 7:18:05
Linkadge - Nonscientifically speaking, does this mean red wine is a help or a hindrance 2 depression?
duh, cf
Posted by theo on October 29, 2006, at 15:33:04
In reply to Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 27, 2006, at 22:50:24
Let me know how it goes, I left you a message above in the Low dose Lamictal thread. If you get a chance, please read and reply.
Thanks!
Posted by SLS on October 29, 2006, at 18:23:21
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 29, 2006, at 9:47:38
> > I am to start Emsam in a few days. I am not too enthused about it, though. I really don't think it is going to work, and I hate having to wear a patch.
>
> I don't know if I will be able to take this drug or not. Apparently, my prescription drug plan does not have it on its formulary. I have to make some phone calls.Everyone was closed today.
I decided to slap a patch on anyway.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on October 29, 2006, at 18:56:23
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam., posted by SLS on October 29, 2006, at 18:23:21
Scott so you have samples? Can you get more? I know you know your way around these things. So now its later in the day do you feel anything? Love Jan
Posted by SLS on October 30, 2006, at 6:51:41
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam. » SLS, posted by Phillipa on October 29, 2006, at 18:56:23
> Scott so you have samples? Can you get more?
Probably.
> So now its later in the day do you feel anything?
Skeptical.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on October 30, 2006, at 8:29:42
In reply to Re: Trying Emsam.....for SLS » linkadge, posted by corafree on October 29, 2006, at 12:55:41
Well, presumably these compounds would be potetial new agents for depression. I don't think they have been given any formal testing though.
Linkadge
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