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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 19:41:06
Hi.. I know emsam has been discussed very frequently on this board so I apologize for asking a question I'm sure has already been answered. I struggle with finding things in the archives so forgive me if its right in front of my face.
In general how long does it take for a person to start noticing effects from the emsam patch? I know it varies by person, but I cant even seem to find an average.
Also, is it okay to take benadryl/claritin-D/tylonel/ibuprofen while on emsam? I asked two pharmacists and both looked at me like I was crazy for even asking. I wonder if theyre not familar with emsam/MAOIs because obviously there are many dangerous drug interactions with MAOIs. I dont think my question was particularly ridiculous.
Again, sorry if this is a repeat. Thanks for your help.
Posted by Honore on April 12, 2007, at 20:33:49
In reply to emsam - how long/interactions, posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 19:41:06
Claritin is not okay. My pdoc says benadryl is also not okay, but others here say it is okay. I personally wouldn't take it without checking it out thoroughly myself.
Ibubrofen and tylenol are fine.
Honore
Posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2007, at 20:36:54
In reply to emsam - how long/interactions, posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 19:41:06
Wishingstar did you start EMSAM? What dose? Love Phillipa
Posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 20:45:18
In reply to emsam - how long/interactions, posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 19:41:06
if clairtin and benadryl arent ok (or are iffy anyway), what can I take for allergies? I react pretty strongly to certain allergens and no meds is just not an option in those instances.
yes phillipa, i started emsam on tueday. the 6mg patch. hoping it does something...
thought of a third question. is it okay to take a bath while wearing the patch? will it come off? i took a quick shower with no problem but i like to bathe in the evenings from time to time. thanks!
Posted by greywolf on April 12, 2007, at 21:12:39
In reply to Re: emsam - how long/interactions, posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 20:45:18
Wishingstar,
I started on Emsam 6mg a little over 3 weeks ago. I have not yet noticed any significant benefits. I saw my doctor on Tuesday, and he moved me up to the 9mg (a little more quickly than usual due to some problems I'm having). If it's going to help, I'll probably see some results within the next few weeks.
As to benadryl, I would not take it. The waiver my doctor had me sign listed decongestants in the warnings and I believe the Emsam site does also. While I understand that the food interactions are less of an issue with Emsam, I would be very, very careful with other meds.
Showering/bathing is no problem. The patch will stay on as long as you don't scrub it or submerge it for long periods. But, once it's off, the adhesive does not allow effective reapplication.
Good luck.
Greywolf
Posted by stargazer on April 12, 2007, at 21:54:11
In reply to Re: emsam - how long/interactions, posted by greywolf on April 12, 2007, at 21:12:39
I'm looking at the package insert for Emsam (in every box), specifically the 'Contraindications' and 'Use with other drugs affecting monoamine activity' sections which give a list of all meds and foods to be avoided while on Emsam. This is what meds to avoid for colds specifically:
1.)Meds that contain dextromethorphan (antitussive agent).
2.)Meds called sympathomimetic amines, including amphetamines as well as cold products containing vasoconstrictors like pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine.
So that is the official Emsam warning list for cold preparations.
Stargazer
Posted by Honore on April 12, 2007, at 23:47:55
In reply to Cold meds to avoid per package insert, posted by stargazer on April 12, 2007, at 21:54:11
You can use Flonase, which us effectuve.
Honore
Posted by chiron on April 13, 2007, at 0:07:08
In reply to Re: Cold meds to avoid per package insert, posted by Honore on April 12, 2007, at 23:47:55
20 days 6mg
14 days 9mg
= about 5 weeks totalSorry, no positive reports (yet).
A couple of people had great responses during their 6th or 7th week. So that's what I'm hoping for.
Posted by greywolf on April 13, 2007, at 15:00:05
In reply to Cold meds to avoid per package insert, posted by stargazer on April 12, 2007, at 21:54:11
Stargazer,
I pulled out the insert to Emsam 9mg/day, and this is what it says after do not take the following medications with Emsam:
"Decongestant medicines, found in many products to treat cold symptoms"
Because of the drug interaction risk with MAOIs, I would lean toward the safe side on this one and not take benadryl.
Greywolf
Posted by stargazer on April 13, 2007, at 21:58:31
In reply to Re: Cold meds to avoid per package insert » stargazer, posted by greywolf on April 13, 2007, at 15:00:05
This is what my drug book says for Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Maoi's...May increase anticholinergic effects. Avoid using together. So safety would disallow the two.
Chicken soup, Vitamin C and hot baths with mineral salts that now have cold relieving properties.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on April 14, 2007, at 0:18:48
In reply to emsam - how long/interactions, posted by wishingstar on April 12, 2007, at 19:41:06
My pdoc who was one of the founders of Emsam gave me permission to take the most basic Benadryl (the antihistamine only and NOT any for colds). It helped with sleep for a few days and my BP did not go up.
As you know, I took Emsam for three months for generalized anxiety and was about to give up on after 4-5 weeks. I am glad that I did not because around week 6-7, I just suddenly started to feel better. Less depressed, but was still having anxiety. I probably felt like a 6 or 7 on scale of 1-10, but I switched to Nardil 17 days ago in hopes of hitting 10.
Ask me any questions about Emsam. If I dont know the answers, I will ask pdoc on Tuesday. Prayers, Michael
This is the end of the thread.
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